Real Estate Information Archive

Thinking of remodeling?

That's usually a great idea! But what many people don't consider is the affect your home updates will have on your wallet when it comes time to selling your home.

Below are 5 remodeling projects that you may want to
think TWICE about doing (or not doing at all).

1. Bigger isn't always better. While its great to bring your home into the 21st century, make sure you don't go over-the-top for your neighborhood. Do some research on what is standard for your area and bring your home up-to-date without blowing your competition out of the water. If the houses around you don't have granite counter-tops or heated floors, then maybe you should reconsider those luxuries since your investment may not pay you back.

2. Home office. The cost of a home office will typically only yield a 50% return.  So be careful when considering a built-in desk or bookshelves. You don't want to limit the room to just an office when there is a possibility of a buyer needing a playroom or extra bedroom.  

3. Pools. There are usually 2 types of people: those that see a pool as an enhancement and those that see the pool as a chore. A pool will turn some buyers away because all they are thinking of is the upkeep.

4. New Roofing. It is definitely important to maintain your roof or to replace it if needed, but be cautious when choosing your materials. While clay tile or architectural shingles are attractive, not all buyers notice or care and they most likely won't be willing to pay for it.

5. Specific Touches. Quirky renovations can be fun for YOUR family, but not all buyers will be as enthusiastic about it as you are. Consider the fact that when you make a room into a wine cellar or home theater, you are limiting your buyer pool. You and your family may utilize these amenities, but buyers probably won't pay top dollar for specifics that don't revolve around their interests.

However, just because a house project may not up the value of your home, doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. If you plan to stay in your home forever, then indulge in your interests and increase the enjoyment of your home for yourself and your family. (hgtv.com)

Buying a house is an emotional decision. People are very aware of the way that they feel when they are in a home. When trying to sell your home, you want to make it extremely appealing to potential buyers...causing them to want to sit down and relax on your couch or back deck.
If a buyer can feel at home while viewing your house, your chances for selling go up big time, because buying a home is so much about the way you feel while inside of it.

Take these 5 simple techniques to create an ambiance that buyers can't resist.

Seasonal Advantage - There's a reason that stores come out with all kinds of seasonal decorations. Its to appeal to the mood of the season -- making people want to buy more. Same goes for your house. If a buyer is viewing your home in the spring but you still have a few fall or winter decorations up, they will notice. It may not be obvious, but the buyer will feel that some things are out of place. Take advantage of the season by utilizing the decor that comes with it. Buyers will envision themselves living in your house THAT season...not next Winter!

Cozy it up - Fireplaces are a popular selling point -- especially in the cooler seasons. So make your fireplace a focal point. Decorate the hearth with some pillows and place a mirror and some vases on the mantle. Nothing says cozy like a blanket and a book by the fireplace. You will want buyers to notice yours!

Warmth - Literally. Keep your house at a very comfortable temperature. If buyers are viewing your home and it's too cold (especially vacant homes), they won't stick around and will be in a hurry to leave.

Natural Light - Try to time any open houses, or even showings, during peak light hours -- where your house looks it's best. Lighting is a big attraction in houses and buyers like to know that there is plenty of it.

Music - Nothing says "welcome home" like some soft, non-distracting music. A little background music is a great stress-reliever...and buyers are stressed. They are in a hurry and are pressed for time and money. Without them realizing it, they can be drawn to your home because the music made them feel less-stressed and more comfortable.

*Remember that buyers are looking for the place to feel at home. And now you can contribute to that!

Earth Day is Friday, April 22nd. So to celebrate this Spring...here are a few ideas for going "green" in your home & with your family!

Want 
to be a
Competitive Buyer?                
      
Then be ready to buy!
But readiness does not equal impulsiveness. Readiness equals:
- Knowing your budget...and knowing your wiggle room.
- Making a list of your "must-have" ammenities  
- Realizing the things that you could do without
This leaves room for zero hesitation when it comes to making a decision to write an offer on a house. Being ready limits any deals falling through due to needing more time to think about it (which leaves room for someone else to come in and snatch the deal).

Get Pre-Qualified and Pre-Approved for a loan. Do this BEFORE you step foot into a house so there are NO surprises when writing an offer or closing on a home.  

Bid Competitively. Use your agent to assess the market and view comparable homes. The more knowledge you have - the more money you could be saving when it comes to bidding.

Stick to your guns! So keep your budget...your budget! Don't let emotions rise and dictate a bidding war. Let your budget dictate the bidding.
(realtytimes)

Ever wonder what your preferred architectural style is for a home? Chances are you have an idea...but who really knows for sure unless you've lived in all the different styles?

This short, 10-question quiz will help you determine what your ideal home style is in congruence with your personality!
Its fun and insightful! And will help you entertain in, search for, & indulge in the style you love. Click on the link below to begin...

http://www.frontdoor.com/Buy/Architecture-Quiz-Landing/1133

Need help finding a home with you style?
Our Buyer Agents are ready to help you begin the search for the perfect style to fit your personality!

While you can't control the market conditions...you CAN take small steps to help increase your home's value and make it more marketable.

The following tips are meant to inspire and motivate you to treat your home like the investment it was meant to be.

1. Make Repairs: Keep up regular maintenance of your home and fix the repairs as needed. That way when it comes time to sell your home, it's ready for the market.

 2. Curb Appeal: It can't be stressed enough that the first impression of your home is the most important. It contributes to the neighborhood value...so keep that lawn manicured, the paint updated, and the flower beds fresh.

3. Community Involvement: Change starts with yourself. You can inspire change by becoming an active member of your community. Family, friends, and neighbors will follow your lead of civic duty. You can easily get involved by joining the PTA, volunteering, & organizing fund raisers and events that promote community.  

4. Updated Kitchen: Kitchens are huge selling points. But be sure that your updates match the comparables in your area. You don't want to price yourself out of the running. So if you love granite and travertine, but homes in your area are selling with laminate, you will probably not be able to ask for a drastically higher price that covers the price of the granite.

5. Updated Bath: Bathrooms also hold much of a home's value. New low-flush toilets cost as little as $100. And light fixtures, hardware, tubs and showers can be easily replaced or resurfaced. And of course, make sure your bathroom is squeaky clean for showings.

6. Energy Savers: Today buyers are looking for homes that are energy efficient. Low-flush toilets, solar panels, water filtrations systems, and insulated windows are all inexpensive fixes for energy savers.

Consider some of these tips and think through what would make YOUR home more valuable in your area. It will be worth the effort!
(realtytimes)

Warmer Weather + Blooming Plants + Spring Fever = Spring CLEANING.

But don't cringe just yet...because THIS year you can make spring cleaning easy by motivating yourself so you don't get overwhelmed.
All you need is ONE week to accomplish ONE task per day.

• Day 1: ELIMINATE CLUTTER: Go through each room and take a box with you. Fill it with anything you know you won't use anymore (tip: if you haven't used it in the past year...you WON'T use it again!). Sort through closets, drawers, and under your bed. Donate the boxes that you filled OR have a rockin' garage sale and make some money off your junk!
• Day 2: Wardrobe Transition: DON'T store your clothes for ALL seasons in your closet! Transfer your winter clothes to a storage space and keep your closet tidy with only your spring/summer clothing and accessories. Then ENJOY walking into your closet!
• Day 3: Bedding: Take ONE day to wash all your bed-skirts, mattress pads, & comforters/blankets. Then while all the beds are naked, flip your mattresses.
• Day 4: DUSTING: You'll need the day to do this one. Clear your house of dust by vacuuming and wiping fans, light fixtures, mirrors, curtains/blinds, and baseboards. You will probably be surprised at what you find.
• Day 5: Windows: Winter leaves its evidence behind on your windows with a film of dirt and grime. Use ammonia and water to wash your windows inside and out. Don't forget to the wipe down the ledges and frame.
• Day 6: Bathrooms: Take a day to deep clean your bathrooms by scrubbing behind toilets. Sort through your medicine cabinet and throw away any expired items. Wash your bathroom rugs & shower mats. Use a  special cleaner to rid your shower of any mildew.
   
• Day 7: Kitchen Beware: Its easy to let your kitchen get dirty because it can happen so fast. Use this day to clean out and throw away any expired items, and sort your products into drawers and baskets. Wipe out your pantry shelving and refrigerator.

OPEN YOUR WINDOWS and let that natural air freshener fill every room! Enjoy the feeling & confidence of knowing that your home is thoroughly clean (and if your trying to sell...the potential buyers will notice!).

Now get yourself outside and take advantage of the weather!

The April issue of Men's Journal named Greenville one of the 18 coolest towns in America...making the list along with other cities like New Orleans & Memphis.

Get the full story & news coverage by clicking on Fox Carolina News.

Thinking about making a move to this great city? Have questions about what its like to live in Greenville?
Our expert team of agents are ready to assist you! Let us show you why Greenville really is an incredible place to live!

Its Spring time! Which means its time to start planning & thinking about your garden! But if you have never ventured into the gardening world, it can be a little overwhelming. Here's a little advice from the pros for aspiring gardeners.

Start Small - Learn the ins & outs of gardening without being overwhelmed. Then the more you learn, the more you can expand.

Start a Composite Pile - A compost pile is made up of recycled greens and leaves and even kitchen waste. Keep the pile in a sunny spot in your yard and spread a thin layer of it over your garden once a year to keep your soil moist & fertilized.

Maintain Healthy Soil -  Don't overwork your soil or walk on it. Keep it loose so roots can easily spread and deepen.

Mulch - Use it! It suppresses weed growth and maintains moisture.

Water Properly -  Deep soak your plants each time you water to encourage roots to grow deep. Early in the morning proves to be the best time to water.

Go Native - Its just let hassle! Native plants grow organically and will flourish without much fuss.

Minimize Maintenance - Cut back on fertilizers and prune only when necessary. Too much of these things produce tender plants that bugs love most.

Visit Regularly - Take a daily morning walk through your garden with your cup of coffee and take notice of the small things. If you deal with those each day, you won't be overwhelmed on the weekend (when you should be enjoying the fruits of your labor!).
hgtv

Bathrooms are a HUGE selling point when they are designed well! Everything from the functionality to the color of the walls in a bathroom matters when trying to appeal to a buyer.

The latest trend for bathroom design is luxury. Below are some ways to incorporate this design that is sure to get the buyers attention.

• Heated Flooring: This is becoming the recent rage in bathrooms that have hard-surface flooring. And you can do it yourself for about $500!
• Luxury Tile: Ceramic Tile, Marble or Granite - use real stone! Its ok to splurge in this area. Buyers will notice the royal difference.
• New Paint: Instant update. Popular colors include neutrals like taupe and greys. Adding a splash of subtle color with hues of blues, greens, and purples will add personality to the space as well.
• Heated Towel Racks: Once again...a luxury that conforms your bathroom into a spa-like experience that buyers won't be able to resist.
• Storage & Counter Space: LOTS of it. Pedestal sinks are pretty, but not always practical...especially with women. Opt for a vanity that offers storage or use shelving with baskets.
• Dual Vanities: Allows for more counter space and better functionality.
• Linen Closet: Again...more storage. You can never have too much in a bathroom.

Incorporate some (or all!) of these design features and it will be extremely hard to ignore! Your bathroom will significantly stand out from the competition!