Adding Value by Dennis O'Hagan

20 EASY, NO COST TIPS to make your home "Show Ready"...

If you are getting ready, or in the process of selling your home here are 20 EASY, NO COST TIPS to make your home "Show Ready".

• Curb appeal - move your lawn, weed your gardens, trim your shrubs & plant some flowers
• Sweep the front porch and consider painting and/or staining your front door
• Clean ALL appliances inside & out including the refrigerator
• Empty the dishwasher
• Turn on ALL lights (to brighten dark rooms replace light bulbs with GE Reveal bulbs)
• Open blinds and pull back drapes
• Put toilet lids DOWN
• Pick up bath mats
• Empty trash cans & hide small trash cans in cabinets or closets
• Clear ALL closet and pantry floors
• Remove family photos & anything with your name on it
• Play soft jazz music
• If you have surround sound in a room, turn on the TV
• Check corners of tall ceilings for cob webs
• Make sure all light fixtures are dust free
• Take the dog/cat with you when showing the house & hide the litter box
• Remove plug-ins & electric air fresheners before buyers arrive
• Leave one-two appliances on the kitchen counter
• Hide prescription medications, extra keys, jewelry, guns, ammo, knives & ALL valuables

5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Sale...

Here are 5 tips for getting the best offer sooner.

1. Curb Appeal.  The first thing that buyers will see is the outside of your house. Does the outside make them want to see the inside?  A well-kept yard, an inviting porch, a clean driveway – all increase the likelihood that buyers will want to see more, so start here. Clean up the lawn and the driveway.  Touch up or repaint the exterior.  Clean gutters and keep the porches swept and inviting.  Showing that the exterior of your home is well-kept will lead buyers to the assumption that the home is well-kept in general.

2. Clean, de-clutter and simplify.  Do a deep clean or hire a professional cleaning crew to make sure everything looks its best.  Keep carpets vacuumed and beds made.  Make the rooms look larger by removing clutter and large furniture. Packed closets and cabinets also lead others to believe there is inadequate storage, so clean those out, too.  Make sure to keep all the dishes away, hang clothes neatly in closets, make sure all light bulbs work, and towels in the bathroom and kitchen need to be clean and folded neatly.

Help buyers imagine their own things in your home by storing personal items such as photos and knick-knacks.

3. Update.  This includes fresh paint, replacing outdated appliances and fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom.  If it’s not in your budget to replace, you can add new hardware on cabinets and sinks.  If you can, replace outdated flooring or stained carpeting – or at least have them professionally cleaned.

Interior paint is one of the easiest ways to freshen up your home and increase its value. And, while that dramatic purple wall in the dining room may have matched your chairs, it may be hard for buyers to imagine with their furnishings.  Use light, neutral colors that make the rooms look bright and large and that match any decor.

4.  Consider hiring a home inspector.  It’s very likely that a buyer will hire one anyway – after they’ve made an offer, so being honest about your home’s condition will help you avoid any surprises or complications with the contract and closing later. And, although you don’t have to make any non-essential repairs, you may discover essential ones of which you may be unaware.

5. Interview real estate agents and ask them about their marketing plan for your home.  After you’ve done all the work to get it ready to list, an aggressive marketing plan will ensure that as many buyers as possible see it.

Most agents will list the home in the Multiple Listing Service database, on their website and on their company website.  Ask them about also putting it on other top ranked real estate sites.  Also, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, most buyers move within 11 miles of their previous residence – so ask about local advertising as well.

The sign in your yard should include the agent’s information.  Many add a brochure box, but it’s difficult to keep it full.  Ask about adding a text code that leads buyers to a mobile site for your home that shows more information and photos, so the information is always readily available to interested buyers.

Ask the Experts...

Ask the Experts: What Should Home Sellers Do to Prepare for a Home Inspection?

By David R. Leopold

RISMEDIA, Wednesday, April 17, 2013— We see it every day. Sellers who don’t take the time to ensure a smooth home inspection and who pay for it in the long run. The spring market is upon us. A little preparation can ensure sellers have great home inspections. Home inspectors typically arrive 30-45 minutes early to the home inspection appointment so that they are professionally set up and ready to go when you arrive. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been greeted at the door a half hour before everyone is set to arrive by a person who looks as if they’re freshly out of bed.  If a seller does this, he’s about two hours late for his presentation. On inspection day, the house should be empty of the owners and their presence. In fact, everything should be just like it was on the initial viewing day. Be ready for inspection day by getting up and out of the house an hour before the appointment. The home should also be clean and pets should be removed or crated. If something isn’t working properly, don’t try to hide it. We will find it. Buyers get very suspicious when sellers deliberately try to conceal defects. They immediately see you as dishonest and wonder what else you’re hiding. It’s not worth losing their confidence over a trivial defect. Just leave a note: “We know about it and we’re getting it fixed.”   In addition, make sure the location of attic and crawlspace hatches are identified and are easily accessible, as home inspectors hate moving your stuff. If the hatch is in a closet, remove any clothing that is hanging directly under the hatch as well as anything on the floor. Your home inspector doesn’t want to move your smelly sneakers. It’s also important to check every area of the house for blown light bulbs. This includes the crawlspace, attic, garage and furnace room. We don’t want to waste time determining if a fixture is inoperable or simply has a blown bulb. Do you have a septic system or a well buried in your yard? If so, make sure you leave a sketch of the locations. There’s nothing worse than a group of contractors, home inspector, buyers and their REALTOR® wandering around a yard needlessly, searching for something you know the exact location of. Lastly, make sure your oven and stovetop are clear and clean so that we can easily test them without setting off the smoke alarm. Some of these items may seem like REALTOR® 101, but I’ve noticed over thousands and thousands of home inspections that only the most successful REALTORS® pay attention to these details. Help your seller help themselves—and you—get ready for inspection day. By David R. Leopold is the owner of Pillar To Post Home Inspection located in Fairfield County, Conn.

The Top Do’s and Don’ts When Selling Your Home...

Selling Don’ts

1. Think you know more than your Realtor and insist on listing your home over what your Realtor  advises. They are the experts and know the market.  This is the most important “don’t” when selling your home, bar none!  

2. Clean your home by cramming all your junk into every conceivable storage space. It’s a given that buyers will look in your closets, cabinets, basement and garage. If your storage areas are crammed with “stuff”, you’re sending a flag that their “stuff” won’t fit either.

3. Wait until a few days before your open house to discard or store unnecessary furniture, personal collections and family photos. Rent PODS – the newest, fastest growing self-storage units, or call on family to store the things you don’t absolutely need. This serves two purposes: you’ll have far less to do once you sell and showcase the room’s square footage.

4. Assume buyers are going to take on your deferred maintenance like broken doorbells, leaky faucets, chipped molding, running toilettes and/or torn screens.  Buyers want turnkey homes. Moreover, you don’t want to give them instant negatives when they walk in the door.  

5. Fill your home with Glad Plugins and similar products. It’s akin to spraying perfume in lieu of a shower - it doesn’t work and buyers suspect your trying to mask unpleasant odors. Clean is the only smell everyone loves!

6. Assume buyers are pet lovers – many are not and some are allergic to cats and dogs.  During showings and open houses, temporarily take pets and all trances of them out of the home. Yes, this is a hassle, I know, but it’s temporary and your goal is to sell quickly.             

7. Neglect curb appeal – it’s buyer’s first impression of your home in person and on MLS (where 90% of buyer’s start their home search). Hire a landscaping company or do it yourself. Don’t forget to trim hedges, add fresh mulch and blow debris clear from walkways, porch and driveway.  

Selling Do’s

1. Find a reputable, seasoned Realtor and let them price your home based on their research, knowledge and comparable comps.  Did you know that 85% of people think their home is worth more than it is?!  Defer to your Realtor and trust that they understand the market and are experts at pricing homes!

2. Throw out any outdated, dusty floral arrangements and flower swags that went out with the eighties. Replace them with real plants, or buy high quality silk arrangements that will pass for the real thing – just not at the dollar store!  

3. Paint the interior of your home in neutral colors. Nothing cleans and brightens up a home more than a fresh coat of paint. Moreover, it yields the biggest bang for your buck with a staggering 150% return on investment. Consult a NJ home stager for the most popular neutral wall colors that have mass appeal.

4. Have your rugs shampooed so they are clean and odor free. You can rent carpet cleaners at most grocery stores or hire a carpet cleaning company. While you’re at it, open all your windows and air out your home every few days.

5. Give every room a purpose taking the guess work out for buyers. If you’re selling your home as a 4 bedroom, but have been using one of the rooms as an office/home gym, return it to a bedroom.  If you have a small room with no closet, make that room an office.

6. Make your master bedroom non-gender specific. Invest in neutral bedding and add some decorative pillows. Look at high-end hotels. They are designed to appeal to the masses.  Grandma’s homemade afghan isn’t going to cut it!   

7. Invest in a home staging consultation. Home stagers are experts on preparing your home for the market. They understand and can implement all the necessary changes that will give your home that competitive edge it needs in today’s market.

Six Keys to Selling Your Home in Today's Market...

Below is an OUTSTANDING article regarding "Selling Your Home In Today's Market.  We have Listed many homes since the first of this year and almost everyone of them have SOLD within the first week they were on the market.  Why?  Because they were decluttered, clean and move-in-ready... 

RISMEDIA, Monday, May 14, 2012— According to the National Association of Realtors®, more than 4.25 million homes sold in 2011. That's a lot of real estate and such numbers raise the question: How are sellers doing it?

"Because individual homes are unique, there isn't one single strategy that works equally well for every property," says Wendy Forsythe, the executive vice president of a real estate company. "The real trick is understanding that today's marketplace is cash driven, quick and highly competitive. Owners who understand their local markets and work with a knowledgeable agent are those most likely to succeed."

In March roughly one-third of all sales were cash, meaning a large number of buyers are not dependent on lender financing, the sale of their existing home or a settlement that might be 45 to 60 days in the future.

Instead, they can act quickly and in many cases seek properties which can be bought today and occupied tomorrow.

To ready a home for sale in today's marketplace, Forsythe says owners should consider six basic keys to selling success.

Six Keys to Success

1) Curb appeal counts. Most home buyers want homes which look great from the outside. It's not just a question of curb appeal -- it's about perception. If a home looks good from the street it probably means the property is ready for a new occupant without a lot of cost or hassle.

Buyers tend to pass on a home that doesn't appeal to them from the street -- not even bothering to look inside. An experienced local REALTOR® can show you how to generate the most curb appeal with the least cost.

2) A clutter-free home. With the new emphasis on cash sales and speed owners must show homes which are free and clear of clutter. A clutter-free home will make interior spaces look larger and eliminates the need to get rid of stuff when you are in the throes of moving. It makes sense to donate or reduce clutter before a home is placed on the market -- not only as a sales tactic but also as a practical step toward relocation.

3) Working condition. Having your home's systems in good mechanical condition is an advantage in today's market. Most distressed homes can't compete when it comes to such basics as working heating, plumbing and air-conditioning. Properties that can readily pass a professional home inspection are often easier to finance, and are generally more appealing to buyers who don't want to face the unknown costs and delays sometimes associated with major renovations.

4) List and negotiate properly. According to Forsythe, "a seasoned REALTOR® can show owners how best to market a particular home according to such factors as location, price, condition and financing. Owners want to work with us because our experience brings value and confidence to a transaction, factors that are enormously important in a changing marketplace."

5) Seek prequalified buyers. While many sales may be for cash, the majority still require financing. It would be frustrating to enter into a sales contract with a potential buyer who ultimately cannot obtain financing to purchase your home -- meaning you have lost time -- and potentially money -- and then you have to start over. When a home is shown by appointment, the buyer should have a pre-qualification letter in hand.

Such letters from lenders are not binding but at least show that the purchaser sat down with a loan officer and has some realistic sense of what he or she can reasonably afford.

6) Distressed properties. Roughly 30 percent of today's home sales involve "distressed" properties -- a term which includes short sales and foreclosed properties owned by lenders. You need to consider the distressed properties in your neighborhood when pricing and marketing your home. These properties typically sell at discount, especially in major foreclosure centers and sometimes require substantial repair and rehabilitation.

"Home sellers can compete with these offerings," according to Forsythe. "There's no question that a large number of distressed properties in a local market will impact prices, but price is not the only factor buyers consider. While distressed homes work for some purchasers, they're not the right choice for buyers who want homes that offer move-in condition -- homes in better shape that can often command higher prices."

While the housing market is just in the beginning stages of a recovery, it's still possible to successfully sell your home by making sure you're catering to the kind of buyers in the market today, and by making sure that you -- and your home -- are ready to move as quickly as these buyers are.

Thinking of Selling your home? Sellers Get More Cash from Cleaning...

RISMEDIA, Friday, April 27, 2012— Cleaning and decluttering will garner sellers a 403 percent return on their investment when they sell their homes this spring, compared to a 293 percent return for electrical and plumbing upgrades and 196 percent for staging.

The results from HomeGain’s annual 2012 DIY Home Improvements for Sellers spiked a few myths about what improvements pay off in marketing homes today. Nearly 500 real estate agents nationwide participated in the survey to determine the top 10 low cost, do-it-yourself home improvements for people getting their home ready to sell.

Cleaning and de-cluttering continues to rank as the top suggested home improvement (since the survey was originally conducted in 2003). This low cost home improvement is recommended by 99 percent of real estate professionals. The average recommended cost is $402 with a returning value of just over $2,000 to the home’s sale price, or a 403 percent return.

In past surveys, home staging and lightening and brightening were battling it out for the number two spot on the top 10 list. In the 2011 survey, lightening and brightening reclaimed the number two position and held on to it in 2012. Home staging, however, fell to the number five position this year behind landscaping the yard and repairing electrical and/or plumbing.

The three least remunerative improvements were painting the interior (107 percent ROI), improving kitchens and bathrooms (66 percent ROI) and painting the exterior (55 percent ROI).

For more information, visit www.realestateeconomywatch.com.

Here is some GREAT advice on Selling your home this Spring (or anytime)...

5 Things to Avoid When Selling Your Home this Spring

By Paul Owers

RISMEDIA, Monday, April 09, 2012— (MCT)—Home sellers find that interest from prospective buyers heats up in the spring as many families look to get settled in a new place before the school year starts in August. But the traditional March-through-May buying season can be a dud for sellers who don’t deliver what they promise or who stand over buyers as they open cupboards and peek in bedrooms. “Some sellers are their own worst enemies,” said Michael Citron, an agent in Broward County, Fla. Here are five things that turn off prospective buyers: -A cluttered house or one that smells. When sellers have too many possessions, buyers have a hard time imagining themselves living in the home. Sellers should put their stuff in storage—or move out altogether, if possible. Pet odors are also a big turn-off, as is a house that reeks of cigarette or cigar smoke. “If buyers smell smoke, they’ll walk out immediately,” said Jon Klein, an agent in Coral Springs, Fla. -False or misleading advertising. Sellers and their agents stretch the truth by claiming a home has four bedrooms, but the fourth room isn’t a bedroom because it doesn’t have a window and closet. Joanne Caouette, a Canadian looking to buy in Broward, said one home was advertised as waterfront but only had a water view. “It’s a waste of our time,” she said. -Sellers not committed to selling. Some sellers want to test the market, then waffle when buyers show serious interest. Others ignore offers or are insulted by what they consider low bids. “No offer is insulting,” said Bob Melzer, an agent in Boynton Beach, Fla. “It’s a point to begin.” Wishy-washy sellers don’t use lock boxes that give agents quick access, or they’re not accommodating when it comes to scheduling showings. “If you want to sell your house, there should be very few times when you can’t show it,” said Cathy Prenner, an agent in northeast Broward. -Overpricing the house. Many sellers are too attached to their homes and think they’re worth more than they are, agents say. Even though prices are beginning to stabilize, a seller who misses the target likely won’t generate much interest. Before hiring an agent, interview several. They almost certainly will have documentation that shows what comparable homes in the neighborhood are selling for. “If you set the home at market price, you’re going to get that property sold,” said Summer Greene, a real estate manager in Fort Lauderdale. -Sellers who stay for the showing. This is a pet peeve of buyers and agents, who say sellers should be long gone when prospective buyers show up. Prospective buyers want to be free to tour the home without the owners present. They don’t want to carry on a conversation or listen to why the sellers think they should buy the house. Citron strongly opposes sellers talking to buyers before they’ve signed a contract. By revealing their motivation, for instance, sellers can inadvertently give buyers more power in negotiations. “The only thing you can do if you talk to the prospective buyer is hurt the deal,” Citron said.

Selling Your Home...

Detach yourself emotionally

Buying real estate is an emotional decision, but the opposite needs to be true for selling real estate. Emotions can get in the way of selling your property. The more attached you are, the harder it will be to convince a potential buyer to see themselves as the new homeowner. Try to get used to the idea that the home will no longer be yours. Think of it as a product to be sold. Visit every room and say "good-bye." Visualize yourself handing over the keys.

First impression

Outside:

Curb appeal can create a good first impression. Cut the lawn weekly while showing your home. Keep the lawn edged, fertilized and watered. Trim the bushes, prune trees and shrubs, remove weeds from the garden. Consider planting seasonally appropriate plants to add color. Plant shrubs to fill space where needed. Keep the yard tidy. Rake the leaves in the fall. Keep the walkways clear of snow in the winter. Store lawn equipment, toys, or any other large objects that my obstruct walkways.

Pressure-wash the siding or add a fresh coat of paint. Use neutral colors such as white or off-white. Repaint or replace the shutters or gutters as needed. A contrasting color is a nice touch. Add a new doormat. Repaint or replace the front door. Make sure the front door opens and closes securely and locks easily. Make sure the house number can easily be read (replace faded numbers and remove obstructions).

Inside:

Paint walls in a neutral color to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Replace burned out light bulbs. Replace carpeting or flooring that is worn out or dated.

Create an impression of order around the house (shirts in the closet facing the same way, coffee mugs in the kitchen with handles pointed in the same direction). Dishes should be put away or stacked in an orderly fashion. Towels should be freshly clean.

Keep the home bright. Open all blinds, drapes and curtains to let in maximum light. Turn on as many lights as possible, including appliance lights and closet lights.

Removing clutter

After years of living in your house, clutter collects everywhere. Removing it is a challenge since you are attached to some of these objects. You may not even be aware how much you've accumulated. Bring in another set of eyes such as a friend or neighbor to help point out areas that appear cluttered. Your agent can also help with this.

Remove as many personal items as possible - you want the buyer to visualize themselves as the homeowner and your personal effects could inhibit this process. For example, remove any family photos, books from the bookcases, and accoutrements from tables and shelves. Sell, donate or throw away items you no longer want or need. Rent a storage space to keep kick-knacks, photos, extra furniture, and other personal items. Essential items can be placed in a box and stored in a closet.

Create an open environment , free from clutter. Remove any extra furniture or objects blocking access to closets or cabinets. Keep walkways clear. Create as much space as possible. Allow the buyer's imagination to flow freely.

*Useful tip: Remove built-in appliances and fixtures you want to keep. It could be a deal breaker if the buyer learns they are not included with the home. 

Limit expenses

Fixing up your home for selling need not be an expensive proposition. Focus on the major issues, such as fixing broken windows or a leaky roof. Fixing a leaking roof is less expensive than having a buyer negotiate a new roof.

When inspecting a home, prospective buyers will often "kick the tires." They'll play with anything that has a handle or switch, turning on and off the faucets, flicking the lights, opening and closing doors, cabinets and drawers. Replace or polish handles, door knobs, light switches and faucet fixtures. Apply grease to squeaky doors. These are some inexpensive ways to create a good first impression.

Eliminate odors

Smoking and pets are a source of unwanted odors. If you're a smoker, you may want to move your smoking outside while showing your home. An air neutralizer such as an ozone spray can help eliminate smoking odors while not leaving behind the scent of a masking odor. If you are a pet owner, you may have become desensitized to the odors your pets leave behind, but others are not so immune. Cat owners should change the kitty litter daily and hide the litter box when showing the house. Shampoo the carpets. Use a carpet freshener periodically. Invite a third-party such as a friend or neighbor to assess your efforts.

Air out the house just before a visit from a potential buyer. Fill the home with inviting smells, such as scented potpourri and fresh flowers. Baking cookies, cinnamon rolls or home-made bread adds a warm and inviting atmosphere to your home. Starting a fire in the fireplace is also a nice touch.

SELLING YOUR HOME? Here are some QUICK TIPS that will help...

5 things you can do this weekend to improve your home’s Saleability

 

Making a good first impression can mean the difference between receiving serious offers or none at all.  If you are selling your home, always keep it in ready to show condition even when you don't have appointments, you never know who will knock on that door and want a quick look. If you are not selling and your budget permits, why not make these simple improvements and enjoy your home even more!

 

1.  Focus on curb appeal. The outside of your house can be the source of a very good first impression. Keep the grass well-watered and mowed. Have your trees trimmed. Cut back overgrowth. Plant some blooming flowers. Store toys, bicycles, roller-skates, gardening equipment and the like out of sight. Have at least the front of your house and the trim painted, if necessary. Sweep the porch and the front walkway. After dark, turn on your front porch light and any other exterior lighting.

 

2.  Clear out the clutter. Loose the clutter! If your home has too much furniture, overflowing closets, crowded kitchen and bathroom countertops or lots of family photos or collectibles on display, potential buyers won't be able to see your home. Get rid of anything you don't need or use.  Have a garage sale, donate to Good Will, or rent some off-site storage space if that's what it takes to clear out your home.

 

3.  Use your nose. Many people are oblivious to scents, but others are extremely sensitive to offensive odors. To eliminate bad smells, bathe your pets, freshen the cat litter box frequently, shampoo your carpets, dry clean your drapes, and empty trash cans, recycling bins and ash trays. Light a candle or incense, put out fresh flowers or potpourri and use air fresheners.

 

4.  Make all necessary repairs. Buyers expect everything in their new home to operate safely and properly. Picky buyers definitely will notice and likely magnify minor maintenance problems you've ignored for months or even years. Add new doorknobs, paint the front door, fix leaky faucets, replace burned-out light bulbs, repair painted-shut or broken windows, replace inoperable appliances – these repairs may seem small, but left undone they can lead buyers to question whether you've taken good care of your home.

 

5.  Introduce lifestyle accessories and make your home as comfortable and attractive as possible. Rearrange the furniture, set the dining room table with your best dishes. Put out your only-for-company towels. Make up the spare bed. Hang some fresh curtains. Put some logs in the fireplace. Get creative! 

 

10 things that can increase the value of your home

 

1.      Updated/modern kitchen

2.      Updated/modern bath

3.      Well-appointed master suite

4.      Natural materials like ceramic tile, hardwood floors and granite counter tops

5.      Curb appeal for a great first impression

6.      Light, airy, spacious feel – clean out the clutter

7.      Good windows and well-placed skylights

8.      Landscaping

9.      Lots of storage

10.  Basement

 

 

10 things that can decrease the value of your home – Liabilities

 

1.      A pool

2.      No garage or a small garage

3.      Garbled floor plan

4.      Outmoded appliances or systems

5.      Stale or overly personal décor

6.      A bad roof

7.      Bad location

8.      Poor maintenance – a home not cared for

9.      Environmental hazards like lead, mold or asbestos

10.  List of needed improvements

Selling it or Smelling It?

Pet odors can be a problem when you're in the process of selling your home. If your house has an odor problem, you should remove any offending furniture or carpets or hire a professional to clean them. Be sure to check the cat box frequently and keep the litter fresh.

Since some people have allergies or fears of certain animals, it's a good idea to put dogs or cats outside or confine your pets to one area when your house is being shown. It's hard for buyers to fully appreciate your home through itchy, watery eyes or in between sneezes! Even if the house is exactly what they want, your chances of selling it are less if the scent of Spot lingers in their memory.