Five Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market

Thinking about selling your home? Here are five actions you can take now to help prepare your home for the market, courtesy of the National Association of REALTORS® website.

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such as your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

If you are ready to list, contact a Keller Williams associate today! Our agents are armed with the knowledge and skill sets you need to sell your home quickly and effectively.

Source: NAR | Full Article

This Month in Real Estate Video – February 2011

February’s “This Month in Real Estate” video has been released. The February edition discusses a NAR report detailing that 89% of all home buyers begin their search on the Internet. As such, those who are interested in selling their home should place a great emphasis on how their home is marketed online.

The video also includes tips for selling your home during the winter months. Sellers should price their homes correctly, stage well, and look to benefit from the many aforementioned buyers who begin their search on the Internet. Access the video by clicking the “Play” button below.

A Keller Williams agent can walk you through every step of selling your home – contact us today for more information!

Rent Vs. Own Rate to Flip in 2011?

Experts predict the ratio of renters to homeowners in major U.S. cities will take a major turn during 2011, putting the two categories on more equal footing.

As a result of a somewhat dismal housing market in recent years, rentals across major U.S. cities have surged while the number of homeowners have dwindled. However, with home prices expected to fall by anywhere from 15 to 30 percent this year, experts predict buying will become superior to renting sometime in 2011.

This, coupled with expectations of rising rental rates this year, could spell a positive 2011 for the hosuing market.

A complete list of price to rent ratios in major U.S. cities can be found by clicking the “Full Article” link below. For more information on the differences between renting and buying a home, contact us today!

Source: CNN Money | Full Article

Your First Purchase: Starter Home or Dream Home?

Is this your first home?

Committing to your first home purchase can be an incredibly difficult decision to make. In addition to questions about rooms, lot sizes, and relative location to schools and other amenities, you may also find yourself wondering: Do I see myself in this home 30 years from now?

In the past, the general consensus was that your first home should be ideal, and include everything you would ever want in a house, both now and in the future. However, some market experts today suggest that buying a starter home could be a wise investment.

Please click the link below for the full article from MSN Real Estate on your first home purchase, and for further questions regarding buying or selling real estate, contact us!

Source: MSN Real Estate | Full Article

Why Winter May Not Necessarily Spell Doom and Gloom for Sellers

Many sellers and real estate professionals alike dread the coming of the fall and winter months, as it is often associated with a market slowdown and an increased difficulty selling homes.

However, a recent article published in Realty Times suggests that these months could actually be beneficial to sellers, as there tends to be a higher percentage of serious buyers during winter than in the spring and summer seasons.

The article also notes several design and decor tips to help keep your home in excellent showing condition in the winter months without detracting too much from your holiday spirit.

Please click the link below for the full article. For more information on buying or selling a home, please contact us!

Source: Realty Times | Full Article