Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 32

Should I put my home on the market now or wait until Spring?

This question comes up often this time of year. Many people are unsure how to deal with listing their home around the holidays. Then what about winter? Will there still be buyers out?

My answer is, if I can still get a sign in the yard it is still a good time to list your house. There are pros and cons to listing your house anytime of the year, and this time is no different.

The biggest concern sellers have is that buyers are too busy during the holidays and they don’t want to go out in the bad weather in the winter. Actually, lots of people have extra time off around the holidays and spend some of that shopping! If they are in the market for a new home they will spend the extra time shopping for that home. They are out and about visiting family and friends and going into neighborhhods they may not normally go. If your house is listed, they may just decide they like the neighborhood their family or friends live in and want to call it home.

Winter weather can cause fewer showings. Let’s face it though, most Nebraska drivers are used to snow and if they are a serious buyer, snow will not stop them. Normally there are less houses on the market in December, January and February. This gives the buyers that are out looking less to pick from, thus putting your house in a better position to get SOLD!

If you are considering putting your home on the market, call me and let’s figure out when the best time is for you to get it listed.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 31

What are the Top 5 things I should do after moving into my new home?

1. Change the locks! Most times the seller will leave a handful of keys for you at closing, but its hard to tell what they will open or where they go. You will have better piece of mind if you install new locks and deadbolts yourself, or call a locksmith to do so.

2. Check for plumbing leaks. Odds are you had a full home inspection, but that was around 30 days ago, and chances are the water service has been turned off and back on. Take the time to do another quick check.

3. Steam clean your carpets. This is the perfect opportunity before you get everything situated in your new home to give it a nice, fresh, deep clean! You can rent a machine or hire a professional carpet cleaning service. Ask me, I know a good one!

4. Wipe out the cabinets, closets and any appliances that may have been included. This one seems like a no brainer, but it is important to do. Again, you want to start with a nice fresh new home.

5. Find the circuit breaker box and main water valve. You can have your home inspector show you where these are at time of inspection or find them the first day you move in. You want to know where these are in case of an emergency.

Planning a move is exciting, but take the time to do it right, you will be happy you did. If you or someone you know is planning a move anytime soon, please share this or any other of my FAQ’s. I am working hard to be YOUR resource in Real Estate!