Wednesday, May 29, 2013

What are some easy ways to increase curb appeal?



What are some easy ways to increase curb appeal?

The importance of curb appeal is often overlooked, but one of the most costly mistakes you can make is not taking it seriously. The outside of your house is the first impression a buyer has. In an online house search, the front outside photo of a house is almost always the first picture a potential buyer sees. If that first picture does not stand out and make them want to see more, they move on within 2 seconds, and your house does not end up on their list. Here are some easy ways to increase your curb appeal.

1. Add big bold house numbers.
2. Paint the front door. Maybe add a pop of color.
3. Update the outside lights.
4. Add a red accent. Red has such vibrancy; a little goes a long way.
5. Repair driveways and paths. They should be clean and inviting.
6. Replace the garage door. You will not believe the difference new garage door makes.
7. Add a new door knocker. This adds polish.

When I meet with a client before listing their house, we come up with a list of things to do before putting the house on the market. You only get one chance to make a good first impression with buyers. Start from the outside and work your way in. Please share this with anyone you know looking to get their home sold.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

What are 5 things first time home buyers must know?



What are Five Things First-Time Home Buyers MUST know?

Most important: Don’t leave purchasing your first home up to chance! Use a Realtor that will help you every step of the way. There are many layers to purchasing a home, and you need to be informed. Here are my top tips for first-time home buyers.

1. Be choosy, but realistic
Your price point will dictate what options and features are realistic in the home you are looking for. A Realtor who looks at several houses in different price points each week is a great resource to help you decide what is realistic within your budget and the area where you want to live.

2. Do your homework
Take the time to really know what you are looking for in a house, including location and house features that are most important to you.

3. Get pre-approved for a mortgage
There are a lot of mortgage options right now. Meet with a mortgage lender who will take the time to explain the options and help you determine a comfortable price point for you and your family. If you would like to speak to a mortgage lender, I would be happy to make a referral!

4. Think long term
Don’t buy house that you will outgrow in 2 years. You want to make sure you see yourself living in this house long term.

5. Get a home inspection
I recommend this to every client, regardless of price point, location, or apparent visible state of the house (i.e., even if the house looks perfect). Having a professional inspect the home before you buy it can save you thousands of dollars down the road.

If you are a planning to buy your first home this year, give me a call! It is never too early to start planning and preparing. Please share this with anyone you know looking to purchase a home.

Friday, May 3, 2013

What are the four factors that will sell your property fast?



What are the four factors that will sell your property fast?

1. Price
2. Condition of Property
3. Your Agent
4. Location

You control three of these: price, property condition, and your agent.

Pricing your home correctly is the number one factor in getting your home sold quickly. . A good Realtor will provide you with a market analysis that gives you an honest and realistic view of what your home is worth. A house that’s priced right can grab a buyer’s attention immediately, and a fast sale of your home means saving and making the most of your time and money. I have had many years of experience pricing homes in almost every neighborhood in Omaha and its surrounding areas. Pricing a home to get you the most profit and buyer interest is one of my greatest strengths in real estate.

To appeal to the most buyers possible, you must present your home looking its best. You only get one chance to make an impression on potential buyers, which is why I follow a specific strategy to make your house look as fantastic as it can to buyers online and in person. To start, I will help you make thoughtful and informed decisions about how to de-clutter and depersonalize your living space. Next, I call on my team’s professional photographer, Paula Moser, to capture and best show off all the love, time, and work you have put into your home. I provide this service to you free, because I understand the impact of great online photos of your home. Go to paulamoser.com or any of my current listings to check out some of her amazing photos!

The agent you select is a key part of the process. You need a top agent to get your home sold in today’s market. Top agents know what it takes to get your home sold and have the connections to make it happen. I am currently ranked in the top 5% of all Realtors in the Omaha area. I will keep you informed and have frequent contact with you as we work together to sell your house.

Location is the one variable you cannot control. It will slow down the process or speed it up, depending on where your home is located. If you feel that your home may be in an undesirable location, don’t be discouraged. Using my years of experience in real estate, I will help you price your home correctly and make your house look its best to potential buyers.

I want to sell your house as much as you want it to sell, so call me today or refer a friend to me. The perfect time to sell is right now!