Spokane Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts in the category - Selling a home in Spokanehttps://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/Copyright RealEstateSpokane.com2020-10-29T08:49:51-07:00tag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3379What to Know About Reverse Mortgages
<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/uploads/agent-1/what-is-a-home-reverse-mortgage.jpg" alt="Why Would Someone Take Out a Reverse Mortgage?" />A reverse mortgage is one where an older <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/spokane-northwood.php" target="_blank">Northwood home owner</a> borrows from the equity of the home. It's typically popular for people with a solid stake in their property who need funds for retirement, education, or unexpected emergencies. While this can be a great option for some people, there are a lot of reasons not to give ownership to a lender. Learn more about the pros and cons of this option and whether it makes financial sense.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Who's Eligible
To take out a reverse mortgage, lenders will check off the following criteria:
Homeowners cannot have any unpaid federal debt.
All homeowners must be 62 or older.
Sufficient equity (typically at least 50%).
Reverse mortgage is only being used for the primary property (i.e., not for a vacation home).
Homeowners have sufficient income to pay for average household expenses.
Homeowners agree to take consumer counseling training before taking out a reverse mortgage.
Lenders and the Reverse Mortgage
In a reverse mortgage, the lender is under contractual obligation to pay the lender rather than the other way around. This not only decreases the amount of equity in the home, but it also increases the amount of money still left on the home loan. As with the original loan package, lenders are allowed to set terms for the borrower based on interest rates, property value, and the state of the market. Homeowners will need to read the fine print to understand how much they'll pay over time.
<a href="https://www.thebalance.com/fed-funds-rate-history-highs-lows-3306135" target="_blank">Interest rates</a> were historically prohibitive for owners looking to capitalize on reverse mortgages, but this has changed in the recent past. In some areas of the country, a reverse mortgage can be a reasonable way to finance expenses without having to take out a conventional loan.
Do Owners Have to Qualify Their Purchases?
The short answer is no: if an owner takes out a reverse mortgage, they can use the money to do anything they wish. This is good news for those who may want to do some traveling in their golden years or pay off medical bills. Even better, the loan is typically only paid back once the owner passes away or the property is sold to a new buyer. If homeowners sell the home, they're allowed to keep any leftover funds once they finish off paying the cost of the loan. If the situation is reversed, the descendants of the owners will not be required to pay for any excess funds left on the loan.
The Drawbacks of a Reverse Mortgage
The biggest drawback of a reverse mortgage is that a homeowner will inevitably compromise the value of their estate. If the rates are high enough, homeowners could lose any stake they once had in their home. It means there's less to pass on to future generations who might have appreciated keeping the legacy alive. (Still, for those who see a more immediate need, such as their grandchildren's education, this sacrifice can be well worth it.) If the children do want to keep the home, they're responsible for paying back the compromised loan.
The other major drawback is the interest rates. If the market falls and the home sells for far less than it was originally worth at the time of the reverse mortgage, then lenders will have to absorb that loss. To mitigate that potential outcome, the rates are usually set high enough that homeowners should be extra cautious. So while rates may be historically low at the time of signing up, they may still prove too high to be sensible.
Additional Considerations
Calculating the cost of the mortgage over the span of several years (or even several decades) may be difficult to do. However, it's the best way to figure out if the fees and interest rates actually make the reverse mortgage worth the risk. Most lenders will bundle all these costs together and combine them with equity. (This way, buyers aren't required to pay for the fees and interest with the money they're getting from the lender.)
Some financial experts recommend High Equity Conversion Mortgages instead of a standard reverse mortgage to avoid the higher rates. This reverse mortgage is sponsored through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and is different than the <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/crucial-information-about-the-fha-loan/" target="_blank">standard FHA loan</a>. This way, lenders don't feel the need to hike up their interest to avoid a potential loss.
Finally, homeowners need to think about the everyday costs of owning a home. They may be receiving money every month, but they'll still need to pay for property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and standard upkeep costs. If the owner can't pay these costs, they may be required to pay back the reverse mortgage.
Talking to a financial expert or real estate agent about the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage can be a smart way to avoid making the wrong move. As mentioned, the interest rates and fees can be difficult to spot without a background in lending.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
2019-09-05T07:57:00-07:002020-10-29T07:29:08-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3375Red Flags All Home Sellers Need To Know
<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/uploads/agent-1/things-a-home-buyer-should-watch-for.jpg" alt="Buyer Warning Signs All Sellers Need To Know" />There are a lot of warnings out there for buyers who are looking for a new home and the red flags they might see during showings, but there are far fewer warnings for homeowners to help them avoid a bad sale. While there aren’t as many red flags for sellers, there are still a few extremely important ones that they should all know and be able to identify if they show up. Here are some of those red flags and how they can have a negative effect on the sale of a home.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
The Buyer is Pre-Qualified, Not Pre-Approved
When buying a home, it’s always recommended to get <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/how-much-of-a-mortgage-can-you-afford/" target="_blank">pre-approved for a mortgage</a> early in the process to save time and also use it as an appealing factor in an offer. When a buyer gets pre-approved, they are taking the first step of getting a mortgage that all buyers will need to do, and it involves the lender doing in-depth research of the buyer to determine if they should be allowed that mortgage. However, if a buyer is only pre-qualified for a mortgage, it means that they haven’t gone through that process, and the only information the lender knows about them is user-submitted information that may not be completely accurate.
The Offer Has Too Many Contingencies
Nearly every offer is going to have at least one contingency, and many will use three common ones that cover all the basic problems that could come up before closing such as having loan approval revoked or the home not actually being worth what it was sold for. However, the problem with contingencies in offers is when it feels like the buyer is abusing them to the point where they’re given a way out from the deal in the event of any inconvenience. If something looks shady, don’t hesitate to ask an agent for advice. They will be able to clarify if something is completely normal or if the buyer is trying to give themselves as many outs as possible.
The Earnest Money Payment Is Small or Nonexistent
When buying a new home, buyers will put down an earnest money offer as part of their offer. The payment can be as much or as little as they deem appropriate, and if their offer is accepted, the homeowner will get that <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/earnest-money.asp" target="_blank">earnest money payment</a>. If the buyer decides to pull out of the deal after the offer has been accepted and don’t have the protection of a contingency, the seller is allowed to keep the earnest money payment. Because of this, buyers often like to offer large earnest money payments in order to show the seller that they’re serious about the home and won’t try to back out at a moment’s notice. Buyers who have a small or nonexistent earnest money offer may not be serious about the home, and it can be a sign that they’re trying to make it easier for themselves to back out of the deal if something better comes along.
The Buyer Tries To Move Too Quickly or Slowly
Once an offer has been accepted, the <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/colbert.php" target="_blank">Colbert WA home</a> buyer and seller should have an agreement on the entire timeline of the sale. However, if the buyer agrees to that initial schedule and they then try to either ask for more time or ask to move forward ahead of schedule, it can be a sign that something is wrong. Wanting to change the schedule can potentially mean the buyer is having trouble with their mortgage and needs more time, or possibly even that they’re trying to cut corners to speed the process along. Either way, it’s important that both parties stick with a schedule once it’s been agreed upon.
Sellers need to know about red flags just as much as buyers do, and knowing these signs can help protect homeowners from a deal that could complicate their sale.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
2019-07-11T07:38:00-07:002020-10-29T07:31:42-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3362Why Use Drones to Help Market Your For-Sale HomeWhy Use Drones to Help Market Your For-Sale Home<br /><br />
<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/uploads/agent-1/using-drones-to-help-sell-a-home.jpg" alt="Take the Next Step: Use Drones to Sell a Home" />A picture is worth a thousand words. In the world of real estate, a good percentage of buyers are <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/buying.php" target="_blank">searching online for a buyers guide for their next home</a>. New technologies, such as drones, have advanced to a level as to be applicable to the post-construction stage, helping owners and agents market residential real estate.
Understand more about how drone technology may benefit sellers and agents with luxury homes.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
What Are Drones?
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones are able to capture images of sites and property. They have been used in site assessments, but also have been applied when it comes to gathering aerial images for marketing, with pictures at angles and heights that can showcase features not easily observable at the ground level. Those who are planning to incorporate drones when taking images of a home for sale may want to check on any restrictions that may apply in a local area. Real estate agents appreciate the film quality that is provided by drone technology with aerial technology being successfully used to sell properties in areas such as the Hamptons, New Jersey, the Hudson Valley and Connecticut.
Can Drones Help Sell a Home?
<a href="https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-use-drones-to-do-stunning-aerial-photography/" target="_blank">Drone aerial photography</a> has been used on properties listed from $1 million to $30 million. Buyers appreciate the additional viewpoints of the property. Agents have successfully sold multi-million dollar homes with aerial photography as part of their marketing.
Aerial photography can help agents differentiate themselves and help well-maintained luxury homes stand out. With the rapid evolution of technology, sellers and agents can offer buyers new experiences as part of the search for a home. High-resolution photos and quality content are often seen on professional websites and can help sellers and their agents move properties. Images that can provide a thorough and enticing virtual walk-through of the property can help attract more qualified buyers.
New Technologies Used to Sell Homes
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/spokane-eagleridge.php" target="_blank">Eagle Ridge home sellers</a> need to partner with agents who are at the top of their game. Agents with professional websites, showing authority in their niche, and using advanced technologies, in addition to having a solid social following, will be more likely to provide more details on which approaches may best help a seller as they go to list a home. New technologies, such as drones, can help capture more accurate images along with the imaginations of prospective buyers in a buyer's market.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
2019-03-21T12:28:00-07:002020-10-29T07:43:04-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3359The Danger of Making a FSBO Home SaleThe Danger of Making a FSBO Home Sale<br /><br />
<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/uploads/agent-1/why-you-should-not-sell-your-home-yourself.jpg" alt="What You Need to Know About Selling as a FSBO" />Selling a home is a long and involved process that involves complex tasks like marketing, negotiating and filling out legal forms. To help with this process, many homeowners will enlist the help of a real estate agent. Those who try to sell on their own, without help from a real estate agent, may encounter problems. Understanding the process and what can happen without a real estate professional can help you decide whether working with a real estate agent is the right thing for you.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
The Role of a Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent representing a home seller facilitates the home buying process to ensure that the home sells for a good price. Here's what most real estate agents do to keep the home selling process moving smoothy:
Marketing
When a home is listed for sale, it must be <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/home-marketing/" target="_blank">marketed to potential buyers</a>. The listing is worded so that it touches upon the most important features for home buyers. Pictures in the listing must be attractive and numerous, to make the home as enticing as possible. Real estate agents work with buyers to create a strong listing that is available to buyers on many platforms.
In addition to the listing, there are many other ways to market a home. A good real estate agent knows how to leverage social media and how to start a mailing campaign to attract buyers. Good real estate agents use these skills to <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/house-for-sale-4-ways-to-sell-your-home-faster/" target="_blank">market the home</a> to buyers in the community and in surrounding communities.
Setting the Price and Negotiating
It is the responsibility of the real estate agent is to assist the seller in negotiations with the potential buyer. Real estate agents have special training that help them get the best price for the person selling their home. Working with a real estate agent typically enables home buyers to make the most money off of their home sale.
Dangers of Selling Without a Real Estate Professional
The <a href="https://www.angieslist.com/articles/problems-sale-owner.htm" target="_blank">dangers of selling a home without a real estate professional</a> are numerous. Many homeowners have a hard time determining how much their home is worth, and thus run the risk of pricing their home incorrectly. This could cause the home sale to take much longer than necessary, and could even result in a loss of profit.
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/libertylake-legacyridge.php" target="_blank">Selling a Legacy Ridge home</a> requires a home seller to fill out many complex legal documents. If the documents are not properly filled out, this could cause the home sale to fall apart in the middle of the escrow period. Filing out disclosures incorrectly could even result in problems for the seller after the home has changed owners. A good real estate agent can help ensure that the home sale will go smoothly.
Homeowners who are thinking about selling their home as a for sale by owner must do a lot of research. What is a fair price? What can be done to make a home more desirable to home buyers? How long does it take to sell a home without a real estate professional? These are the questions homeowners must ask when trying to decide if they are going to sell the home on their own.
Get Started Selling Your Home Today
If you're a homeowner who would like to sell your home, get started by contacting a real estate professional. A good real estate agent can answer your questions about selling a home in your area.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
2019-03-08T09:47:00-07:002020-10-29T07:45:56-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3354Homeowners Guide to Selling a Home As a Short SaleHomeowners Guide to Selling a Home As a Short Sale<br /><br />
<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/uploads/agent-1/what-is-a-short-sale.jpg" alt="Everything You Need to Know About Short Sales" />A short sale happens when a homeowner tries to sell a home for less than the amount owed on the mortgage. Short sales usually happen as a last resort, when a homeowner is in financial distress and is struggling to make mortgage payments. Short sales are common among homeowners who are underwater on their mortgage.
Homeowners who are experiencing financial distress and who aren't familiar with the short sale process should understand what they're getting into before they begin this kind of real estate transaction. Here's what you need to know.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional or attorney before proceeding with any short sale real estate transaction.
How Does the Short Sale Process Work?
The <a href="https://www.thebalance.com/what-does-an-approved-short-sale-mean-1799101" target="_blank">short sale process</a> works like this: a homeowner is experiencing financial distress and wants to sell their house. For whatever reason, the homeowner believes they would have a hard time selling the home for the amount that they owe on their mortgage.
The house is listed for sale for the amount that the home can realistically get on the market. Once an offer is made, accepted and signed, the seller's agent sends the offer as part of a package to the seller's bank. Usually this package includes all the information in the offer, and <a href="https://www.thebalancesmb.com/short-sale-hardship-letter-2124839" target="_blank">a letter explaining why the homeowner is in hardship</a>.
The buyer must wait, often for months, to hear back from the bank. During that time, the buyer may cancel their offer or <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/things-to-know-about-buying-a-new-home/" target="_blank">look at other homes for sale</a>. If the buyer has not canceled the offer when it is finally accepted, then the sale may proceed.
What Is the Bank's Incentive to Approve a Short Sale?
Banks often lose money on short sales, so it's up to the homeowner to make a good case to the bank. That said, for most homeowners, if a short sale doesn't work the next step is usually a foreclosure. Foreclosure may cost banks even more money than short sales, and can last for many years. Short sales, while they do lose the banks money, are often over faster than short sales.
How is a Short Sale Different from a Foreclosure?
Short sales are different from foreclosure because they're directed and initiated by the homeowner. The homeowner, who is having a hard time making payments, writes to the bank to seek permission to sell their home. Short sales have a detrimental effect on a homeowner's credit, but not as detrimental as a foreclosure. In fact, in some cases, it's possible for a homeowner to sell their home as a short sale and almost immediately purchase a new house.
A foreclosure occurs when the <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/spokane-morningside.php" target="_blank">Morningside Heights homeowner</a> stops making payments to the bank, and as a result, the bank begins the foreclosure process. If the foreclosure goes from start to finish, the homeowner will eventually be forced to leave the house. It can take banks years to move through all the steps from the first notices to the actual eviction. Once the foreclosure has occurred, it can take many years for the derogatory mark to disappear from the homeowner's credit report.
Short sales typically take about a year from start to finish. Although this is not a very speedy process when the homeowner considers how fast a home can sell through the normal market, short sales can be quite fast compared to the foreclosure process.
Tips to Sell Your Home as a Short Sale
Homeowners who want to sell their home as a short sale should work hard to maintain their property. It's common for homeowners who are in financial distress to fall behind on home improvements and cosmetic updates. This can make selling the property even more difficult.
Although some buyers are attracted to short sales because they're often a good deal, many home buyers are deterred from buying short sale properties because of the condition of the property. Others are deterred from buying short sale properties because they know that the process is lengthy and complex.
Homeowners who maintain their yard, keep their home clean and make repairs whenever possible may find it easier to sell their home when the time comes. Working with a real estate agent can help as well. A good real estate agent can help the homeowner decide which home improvements are the best ones to make, given a limited budget.
If you're a homeowner who is thinking about selling your home as a short sale, contact a reputable real estate agent with experience selling homes as short sales. Working with a reputable real estate agent throughout the short sale process is crucial to the success of the home sale.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
2019-01-18T10:40:00-07:002020-10-29T07:48:25-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:33495 Marketing Tips to Help You Sell Your Home5 Marketing Tips to Help You Sell Your Home<br /><br />
<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/uploads/agent-1/marketing-home-for-sale.jpg" alt="How to Market a Home to Sell for a Higher Price" />Most homeowners don't think of their property as a product or a brand, which is why so many sellers discount how marketing can help them get a better price for their home. And yet, while a house isn't the same as a bar of soap or a pair of socks, there are principles of selling that homeowners can use to tempt buyers to make a higher offer than they otherwise would have. Learn more about the principles of marketing that can help <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/spokane-eagleridge.php" target="_blank">Eagle Ridge home sellers</a> net a better price.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Ensure Your Home is Priced Competitively
Setting a price is more than just <a href="https://www.thebalance.com/pricing-houses-to-sell-1798968" target="_blank">checking the average price </a>of the homes sold in the area and then merging that number with that of the appraisal. The persona of buyers is different in every area and a seller's strategy needs to reflect this. Setting the price too high can turn people off immediately while setting it too low can attract discount shoppers only. Even if the price can be raised and lowered as time goes by, the original number still serves as a powerful anchor for people. Plus, sellers who continue to drop the price can come across as desperate or untrustworthy for setting it so high in the first place.
Advertise Your Home on Social Media Groups
A For Sale sign on the lawn and a listing on the MLS may be a good place to begin for sellers, but there are other ways to find buyers if they know where to look. For example, there are plenty of custom social media groups designed for those looking for a home in certain areas. It's here where buyers can swap stories, learn of new properties, and form a collective base of knowledge that anyone can draw from. The more sellers can learn from these groups, the better they can market their homes by highlighting the best traits of their property. So if the main buying demographic happens to be retirees, sellers can showcase how their spare bedroom can be turned into the perfect home library.
Utilize Quality Home Photography
Professional photos and videos take buyers into the home and point out the angles and possibilities they may miss when they first tour it. A professional real estate photographer can really show the home in its best light, rearranging furniture and experimenting with the space to really tempt a buyer with its potential. Photographers can also decide how to brand the home, showing the home as a rustic paradise or a modern marvel. (Social media groups can help sellers figure out which styles are in demand.) Finally, video footage of the home from a drone can help buyers see the home itself and the rest of the neighborhood. This can immediately help the buyer become attached to the home for stronger home showings.
Use Virtual Reality on Your Home Listing
A virtual reality (VR) tour allows the buyer to tour the home without <a href="https://www.transported.co/" target="_blank">leaving the comfort</a> of their real estate agent's office. It's a chance for sellers to take a deeper dive into the personality of the home, showing even more dimension and character than even the best aerial or video footage could. Sellers can design one tour on a virtual reality platform to cut down on the number of home showings they have to give. This technology is primarily being used for luxury homes because of its cost right now, but sellers should note that the cost of this technology falls every year. A VR tour can also be a way to really help a home distinguish itself if it's in a crowded area.
Hire an Experienced Real Estate Agent
An experienced real estate agent is the key to tying all of the marketing of a home sale together:
Professional connections: Real estate agents know the photographers, videographers, and drone operators that can really capture the essence of the home.
Informal and formal experience: Not only can a real estate agent dissect the price nuances behind the MLS, but they can also tell you the common threads they see among the buyers in the area. They guide sellers in the beginning stages of the sale to set them up for success.
Going the extra mile: The right real estate agent isn't afraid of a little extra work to get the home out into the public eye. Whether it's setting up a VR tour or designing a website for the home, they're willing to do what it takes.
Marketing a home may not be a straightforward task, but when it's done successfully, it can truly boost the price of a home (especially in <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/how-to-maximize-your-homes-sale-price-in-a-buyers-market/" target="_blank">a competitive buyer's market</a>). These five tips can help sellers showcase and market their home so they can get the offers they want.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
2018-11-30T11:53:00-07:002020-10-29T07:53:03-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3343Own Pets? Tips for Home SellersOwn Pets? Tips for Home Sellers<br /><br />
<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/uploads/agent-1/sell-with-pets.jpg" alt="Own Pets? Selling Your Home? These Tips Can Help" />When the time comes to <a href="https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/what-every-pet-owner-must-know-about-selling-a-home" target="_blank">sell the house</a>, many pet owners are left wondering what to do about their furry friend. Will buyers purchase a home formerly occupied by an animal? What can home buyers do to make their house marketable for animal and non-animal lovers? These tips can help.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Repair Pet Damage
Some pets are destructive, often unintentionally. This damage needs to be repaired <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/how-homeowners-can-make-their-house-shine-during-a-home-showing/" target="_blank">before the first showing</a>. Homes that have a distinctive pet odor can be freshened up if they're aired out properly. This usually involves deodorizing carpet and upholstery and then opening the windows to let in fresh air.
Scratches left behind by the pet, either on floors, walls or doorways, should be repainted or refinished. Even furniture that shows scratches should be replaced with furniture that isn't.
Downplay the Pet Presence
The best way to <a href="https://www.thebalance.com/selling-a-house-with-pets-at-home-1799082" target="_blank">present a house where a pet lives</a> is to downplay the presence of the pet so that only attractive reminders remain. For example, the food and water dish tend to be messy accessories that can be hidden away before a buyer comes to the house. Toys too should be put in a bin where they are out of sight. However, a leather leash that is in good condition left hanging casually by the door is a subtle reminder that the house is an inclusive, pet-friendly space. Similarly, a cookie jar of pet treats left on the counter will serve the same purpose.
Home sellers must remove any pet feces from the yard, and clean any litter boxes before the buyers come to the house. It's also important to vacuum and deep clean thoroughly before the house is seen by buyers, as some buyers may have allergies.
Keep Pets Away During Showings
Pets themselves can be a distraction (or even a liability) during showings. Leaving the dog in the backyard is not enough, as this could leave buyers feeling like they should stay away from the property's green space. If the showing is going to be short, it's probably enough just to go on a walk around the neighborhood with the pet. For an open house, buyers can send their pets to be with relatives or friends.
Work With Your Real Estate Agent
A good real estate agent can work with pet owners to ensure that their <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/spokane-eagleridge.php" target="_blank">Eagle Ridge home</a> is in good condition for a sale. If you're a pet owner who would like to sell your house, work with a real estate professional to make your house ready to list. To get started, contact an experienced real estate agent today.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
2018-10-12T08:09:00-07:002020-10-29T07:56:32-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3325How to Pack for MovingHow to Pack for Moving<br /><br />
<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/home-moving-tips.jpg" alt="Moving Tips That Make Packing Easier" />Moving into a new home can be a daunting challenge for those homeowners who do not properly prepare themselves. Packing up an entire home before moving takes time, patience, and a plan. It is easy to become overwhelmed with the task of relocating an entire household, especially if buying and selling a home is involved. These tips help sellers organize the process for maximum efficiency.
Start Early
Anyone who has gone through a recent move will probably agree that they did not have enough time to <a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2013/08/30/home-design-pack-fast-move-fast-with-these-12-tips/" target="_blank">pack properly</a>. Even if people start weeks or months in advance, they can still count on a little stress at the end, trying to get everything done. This underscores the importance of beginning as early as possible. Packing the least-used items, like out of season gear and décor, is an easy way to gain momentum. Sellers can consider renting a storage unit to help them pack up and store their items during the transition.
Stay Organized
The average home might have 100 boxes or more once the move is complete. Just as home sellers need to <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/what-paperwork-do-you-need-for-a-home-sale/" target="_blank">keep necessary paperwork in line</a> when selling their homes, keeping a level of organization while moving will make it easier to find things in the new home. Sellers should label all boxes and bins clearly. They may want to give themselves enough time to sort items before packing, so that they do not move belongings that they no longer want to keep. Using brightly-colored duct tape assigned to specific rooms helps movers identify where each box should go.
Balance Moving Out and Moving In
Although packing could easily take up many days of a home seller's time, they also need to prepare to move into their new home. Each day, sellers should invest some time into changing services over, <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/set-up-utilities-before-you-move-2435811" target="_blank">opening accounts</a> for the new home as needed, and working on a smooth transition. They should make a checklist of topics they need to cover, such as:
health care
schooling
work
finances
governmental (e.g. driver's licenses, taxes)
utilities
online services and deliveries
Some processes take a few weeks to complete, so they should start at least a couple of weeks before the move.
Keep Priorities Straight
In the last week or so, things can get really stressful. <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/libertylake-legacyridge.php" target="_blank">Legacy Ridge</a> sellers could easily lose sight of their packing goals when they get caught up on shopping for the new home, or vice versa. People who stay focused on the things that need the most energy will find that moving day passes with fewer fretful moments. Each evening, sellers should make a to-do list for the next day. This will help them to remember what needs to get done, and which tasks demand the highest priority.
Selling a home and moving carries a heavy workload, even for people who are not planning to shift boxes on their own. When sellers use these moving tips, they can make the whole move run better.
2018-04-20T09:33:00-07:002020-10-29T08:06:02-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3287Pets & Showings: Proactive Management Tips for a Less Stressful Home Sale!<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/pet-showings.jpg" alt="Showing a Home When You Have Pets" /> Waiting for a home to move through the sale process from listing to closing can be nerve-wracking, even when no major issues arise. But for homes with one or more family pets, trying to keep the home clean and attractively organized for each buyer visit can seem just as stressful as the actual sale process. Home owners who are planning to list their homes for sale soon and are worrying about whether their <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/selling-your-home-when-you-own-dogs/" target="_blank">pets may affect their successful sale</a> can use these tips keep their home ready for showings and their pets happy and healthy, too.
Eliminate Odors and Pet-related Damages
Even well-loved pets can leave their mark on a home, with odors, damage or both. This means that pet owners who are planning to sell their home must be willing to take extra steps to ensure their home is free of any <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/removing_pet_stains_odors.html" target="_blank">unpleasant odors</a>, claw marks, stains, or other damage. Since pet odors may not be noticeable to those who live in the home, it can be very helpful to have someone who doesn't own a pet visit the home and sniff out any odor issues that may be lingering there.
Old pet urine stains on carpet or flooring are one of the worst offenders when it comes to lingering odors. In some cases, bacteria-eating pet odor removers can help to remove these old smells. Other odor-removal options that may be necessary include:
repainting rooms where pets spend a lot of time and have left lingering odors or visible damage
having carpeting professionally cleaned and deodorized
removing damaged or odorous carpeting and padding and replacing them with new carpet or a hard surface flooring that may be more odor-resistant
instituting daily cleaning schedules for cat litter boxes
In addition to the interior pet odor removal tips listed above, it is important to also remember to pick up and dispose of dog feces from outdoor areas and frequently hose down any areas where the family dog urinates to help wash away unpleasant odors.
Clean Signs of Shedding
Pet hair builds up quickly on furniture, bedding, and on floor surfaces in the home. In order to keep pet hair from potentially derailing a home sale, sellers should consider making pet hair removal part of their daily routine by:
vacuuming living areas and high traffic areas each day or employing a robotic vacuuming appliance to do so
using old sheets to cover upholstery where pets like to lay that can be quickly removed and stashed away immediately before prospective buyers arrive to view the home
brushing the pet each day to remove excess loose hair that would otherwise end up on the couch, bed, or floor
Appeal to People Without Pets
While it can be hard for a pet loving family to fathom, many people do not want to share their home with a pet. Since selling the home is the main objective, it is important to make sure it also appeals to the buyers who do not have or want a house pet. To do this, home sellers should consider:
clearing away pet bowls, toys, and bedding before a showing
putting away pet kennels, leashes, and other pet equipment during showings
removing all pets from the home during showing appointments by either taking them for a walk or drive, or by asking a pet-friendly neighbor to babysit them
If the pet must be left in the home during a showing, it is important that sellers try to protect the animal from stress or danger by kenneling them in secluded area of the home. This will help prospective buyers view the home without worrying about being bitten or accidentally allowing the pet to stray through an open door.
Home owners with pets should also check with their insurance agent before putting the home on the market. If the home insurance policy does not offer <a href="https://www.realtor.com/advice/finance/premises-liability-lawsuit" target="_blank">liability</a> coverage for any harm caused by the pet, such as biting or scratching a visitor to the home, home sellers are advised to consider purchasing additional coverage to protect them during the listing period.
Selling a home with pets can create challenges that must be overcome for a successful sale. Home sellers who want additional information to help them sell their pet-friendly home should take time to discuss the matter with their listing agent before putting the home on the market. Their agent will be able to guide them in preparing and marketing the home to make sure it appeals to all buyers and help the sellers overcome any specific issues they may be facing due to their pets.2018-03-16T10:02:00-07:002020-10-29T08:08:23-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3318How Homeowners Can Make Their House Shine During a Home ShowingHow Homeowners Can Make Their House Shine During a Home Showing<br /><br />
<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/home-showing-tips.jpg" alt="3 Tips for a Better Home Show" />When it comes to a home show, sellers have to be ready to compete with countless other homes for attention. The stress and repetition of searching can make it easy for buyers to mix up homes or to forget about them entirely. Even in a seller's market, a good home show can be the difference between 10% over the asking price and 15% over. Following a few simple tips can make it easier to strategize the best way to make a home really shine.
Outdoor Madness
If sellers had to choose one area to put their efforts into, the answer would unanimously be to give the home more curb appeal. This is because <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/real-estate/2012/07/29/21-staging-tips-for-selling-your-home-fast.html">a buyer's first impression</a> is often the one that sticks, so an impeccable yard is really the baseline for a good home sale. Concentrate on fixing the front step or porch, adding greenery or flowers to the walkway, or repainting the fence for maximum impact.
To Stage or Not to Stage?
Staging is usually most effective for luxury homes but it <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/home-staging-is-it-worth-the-cost/" target="_blank">can leave an impression on buyers</a> at every price range. The true purpose of staging is to encourage the buyer to picture themselves waking up, making dinner, or enjoying a relaxing evening in the home. This is a subtle but powerful experience that can make a buyer form an emotional attachment that leads to higher offers. Keep staging uncluttered and use neutral colors whenever possible. Also, remember to scale furniture to fit the size of the room so buyers aren't over- or underwhelmed.
Comfort Is King
No matter how stark a home's architecture may be, few buyers will be immune to the little touches that make a house a home. For elegant, <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/spokane-northwood.php" target="_blank">stately Northwood homes</a>, a cashmere throw on a chair or a few candles around the tub can be enough to spark the buyer's desire. Sellers should look at their home as a potential buyer rather than assuming their decor is enough to impress them.
Home shows give sellers a chance to put the best possible spotlight on their property, so they're truly encouraged not to short-change it. Be taking pride in a home during a home show, buyers can imagine themselves doing the same.
2018-02-23T09:28:00-07:002020-10-29T08:49:51-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3290Selling a Home With an In-Law Apartment<br /><br />
<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/in-law-selling.jpg" alt="How to Sell a Home that has an In-law Apartment" />In-law apartments are a desirable feature for many home buyers. A home with an in-law apartment can sell quickly and for a good price if the property is properly prepared, staged and marketed. Getting a home ready for home buyers before putting the house on the market can help the sale go more smoothly.
Make Sure Construction Is Permitted
Sometimes in-law apartments are added <a href="https://magazine.realtor/home-and-design/feature/article/2011/09/remodeling-don-t-forget-permit" target="_blank">without proper permits</a>. This can save homeowners money in the short term but cost homeowners when it’s time to sell. If you own a home with an unpermitted apartment, or if you’re not sure if the apartment was permitted when it was built, now is the time to look into the permit status and have the apartment permitted, if necessary.
Getting an apartment retroactively permitted may take a lot of legwork and cost a significant sum of money, however, an unpermitted apartment may cause even more trouble and expense when the house goes on the market. To find out whether or not an in-law apartment is properly permitted, or to find out how to get an in-law apartment permitted, contact the local city hall or building codes agency.
Stage the Apartment
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/how-to-stage-your-closets-to-make-buyers-swoon/" target="_blank">Staging</a> is an important part of marketing a home. If the in-law apartment is currently occupied by a tenant or member of the family, their cooperation may be important in order to stage the apartment and make it more appealing to buyers.
Organize the space. In-law apartments tend to be small. If the current occupant has a lot of stuff, this can lead to disorganization and a feeling of clutter. The best way to fix this problem is to de-clutter wherever possible and organize what cannot be removed. Use attractive baskets to keep items separated. Install open shelving on the walls to give yourself an extra place to put small items.
Clean thoroughly. Work with the person or people living in the apartment to clean the space from top to bottom. If the tenants that are currently living in the apartment are older, you may need to do this for them or hire a cleaning person.
Let in the light. Light will make the in-law apartment look larger and more spacious. To allow more light to enter the room, remove heavy drapes from the windows and leave up the sheers. Install more lamps to chase away shadows.
Make basic repairs. If the in-law apartment is currently occupied by an older person who is physically unable to make basic repairs, the apartment may need a little maintenance before the house is put on the market. Go through the apartment with the person living in it to find out what needs to be fixed, then make the repairs yourself or get a handyman.
Remove the boxes. Some homeowners use their in-law apartments as a storage instead of living quarters. Rooms full of boxes and clutter are unattractive and can make the space look small. Before putting a house on the market, clear the boxes out of the in-law apartment and put them into storage, if necessary. This may leave the in-law apartment completely empty, but it’s better than showing it while full of boxes.
Throw In the Extra Furniture
If the apartment is currently empty but still contains furniture from a previous occupant, consider <a href="https://www.coldwellbanker.com/blog/selling-a-furnished-home-advantages-and-disadvantages-to-consider/" target="_blank">including the furniture with the sale</a> of the home. This puts less pressure on the home buyer to find furniture to fill the space and makes the in-law apartment almost move-in ready. This could lead to a faster sale and may even boost the price of the home.
Make Age-in-Place Upgrades
Age-in-place upgrades can help ensure the home will appeal to buyers with aging parents. Some common age-in-place upgrades include:
Curbless showers.
Grip bars in the shower.
Extra lighting in the bathroom, to prevent slips and falls.
Installation of carpeting to prevent slips and falls.
Installation of non-slip flooring in the bathroom and kitchen area.
Lever-style door handles.
Shower seating
Lighting in the closets.
Many of these upgrades are a bonus even for younger occupants and can make a home more attractive to buyers of all ages.
Work With a Real Estate Agent to Craft a Proper Listing
Once the in-law apartment is ready, the house must be properly listed. Work with a real estate agent to ensure that the home is properly listed and the in-law apartment is adequately described in the listing. A real estate agent will be able to create a listing that will attract buyers and lead to a faster sale.
2017-06-16T09:50:00-07:002020-10-29T08:28:26-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3285Proactive Tips to Prepare for a Home Inspection<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/proactive-selling.jpg" alt="How Sellers can Prepare for a Home Inspection" /> Some sellers spend a lot of time getting their homes ready for the real estate market. Cleaning, organizing, de-cluttering, and landscaping is hard work, but since these tasks usually pay off with a faster sale and higher offers, most homeowners are willing to do them. Unfortunately, some stop short of going the extra mile to make sure that their home will not only get the best possible offers from qualified buyers but will also have a better chance of sailing right through the dreaded <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/home-inspections-what-should-buyers-expect/" target="_blank">buyer inspection process</a>, where unknown or ignored condition issues can cost the sellers money or even the entire sale.
Start With the Disclosures
Blank spaces and vague answers on a <a href="https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/full-disclosure-what-you-need-to-tell-buyers-about-your-home/">seller's disclosure</a> document will likely just create unwarranted confusion on the part of both the buyer and their home inspector. Instead, sellers should strive to give concise, factual answers to each question on the form and use warranties, repair bills, and other documentation to make sure that the scopes of any repairs or renovations made, as well as the dates and other factors are factual and properly disclosed.
If the seller has access to specific details that will make the home inspector's job easier, leaving copies of this information for the inspector on the kitchen counter or dining room table with an explanatory note can be beneficial to the buyer. Some examples of this type of helpful information includes <a href="https://www.sco.wisc.edu/maps/platbooks-land-ownership-maps/" target="_blank">plat maps</a> of the property, copies of the survey, copies of diagrams showing the location of electrical circuits, access panels, plumbing and sewage pipes, water wells, septic tanks, and drain fields.
Consider Having the Home Pre-Inspected
Another possible way to prepare the home is to have a pre-inspection done. This will allow the seller to determine if there are any repair or condition issues that need to be addressed before the home is actually listed for sale. In many cases, a pre-inspection may help sellers see issues that they may not have realized could be a problem when selling, such as a tree that has become too large and now rubs on the home or the lack of a proper <a href="https://www.bobvila.com/articles/333-know-the-rules-for-finished-basements/">egress</a> in a basement bedroom.
Sellers should remember, however, that if any serious defects are noted, they will need to be disclosed on the seller's disclosure, even when the seller plans to fix them before listing. For more information on filling out the seller's disclosure document or about what types of issues must be disclosed, sellers should take time to discuss the matter with their listing agent well before the listing date or the first showing.
Make the Home Accessible on the Day of Inspections
When the buyer's home inspector arrives to inspect a seller's home, they will have their equipment (camera, flashlight, clipboard, and sometimes a ladder), as well as usually being accompanied by the buyers and their agent. All these tools of the trade, as well as the accompaniment of a few extra people can make it more difficult for them to move about your home to do a proper inspection. Sellers can help make the inspector (and the buyers) feel more comfortable and more able to work more conveniently by making sure that all areas they will need to access are cleared and well-lit. Some of these areas include:
hallways, sidewalks, porches, decks, and doorways
electrical access panels
attic access points and the closets or areas where these are located
cabinetry under kitchen and bathroom sinks where plumbing pipes are located
areas around the home's main systems and components, including furnaces, water heaters, major appliances, well pumps, pressure tanks, and water shut off valves
the home's windows, vents, drains, and doorways
the exterior walls of the home
In addition to the areas listed above, sellers should also make sure that there is a properly cleared area where the inspector can set up their ladder safely to gain access to the roof. If there are dogs, cats, or other pets in the home, they should also be properly restrained or removed from the home so that the inspector can work without worrying about being bitten or accidentally letting a cat escape from the home.
Sellers who have their home pre-inspected and correct any issues found, while also working to make sure their buyer's home inspector can do their job as easily and safely as possible are taking positive actions that can benefit their overall home selling experience.
Listing agents are an excellent source of helpful tips and information for preparing a home for the inspection process, including guiding sellers to local, reputable repair contractors, when needed. Doing a bit of extra work to prepare for the home inspection can pay off in an easier sales transaction and more profit at the closing table. 2017-04-21T10:49:00-07:002020-10-29T08:25:34-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3278Tax Liens and Title Issues: What Every Home Seller Must Know<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/lien-and-title-issues.jpg" alt="Resolving Issues During Home Selling" /> Selling a home successfully in today's competitive real estate landscape requires making sure that it looks its best along with the help of a skilled, experienced listing agent who can finesse the marketing process for maximum appeal.
Occasionally, however, the process of selling a home also requires knowing how to overcome serious hurdles, such as tax liens and title issues.
What is a Tax Lien on a Home?
Any taxing authority, including cities, counties, states, and the federal government can usually place a tax lien on a home. And in many states and locations, Home Owner Associations (HOAs) may also place a tax lien on a home when there are unpaid HOA fees.
Tax liens are filed with the county where the home is located and serve as a notice to the public that the homeowner has an unpaid debt. It is important to understand that a tax lien differs from a tax levy in that the lien is simply a legal claim, while a tax levy allows for actual seizure of the property.
Can Homeowners Sell a Home With a Tax Lien?
Since tax liens are only a legal claim, homeowners whose property has become subject to one can usually move ahead to sell their home. It is important to remember, however, that the tax lien will need to be either paid in full or <a href="https://loans.usnews.com/what-to-do-if-you-get-a-tax-lien-on-your-house" target="_blank">resolved in some other manner</a> before the title will transfer to the new owners.
To determine how to do this, the seller should consult the taxing authority before actually listing the home and will need to continue to work closely with them throughout the entire sales process to make sure that all conditions are met and the lien will be satisfied in full so the home will close.
What are Title Issues?
Title issues, sometime called defects in title, clouds on the title or title defects, relate to a home or other real estate that can include a wide variety of issues, including tax liens (as mentioned above), as well as:
judgments against an owner of the property for unpaid credit obligations, child or spousal support arrearages, or other debts
encroachments such as boundary line disputes or survey issues
mechanic's liens <a href="https://realestate.findlaw.com/owning-a-home/understanding-mechanic-s-liens.html" target="_blank">placed on the property by a contractor or laborer</a> when bills for home repairs or renovations were not paid as agreed
identity issues, such as when the owner's name is incorrectly listed on the title, or some other discrepancy is found regarding identity
issues where a former spouse or relative no longer has legal claim to the property but is still shown as an owner or similar issues arising from a divorce, death, or other change in ownership status that may have been incorrectly handled or recorded
Can a Home With Title Issues be Listed and Sold?
While most homes with title issues can still be placed on the market for sale, sellers should know that having any type of title issue can result in delays in closing. Any title issues that require funds to clear up may need to be deducted from closing proceeds or paid out of pocket, while other issues will need to be resolved before the title can be cleared and transferred to the new owner.
To minimize delays and embarrassment, sellers who can cure title issues before listing their home will likely be able to enjoy a better sales experience. Sellers who need to pay any costs associated with curing liens or other issues from their closing proceeds can usually do so by working with the party who placed the lien and the title company to arrange for this type of direct payment. It is important to <a href="http://www.findwell.com/blog/selling-a-home/clearing-up-title-issues-before-you-sell-home/" target="_blank">verify all liens</a> and costs before arranging payment because it is not unusual to find cases where the seller has already paid them, but the lien was never properly removed.
Title issues relating to survey issues, boundary encroachments, or disputes have the potential to result in lengthy delays for sellers who want to sell their home. In some cases, issues of this type may require a new survey be performed or some type of agreement be reached with the other landowner before the sale can move forward.
What Should Homeowners do to Protect Themselves?
Homeowners who want to ensure that there are no liens or title issues on their property that may interfere with their future home sale should speak with their real estate professional about their situation well before placing their home on the market. Their agent will be able to help them find and obtain more information through a reputable title company or real estate attorney in their immediate area. 2017-02-22T16:13:00-07:002020-10-29T08:20:13-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3277Considering a Major Home Addition or Renovation Before Selling?<br /><br /><img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/making-big-home-renovations.jpg" alt="Home Repairs and Maintenance" /> Home owners who plan to sell their home often wonder what they should do about making improvements before putting it on the market.
While most sellers already know that making relatively minor improvements, such as cosmetic updates like new paint and deep cleaning, are usually necessary before listing to better compete with other homes, many may feel unsure of whether or not they need to invest in more expensive upgrades, such as adding another bedroom, bathroom, or additional square footage for more living space.
Understanding the Cost vs. the Value of Home Improvements
<a href="https://magazine.realtor/home-and-design/cost-vs-value/article/2015/01/2015-remodeling-cost-vs-value-less-more" target="_blank">According to recent information</a> published by the National Association of Realtors®, large, expensive home improvement projects may not be the best way to a buyer's heart - or to get their signature on a purchase offer. Instead, sellers who focus on making smaller, less costly improvements can be far more likely to see a better cost vs. value ratio.
For example, the statistics show a relatively small investment of about $1,200 dollars to <a href="http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/entry-door-replacement-steel?y=2015" target="_blank">replace an entry door</a> recouped 101.8% of the cost at the time of sale, while a much more costly <a href="http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/master-suite-addition?y=2015" target="_blank">master suite addition</a> only recouped 61.7% of its $111,245 average cost. These numbers clearly show that buyers may not be interested in paying for expensive upgrades that they do not perceive to be valuable enough to cover the costs, especially when other more competitive homes are available.
Smaller Upgrades Worth Considering
Sellers who want to make their homes compete more effectively with other homes for sale in their market area can often get more bang for their buck by doing several smaller upgrades, instead of just one that is much more expensive. With buyers continuing a long standing tradition of looking for updated kitchens and bathrooms, sellers may want to consider spending a portion of their renovation budget in these two areas of the home.
Some budget stretching options for these improvements include:
replacing tired counter tops
replacing fixtures and appliances
replacing outdated lighting fixtures and adding task lighting to freshen the room
replacing worn flooring
adding a fixed or moveable kitchen island to expand work surface space
updating tile
In addition to kitchen and bathroom improvements, sellers who make small improvements designed to improve curb appeal, such as replacing damaged or ugly siding or replacing a dented garage door often see significant benefit from these expenditures.
When Major Renovations Can Pay
There are some times, however, when making more major renovations can be a wise consideration for homeowners who are planning to sell. An excellent example of this would include homes that have only one or two bedrooms or a single bathroom. If these homes are competing against others that have at least three bedrooms and a bath and a half or two full bathrooms, buyers may ignore them or discount their value when making offers. Renovations to add a bedroom or bathroom in these instances can make the home much more competitive, while potentially still making it possible for the seller to recoup their cost at the time of sale.
Major Upgrades to Avoid
While sellers who expend the time and money to make wise improvements can expect to make their home compete better and sell more quickly, there are some upgrades that sellers will want to avoid. These include any that will greatly increase the value of their home when compared to other competing homes in the area. <a href="https://www.dwslaterco.com/single-post/2016/06/29/5-Ways-to-Over-Improve-Your-Property-and-Why-You-Want-to-Avoid-It" target="_blank">Doing this is called over-improving</a> your home, and unless the owner plans to stay in the home for many years, it becomes very unlikely that the expense can be recouped at the time of sale.
Other examples of costly upgrades sellers should avoid include adding an expensive in-ground pools, water features, and spas right before the sale. Buyers often see these improvements as turnoffs, due to concerns about maintenance costs or safety, if they have small children.
To make sure they are making the best use of their renovation budget and to make sure that there is no risk of over-improving the home, owners should always consider consulting with their estate agent before signing off on any projects. Their agent can use current market data, including recently listed and sold homes from their neighborhood, to clearly illustrate local home values and help sellers determine how to maximize their renovation budget and get an optimal return on their investment.2017-02-07T17:34:00-07:002020-10-29T08:19:34-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3276Selling Your Home When You Own Dogs<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/dog-in-home-for-sale.jpg" alt="Dog Owner Tips for Selling Home" /> Selling a home when you own dogs can be a challenge. Odors, scratches, pet hair and other reminders of animals can lead to lower offers and can make selling your home take longer if you don't take action.
As a homeowner trying to sell a property, the best thing you can do is keep your dogs separated from the selling process by removing visible evidence of their existence. Here are a few tips to follow:
Repair Pet Damage
Dogs can do a lot of damage to your property over time. Holes and stains in the carpet, chew marks on the walls, scratches on hardwood and other problems with your home’s structure can build up over time.
Make a list of all the damage that you can find in your home <a href="https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/decorating/how-to-repair-wood-furniture-that-has-been-chewed-by-a-pet" target="_blank">and make what repairs you can</a>. As you’re looking for damage, examine your furnishings as well as the home’s structure. Your furniture may not be included in the price of the house, however, getting rid of scratches and chew marks is still an important part of staging your home.
Fix the Yard
Some dogs like to tear up the yard, so your lawn could need some fixing as well. Dead grass, bare patches on the lawn, holes in the dirt and damage to fence will all need to be repaired. Growing grass can take a little time, so it’s best to do this several weeks before putting your home up for sale.
Dig out any dead patches and lay new sod or spread new grass seed as soon as possible. Keep the grass wet while it takes hold and begins to grow. If your pet is potty trained to use these areas on your lawn, you may need to re-train your pet to use a more discrete location or the new grass may not survive.
Remove Odors
Carpets and upholstery have a way of absorbing pet odors. This is especially true in locations where your pet likes to sleep or lounge with the family. These odors can give your house an unclean smell that can be unappealing to home buyers.
Use carpet and upholstery deodorizers to remove old odors and freshen your home. Areas where your pet sleeps or lounges may need to be shampooed before deodorizing. Use a carpet rake to remove hidden pet hair in your carpeting. If you’re selling your home when the weather is warm, open your windows as frequently as possible to let in fresh air.
Change the Filters on Your HVAC System
Your home’s HVAC filter cleans the air that flows through the ducts. Many homeowners fail to <a href="https://www.gilmanheatingandcooling.com/learn-more/blog/72-replace-air-filters-regularly" target="_blank">replace the filter on a regular basis</a>, which leads your home’s HVAC system to circulate dirty air throughout your home. To cut back on pet hair and pet dander, change the filter in your HVAC system.
To do this, turn off your HVAC system through the thermostat. The filter will most likely be located in a slot between the blower and the return air duct. Remove the old filter and use it to buy a new identical filter at the hardware store. Once you’ve installed the new filter, you can turn on the HVAC system again.
Put Away Pet Accessories
Dog beds, pet toys, leashes and other pet accessories can make your home seem cluttered and small. Put away your pet accessories during showings. If you own items that can't easily be hidden, like a large dog crate, <a href="https://petgearlab.com/best-pet-hair-vacuum" target="_blank">clean it thoroughly</a> and then cover it with an attractive throw blanket. Keep pet items that aren't hidden in discrete locations, like in a corner of an unimportant room.
Clean Up Around Your Pet’s Dish
Dogs aren’t always tidy eaters or drinkers. Put your dog’s food dish in a part of the house that is not obvious or visible to visitors, then make a point of cleaning up around your pet’s food dish and water bowl whenever there is a showing.
Vacuum Before Showings
Dog hair can trigger <a href="http://dogtime.com/how-to/home-cleaning/3487-get-pet-hair-off-and-out-of-your-home" target="_blank">allergy symptoms in buyers with sensitivities</a>. To make visiting your home a more pleasant experience, vacuum and dust thoroughly before every showing. Remember to vacuum your home’s upholstery as well as the floors.
Keep Them Out of the House During Showings
Not all buyers will enjoy visiting a home with dogs inside, and not all dogs will welcome buyers onto their property. To avoid problems, send your dogs to a friend or neighbor’s house for showings. If you have no one to watch your dogs, take them for a walk around the neighborhood while buyers are on your property.
Speak with Your Agent
For more helpful suggestions, talk to your real estate agent. He or she can make more suggestions to ensure that your home will be attractive to buyers, and that your dogs will not interfere with the sale of your home.2017-01-30T18:12:00-07:002020-10-29T08:18:41-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3274Capturing Interest: What do Qualified Home Buyers Want?<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/home-buyer-target.jpg" alt="What Home Buyers are Looking For" /> The real estate market is huge, with millions of homes listed for sale each year. As a homeowner preparing to sell, you may be wondering how you can possibly compete for the attention your home needs from qualified buyers in order for you to successfully <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/ninemilefalls-suncrest.php" target="_blank">reach the closing table</a> and collect your proceeds check.
However, capturing buyer interest is much easier when sellers understand what buyers really want and then focus on fulfilling those needs. Here are some tips to help guide you through the process.
Accurate Pricing
It's true that some buyers are looking for bargains, but most just want to know that the homes they are considering are <a href="https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/6-rules-follow-pricing-home" target="_blank">fairly priced</a> and a good financial investment. Because of this, sellers should take pricing very seriously and work closely with their listing agents to make sure that their price is fair and accurate for the value the home represents in the local market.
Remember, most buyers begin their search by looking at homes in a specific price range, so it is extremely important for sellers to make sure their pricing accurate to attract and hold the interest of serious buyers.
A Properly Maintained Home
Another critical issue for most buyers, especially those that need to move quickly or have limited time or funds to make repairs, is finding a home that has been well-cared for and properly maintained. Sellers who offer detailed disclosure documents and records that reflect the time, date, and scope of any major repairs or renovations are offering attractive evidence that their home is in great shape and buyers will take notice.
Sellers who have lived in their home for years or have concerns about the condition of their home may want to begin with a <a href="https://magazine.realtor/daily-news/2013/09/23/how-sellers-can-save-with-prelisting-inspections" target="_blank">pre-marketing home inspection</a> to help them find and deal with any problems before the home is shown to buyers.
Attractive, Functional Kitchens and Bathrooms
Sellers do not have to pay for complete (and very expensive) kitchen or bath remodels to accommodate buyer desires for beautiful kitchens and bathrooms, but they should be willing to do some work to make these spaces as attractive as possible to prospective buyers.
The first step is to make sure that these spaces are fully functional by making sure that fixtures, flooring, and appliances are clean and in good repair. In addition, sellers should consider modest updates, such as fresh paint, new light fixtures, or new hardware to make these spaces feel newer and more attractive.
Enough Space
Although the so-called "McMansion" era of home building is now trending back toward smaller, more manageable homes, buyers still want to purchase a home that will offer adequate space for their household and lifestyle. Sellers who want to appeal to buyers on the issue of space should take time to make sure that excess furnishings, personal items, and decorative pieces are removed to make their homes appear as spacious as possible before putting them on the market.
Places to Work From Home
More buyers than ever before are looking for homes that offer suitable space for home offices and areas in which they can conduct a home business. Sellers who already have or can create home offices or other suitable work spaces in their home should make sure that they are included in the marketing plan for their home. Doing this will ensure that keyword-savvy buyers searching for these features can find them easily.
If there is no space inside the home for an office or workspace, sellers may be able to inexpensively transform a section of the garage or even an outside <a href="https://www.doityourself.com/stry/convert-a-storage-shed-into-a-home-office" target="_blank">storage shed</a> into a comfortable space for writers, artists, and home-based business owners and add more value to their homes by doing so.
For even more good ways to make your home and <a href="https://extremesurvival.net/2018/11/15/how-to-find-other-preppers-when-shtf-getting-land-storing-goods/" target="_blank">land more attractive to buyers</a>, sellers should always take time to discuss their thoughts with their real estate professional. Because they work with buyers each day, real estate brokers and agents are precisely positioned to offer valuable insight about the features and amenities buyers are actively searching to find.
In addition, sellers should remember to talk with their agents before undertaking any major renovations to the home. This will help to ensure that sellers choose designs, finishes, and colors that will be most appealing to buyers in their particular area.
#hw2017-01-19T12:14:00-07:002020-10-29T08:17:30-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3273Home Seller's Timeline: Preparing Your Home for Sale<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/home-preparation-schedule.jpg" alt="Getting Ready to List Your Home" /> If one of your goals for the new year includes selling your home, you may already be experiencing some anxiety about how long the process might take, whether or not <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/spokane-eagleridge.php">buyers</a> will find your home appealing, and how much your home will ultimately sell for.
The good news is that by starting now and formulating a good strategy, you will be able to better manage the process efficiently and improve your chances of having a timely and profitable selling experience.
Develop a Timeline Based on Your Situation
The first step to enjoying the best possible home selling experience is to consider your individual situation and then develop a workable timeline for it. Doing this will help to prevent procrastination and help to keep the process moving forward in a positive manner. To begin your plan, start by deciding on the date of your expected move from the home. This date will form the end point of your selling timeline and provide a tangible goal to work toward.
Find and Hire a Real Estate Professional First
Once you know the date by which you want or need to sell the home, your next step should be to go ahead and hire the real estate professional who will be listing and marketing your home. As a seller, you may be tempted to put off this step while you prepare your home for sale, but this can be a costly mistake.
By bringing an experienced real estate professional on board early in the process, sellers can benefit from their knowledge and expertise while readying the home for market.
Some of the helpful information and assistance your real estate professional can offer during this time includes:
statistical information about the current average market time, expected sales price, and <a href="http://content.moneyinstructor.com/1949/housingmarket.html" target="_blank">market trends for homes in your area</a> that are comparable to yours
information about timing the market to attract the most attention from qualified buyers
information about what features and amenities buyers are currently searching for in your area
assistance with determining what the home will need to prepare it for the market (including cleaning, organization, repairs, and renovations)
assistance with referrals to qualified service professionals and repair contractors, if needed
Make a Manageable Plan for Preparing the Home
Once your real estate professional has toured your home and helped you formulate a list of preparations, repairs, and renovations that will be needed in order to market the home successfully, take time to make a manageable plan for completing each item on the list.
To avoid stress while still making sure that all items are completed in a reasonable time frame, consider setting aside an hour or two each day to work on the ones you can accomplish on your own and moving ahead with scheduling any repairs or renovations that you will need assistance with. This type of low-stress schedule can help the process move forward at a steady pace and help ensure that your overall goals are met.
Decide on any Major Repairs or Renovations and Schedule Them Now
If your home will require any major repairs or renovations before putting it on the market, it is important to schedule them as early as possible to ensure they can be completed well before the listing date. If you are unsure about what might need to be repaired or renovated, consider consulting with your real estate professional and a reputable home inspector or repair contractor for more guidance in this area.
Organize and De-Clutter
Making each room of your home look spacious and organized begins with <a href="http://learndobecome.com/the-three-box-method-for-organizing-your-space/" target="_blank">removing excess clutter</a>. Many sellers find it easiest to do this on a room-by-room basis, allotting an hour or two to organize each room or area in the home. Larger areas, such as garages, basements, or storage areas may need more time to organize, so consider scheduling them on weekends or days off when you can devote several hours to complete each one.
To keep the process moving along at a good pace, count the number of rooms or spaces you will need to organize and de-clutter and then schedule the same number of days or less on your timeline for completion. For example if your home has ten rooms, you might schedule ten days on your timeline as an adequate time frame in which to whip them all into shape. If you have rooms that will need more time to complete, break them down into manageable portions and complete one portion each day, instead of trying to do the whole room in one marathon work period.
Deep Clean and Attend to Minor Issues
Once any necessary repairs and renovations are completed and each room and area of your home has been organized and cleared of excess items, the next step is to deep clean each area and attend to any minor issues.
These tasks should include:
cleaning woodwork, walls, carpets, tile, and other surfaces
cleaning ceiling fans, range hoods, light fixtures, and vents
cleaning porches, patios, and sidewalks, including pressure washing, if needed, to remove stains
washing windows and screens
touching up paint and removing scuff marks
fixing broken or loose handles, knobs, and other hardware in the home
If your time is limited, hiring a professional cleaning crew to handle the heavy cleaning chores can help you save time on many of these necessary tasks.
Overall, when trying to sell your home in a reasonable amount of time, you can help yourself immensely by planning out each preparation task step by step on your calendar. If you do this while listening to your agent's advice, the stress of selling can be easily reduced as you make your way to a successful sale.
#hw2017-01-12T18:00:00-07:002020-10-29T08:16:50-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3272The 2017 Home Seller's Forecast<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/housing-market-trends.jpg" alt="Home Seller Info for New Year" /> While selling real estate was once a very seasonal activity, advances in technology, marketing, and education have combined to make the real estate market much more active throughout the year. These same advances have also given sellers the ability to work around many of the local constraints that might have placed limits on their ability to sell in past years, such as local economic forecasts and other issues.
While the real estate market will always be affected by <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/spokane-eagleridge.php" target="_blank">local market</a> conditions, national trends can now often offer good insight into what sellers can expect during the coming year. If you are considering placing your home on the market in 2017 and would like to know what to expect, this information may help.
Mortgage Interest Rates may Rise, but Only Slightly
After years of mortgage interest rates remaining historically low, homeowners may expect them to begin to rise. In fact, the Federal Reserve has already approved a <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-14/fed-raises-rates-boosts-outlook-for-borrowing-costs-in-2017" target="_blank">quarter percentage point rise</a> for 2017 late this year with another three quarter-point increases expected at some point during the coming year.
While these interest rate increases may mean slightly higher home mortgage interest rates, home prices, on average, are still holding well above average which may help keep 2017 sellers from experiencing any negative fallout from the slight rise in interest rates.
Low Housing Inventory may Bolster 2017 Home Sales
<a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/top-real-estate-trends-2017/" target="_blank">Smaller inventories of available homes</a> for equal or growing numbers of buyers may still be good news for the home owner who wants to sell their home in 2017. Even with the increase in mortgage interest rates, buyer activity may remain strong or perhaps grow even stronger as buyers feel the urge to become homeowners before additional home mortgage interest rate increases take effect later in 2017.
Credit Availability Could Increase Under New Administration
The upcoming administration has hinted that it does not agree with <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/samanthasharf/2016/11/15/how-president-trump-could-affect-the-value-of-your-home/#7d40c54c1b6b" target="_blank">many of the banking regulations</a> that placed a damper on home mortgage loans in recent years. If they are successful in modifying or removing many of these limits, the subsequent increase in credit availability could mean even more buyers will come forward to purchase a home, which could be good news for the homeowner who wants to sell in 2017.
No matter what 2017 holds on the national level, homeowners should still take comfort in the fact that they can still get their home sold successfully, no matter what is happening on the national level. With the guidance of an experienced listing agent and their willingness to take the steps needed to prepare the home for the market, buyers will take notice.
A home that is clean, updated, priced correctly and marketed effectively by a real estate professional can be expected to compete well in its market and sell well within the average market time for the local area. If you are planning to sell your home in 2017, take time now to interview and hire a good listing agent who will be able to guide you successfully through whatever the 2017 real estate market may hold.
#hw2017-01-04T12:58:00-07:002020-10-29T08:16:12-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3270Organizing Closets Costs Little and Impresses Home Buyers
<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/organized-closet.jpg" alt="Organizing Closet Before Home Sale" /> Stuff here, stuff there, stuff stuffed everywhere.
The golden rule when selling a house is that less is more for making a good impression. The good news is that organizing closets improves home sales by improving their appearance and doesn't need to cost a lot.
Moving Toward Order
Cluttered closets are like large, flashing, warning signs that tell potential buyers your home doesn't have enough storage space. They may walk away without entering a bid or offer less money than you expect.
Real estate agents will often tell you that the first step toward making a home show better for sale is to remove a large portion of its contents. After that comes reorganization.
Clearing Clutter
Embarrassing though it may seem, staging a home for sale includes staging everything in your closets. So don't leave your old, ratty bathrobe on view.
Spark Joy
If you love certain well-worn pieces of clothing, make room for them in your dresser or store them in wardrobe boxes in your garage or a commercial storage space.
But organizational expert <a href="https://konmari.com/" target="_blank">Marie Kondo</a> will tell you to get rid of the bathrobe or any other clothing -- old or barely worn -- that no longer "sparks joy" in your life. In other words, only keep what you love.
For a tutorial on how to fold clothing for better and more attractive organization, visit Kondo's website.
Explore Consignment
Preparing for a move is a good time for clearing out clothing you hardly ever or never wear. The process of winnowing wardrobes may even be an opportunity to earn money by placing clothing with local consignment shops or e-commerce consignment businesses.
In a column about family living for <a href="https://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/01/12/get-paid-to-organize-your-childrens-closets-and-yours/?_r=0" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>, writer KJ Dell'Antonia tells about seeking out online consignment services that pay immediately for used goods on acceptance rather than offering credits she would be unlikely to spend at their sites.
The process is more complicated than delivering a mixed bag of goods to a thrift shop. It involves reading the websites of the e-commerce companies to become familiar with brands they seek. But the really important point is that it adds adventure as well as coin to the clearing process.
Pack Up Miscellany
Take a close look at the non-clothes items in your closets. Do you really need old lampshades and piles of paperbacks on the shelves or tennis rackets on the floor?
Remove the tub spilling over with private papers, including financial records. It's not attractive and at worst could attract the eyes of curious buyers who shouldn't be peeking at your bank statements. Private materials should be boxed and stored away from view when showing a house.
Renovating
In many cases, you may find that going all-out and creating a new walk-in closet with all the bells and whistles might not give you the return on investment you seek. Some simple closet renovation usually is far less costly and will still look great to buyers.
Paint and Hanging Organizers
Renovation may be as inexpensive as a new coat of paint and cloth hanging shelves from your local home storage shop. Designers say to keep the floor clear, so add a sturdy shoe rack if this is where you store shoes.
Metal Organizer System
Another project that could make your closet look professionally-done is to install a metal storage system of shelves, drawers and rods. The feasibility of this is typically determined by the size of your closet.
Lighting
Whether you are fixing up a reach-in or walk-in closet, good lighting is useful and appealing to buyers. If you don't already have wiring in the closet that can be upgraded by an electrician, <a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-affordable-easy-ways-to-add-lighting-to-a-closet-without-wiring-190664" target="_blank">try battery powered devices</a>.
Appropriate Choices
When choosing the level of renovation for any closet, keep in mind that it should be appropriate in proportion to the rest of the house. If you aren't planning for many renovations around the house, enhancing the master bedroom with an elaborate walk-in closet likely will provide poor return on investment.
Reports vary on ROI for closet renovation. For example, the National Association of Realtor's <a href="http://www.nari.org/assets/1/6/2015-Remodeling-Impact-Report.pdf" target="_blank">2015 Remodeling Impact Report</a> estimates only a 57 percent ROI on a remodeling cost of $3,500.
Yet the report notes that homeowners give closet renovation a "joy score" of 9 out of 10 points and particularly find that it improves the livability of their homes. Some buyers may agree.
Filling the Renovated Closet
All the money and effort you put into remodeling closets will accomplish little for resale if you put back everything you took out of the closet. So keep paring down.
Learning to display clothing and other possessions attractively helps to create a sense of order. Little touches count, including color coordination of clothing as if in a department store and limiting hangers to the same color and style.
In the end, the closet isn't always the make-or-break part of the home for buyers, but you should spend some time to make it attractive. Without going overboard with your budget or time, you can create more space in your closets and get a head start on the moving process.
#hw2016-12-12T16:21:00-07:002020-10-29T08:14:52-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:32698 Reasons to List Your Home with an Agent
<img class=" img_box_right" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/why-sell-with-an-agent.jpg" alt="Why FSBO is a Mistake" /> Listing your home as For Sale By Owner (FSBO) can be very tempting to some home sellers. With the availability of high-quality information online and a sense that anyone can complete a DIY project, even a home sale, selling your home yourself may seem like a great way to save some money.
As it turns out, however, data shows that this is not usually the case.
Selling your home through a licensed real estate agent offers several benefits that make their commission well worth the expense.
Access to Exclusive Databases
The MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, is the database that was created and maintained by realtors and other real estate professionals. This database is exclusive to professionals in the industry. While anyone can search the MLS for <a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/spokane-wandermere.php" target="_blank">listed homes</a>, only licensed professionals can list a home in it.
The MLS is the main database in which virtually every home search web page and app draw from. As a FSBO property, you do not have access to list your home in this database and will miss out on hundreds of potential customers in your area.
Pricing Advice
The best way to sell your property quickly is to price it at its correct market value. Market value is the highest price the market can be expected to bear for a home in a particular location with similar features.
Oftentimes sellers attach an emotional value to their properties making their target price too high for market conditions. These homes can linger on the market until they become stale. It's possible as well to undervalue the home which leads to a quick sale but can leave thousands of dollars on the table. A real estate agent understands the particulars of your local market and can provide unemotional, expert pricing advice.
Negotiations
Once you have an offer on the home, the negotiation process begins. The initial offer should be carefully evaluated and a counter-offer is usually made. Even if a seller accepts the initial offer as is, the negotiation process continues on through the post-offer inspections and requests for repairs or concessions.
This process can be time-consuming and lengthy. A real estate agent will be working on your side to represent your best interests while negotiating for you. Because this is their sole job, you can be assured that he or she is devoted to getting you the best deal at every stage of the negotiations.
Marketing
With a FSBO home, the homeowner is responsible for all marketing. Not only is coordinating online listing important, but agents use open houses, word of mouth with other real estate agents, and print/online advertising to sell homes.
Real estate agents also have a vast network of professional contacts, past clients, family, and friends who may be interested in your home or know of someone who may be interested in your home. They can highlight the best aspects of your home to these people in order to draw in potential buyers.
A Buffer
A listing agent acts as a buffer between you and demanding buyers. Some buyers look at a home several times before making an offer. A seller's agent can arrange those visits and answer their questions without disturbing you at work each and every time the need arises.
An Objective Voice
Selling a home can be an emotional time for anyone. An agent is not emotionally invested the sale of the home. He or she can provide expert advice that is objective and professional.
Most people only sell a home a few times in their lives, while a real estate agent may sell several in a single month. The expertise they have gives them an objectivity that is missing in most FSBO transactions.
Security
A real estate agent will typically prescreen visitors to your home and accompany them through the home as they tour it. During an open house, your agent will obtain contact information for each visitor and accompany them through the home to answer questions and provide security. This can provide peace of mind that your home will remain secure throughout the selling process.
Ethics
A real estate professional must adhere to a <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/about-nar/policies/code-of-ethics-and-professional-standards" target="_blank">strong code of ethics</a> whether they are assisting with the buying or selling of a home. These ethics govern all aspects of the client-agent relationship. You can expect to be treated fairly and professionally through every stage of the home selling process.
A typical commission is around 3 percent of the sale price. While it may be tempting to forgo that expense and attempt a FSBO sale, remember selling a home is a legal transaction with serious consequences should something go wrong. The small commission you pay to your agent provides you with professional marketing, security, and peace of mind that your home is sold for the maximum price while meeting all ethical and legal requirements for a sale.
#hw2016-12-08T14:22:00-07:002020-10-29T08:14:17-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3267How to stage your closets to make buyers swoon<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/9august_how_to_stage_your_closets_500.jpg" alt="organized closet" width="500" height="418" class="img_box_center" />
Ah, to be a fly on the wall as potential buyers tour your Spokane home for sale. They peek into your closets. They open cupboards too. No, they aren’t being nosy (well, most of them at least), they trying to get an idea of how much storage space there is.
What happens when your clothes are crammed randomly into the closet, shoes littering the floor and the shelves packed with clothing and other items? Your closet looks tiny – like there isn’t enough room to store your clothes. The same goes for cupboards and, yes, even drawers (they often look there too).
We have good news for you: even the tiniest of closets can be made to appear larger with just a few organizational hacks and a little money.
Walls
Give the inside of the closet the illusion of maximum space by painting the walls and ceiling with a semi-gloss paint in the whitest shade of white you can find. The semi-glossiness of the paint will help reflect light and white always makes a room appear larger – even a closet.
If your closet lacks doors and is open to the room, paint the inside the same color as the room, or lighter, according to the Paint Quality Institute’s Debbie Zimmer. She has tips for painting other closets as well. A pantry, for example, requires a durable paint that reflects light, such as the semi-gloss mentioned for the bedroom closet.
Light it up
If you’re lucky, your walk-in closet has a lone bulb stuck in the middle of the ceiling. If you’ve ever had to drag dark-colored clothing out into the light of the bedroom to determine if it’s navy blue or black, you have an idea of how ineffective this type of lighting is.
More light will not only make the closet appear larger, it cheers it up as well and serves as the perfect way to highlight some of the other DIY changes you’ll be making. Check out the lighting available at the department stores (there’s a Home Depot at 9116 N Newport Hwy. in Spokane or check out the selection at Lowe’s Home Improvement Store at 6606 N Division St.).
Storage
Home builders of the past either didn’t realize how important storage space in a closet is or they just didn’t care because so many existing home closets have one shelf that runs along both sides, up high.
Find shelving and other storage ideas online at <a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/small-closet-organizing-ideas-207307" target="_blank">Apartment Therapy</a>, <a href="https://www.remodelaholic.com/creative-closet-solutions-organization/" target="_blank">Remodeaholic</a> and <a href="https://www.houzz.com/photo/11020350-closet-organizing-contemporary-closet-san-diego" target="_blank">Houzz</a>, or shop for shelving and other closet storage items in Spokane Valley at California Closets (506 N Sullivan Rd.).
Organize
The next best way to help your closet appear larger is to clear out the clutter and organize what’s left. Remove anything you don’t wear, especially bulky items like winter coats (unless it’s winter, of course). Pack them up and take them to a storage facility.
Then, purchase matching hangers and hang the clothes that are left according to color. All shirts and blouses should be grouped together and then separated by color. Do the same for slacks and other items.
Remove anything from the floor of the closet – it will help make it appear less cramped and larger.
A clean, organized closet looks larger and gives the impression that the entire home has been as impeccably maintained.
Image: <a href="https://chicscribe.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/oc-pink-drapes.jpg" target="_blank">Chicscribe</a><br /><br />Related Links
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/property-search/search-form/" target="_blank">Every single home listed in the Spokane MLS is here and the list is updated in real time!</a>
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/category/selling-a-home-in-spokane/" target="_blank">Get more tips on selling a home in Spokane</a>
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/" target="_blank">Read more from our Spokane real estate blog</a>
2016-08-09T06:51:00-07:002020-10-29T08:12:59-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3259Is it easier said than done to market a kid-friendly home?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/12_july_2016_533.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="533" class="img_box_center" />
I can remember when I was a kid and my mom screaming at us to pick up after ourselves. The home was on the market and, when I look back on it now, my heart goes out to my mother. It was a constant battle to urge three young kids, predictably distracted by the next shiny object, to finish one distraction (by cleaning up) before moving on to the next.
Today, parents are a lot busier, especially if they both work, so the battle may seem never-ending. If you’re about to put your Spokane home up for sale and you have children, read on for a few ways to save your sanity during the process.
Get rid of it
As a parent, I know how easy it is to let old, neglected toys pile up among the newer, more-fun playthings. Before listing the home, go through the children’s toys (preferably not in their presence) and purge anything that is no longer a part of their playtime. Give the toys away or throw them away, but get them out of the house. Trust me, despite what we saw in “Toy Story,” Junior’s cowboy doll won’t come to life to haunt you if you give it away.
Similarly, keep out only the most-used toys while the home is on the market. The rest can be packed and put into storage.
Give them a home
The easier part of this second step is figuring out where all of the kids’ “stuff” should be when they aren’t playing with it. Whether that’s a basket in the closet or a toy box, having them return their items to the designated spot will be far more challenging.
But before we tackle that, let’s talk storage solutions. Not only do they need to be functional for short people (meaning, kids), they also need to be attractive to homebuyers. There are a ton of of attractive storage solutions for kids’ toys and you’ll find many online, such as <a href="https://www.babble.com/home/25-totally-clever-toy-storage-tips-tricks-2/" target="_blank">this one</a> at Babble.com.
Teach kids to be tidy
Luckily, even the smallest of humans is capable of learning a new habit. In fact, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01926187.2014.935684" target="_blank">a study</a> released in 2014 claims that children form their basic habits by age 9, and their habits are “unlikely to vary” after that, according to Rebecca Jackson on <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/school-thought/201502/study-finds-habits-in-children-take-root-age-9" target="_blank">Psychology Today</a>.
So, instilling the tidiness habit in them now (provided they’re younger than 9), will actually help them in their adulthood, so get cracking, Mom and Dad. Decide on a routine, communicate it with the kids and then instill the habit. For instance, make it a rule that everyone make their beds as soon as they’re out of them. You may need to supervise the bed-making or the picking up of toys, not allowing the child to do anything else until the job is complete. After one or two times of intense supervision, however, the child should begin doing the job unsupervised at your request, according to mental health counselor Peter Allman.
This, too, will pass, Mom and Dad. The house will sell and you will maintain your sanity.2016-07-12T10:15:00-07:002020-10-29T08:08:06-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3251Are prices up or down in Spokane? Get your Spokane real estate market trends!<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/14_june_prices_up_or_down_450.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="316" class="img_box_center" />
Spokane homeowners have a lot to be happy about in 2016. The value of your homes has increased 8.1 percent over this time last year. In fact, the average sale price for a Spokane home now sits at nearly $206,000.
If you look at the market on a year-to-date basis, the news is even better – we’re looking at a 9 percent increase in prices during the first five months of 2016 compared to the first five months of 2015.
I guess we should qualify this as good news for homeowners. There is news for the Spokane home buyer as well, though there are rumblings that interest rates may take a hike this month. If you’re planning on buying but are sitting it out because prices are going up, buy NOW before the problem is compounded by possible mortgage rate hikes.
Another complaint from Spokane home buyers is that there are so few homes to choose from. The inventory of available homes actually increased recently, up more than 10 percent compared to the previous month. Compared on a year-to-year basis, however, inventory is down, a lot.
Currently you’ll find more than 2,300 single-family homes listed for sale in Spokane, priced from $27,900 to $2,920,000 and 95 condos/townhomes on the market, priced from to $49,900 to $675,000.
Ensure that you’re actually ready to pull the trigger when you find a home that you want to buy. This means being pre-approved for a loan and having enough cash to close. We have plenty of tips on how to duke it out in a multiple offer situation and how to submit an offer a seller can’t refuse, so contact us when you’re ready and we’ll get you on the road to buying the house of your dreams!<br /><br />Related Links
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/" target="_blank">Read more from our Spokane real estate blog</a>
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/property-search/search-form/" target="_blank">Search the listings of homes for sale in Spokane MLS</a>
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/home-evaluation.php" target="_blank">Thinking of selling your Spokane home? Find out what it's worth!</a>
2016-06-14T08:12:00-07:002020-10-29T08:01:04-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3245Get your home ready for those last-minute showings<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/24_may_fast_cleanup_500.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" class="img_box_center" />
When your Spokane home is on the market you’re at potential buyers’ beck and call. Of course, real estate agents will show the home while you’re at work but what about weekends and evenings when the family is at home doing what we all do at home ? relaxing? Yup, buyers still rule your universe, at least if you hope to get the home sold.
Unfortunately, evenings and weekends are also when most buyers are available to view homes. So, while the family is relaxing or playing, the house is bound to get messy. The phone rings and it’s an agent with a potential buyer that wants to see the home in 30 minutes. What do you do?
Read on for tips on how to get the home show-ready in less than a half hour.
Grab a box or laundry basket and run through the house picking up anything that is out of place. Enlisting other family members in this task will help get it done quickly.
Assign one member of the family “trash duty.” It’s up to him or her to empty all the trash containers in the home, add new bags to the containers and carry the collected trash out to the main can.
Concentrate on the two most important rooms: kitchen and bathroom. Put away everything that isn’t decorative, wipe down the counters, run a toilet brush over the toilet bowl, hang fresh towels, close the shower curtain, put dirty dishes in the dishwasher and lightly mop the floors.
In the bedrooms, make the beds, straighten the closets and put away toys. Ideally, the occupant of each bedroom will perform this task, freeing you to do others.
Straighten the sofa cushions and pick up miscellaneous items in the living room.
Vacuum high traffic areas (if they need it).
Open window coverings if it’s daytime.
Turn on all the lights in the home, even in the daytime.
Leave.
The last tip is a must ? buyers don’t feel comfortable with the homeowner in the home during the tour.<br /><br />Related Links
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/category/selling-a-home-in-spokane/" target="_blank">Get more tips for selling your home in Spokane</a>
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/property-search/search-form/" target="_blank">Search for homes for sale in Spokane. Every home in the MLS is listed here</a>
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/selling.php" target="_blank">Sell your home in Spokane fast and for top dollar</a>
2016-05-24T04:13:00-07:002020-10-29T07:56:37-07:00Ryan Tollefsentag:realestatespokane.com,2012-09-20:3242Remove the “you” from your Spokane home before selling<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1718/image/painting_kitchen_cabinets_123rf_opt_500.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" class="img_box_center" />
Cleaning your house before putting it on the market is just a common sense approach. Staging the home is a choice, but often times unnecessary. De-personalizing it, however, is a must. If you’ve lived in the home for any length of time you may not even notice how personalized it has become.
Diplomas on the wall, trophies on a shelf, collections of CDs and DVDs and all those kids’ drawings tacked to the refrigerator door may alienate buyers, who more than anything need to be able to see themselves living in the home.
From how you’ve chosen to use the rooms in your home to your taste in décor, the time to de-personalize it is now, before you put it up for sale.
Paint is a miracle cure
If your walls have seen better days, slap on a fresh coat of paint. It is one of the most inexpensive DIY projects that will pay off in big dividends. To appeal to a broad range of homebuyers, keep to neutral paint colors. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the walls must be white or off-white, however. Benjamin Moore Paints has some lovely neutral color suggestions on its <a href="https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us">website</a>.
Box up those personal items
Imagine trying to picture your furniture and your family in a home where another family is staring down at you from multiple photos on the walls. Take them down and box them up for the move. Remove anything else of a personal nature as well. If it’s not decorative, remove it.
Every room has a purpose
Sure, you’ve used the spare bedroom as a combo home gym/office for years, but it’s time to give the room a single identity. Home offices are in demand so remove the workout equipment and commit the room to becoming strictly a home office. The same goes for the baby’s changing table in the master bedroom – create a nursery for it and let the master bedroom actually be a master bedroom.
Once you’ve made the decision to sell the home, detaching from it should be easier and detachment is what it takes to be ruthless when decluttering and staging a home for sale.<br /><br />Related Links
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/category/selling-a-home-in-spokane/" target="_blank">Get more tips on selling your home in Spokane</a>
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/blog/" target="_blank">Read more from our Spokane real estate blog</a>
<a href="https://www.realestatespokane.com/idx/search.html?refine=true&map[longitude]=-117.58270217041&map" target="_blank">Search for homes for sale in Spokane MLS</a>
2016-05-12T08:06:00-07:002020-10-29T07:54:26-07:00Ryan Tollefsen