September is typically a busy month for homeowners.
Kids go back to school. Work increases at many businesses as the fourth quarter looms. Major home renovation projects are in the midst of wrapping up, and smaller projects may be about to start!
If there’s anything I can do to help with questions, contractor referrals, advice, or information related to real estate, give me a call.
In fact, that’s the reason I stay in touch with you on a regular basis. I want to continually remind you that my services don’t end once I’ve helped you buy or sell a home. In the months and years in between transactions, I’m dedicated to helping you enjoy your home and understand your real estate options.
So, if you need help or advice, get in touch with me. That’s why I’m here!
“The highest compliment anyone can give me is to recommend me to a friend. If you know of anyone with a real estate need, I would appreciate your referral, and promise to take good care of them”.
June 2019 National Housing Report
HOME SALES YEAR-OVER-YEAR DIFFERENCE +2.4%
July 2018 to July 2019
MEDIAN SALES PRICE JULY 2019 $273,000
+9.2% from July 2018
AVERAGE OF 43 DAYS ON THE MARKET
+2 days from July 2018
NUMBER OF HOMES FOR SALE
-1.4% from July 2018
*** Average of 54 metro areas.
5 Unusual (But Effective) Home Staging Ideas
“Staging” your home is all about making the space in your home as appealing as possible to buyers. You may already know the basics, such as eliminating clutter, and removing personal photographs. Here are some other tips that are less well known yet very effective:
A chandelier. Surprisingly, installing a chandelier is one of the simplest ways to make a foyer, dining room or living room look dramatically more eye-catching. You can buy a nice chandelier for only a few hundred dollars.
New linen. This is something many home sellers don’t consider, but should. Believe it or not, new linen makes a big impression on buyers. Before listing, replace any worn linen – sheets, coverings, and towels – with new ones.
Pedestal sinks. It may not be practical for you to replace a bathroom sink. However, if you are doing a renovation, keep in mind that pedestal sinks – especially in small washrooms – are a big hit with buyers.
New appliances. A brand new fridge, stove and dishwasher are motivating selling features to buyers. New appliances can make the whole kitchen look brand new, or at least much fresher.
Avoid multi-use rooms. Have a spare bedroom that doubles as a home office? That’s a turnoff to buyers. Whenever possible, stage each room so that it has a singular purpose. A guest bedroom, for example, should only be for sleeping.
Want more tips on how to stage your home so that it attracts buyers? Call today.
Will the Neighborhood Go Up in Value?
When you purchase a home, you hope it will continually go up in value – just like a good investment.
However, there’s something else that you also want to see increase in value: the neighborhood. In fact, the neighborhood plays a key role in what the home will be worth in the years to come. If the neighborhood goes down in terms of desirability, so will the market value of the home.
So, when you’re shopping for a new home, get a feel for the value of the neighborhood, and whether or not it’s on the upswing.
How do you do that? One way is to simply take a walk. Look at the properties. Are they well maintained? Is the landscaping groomed and attractive? Those are signs of “pride in ownership” – a clear indication that owners value their homes and the neighborhood.
Another way is to do some research. Has crime gone up in the neighborhood? Are there improvements planned, such as new parks? Is the neighborhood attracting the kind of people you want as neighbors? How do the neighborhood schools rank?
Some of this information may be difficult to get on your own. As your real estate agent, I can help. Call today.
Being Safe with the Chemicals in Your Home
You would have to visit your local pharmacy or science lab to rival the number of potentially dangerous chemicals in the average home. You likely store everything from fertilizers and acidic cleaners, to gasoline and corrosive drain openers.
Obviously, it makes sense to ensure that everyone in your home uses and stores these items safely.
For example, laundry detergent packs – which have become popular recently – are attractive to children. Be sure to keep the lid locked and the package out of sight. Do the same with all laundry products. Even exposure to fabric softener pads can cause skin irritation, especially to a child.
Always read and follow the labels on household chemical products. Use and store them as directed. Make sure the labels remain affixed to all packaging.
Keep corrosives, such as harsh cleaners and drain openers, separate from other chemicals and in a place where, should they leak, they will cause minimal or no damage.
Also, never put a chemical in anything other than its original container. You don’t want to take the chance that, for example, paint thinner stored in an old water bottle is mistaken for water!
