Tag Archives: Home Sales

The Purchase and Sale Agreement: It’s a Big Deal!

09.03.2017 siteowner Leave a comment

The Purchase and Sale Agreement: It’s a Big Deal!

You’re sitting at the table and looking at the PILE of paperwork that comes with buying your first home. Every piece of paper is important in some way, but the “big deal” is the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

The Purchase and Sale Agreement is a written offer from the potential buyer of the property to the owner of that property. The agreement lists the details of the transaction to protect both parties. If and when agreed to, there is a “meeting of the minds.”

In real estate, an agreement is tailored to specific properties such as single-family homes, multi-family homes and vacant land and contains a list of details important to the sale of a property. Here are some of the details you may find in your agreement.

Purchase Price Offer

One of the main details both parties want to know is the purchase price. As the buyer, your offer is considered and may be countered by the seller based on price or other terms. One of the important items to pay attention to is an expiration date of the offer. The offer cannot be accepted after expiration date unless all parties agree to modifications. Many realtors call this a “trigger” date. It is often seen in “hot” buying markets when several buyers are competing against each other.

Description of Property

Both the common mailing address and a legal description of the property will be included in the agreement. Residential developments are identified by subdivision, lot, block and section, and land and non-subdivision property are defined by the tax ID and/or tax map number.

Chattels, attached personal property such as appliances, light fixtures and even built-in shelving are specifically identified in the body of the agreement. Other personal property such as a pool table or playground equipment which may or may not convey should be identified and written into the agreement on behalf of the buyer. Do not assume all appliances convey just because some do. Be specific. Make sure your realtor is aware of the details and how you want your offer to be structured.

Who’s Who

Another crucial detail is information on which companies are handling the title to the property, the loan, closing and escrow. This information is important to make sure paperwork is properly transferred to the new owner. By and large, I believe a transaction is smoothest when both the seller and buyer use the same title or closing company, an impartial party that does not represent the buyer or seller unless monetarily retained. Keeping buyer and seller information under the same roof allows for faster and more responsive flow of communication.

Contingencies

As I noted in the blog “It’s Always Something,” the first thing to remember about contingencies is there are always more than one. However, they are extra protections for all parties involved. These can include home inspection and appraisal contingences that can save the buyer cash and heartache trying to deal with unexpected repairs or taking possession of a property that isn’t worthy of its value.

There are so many other items that may be included in the Purchase and Sale Agreement that I can’t even list them all here, but I should share just one more: the closing and possession dates. Who doesn’t want to know when they can jump in and start their new adventure? The closing day is an exciting time for all. It is when the seller signs the title work to transfer the deed and lending paperwork is signed off by the buyer to complete the purchase.

Typically keys are handed over to the new buyer, possession is taken and the moving trucks are ready to unload. However, this day may or may not be the official closing date. The official closing date occurs when the transaction is recorded in the county, city or jurisdiction for which the property is located. The title or closing company has two business days to record the transfer. Once the transfer is recorded, funds are dispersed to the seller and any lien holders, and the transaction is officially complete!

If you want to learn more about Purchase and Sales Agreements or are ready to buy or sell a home please contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

You can also learn more by downloading my FREE e-book, “The Real Estate Key – What You Need to Know”!

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It’s Always Something: Contract Contingencies

18.11.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

The real estate seller/buyer contract is an amazing thing. The seller is moving on to new adventure, and the buyer is moving in to a new adventure. Both the buyer and the seller must agree to the terms, and their signatures imply they will follow through. Then, you notice it, a contingency.

A contingency is an additional request clause in a real estate contract that outlines the actions to be satisfied to bind that contract.

There are two important things to remember when dealing with contingency. First, there will be contingencies. Yep, there is never just one. The seller and the buyer, as well as the mortgage company or other entities involved in the contract, have the right to request specific actions be fulfilled to close the contract. Second, contingencies are for the protection of all the parties involved in the contract, working to catch problems in several areas of the complicated real estate process before the contract binds either party to the sale. Below are two examples of what types of contingencies may be included in your realty contract.

Home Inspection Contingencies

Many contracts include a home inspection clause. Inspections of the water and septic systems or for radon can tell the buyer how safe the home actually is or if the septic system is about to fail. Older homes may contain lead-based paints that are dangerous, specifically to young children. The home may be in a high radon area, which could lead to health problems for the new owner if this easy-to-fix but not inexpensive issue has not been detected.

Homeowners insurance is a valuable tool in any owner’s toolbox, but without an inspection, how will you know if issues such as synthetic stucco or polybutylene pipes may cause the home to not be insurable as well as bring on possible added expenses and repairs? Polybutylene pipes, also known as gray poly pipes, have been known to burst, leaving devastating water damage. Exterior insulating and finish system, or synthetic stucco, can harbor water and mold if not installed properly.

Market Contingencies

The financing game is never a sure thing, and the real estate market can be booming in one area and static just a town or two away. Many times the house may be perfect, but all the financials are not aligning with the stars. In these cases, several contingencies may be included in the contract to ease the process or cover issues that are not controllable by all parties.

The seller may include a “home of choice” clause that keeps the sale from going through until they have selected a new property. The buyer may include a version of this clause, having the closing be contingent on the sale of their current residence. Both parties may agree to include coinciding settlement contingencies allowing for the need that both the buyer and the seller must be in a position to close on other properties before the lender provides a loan commitment and the contract between them is binding.

The seller might also want to include a “back-up contract” contingency clause if the viability of an existing offer and its contract is in question. The back-up clause allows for the seller to be in a contract with you that goes into effect immediately if the first contract falls though. Basically, the back-up leaves you standing in line, waiting to see if you will get the property, but when the market gets hot, it is best to be at the beginning of the line than the end.

I could have discussed so many more examples, but that could get mind-boggling. In fact, not all contingencies have a category, and many times miscellaneous clauses are included. As in life, there is always something! The best way to understand the world of contingencies is to ask a trusted expert in the real estate field. If you are ready to buy or sell a home and want someone that can work through the complications, contact Belinda at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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How to Increase Curb Appeal

29.08.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

How to Increase Curb Appeal

Growing up, we’re always taught that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, never judge a book by its cover and countless other platitudes. But let’s face it, in the real world, sometimes what’s on the outside does count. No, we’re not being shallow – we’re talking curb appeal. Buyers frequently assess your home before they ever set foot across the threshold. Armed with this information, you can go forward and increase the curb appeal of your home so that your first impression is a lasting impression (one that lasts all the way to the closing table).

Crystal clear windows – Show a sneak peak of the inside of your home without old spider webs or greasy face prints clouding the view. Clean your windows, inside and out.

Front door finesse – The entryway to your home should be warm and inviting, but also clean and in good repair. A fresh coat of paint can do a world of good. Also, make sure that your door’s hardware is pleasing to the eye and is in good shape.

Rotten wood, good riddance – If you have damaged wood on your home’s exterior, such as shutters or doorframes, repair or replace it for a quick facelift for your home.

Roof repair – Make sure to tidy up your roof by replacing any missing shingles and cleaning out your gutters.

Patio and path prep – It’s easy to get loose stones in your patio or stone path in your yard. Make sure these areas are weed-free, in good repair and clean (with no wobbly or broken stones) to increase your home’s curb appeal.

Siding sprucer – You can freshen up your home’s exterior by painting, repairing, power washing and/or replacing old siding. You can also refurbish brick exteriors.

Porch and deck pick-me-ups – Your porch or deck may benefit from a good power washing, or it may need to be completely restained or repainted. A color change and an outdoor space that’s attractive and in good repair will give you the curb appeal to bring buyers in.

Flower bed fortification – Lay down your weed mats, plant some new perennials and toss in some fresh mulch. This relatively easy and inexpensive front yard fix will add a splash of color to your landscape and make the outside of your home more cheery.

Show your lawn some love – Weed killer, seed, fertilizer, and water can go a long way. If your lawn looks like an old western movie (tumbleweeds through a whirlwind of dust), invest in growing (or sodding) a new lawn to attract prospective buyers.

Mailbox maintenance – Often it’s not right next to the house, so the mailbox gets neglected. Check your mailbox to make sure it’s not rusted, is in good working order has no wood rot in the post. If you’ve had a specialty mailbox installed previously (because who doesn’t love pulling catalogs out of a wide-mouth bass?) consider installing a tamer, more HOA-compliant mailbox design.

As professional stagers and realtors, we can help you with your curb appeal woes. Call us at 703-338-9678, or email Belinda@JacobsonRealty1.com.

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Landscaping Ideas to Add Value to Your Home Now or Later

07.07.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

Landscaping Ideas to Add Value to Your Home Now or Later

Whether you are planning to move soon or not, you can give your home a facelift, improve your curb appeal and increase your home’s worth by sprucing up your landscaping.

Here are some ideas that can boost your curb appeal and add value to your home.

· Refresh your landscaping. For little to no money, you can spruce up your yard with a small budget and a little sweat equity. You can add pops of color with annuals, perennials or flowering seasonal shrubs. Add fresh mulch to your flower beds and make sure your grass is green and full, edged and free of weeds. Trim your trees and shrubs and make sure you can always see your house! If you can’t get out to do this work yourself, you can hire a high school or college student to do a full yard cleanup and plant some flowering annuals.

· Don’t go overboard. While your prize rosebush may be the envy of fellow gardeners, it might be viewed as a hassle by those who don’t share your passion for gardening. Stick to plantings that are native to the area and easy to maintain. Also, don’t plant an overwhelming amount of plants or too large of a variety – that can make your lawn look cramped or busy. Keep landscaping simple and inviting. And as I always say, “ If you can’t see it (the house), you can’t sell it!”.

· Invest in an outdoor irrigation system. If you have more money to devote to home improvement and want a bigger return on investment, consider installing an underground lawn sprinkler system. With hot, parched summers, this is a sure way to keep your lawn, plants and trees looking healthy and vibrant throughout the summer selling season.

· Call a professional landscaper – If your selling horizon is greater than a year and your budget is flexible, you may want to contact a professional landscaper who can turn your vision into a reality and make recommendations for which plants and landscaping elements would accentuate your home’s best features and camouflage any flaws, gaps or tough growing areas.

· Enhance your landscaping with pavers or bricks. A paved area can add value to your home and doesn’t require a green thumb. You can save money on pavers or bricks by purchasing leftovers online or by searching for the next holiday sale at your local home improvement store. This is a fairly simple DIY project, or you can keep your hands clean and hire a professional to install them.

· Add a shade sail. Make your new paved area more functional and attractive by adding a shade sail. This is another simple DIY project that requires installing 3 timber posts and a shade sail kit. Easy and doable!

· Add solar landscape lighting. – Buyers want to know how their future home will look at night and during the daytime. Consider energy efficient landscape lighting from a home improvement store to add the ambiance you need to set the stage for evening visitors. This is another DIY project that is well worth the time and money spent to sell your home now or later!

· Add potted plants. Save yourself the headache of weeding large areas by adding potted plants and flowers to your front entrance. You can incorporate welcoming bursts of color to your landscape for a relatively low cost.

· Plant trees. Trees can add value to your home for years to come. People enjoy the shade and beauty trees add to the property. They also help with erosion by sucking up storm water. Do your research about the right type of tree for your property based on the sun’s orientation and how close to the house you should plant it. You don’t want to plant too close, as the tree could pose a danger with broken or falling limbs.

We know that landscaping requires investing time, money and effort. The return homeowners get from simple landscaping, though, makes the investment well worth it. If you have questions about your home’s worth or curb appeal, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging. We’d be happy to get the answers you need to make good decisions and provide referrals to make you feel confident in your decision.

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New homebuyer? Here’s what you need to know!

09.06.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

New homebuyer? Here’s what you need to know!

When you are buying a home, especially for the first time, there are some things you need to keep in mind, not just about the house and property itself, but about the roads, community and more. It’s a lot to keep track of, especially during all the excitement! Staying informed and level headed, though, will help you purchase a home you will be happy in for many years. Use this handy list of do’s and don’ts to help you make a decision on whether or not a home you are considering buying is right for you.

Know the house

· Understand the condition of the property before you buy it. Don’t purchase without a home inspection.

· Consider purchasing a home warranty. Not only can it save you money, it can give you peace of mind.

· When buying a fixer upper or a home that needs updating, estimate your costs before you sign on the dotted line. You want to prevent any overwhelming surprises and budget nightmares.

· If you buy a house with an in-ground basement, be certain to have a professional radon test.

Know the land

· If the land behind you is undeveloped, know who owns it. Don’t assume that it will stay undeveloped.

· Don’t purchase in a flood plain without flood plain insurance, even if it’s a 100-year-old flood plain. You just never know.

· Don’t purchase next to a water tank/tower – you will never be able to landscape high enough to cover the view!

Know the roads

· Know how your roads are maintained – by the county, community or you.

· If your property backs to a road, make sure there is adequate screening, and check sound levels during high traffic times.

· Don’t purchase a house at the top of a “T” intersection – you will always have headlights shining in on your entrance.

· Don’t buy at a stop sign unless you are prepared to watch cars come and go all day long.

Know the neighborhood

· Don’t purchase next to a fire station unless you are prepared to hear sirens at all hours of the night.

· If you purchase near a golf course, don’t purchase in the line of golf ball fire! Know the golf course layout – window replacement is expensive. Golf course lots located at the tee or green are safe and most desirable.

Know the community

· When purchasing in a community with an HOA, know the rules. Review the HOA documents to understand the restrictions before you move in.

· When purchasing in a community without an HOA, examine the community and how it is cared for. What you see if what you get. Your only recourse will be the county rules and regulations if there is an issue.

· When buying a townhouse, check the availability of visitor parking. Is it convenient and plentiful?

· Learn about activities, amenities and events in the community. Will these fit your lifestyle?

· Learn about the schools, public services, crime rates and other aspects of the community that will affect your quality of life.

At Jacobson Realty and Home Staging, we are familiar with the local homes, communities, neighborhoods and area. We are not just Realtors – we are residents. If you would like expert advice on where to purchase your home and how to hone in on the ones that would be perfect for you and your family, contact us. We’d be happy to help.

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3 Good Questions to Ask When Buying Your New Home

06.06.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

3 Good Questions to Ask When Buying Your New Home

When you’re searching for your first home or maybe your dream home — there’s so much information out there that it can make your head spin. In the information age, there are so many do-it-yourself real estate options, you can spend hours and hours researching homes. But is the information floating around the web accurate? It’s important to ask the right questions or you may end up wandering around cyberspace aimlessly or bouncing from open house to open house with no guidance. Here are a few key questions that can help you in your home search.

How do I find the best realtor to help me purchase my first home or my dream home?

Find an expert in the area you are searching. An area expert will have all the information on the best neighborhoods, school zones, communities with amenities, local shopping, restaurants, attractions and more. Chances are everybody knows a realtor, but family and friends may not be the best choice. Credentials and experience matter, and purchasing a home is a business decision, so don’t feel bad if you don’t go with a friend or family member who might not be the right fit for your transaction.

Can I rely on real estate portals like Zillow, Trulia or Homes.com for information?

While these websites might whet your appetite for house hunting, not all the information shown is accurate. These are syndicated and re-syndicated third-party providers. The information is gathered from the MLS but is not always updated correctly. These websites are in the business of gathering quantities of listings information, not necessarily quality. The information may even be very old. When you’re dealing with old information, the estimates and “zestimates” are often not reliable. It’s great to have access to all this information, but what good is it if you’re showing up to listings that are no longer active? This is where having a local real estate expert comes in handy. Your agent has direct access to the most current local information. Get to your dream house before the balloons on the open house sign are even inflated with up-to-the-minute accurate information from your agent.

Will I find a local expert at open houses?

Yes, but realtors at open houses will be representing the seller. Just like you wouldn’t go to traffic court and ask the prosecutor to defend you, you shouldn’t expect the selling agent to look out for your best interests. The agent showing the open house is required to provide truthful information, but that agent does not represent you and is not vested in getting you the price you need. You really need someone on your side of the table to negotiate a good deal. Being represented byyour own real estate expert is always your best bet.

Jacobson Realty and Home Staging has the latest information on area homes and expert, local realtor familiar with the area. You to see some current listings right now:

Bristow

Gainesville

After viewing the listings, when you are ready, call (703) 753-0125 or emailBelinda@JacobsonRealty1.com.

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Why You Need a Dedicated (and Real) Realtor

23.05.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

Why You Need a Dedicated (and Real) Realtor

Buying a home is a major investment, which is why it’s best left to the experts — dedicated, local realtors. Here are nine reasons why we feel Jacobson Realty and Home Staging is best positioned to help you buy, stage and sell:

· Personalized service – We have more time to devote to each client, a client who is an individual. We will get to know you, what you’re looking for, what you’re not looking for, what your financial situation is. All of these factors are important when you’re buying or selling a home.

· Home staging – Jacobson Realty and Home Staging offers free home staging services with experienced home stagers who take their time and assess your home’s appearance, see its potential and execute a beautifully staged home that will fetch the best offers.

· Motivation – We are invested in seeing you succeed. It’s not just about the money. It’s about our clients’ satisfaction, which is crucial when a home is being sold or purchased.

· Choice of agent – When you choose to work with us, you are putting your trust in us, and we take that seriously. We know there are other realtors out there, and we appreciate your confidence in us.

· Expertise – Our real estate agents have expertise in both the field and your location. Our realtors have plenty of community connections and insider advice on neighborhoods, schools, community activities and more.

· Flexibility – When you work with Jacobson Realty and Home Staging, you have someone who wants to make the deal work for you, someone who has the flexibility to be creative to get you into your dream home or sell your current home.

· Diversity – You are not a cookie cutter customer, so why would you benefit from a one-size-fits-all generic realty service? Experienced agents, who have more time to devote to you as an individual, can learn what you truly need and help you get there. That’s what we offer.

· Value – We have a wide range of homes we can help you bid on, more flexible financing options and advice on how to get the best price for your home. In the long run, that saves you money.

· Support – Buying or selling a home is listed as one of the official biggest life stressors. You don’t want to go through that stress with someone who does not have your best interest at heart. You want someone who can help bring you through transactions smoothly and get you where you need to be.

We encourage you to take a look at our website where you will find options tosearch for a home, get your home assessed, learn more about the community and read about tips and tricks that will help get you what you need. When you are ready, call us at (703) 753-0125 or email us at Belinda@JacobsonRealty1.com. We promise you will be pleased with the service you receive.

And don’t miss the Community Parade of Homes at Virginia Oaks on Sunday, May 31st, 1-4 p.m. Come see what VA Oaks has to offer! Visit the newly renovated clubhouse too! Open to all.

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Prepare Your House to Sell Quickly!

13.02.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

Prepare Your House to Sell Quickly!

When your house goes on the market, you want to make sure you can sell it as quickly as possible. By fully preparing before you list, you can help move your house expediently and prevent buyers from asking for additional improvements or repairs when they purchase. Check out this checklist of things to do to get your house fully prepared for the market. Then ask yourself, “How prepared am I?”

Outside

· Tidy up your lawn and garden. Cut grass, trim shrubs and trees, replace dead plants and remove weeds.

· Clean up your yard, patio or deck. Remove any trash, debris and toys from your yard.

· Make sure your driveway and entryway are clutter-free.

· Check your outdoor faucets for leaks and repair any you find.

· Make sure your mailbox, house numbers and exterior lighting are clean and in good condition.

· Do exterior paint touch-ups as needed.

· Give your house a facelift by painting the front door.

· Inspect your chimney for cracks or missing mortar and have those items repaired if you find them.

· Make repairs to loose trim, fencing and drain pipes. Clean out the gutters.

· Add a new welcome mat to your front door.

· Clean stains and window screens. If your sidewalk or house is especially dirty, consider power washing or hiring someone to power wash.

Garage

· Declutter and organize all the remaining items.

· Sweep and scrub the garage floor.

Living areas

· Apply a fresh coat of paint anywhere you need one. If your house has brightly painted walls, consider repainting with light, neutral colors.

· Clean your draperies and vacuum and steam clean your carpets (or hire a professional to steam clean).

· Make sure all lightbulbs are in working order.

· Clean all of the windows, inside and out.

Kitchen

· Remove any clutter from the countertops. Thoroughly clean counters, sinks and appliances. Clean your oven inside and out.

· Clean and polish or wax the floor.

· Clean tile or grout and replace it if it’s beyond cleaning.

Bathrooms

· Clean or replace the shower curtain.

· Thoroughly clean the sinks, shower, bathtub, toilet, floors, mirrors and anything with chrome or porcelain surfaces.

· Clean or replace grout and caulk.

· Fix faucet drips or leaks.

Closets

· Make sure that doors and drawers open and close easily.

· Declutter and tidy up the shelves and racks. Neatly arrange all your shoes and clothing.

· Get a head start on packing and remove all the clothing that’s not in season from your closet.

Overall

· Do a walk-through as if you were a home buyer. Look for doors, windows, cabinets and drawers that stick, squeak or are too loose. Look for any issue which may cause a buyer to ask for additional maintenance on your home.

· Clean your fireplace and remove any smoke stains from the wall and mantle.

· Service your HVAC system and hot water heater.

· Make sure your home smells fresh and inviting. Do this by keeping everything clean and, if possible, opening the windows occasionally to air out stale odors your home may retain.

Once you have done all that, you are ready! We will review the checklist with you, stage, position and list your home! Want to know more? Contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging. We’d be happy to get you on the path to selling your home – maybe even faster than you thought. Oh, and we have a lovely horse property that just became available! You won’t want to miss seeing this!

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Light Up Your Home to Sell During All Seasons!

12.12.2015 siteowner Leave a comment

Light Up Your Home to Sell During All Seasons!

Have you ever had a photo taken in light that was just not flattering? It made you cringe, right? Having the correct lighting is important, not just for your selfies, but for photographing and staging your home to sell. We think about adorning our homes with festive lights at holiday times, but you can improve the look of your home year-round with a few extra lights. Changing the lighting in your home is a simple, inexpensive way to make your home seem open, airy and warm. Here are some tips for illuminating your home to sell:

· Add curb appeal. Motivated homebuyers are viewing your home in daylight hours and after sundown so make sure it looks its best at all times. You always want to keep your front exterior lights on but you can add a few simple outdoor light fixtures to add curb appeal. Solar walkway lights can light up your sidewalk to improve safety and ambiance. A spotlight or two on the front of your house can also add to your house, improve safety and give visitors a clear view of your home’s exterior. Landscape light packages sold at your local Lowe’s and Home Depot stores provide easy install methods while providing dramatic results inexpensively. If you have a beautiful tree, shrub, or flowers let people know by complementing natural beauty with a little added light. And, of course, if you’re selling during the holiday season, a few festive white neutral lights will really show your spirit and help folks envision themselves at home for the holidays when viewing your house.

· Use natural light. Whenever possible, take full advantage of natural daylight. Keep blinds and curtains open during the daytime to light up your home, make it seem open and airy all day long.

· Use flattering light sources. Overhead fluorescent lights are typically harsh while floor lamps and touchier lamps create mood and plenty of up lighting. Use soft, warm tones and rely on smaller lamps to disperse lighting to specific areas. You can also turn lamps during the day to enlarge the sense of space and brighten up your home.

· Add subtle lighting. Small under-counter kitchen lighting shows off your countertops and makes one of the most important rooms in the house warm and inviting. Add wall sconce lighting to places that are short on space. If you have art on your walls, you can showcase it with small light fixtures.

· Change a light fixture. Swapping out dated light fixtures for sleeker, more modern versions can be a wise investment that won’t cost you a lot. Better yet, spray paint old light fixtures with new modern colors to update any look inexpensively. Installing or updating attractive light fixtures is worth the money spent and will always catch a buyers’ eye!

Still not sure what lighting is right for your home? Jacobson Realty and Home Staging can help you fully stage your home to sell quickly and for the best price.Contact us today!

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Your 2016 Home Selling Checklist

13.11.2015 siteowner Leave a comment

Your 2016 Home Selling Checklist

In the Gainesville, Bristow and Haymarket Virginia area, many people wait to sell their homes in the spring or summer. But that doesn’t mean you should wait on preparing. To obtain the best price for your home, you need two main components: a realtor who will go the distance to get you the best deal and a home that is well-prepped. Get ready to list your home by checking off the items below.

· Get a home inspection prior to listing your home. Show buyers that you’re proactive about getting repairs done and giving them the best possible value when they purchase your home. Once the home inspection is done, you’ll know which repairs are important for you to tackle right away.

· Get rid of clutter. When people view your home, they want to see the potential for their family in the house, not your collection of National Geographic Magazine from 1987 to the present. Pre-pack or throw away items you don’t regularly use. Organize the items that are left and clean your house from top to bottom. Buyers want storage room, so show them how much room you have by keeping your storage spaces uncluttered.

· Make sure your flooring is up-to-date. Buyers don’t want to tackle replacing all the flooring after they move in. If your current flooring is dirty, worn or dated, you may want to consider updating it prior to putting your home on the market.

· Create curb appeal. Your home’s curb appeal gives buyers their first impression. You want this to be a positive experience so they remember your home and want to buy it. Keep your yard weed-free. Add greenery as the season permits.

· Create a neutral color palate inside. Buyers don’t want a long list of improvements to make after they move in. Help attract buyers with a fresh coat of paint or two. Neutral colors and clean walls with no holes will attract buyers.

· Depersonalize your home. Even though you may love your hometown football team, you never know what will be a turn-off for potential buyers. Try to take as many personal decorative items out of your home while its on the market to avoid alienating any customers. Allow them to see themselves living in your home by removing family photos and memorabilia.

· Anticipate your buyers’ needs. Your buyers already have a list of what they want. Racking up items, no matter how small, on their future to-do list is a quick way to lose a buyer. Help them check off items on their wish list instead of creating their to-do list.

· Make your home move-in ready. Once you’ve had your inspection and prioritized your to-do list, create a budget and a timeline to make your home move-in ready. Maybe you need to replace a few windows, apply a few coats of fresh paint or spackle all the places where your photos hung. Set yourself up for success by getting your home move-in ready before it even hits the market.

· Stage to sell. A well-staged home can make the buyer feel at home. Make sure you have good lighting and properly placed furniture for showings.

If you are looking for a professional opinion on your home as you prepare it for selling, Jacobson Realty and Home Staging is there to help. We can walk you through every step of the process to make sure your home is ready to sell at the time you want to sell it. Contact us today!

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