Tag Archives: Real estate

Know the Market With a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

04.03.2017 siteowner Leave a comment

Our home is not just an investment; it is an extension of ourselves. Our home is where we may have raised our children and learned all about gardening or celebrated holidays. Sooner or later, while we will always treasure the memories, most of us outgrow our home. If this is the case for you, your realtor will break out several tools to help you valuate your home to get you the best price. One of those tools is a Comparative Market Analysis or CMA.

Dare to Compare

The Comparative Market Analysis is an in-depth report prepared by your realtor that gets to the core of your house and the spirit of the neighborhood your house is in. This report is compiled before your house goes on the market and uses “comparables,” which are other nearby properties that have similar features, style and size to yours that have sold in the last three to six months. These comparisons help determine where to position the list price in order to get the best selling price for your home.

The Big Three

When you sit down with your realtor, you may already have an idea of your home’s worth and most likely have already checked all the automated valuation models (AVM’s) such as Zillow, Realtor.com and other real estate platforms. However, your realtor’s knowledge base of the area and expertise at evaluating houses and location are not taken into consideration with AVM’s. Consequently, AVM valuations are often too high or too low. Your realtor will provide a more accurate and current picture of your home’s worth. Below are three key areas that are considered when preparing your CMA.

Interior features are one of these key areas your realtor will look into. These can include, but are definitely not limited to, the square footage of your home, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and basement type. Basements, you ask? Yes, basements. If you have a fully or partially finished basement, the finishing details will help define the value of your home. Does the basement have a window and natural light, or is it more for storage? In other words, how livable is the actual space. The type of ingress and egress the basement has is also important when preparing a CMA. Do you have a true walkout basement, or is it a walk-up basement or in-ground? Regardless of the type, style, and finishing details your basement has, it will add to the overall square footage of your home. However, it will most likely be valued at a lower rate than above ground living space because by and large basements are cheaper to construct than above ground structures.
Exterior features that your realtor will consider include deck, patio and gazebo add-ons, side-load versus front-load garages, as well as hardscape and landscaping features. Do you have an outside masonry fireplace and patio or fountain or even a koi pond to help add value to your home? Siding, windows and roofing are taken into consideration but are typically not valued by a realtor for a CMA but are used to evaluate overall maintenance condition.
Location is always the most important factor. Is your house located on a busy street, or are you on a pipestem lot? Does your house back to trees, a golf course, lake or pond? If so, then these site features may add value and be cited in the CMA report. Your realtor should know how to choose comparable homes with similar site features.

Trust me when I say there are a lot of other factors to be considered in valuing a property. Preparing a good Comparative Market Analysis takes time and requires an understanding of the marketplace and area trends. This professionally researched report from a knowledgeable local realtor will give you a well-rounded portrait of your home and neighborhood, including a confident listing strategy. Belinda Jacobson-Loehle of Jacobson Realty and Home Staging is ready to create you a great CMA. Contact me today.

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Just Do It: De-own It and Donate It

17.02.2017 siteowner Leave a comment

Yes, it’s all the rage right now to be a minimalist. Don’t worry. I am not here to say that you should become one, but I did point out in my last blog some great minimalist ideas for getting out the old. When getting a home ready for sale, we do need to be mindful of what we can take with us and if we really need to, as well.

This time I would like to add in the importance of donating instead of dumping items we once loved. Donating to thrift store and charities not only keeps our local landfills from overflowing, it gives another person the chance to love our gently used item as much as we did. Many times, the biggest obstacle is where to take our goodies to share. Below is a list of charities looking to make our old items someone else’s new treasure.

Vietnam Veterans of America

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) will pick up your used clothing, household items and even cars right from your home in the Prince William County area. Just label your boxes for pick up by the VVA and set them out for pick up. VVA notes that clothing is always a huge need, as well as clothing accessories, shoes (all kinds), baby items, house and glassware, all linens and kitchenware.

Goodwill of Greater Washington

Goodwill of Greater Washington is open seven days a week for your donations. They also have a pack and ship program that allows you to ship donated items for free! Their website provides a detailed breakdown of all the items they can accept. Currently, they need household items, toys and books.

The Donation Place

If you are heading for the landfill and don’t want to make another trip out in to town, just separate your gently loved items from the broken ones. The Donation Place at the Prince William County landfill is a brilliant space used to collect items that are still usable and in need of a new a home. The Donation Place is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore takes your building materials, appliances, furniture, tools and more and then sells them to the general public at forty to ninety percent off retail prices. All proceeds support adequate housing initiatives and home repairs in partnership with local families in need. Hours vary, so visit the website.

Taking the time to donate items not only gives your closets a much needed pare-down, but also gives your home a great start toward a look that will sell!

Thank You for Being Awesome

I love sharing these ideas with you on the blog as well as when preparing you to buy or sell a home. I sincerely enjoy working with my incredible clients and am so glad to be able to help:

“Our listing and selling process with Belinda was outstanding! From the original evaluation, to contract decisions, to staging the home professionally, everything was well thought out and handled superbly by her. Her marketing resources and materials were very professional. The open houses proved to be beneficial. Belinda was very responsive to all of our communications and we appreciated her immediate action on everything. We would highly recommend Belinda for your real estate needs. Her expertise made the sale of our home a quick and smooth process.” ~ J. Wilkins

Thank you to the Wilkins Family for the privilege of working with them. If you are ready to experience the Jacobson advantage, please contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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Declutter Your Home, Declutter Your Life: Choose a Strategy

09.02.2017 siteowner Leave a comment

Are you looking around the house and thinking, “Where in the world did all of this stuff come from?” Hey, no judgement here, everybody has been deluged by more stuff than they need. And many times, things need replacing or updating, and we are not quite sure what to do with the old once we bring in the new.

This also works with household updates as well. Many times, we are ready to do some much-needed changes to our home, but we know the clutter will remain if we don’t come up with a plan to trade out the new for the old. What are some of the secrets that uber-organized people use to obtain and maintain organized spaces?

Old Out First

Some people throw out the old right away. Before even going to the store to purchase a new needed or wanted item, they cruise by the local thrift store to donate the old item or drop off a broken item at the waste management area. They may have to go without an item for a day or so, but they are not trying to work around the old item while bringing in the new. These same people prefer to make donations before Christmas to make room for the new stuff!

Two for One

Rumor has it, this is the Zen way of handling clutter. For every item, you bring into the house you make a promise with yourself you will donate or throw away two. From shoes to televisions, this strategy does not have to be a straight across trade, but can clean up some of the more stacked-up areas of a home, such as the back-entry way or the laundry room. If a new front door is in the works, you can always count the old front door and the squeaky screen door that is not really needed as your two old pieces for one new. Simply maintaining this mindset a portion of the time can keep you on track for constant decluttering.

Six and Out

Try the “six and out” game. Go around the house and look for clothes, gadgets or other items that nobody has paid attention to in 6 months. If they have no seasonal use and are just collecting dust or getting in the way, pack them up and take them to a local charity. Another variation of this game is great for considering the replacement of larger ticket items or updating your home’s interior. Have you had trouble with a bathroom sink more than once in the last six months? Have you noticed fading paint or a balding carpet for more than six months? Maybe it is time to look at getting those areas of your home updated.

Photograph and Move Out

If de-cluttering is a priority, super-motivated folks will use the “shoot and move-out” method to get the job done. It’s simple. Take a photo of the personal memorabilia, keep in a digital file on any or all devices, and then move the stuff out of your house. It’s quick, it’s easy and the memories made are not forgotten. And the best part, your house is cleaner and more organized faster!

When it comes down to it, a cleaner, less cluttered house makes it easier to care for all of your belongings. And when the time comes for you to move on to better things, not only does an uncluttered, updated home look great to a new buyer, it may mean a better sales price and a much easier move for you!

If you’re interested in learning more about tips for buying or selling a home let us help. We can help you stage your property for the best market price ad help you find the perfect home to move up to. Contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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You Need to Move, so Move That Mindset!

02.02.2017 siteowner Leave a comment

I overheard two gentlemen talking at a party one evening. One gentleman was going on about how he really needed to move to a bigger house, but every year he thinks about how big of a change it is. He waits until the last minute and never gets his house ready, meaning he just stays another year in his house he thinks is too small.

His friend told him that it wasn’t his house he wasn’t getting ready; it was his mindset. His buddy was right, but how do we go about mentally preparing for a task that can be so daunting?

Detach and declutter: One of the best ways to begin a mindset change is to detach yourself from your soon-to-be old surroundings. Get rid of things that you have been meaning to give away, and take down personal pictures and memorabilia. This will allow you to let go and see the house as just a house and not your home. The bonus, of course, is that a potential buyer will also be able to imagine themselves in this new home when the time is right.
Make a “sell it and move” checklist right away: Write down a date you want to put your house up for sale and contact a local Realtor to see if it is recommended. With your Realtor’s assistance, add to your list the actions you need to do prior to, during and after the move. Break the list up into a timeline so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Once you have written down the steps, it may make the process more real and achievable in your mind.
Make a “new house” checklist: What are all the things that you really want or need in a new property? While you may think you are comfortable where you are, your list may shine a bit of light on some of the reasons moving is a great idea.
Go on a house hunting adventure: Your date to stake a sign in your current yard may be a few months off, but you can take the time to check out your dream neighborhood and view homes available in your price range. Let the idea of a new home adventure inspire you. List the positives of the areas you are interested in, such as access to schools and activities.
Do some new home prep: Keep your mindset positive for your new adventure by doing some pre move-in fun tasks once you have bought your new abode. Every home has that one paint color or cabinet hardware that you told yourself you would change out if you bought the place. Try to inspect your new home when it is empty and chose a few small upgrades that you can do before you move in. Tackling a few tasks ahead of time will help make the new house your new home.

So, are you wondering if that gentleman ever did move on to a new adventure? From the conversation I heard, I bet he did. And if you are ready for a new adventure, we are always ready to show you some great homes in our area. Contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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New Licensing for Virginia Home Inspectors and What That Means to Buyers

21.01.2017 siteowner Leave a comment

Laws are changing all the time behind the scenes in the real estate world. While they affect home buyers and sellers, they’re not always kept in the loop about changes. That’s why we are going to explain the new licensing for Virginia home inspectors and what that could mean to you as a home buyer. Trust us, this new legislation is a good thing for you as a home buyer. It will help you be assured that you’re getting the highest quality home inspection when you purchase a home, no matter whom you choose to inspect it.

Currently, the state of Virginia has voluntary certification for home inspectors, which means that you may get different levels of education and expertise from different home inspectors. All of that is going to change effective July 1, 2017. Now the state requires licenses for all home inspectors. There will be specific education requirements, which are still pending at the state level. Everyone who is voluntarily certified prior to the mandatory certification will be automatically licensed by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

What does this mean for you as a buyer? This is really beneficial to home buyers. Regulating the home inspector industry will help give more consistent results from inspector to inspector. Everyone will be required to take the same 16 credits of education biannually so everyone will be 100% up-to-speed on the latest and greatest developments in the home inspection world. With the changing landscape of technological improvements in home systems like HVAC, home security, appliances and more, that continuing education is going to be increasingly important as home inspectors learn how to assess new developments in technology.

This also means your home inspector will have to carry $250,000 in general liability insurance. More insurance offers more peace of mind for you as the home buyer. All home inspectors will be required to have a high school diploma or the equivalent and pass the National Home Inspector Examination, ensuring a standard of knowledge across the board for all home inspectors. This means you will get a more consistent product when you purchase a home inspection as a buyer. A home inspector will have to complete a minimum number of home inspections under supervision from a certified home inspector, which means they will have the benefit of hands-on learning from another certified professional.

Working with licensed professionals helps protect customers and the industry alike. This standardization of home inspection will ensure more buyers get a standard of safety in their home inspections. Have peace of mind that each and every home inspector has to have the same amount of education and receives the same knowledge each year. This will keep the industry thriving with licensed, insured professionals who are truly dedicated to maintaining a high standard of home inspections for customers.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the new year, let us help. Contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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Routine Maintenance to Keep Your House Running Smoothly Through Winter

12.01.2017 siteowner Leave a comment

Why does the heat pump always wait until it’s -12 degrees outside to die on you? It’s not just your fantastic luck. The harsh conditions of winter weather can be tough on your home. Keeping up with routine maintenance can ensure you don’t wind up with a home repair emergency on your hands in the middle of a cold snap. Here are some suggestions to keep your house running smoothly.

Change your furnace filters – It’s not an exciting job, but if you want heat to flow freely throughout your home, you want to put it at the top of your winter to-do list. Clogged filters can cost you extra money on your heat bill each month and over-tax your system causing it to break.
Winterize your water lines and air conditioning unit – Avoid frozen pipes by draining any hoses and air conditioner pipes. Make sure there isn’t water pooled in your air conditioner. Turn off water to all pipes that connect to the outside of your house.
Seal up your home to avoid drafts – If you have leaky doors or windows, you might as well open them up and throw cash out into the yard. Drafts cost you a lot of additional money in energy bills and your heat is just rising up into the atmosphere. A draft can give your thermostat a false reading, causing your heat to run more than it needs to. Escaping warmth can also cause you to crank up the temperature, costing you more to heat your home. Air leaks are simple to fix. You can winterize your windows with an inexpensive kit from any home improvement store.
Install energy efficient windows and doors – If you have a little more money to invest, energy efficient windows and doors can save you money on your heating bill and your taxes. There are federal tax credits available for upgrading to energy efficient windows and doors.
Tune up your heater – Preempt an emergency visit from your friendly HVAC tech by being proactive. Get your heater a tune up before you’re in the midst of the coldest months. Many HVAC companies offer free annual system checks if you schedule early in the season, before they get overwhelmed with emergency repair calls.
Clear out dead tree limbs – During winter storms and harsh winds, dead tree limbs falling can cause major damage to your home and threaten your safety. Tree branches that are obviously dead, dangling or just overhanging your home or vehicle should be trimmed prior to the harsh winter weather to avoid an accident later in the season.
Get your chimney cleaned – If you’re lucky enough to have a cozy fireplace to enjoy, make sure that it’s safe for your family by having it cleaned regularly. A clogged chimney is a major hazard to your health and safety. Animals also enjoy building their homes in chimneys, so you want to make sure there are no additional occupants in your chimney before lighting that first fire of the year.

Keeping your home well-maintained during the winter will not only keep you warm and cozy, you will protect your investment so that when the time is right to sell, you’re ready. If you’re in the market to sell your home (or purchase a new one), contact us today!

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Give Your Home a Winter Tune-Up

15.12.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

Just like we winterize our cars with new tires, a tune up and oil change, our homes need a winter tune up, too. Our homes are the largest investments we make, and keeping them in top shape keeps us comfy and our investment safe. Below are a few suggestions to keep your house warm and winter safe.

Rev up your HVAC. Call your local HVAC professional to inspect your furnace or heat pump. The pro will check your system to make sure it is clean and in good repair, as well as monitor for carbon monoxide leakage. A quick tune-up can bring your furnace back up to manufacturer-rated efficiency.
Reverse your ceiling fans. Check any ceiling fans in your home to see if they are rotation reversible. Running the fan blades in a clockwise direction after you turn on your heat produces a downdraft that recirculates the heated air rising to the ceiling. You might be able to keep the heat turned down a couple of notches and save on your heating bill!
Hit the roof. Damaged or loose shingles can happen in the winter months letting in leaks from storms or melting ice and snow. If you are not one for heights, try using a pair of binoculars to scan the roof. Don’t forget to check the flashing seals around vents and chimneys, too.
Drain the main. Undrained exterior water pipes and lawn watering systems can freeze, causing cracked and burst pipes as ice expands. If your home is more than 10 years old, you may not have frost-proof faucets. Check with your water department or lawn sprinkler company to make sure the job is done right.
Stock the essentials. Double check your cold-weather essentials regularly. Ice melt and other essentials can disappear quickly if the winter is a long one.
Focus on insulation. Most insulation can be installed year around. Check with your local weatherization company or hardware store to see about getting your attic or basement insulation as soon as possible. Think of the savings on your heating bill!
Check for fire safety. Make sure your fire extinguishers are charged to their full capacity, and double check the batteries in your smoke detectors. This is especially important if you have a fireplace in your home and around Christmas time.
Clean those chimneys. Chimney fires account for 30 percent of home heating fires a year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Even if you are super-efficient about your fall chimney sweeping, be sure to check your chimney and vents are clean and in good repair regularly during the winter months. Santa won’t be the only one who will appreciate it!

My hope for everyone is to have a safe and warm winter. I am sure there are a dozen more tune-ups out there any homeowner can think of to add to their list. If you would like to stop in and give me your ideas, or if you are looking for a cozy new home this winter contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging to get the conversation started.

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Your Home, Your Holiday: It’s About the Wreaths

08.12.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

The holidays are a festive time to sell your home. Potential buyers can just feel the cozy vibe and imagine themselves tucked up in the master bedroom waiting for Santa Claus to deliver gifts. However, selling your home over the holidays also means you may want to tone down your decorations so that that the property is not overshadowed by the bling of the season. Hundreds of lights and yard ornaments distract the eye from the natural form of the house and yard. The buyer may not see the house’s year-round curb appeal and be turned off to a purchase.

To enjoy holiday décor and keep your curb appeal tasteful, the best ideas are simply stated. Evergreen wreaths are a nice addition to your entrance area that can liven up your holiday look. Even better, they have a wonderful history of symbolism.

Historians speculate that our modern evergreen wreath is based on the Lutheran Advent wreath, a custom dating back three hundred years. Soon after, many other traditions decided to adopt the wreath, each adding candles or other bright objects to represent a light for each day of their Advent celebrations. It is also said that a circular wreath of evergreen boughs are used to represent God’s eternal love. What a wonderful story to share with friends during this time of year.

Even the evergreen you choose to dress up your home has specific symbolism dating back for several centuries. Master gardener Margaret Rose Realy of Morning Rose Gardens shares some of these great meanings:

Balsam is one of the most commonly used evergreens for wreaths. Balsam is symbolic of eager anticipation, much like awaiting Christmas day.
Fir is another favorite, although it is used more in garlands and swags. Fir boughs symbolize being lifted up or elation.
Pine, is the most commonly used evergreen and conveys eternal life.
Spruce boughs represent hope in times of adversity.
Cedar is very fragrant and one of the longer lasting evergreen boughs. Cedar is known as and evergreen of healing.
Juniper is another very popular choice. Juniper symbolizes protection, and many people used to plant a juniper under their windows to keep away intruders.
Holly is considered to be reminiscent of the Crown of Thorns. The red berries are a striking addition to any wreath.

Wreaths can be placed on doors and in windows and can be accessorized to fit any theme you choose. This year, additions of gold and browns to wreaths look to be the trend and are quite striking on a modest sized wreath on the front door, especially on smaller porches.

Simple and tasteful décor is also an important consideration if your listing photos will be taken over the holiday season. If you just can’t help yourself and super decorating is your passion, make sure to hold off on decorating until after your listing photos have been staged.

If you are selling your home and would like more guidance on how to make it the most it can be during the holiday season or any other season, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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Realtors and Travel Agents – Helping You Reach Your Destination

10.10.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

Realtors and Travel Agents – Helping You Reach Your Destination

Maybe you’ve never thought of it this way, but realtors and travel agents are not so different from one another. Both work to get you to your destination where you can enjoy life! And both do it professionally. That’s why in today’s world, even with the abundance of do-it-yourself options for both real estate and vacation planning, there’s still a big benefit to having an expert in each field help you navigate your transaction and get the most for your money.

What are you looking for?

Lene Minyard, travel agent with Perfectly Planned Journeys, said, “Be clear on what benefits you are hoping for when using a travel agent! Is it saving time? Expert advice and help in case something goes wrong? Are you looking to coordinate a trip for a group? If so, you should definitely consider using a travel agent!”

The same thing goes for working with a realtor. Realtors want to know what you are looking for in a home or neighborhood. They want to know what price range you are comfortable with and whether or not you can pre-qualify for a mortgage. And in the event anything goes wrong? You definitely want a realtor by your side.

What resources will you need?

Minyard said that travel agents work with reputable suppliers and have resources not available to the general public. They can check out the vendors and specific destinations in ways that most people cannot. This prevents you from having a bad experience on your vacation, a common result of using a vendor who isn’t reputable or trustworthy.

On the real estate side, a website can give you a forum to list your house or search for a new house, but it can’t give you expert advice on how to negotiate the best price, what the best neighborhoods are and other insider tips and tricks. A realtor can do all of this, plus connect you with other reputable professionals.

What’s the niche?

Different travel agents may have different niche markets they serve. If you’re looking to book a Disney vacation or a Caribbean vacation, for example, look for an agent who specializes in those markets. That travel agent will know insider tips and tricks for the location you’re looking to visit.

Just like there are niche travel agents, there are also realtors who specialize in certain regions or types of real estate. Look for just the right agent for you and your situation when you are shopping for a house or need to sell your house.

You need a partner!

Minyard said, “There is absolutely no way that a travel agent can know everything about every destination and every supplier, so don’t expect that! Look at your travel agent as a partner and added protection — someone who will work with you to put together that perfect trip for you, help you prevent any problems, and when unforeseen problems do occur, you have someone to contact to help you resolve the issue. Always remember the more information you provide the better he or she will be able to plan a memorable trip for you.”

As for realtors? Having a realtor is like have an insurance policy for your real estate transaction. Realtors are expert partners who can guide you through buying or selling a house from start to finish to ensure everything goes smoothly.

If you are looking for the right realtor to find or sell a home in the Bristow, Gainesville or Haymarket Virginia area, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging. We have the experience as well as insight into these communities to make your journey a positive one.

Lene Minyard can be reached at (703) 791-2944.

Jacobson Realty and Home Staging (JRY) was established by Broker/Owner Belinda Jacobson-Loehle in April 2002. Belinda is a native Washingtonian who grew up in Alexandria, Virginia and has lived and worked in Gainesville, Virginia since 1995. She has been a licensed broker since 1989.

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10 Tips to Avoid Seller Mistakes

10.10.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

10 Tips to Avoid Seller Mistakes

Preparing and selling your home can be a challenge! Many sellers are not sure of all the ins and outs or what may sell homes in their area. We atJacobson Realty and Home Stagingknow, though! Here are 10 things that you should definitely remember for a successful selling transaction.

Steer clear of automated property valuations. Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com or Redfin are fine for report searches, but when it comes time to understate property valuations, they are not your source for information. Often times the data that is used is old or not similar to the subject property, and valuations will be too high or too low. The expertise of a realtor is needed to evaluate your upgrades, your unique situation and current market conditions and trends.
Have realistic expectations. Your realtor can share important information with you that will help you to understand your local market. Home sales trends may be 45 – 60 days, or offers from buyers may not be meeting full property values. Your home is an emotional component of your life, but it is best to be objective when strategizing the sale of “the house.”
Shift your mindset. Now that you have decided you are going to sell “the house,” continually remind yourself that you are selling a house, not YOUR home. This can help you to critically evaluate interior and exterior cosmetic and maintenance issues that you and your family considered “endearing” or part of the character of the home.
Pack up your emotional attachment. Memories are one of the most difficult things to move. However, they are also the first thing you should pack if you’re going to change your mindset from “home” to “house.” Removing the emotional attachment aids in changing your mindset as well as allows you to make sure your life’s story is safely stored. Also, if you are downsizing, you simply may not have room in your new home for all of life’s memorabilia. This will give you time to consider options such as digital storage. Many of your memories can become amazing photos to be shared with all the family. Another option is collaging and shadow boxes, combining items into themes and reducing the storage area while creating a fun family display.
Have your property staged. Professional staging is critical to the sale of your home. Especially in markets where the competition is great, your home must be showcased to attract its full asking price. Professional stagers stay updated on the latest home décor trends and understand how to show off the best qualities of your home without your positioning looking fake.
Invest in repairs and improvements. Routine maintenance helps prevent surprises down the road, but there are always things that seem to get put on the back burner. Catch up on your seasonal maintenance, trim trees and double check gutters. Consider investing in improvements that can ensure a higher selling price and build confidence and trust in the mind of your buyer.
Invest in your curb appeal. Your curb appeal is the “first impression” made by the house. Making sure your landscaping is updated can help sell the house faster. Remember, if you can’t see your house, you can’t sell your house. Stand at the curb and see if an overgrown tree seems to overwhelm the house or if the juniper bushes block your front door. Check often overlooked areas like your mailbox or see if the lawn has bald spots. Another appeal buster is an outdated or unkempt front door area. Try a new door color and an updated doorbell as inexpensive ways to give the front of the house an attractive look.
Start packing before you list. Reduce your stress by starting to pack as soon as you decide you are selling. Packing as soon as possible can help you to detach emotionally from your home, as well as declutter the house for the staging. It also makes cleaning before showings easier. In addition, cleaning out all those nooks and crannies can expose repair issue you may not have noticed that you can get to right away.
List only when you are prepared. One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is to list before all repairs or staging is done. If you have not quite finished your preparations, both you as the seller and the house do not look like you are ready to sell. The buyer is calculating how much effort and money they will have to put into making the house their home. These considerations can mean lower offers or no offers at all.
Always have a “Plan B.” Crazy things sometimes happen when selling a house. The house may sell faster than you expected, or it may take longer because of a market slowdown. An unseen major repair may come up, or your own moving plans may change drastically. Ask your realtor about options and make a list of resources such as resident hotels, storage units and emergency repair services.

With a bit of preparation and a great plan, you can reduce the stress and make selling your house a satisfying experience!

Jacobson Realty and Home Staging (JRY) was established by Broker/Owner Belinda Jacobson-Loehle in April 2002. Belinda is a native Washingtonian who grew up in Alexandria, Virginia and has lived and worked in Gainesville, Virginia since 1995. She has been a licensed broker since 1989.

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