9 Tips to Maximize Your Home Appraisal Value

A home appraisal can help you get the desired value for your property. While a home appraisal is based on the age, amenities, condition, location and several other factors of the house, you can do your bit by conducting minor changes to enhance the look of your home. 

1. Improve the Curb Appeal

A good first impression can set the right tone for a home assessment. Keeping your house tidy, pressure washing the driveway and neatly trimming the shrubs can create a good image for the appraiser. Maintaining and cleaning your exteriors can increase the chances of getting the valuation you want.

2. Clean Your House

Though cleanliness may not directly impact your home appraisal, it can leave a positive…

599 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

What Is a House Seller's Disclosure? Here's Why It's Important

You may be unfamiliar with a seller or property disclosure if it's your first time buying or selling a home. It plays a crucial role in the transaction and helps both parties have a common understanding of the house's condition.

The seller is required by law to provide the property disclosure. But why is the document so important? This article will provide information on its significance in selling a house.

What Is a Seller's Disclosure?

A property disclosure is a document that provides details on the condition of a property. The paperwork highlights any issues, defects or repairs. Aside from problems, the paperwork details any renovations and upgrades conducted to improve your…

485 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Why You Should Use Virtual Staging To Sell Your Home

Do you want to sell your home fast, in the most efficient possible way and at the best price? Virtual stagings can make all the difference in how quickly and successfully your home sells. Below explains why you should use virtual staging to sell your home and what it can do for you.

What Is Virtual Staging?

Virtual staging uses computer software to digitally insert furniture and other decorative elements into photos of empty rooms. The goal is to show potential homebuyers the property's full potential and help them visualize how the space could look and feel. A virtual stager can take an unfurnished room with bare walls and make it look like an inviting, furnished living room with a fireplace.

…

494 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

What To Know Before You Sign a Listing Agreement for Selling a House

A listing agreement is a legally binding contract that allows a real estate agent to sell your house or property on your behalf. Signing this agreement gives your agent the green light to advertise your house to their networks in return for compensation from the sale proceeds.

Like any other legally binding contract, you should ensure that the listing agreement entails your obligations and those of your agent, as you have discussed and agreed upon. It helps to formalize your agreement to protect yourself from unforeseen tussles during the term of the business contract.

Let's take a look at this critical contract document and some of its important terms, which you should ensure…

502 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

A Guide To Budgeting for New Homeowners

Buying a home is a common goal, and it's usually the most significant purchase people make in their lifetimes. Once the house buying process is complete, you'll know exactly how much your monthly mortgage payments will be. However, determining your utility costs is trickier, particularly if you moved from an apartment to a home. 

Utility Costs to Consider 

Based on a 2,000-square-foot home, a rough estimate for utility costs is $400-$500 per month, including electric, natural gas, water, garbage and internet service. Electric and gas costs vary according to usage,  and your bills will also be higher if you live in an area with a colder or hotter average climate. Of course, the impact on your budget depends…

520 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Renting vs. Buying a House: Which Is Better?

There are many things to consider when deciding between renting or buying a home. It's helpful to come up with a pros and cons list to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each. 

Advantages of Renting a Home

Below are five reasons for renting:

  • The landlord covers maintenance and repairs. 

  • Renters aren't responsible for property taxes.

  • There's no down payment required.

  • You can move with a 30-day notice.

  • If the property value goes down, it doesn't directly affect you.     

Disadvantages of Renting a Home

Here are five reasons against renting: 

  • You don't have the opportunity to earn equity.

  • Rent increases are standard.

    • …

416 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Is an Economic Slowdown Good or Bad for the Housing Market?

With more Americans concerned about a possible recession, is it still beneficial to buy a house? Here’s what you need to know about an economic slowdown, its potential impact on your finances and how to stay positive despite it all.

Should You Wait Until the Economy Is Good Before Buying My First Home?

It can be tempting to wait until economic conditions are ideal before buying a home, but there are several reasons why you shouldn't wait. First, interest rates are still historically low and could dip as inflation cools. Second, prices may rise as the economy improves, so it's better to buy sooner rather than later. While it's true that mortgage rates could dip in a recession, there are…

547 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

What Causes a Home's Value to Decrease? (5 Mistakes to Avoid)

There are hundreds of customizations and adjustments homeowners might make to a house. Some changes add to the value of the house, but others can actually decrease it without the owner even realizing it. These are the most common mistakes homeowners make when changing their homes.

1. Cheap Repairs

It can be hard to shell out for constant repairs, but it's essential to keep your home in good condition. Opting for cheap workmanship, DIY repairs or, worse, ignoring the problem won't be cheaper in the long run as it devalues the property. 

Imagine viewing a home and seeing improperly cut tiling, obvious plaster patches in the wall or wonky fittings. These patchy features will set anyone…

339 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers: What You Need To Know Before Inspection Day

A home inspection is essential when purchasing a house. For a buyer, an inspection is a great way to save unnecessary costs. An inspection might seem daunting or stressful, but that doesn't have to be the case. This article will equip you with a checklist of what is important before the inspection. After checking the tips below, you'll be ready for inspection day.

Cost of a Home Inspection

Price differs depending on your location and the size and condition of the house. The Housing and Urban Development Department states that a home inspection ranges from $300 to $500. You might pay more in some instances.

It could help to know that specialty inspections aren't…

728 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

What Are the Fees When Selling a House?

Selling your house can be an exciting and nerve-wrecking journey. You're about to embark on a new path, start new adventures and move on from one home to another. However, the process of selling your home stands in the way of beginning your new life. If you have a realtor, you're probably aware of closing costs and realtor fees. But did you know there are other fees associated with selling your house? Read on to learn more about fees you'll pay when putting your home up for sale. 

Home Improvement Fees

Many realtors suggest enhancing your home's curb appeal before listing it for sale so it's enticing from the moment it hits the market. This can mean anything from fixing a leaky faucet to resealing the deck.…

312 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post