Staging your home to sell
A few changes may decrease time on the market and increase sales price. You know you should clean everything and get rid of clutter. But aside from that, how do you broaden the appeal of your house? Here are a few tips: Walk through the house and prioritize things that, if changed, would increase the value of your home. For example, repainting a child’s bubblegum pink bedroom may attract more buyers than something not as apparent, such as replacing an old dishwasher. You can direct a potential buyer’s eye away from something negative or toward something positive. Use artwork or a room’s own features, such as a fireplace, to capture a buyer’s attention. However, there’s a fine line. You want buyers to be able to appreciate the room and not just focus on the items...
How much does that home really cost?
A $200,000 home costs more than a $185,000 home, right? Well, yes and no. Assuming the same type of financing for both homes, the $200,000 home does cost more initially. But many factors contribute to the overall long-term cost of a house. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to determine the true cost of purchasing a particular home: Does it have a pool or hot tub that requires maintenance? How much yard maintenance is required and who will perform it? Are there trees that should be removed? What are the utility costs? Although your usage won’t be exactly the same as the current owners, you may be able to get their utility bills for the past year from them or directly from the utility company. How soon will the roof need to be replaced? Does the...
