Posts Tagged ‘Selling your home’

This month’s newsletter features articles on:

Navigating Choppy Real Estate Waters

Over the past couple of years, you may have heard of homeowners being “underwater” or “upside down” in their mortgages.  These terms refer to negative equity, when borrowers owe more on their mortgages than they are worth.

The Epicurean Center

What’s the recipe for a fabulous, functional kitchen?  This question is key whether you’re buying a new home, renovating your current one to make it more apealing to potential buyers, or enhancing it for your own enjoyment.

Avoiding Rejection

Few things are more heartbreaking than finding the perfect home for you, but then getting turned down for a mortgage.  By knowing some of the common reasons lenders reject otherwise qualified applicants, you can be proactive in avoiding them.

Buying or “Just Looking”?

Is your home on the market?  If so, it is important you know with whom you’re dealing as far as potential buyers are concerned.  Some types of buyers are less desirable than others….

Planting Perks

While the finished product is something to admire, the actual process of gardening offers may benefits to those willing to take the time to get down and dirty.

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Does your house have curb appeal? Can we give it a little more pizzazz to draw the buyer in? Creating curb appeal will add dollars to your house’s final selling price.

Inspect the surrounding grounds.
• Have you removed any debris, construction materials, old household items, etc.?
• Have you removed any toys, bicycles, and scooters from the front of the house?
• Have you stored garbage cans out of sight or in the garage?

Inspect the roof, gutters, and windows.
• Is the roof free and clear from obstructions?
• Are the gutters clear of debris and neatly hung?
• Are the windows sparkling clean and free from obstructions (such as overgrown bushes and trees)?
• Are there any loose shingles in need of repair?

Inspect the condition of the paint or stucco.
• Is it time to power wash the stucco?
• Is any touch-up painting needed?
• Look at your house from across the street. Does it look tired or faded? If so, a paint job may be in order.

Keep the lawn neatly groomed.
• Is the lawn free from weeds and brown spots?
• Is the lawn free from leaves and grass clippings?
• Is the lawn neatly edged?

Is your landscaping at least average for the neighborhood?
• If not, buy some bushes and plant them.
• Are existing bushes, trees, and shrubs neatly pruned?
• If you have a flower bed, buy a few mature flowers and plant them.

Make your entryway inviting.
• Is the front door in good shape?
• Could your front door use a fresh coat of paint?
• Place a new, colorful welcome mat at the front door.
• Place a nice big potted plant in the entryway, next to the door.
• Polish your knob, lock, and knocker or purchase a new set.
• Make sure your street numerals are polished and in place.
• Make sure the porch and steps are swept.
• Make sure your front door lock and key work easily and fit properly.

Keep your back yard tidy.
• If you have a pool or spa, keep it freshly maintained and constantly cleaned.
• If you have dogs, be sure to constantly keep the back yard free of “debris”.