Tag Archives: selling

15 Best Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home

Reposted from freshome

The value that you have in your home is the single most important reason why you own instead of rent a home. In the this recent economy of falling house values and unstable housing market statistics, every home owner should know how to put more value back into their homes. Although making home improvements is not a sure-fire way to increase the value, it will at the very least make you more competitive against your competition.  Use these tips to increase the value of your home and enjoy the rewards when it is time to sell your home.

1.) Update kitchen appliances: The most sought after room in your home is the kitchen. It is worth the most per square foot and will make the difference of your home appealing to buyers or not.  If your appliances are more than 3-5 years old consider updating them to the comfortability of your wallet. A newer model, a more designer finish, or more features will help home buyers take a second glance at your kitchen.  For top of the line appliances consider stainless steel and professional series lines.

2.) Kitchen cabinetry makes the look: When you walk into a kitchen the first thing you notice is the cabinets. Cabinetry is at the top of the percentage of kitchen costs, but also shows the most return.  Opt for wood over laminate surfaces and add custom features like crown molding, wine racks, glazing, and custom woodworking to set your kitchen apart from your competition. Reface cabinets and add door and drawer hardware for less expensive updating.

3.) Add value by upgrading your countertops: Any room you have countertops – kitchen, bathroom, bars, or utility rooms the more money you can spend into a higher end countertop the better. Plastic laminate countertops are considered the lower end grade, solid surfacing, concrete and granite is considered to be the higher end grade. Consider overlay countertops that are made from composite granite/resin combination for the look of granite at a fraction of the cost.

4.) Flooring is a forgotten upgrade: The rule of thumb for flooring is the more resilient and long lasting, the higher the upgrade is, but the higher return is on investment (ROI). Vinyl flooring and low end carpet is at the bottom of the upgrade spectrum.  Consider wood, tile, and natural stone for flooring options to add value to your home.

5.) Upgrade plumbing fixtures in kitchen and bathrooms: If your plumbing fixtures are more than 10 years old, consider upgrading them. If you have standard grade fixtures, such as chrome finish, opt for higher end finishes and materials. Brushed nickel, antique copper and brass fixtures are relatively inexpensive to replace.  At kitchen sinks choose plumbing fixture collections that offer matching faucet, control, and sink sprayer.  Similarly in bathrooms, choose bathtub/shower/and sink controls that coordinate for a unified look throughout your home.

6.) Master bedrooms should feel like a retreat: The master bedroom or suite as some like to refer to it is a high commodity for home buyers.  Upgrade flat ceilings to raised tray ceilings and allow for several lighting options.  Recessed lighting with dimmers, lighting wall sconces help create an ambiance that has a high value in appeal and for the value of your home.

7.) Upgrade master bathroom with spa-like features: Part of the master bedroom is the master bathroom.  Buyers want to have spa features from the shower to the over-sized garden tub.  Similarly to the kitchen, put upgrades where you can most afford it.  Upgraded tiled floors and showers will add value over pre manufactured units.  Jetted soaking tubs, multisprayer showers and large square footage will also add value to your overall home.

8.) State of art audio and sound: Consider adding surround sound systems in your living areas as well as master bedroom area for a notch above your competition.  If you are selling electronics with your home, plasma and flat screen televisions are a plus and media rooms are now becoming well sought after. Add seating areas for multiple screen viewing and add theater sound if considering a media room. These upgrades will be an amenity that adds value and buyer appeal.

9.) Eco-friendly homes bring in a higher value: In this green modern age, eco conscious upgrades have a big return on investment. From water saving plumbing fixtures to tankless hot water heaters, investing in the earth can add value to your home.  Choose rapidly renewable resources for finishes like bamboo flooring and opt for systems that save on energy costs.  Regardless of the method, green living upgrades are always worth the investment.

10.) A fully usable garage is an asset: A garage can add usable storage space for the home buyer as well as dry, clean area for parking cars. All homes don’t have garages and therefore can add value on to your home. If your home is on the market, spend time cleaning and organizing your garage so it can be shown.  Install garage wall or ceiling organizing shelves to fully take advantage of vertical storage and space.

11.) Invest in curb appeal: To be able to meet the demands of the average home buyer you will need to create curb appeal. A well manicured lawn, trimmed landscaping and clean drive and sidewalks will help bring greater buyer appeal, and in turn will add value on to your home.  Keep your flower beds free of weeds and full of thriving and colorful plants.  Nothing says ‘buy me’ like a front yard that has quality upkeep behind it.

12.) Have fully functioning irrigation system: The more ways you can add convenience of time and energy to a home buyer, the greater appeal is created for your home.  An irrigation system that works properly and covers the full yard can add value.  Consider having a maintenance check by an irrigation professional that can service and recommend the proper maintenance of your irrigation system.

13.) The more closets the better: At the top of buyers’ lists is always storage.  The more you can provide the more value you add on to your home price.  Make sure closets are fully functioning and are not being used to hold so many belongings that a home buyer can’t see how much space the closet offers.  When choosing how to upgrade your home, storage is one of the easiest and often overlooked suggestions.

14.) A quality roof is a plus: The roof of your home protects and beautifies the structure beneath.  A quality roof will add value to your home and reduce the risk of damage in the near future.  For roofs older than 15 years, consider having a roofer inspect and possibly replace. Upgrade from asphalt shingles to clay tiles, copper, slate or standing metal seam to add durability and value.

15.) Windows are for more than viewing: Your windows are the source for your light, but also the source for conditioned air gain and loss.  Upgrade to windows with higher R values to resist heat and cold transfer from the outdoors. Double paned windows, windows with integral window treatments and insulated varieties all equate to saving energy and therefore will add more value to your home.

Spend the money now to invest in your home.  The value that you create now will increase in time. Even if you don’t plan to sell your home soon, you will enjoy the upgrades that are made and in turn will add value to your own life.  Use these 15 tips to increase the value of your home and enjoy the process.

Protecting your home for sale: NBC 33 News Interview with Janet Anderson

This month is National Realtor Safety Week. In light of a recent arrest in the Baton Rouge area, NBC 33 interviewed Janet Anderson about how sellers can keep their home safe when showing it to the general public. Click the link below for the video and article.

NBC 33 News – Consumer Alert: Protect your “for sale” home from theft

Tips to Keep Your Home Safe During Showings and Open House

As real estate agents we take special precaution to make sure that while showing a home we are looking out for both the interests of the person looking, as well as the homeowner and their valuables. However, we are only human and professional criminals have devised tricks that even the most experienced agents may not realize are putting the home in jeopardy. For Sale by Owners are especially vulnerable as they are left with the responsibility of showing their own home without turning off the potential buyer by smothering them with attention. If you are a For Sale by Owner, here are some tips to make sure that you and your home are safe when opening your home to strangers.

1. It goes without saying, lock up all of your valuables in a safe or a cabinet. Keep expensive jewelry, money, or keepsakes out of view and while showing the home try to avoid wearing flashy jewelry. Never tell anyone that you have recently had surgery or anything that would indicate you have medication in the house. Criminals will ask to use your restroom and then steal them from your medicine cabinet.

2. Have an “escape” route from your home. Make sure all deadbolt locks are unlocked to facilitate a faster exit.

3. When prospects begin to arrive, jot down their car description, license number and physical description.

4. DO NOT, under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, allow a stranger to tour your open house BY THEMSELVES! Stay alongside them at all times. Direct them, by gesturing for them to lead and saying things like, “the kitchen is on your left.” Keep a watchful eye on how they act and what they touch. Especially note anyone who opens and closes cabinets. This could indicate they are looking for things that may be hidden such as medications or jewelry. You don’t want any of your possessions walking out the door.

5. Never show people through your open house on your own. However, if that is unavoidable then consider these options:

– Make appointments and open your house by appointment only.
– Let your spouse, friend or neighbor know when you have open house appointments.
– Arrange to ring your spouse, friend or neighbor as soon as the open house appointment is finished.
– Have a prearranged time for your spouse, friend or neighbor to phone you
if you haven’t already phoned them back.
– Have a prearranged PASSWORD you can use on the phone if you are in any way uncomfortable with the situation. The password code might be something as simple as “don’t forget the birthday cake.”

6. Never tell a stranger that you can’t show them the house because you won’t be home. That is an open invitation to any criminal. Simply say something like “I’ll be busy then… how about 10:30 instead?”

7. While showing the home, try to avoid answering distractions like children or phones. These provide great opportunities for criminals to steal things while you aren’t paying attention.

8. After showing the home, check every window and door to make sure they are locked. Sometimes criminals will unlock windows and break back into the house later.

Go with your gut instinct. If you feel anything is suspicious try to coax them out as calmly as possible or call the police. Remember, your life is more valuable than your belongings so if something does go wrong, get out immediately!

Tips to Help Owners Spot Foreclosure Scams

According to an article by the REALTOR Daily Real Estate News, “Last year, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission identified 71 companies running suspicious foreclosure rescue ads. This year, the Better Business Bureau named foreclosure rescue rip-offs among its top 10 scams.

Here are just two common scams identified in the September “Foreclosure Resource Guide” now available at the REALTOR® Content Resource:

1. A representative of a so-called foreclosure rescue company promises to negotiate a deal with your lender, instructing you not to contact your lender, lawyer, or credit counselor during the supposed negotiations. Once you pay an up-front fee or a few months of mortgage payments, the scam artist will disappear.

2. A scam artist promises to fend off foreclosure in exchange for an up-front fee. Instead of getting you legitimate relief, the fraudster will pocket the fee and secretly file a bankruptcy case in your name.

Losing your home is hard enough, make sure you don’t get caught in a foreclosure scam. When looking for options to avoid foreclosure you should always contact a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) like Janet Anderson. She is professionally trained and certified in dealing with foreclosures and short sales. If you or someone you know is possibly facing foreclosure, you can’t afford to wait another minute. Contact Janet today and let her get your life back on track. Go to our contact page here to send an email requesting information or call 225-368-3237. And for more information visit our CDPE website at www.BatonRougeForeclosureHelpNow.com

Quick Tips for Boosting Curb Appeal

Many homebuyers will drive through a neighborhood to catch a glimpse of a home for sale and decide on the spot whether it’s worth touring. This “curb appeal,” or first impression, is very important to attracting qualified buyers who are more interested in what they see now as opposed to the home’s potential.

It is important to attract as many qualified buyers as possible. One way to do this is by boosting the curb appeal. In preparing your home for sale, it is necessary to envision your home through the buyers’ eyes. There are many ways to freshen up the appearance of your home that doesn’t require remodeling the kitchen or finishing the basement. Below are some helpful suggestions that can make a big difference in how your home is presented to qualified buyers.

  • Mow the lawn; trim trees and shrubs away from the house.
  • Clean and repair all gutters and downspouts.
  • Take out window screens and wash all windows.
  • Remove dead plants, flowers and shrubs.
  • Clean or repaint outdoor furniture.
  • Put away tools, garbage cans, hoses, toys and building materials.
  • Keep patios and decks clear of planters, flower pots, charcoal and barbecues.
  • Power wash the home’s siding or brick to remove any excess debris.
  • Repaint or refinish trim around windows and doors.
  • Check for broken roof shingles.
  • Seal or resurface driveway.
  • Clean or repaint the mailbox.
  • Dress up front yard shrubs & flower beds with fresh mulch.

The Impact of Over-Pricing

•   Serious buyers look in the price range determined by their down payment and monthly payment ability. Unless your property is priced correctly, the down payment and monthly payment requirements will not be competitive.

•   A buyer who is seriously looking will soon become very knowledgeable in his or her price range. An unreasonable asking price only discourages the buyer from looking at and considering your property.

•   Buyers purchase by comparison and a property that is priced above the competition does not compare favorably. Inviting a buyer to make an offer can indicate that a fair price has not been established.

•   If you plan to adjust your price at the time of sale, it is better to adjust the price now and attract serious buyers from the beginning. This often places you in the favorable position of having more than one buyer interested in your property.

•   It is very difficult to obtain a reasonable offer on an overpriced property. The buyer feels he or she should be just as unreasonable as the seller, and so a very low offer, if any, will be written.

•   By contrast, multiple offers are much easier to obtain on a reasonably priced property. You can then choose which offer to accept, with no obligation to one that does not meet your requirements.

•   It is a mistake to believe that you will get more for a property by asking more. You usually get less because fewer buyers will consider it when it is placed on the market. The right buyers will not see it. The property usually stays on the market so long that it tends to become shopworn.

•   To obtain proper market exposure, it is an absolute necessity to be competitive in price, terms, and condition with similar properties so yours will sell faster. You will also have greater peace of mind and less frustration with selling your property.

Foreclosure vs. Bankruptcy: Which One Hurts Most?

Foreclosure reduces the value of a home by 27 percent on average, according to a new study from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Other kinds of forced sales have less dramatic impacts, the study found.

An estate sale after an owner’s death reduces the price of the home by only 5 percent to 7 percent. A bankruptcy filing cuts the value by an average 3 percent.

Foreclosure discounts are especially large in neighborhoods that are low-priced already, researchers point out, apparently because of concerns over vandalism.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Nick Timiraos (07/26/2010)

If you or someone you know is facing foreclosure, contact Janet Anderson & Company today. 225-368-3237

For more information on the short sale process and other foreclosure avoidance strategies, visit our website at www.batonrougeforeclosurehelpnow.com

Avoid Foreclosure with Short Sales

A short sale can be an excellent solution for homeowners who need to sell, and who owe more on their homes than they are worth. In the past, it was rare for a bank or lender to accept a short sale. Today, however, due to overwhelming market changes, banks and lenders have become much more negotiable when it comes to these transactions. Recent changes in corporate policy and the Obama administration have also improved the chances of getting a short sale approved.

But to be technical, here’s a more official definition:

* A homeowner is ‘short’ when the amount owed on his/her property is higher than current market value.
* A short sale occurs when a negotiation is entered into with the homeowner’s mortgage company (or companies) to accept less than the full balance of the loan at closing. A buyer closes on the property, and the property is then ‘sold short’ of the total value of the mortgage.

For homeowners to qualify for a short sale, they must fall into any or all of the following circumstances:

* Financial Hardship – There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.
* Monthly Income Shortfall – In other words: “You have more month than money.” A lender will want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.
* Insolvency – The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.

This seems simple enough, but it is a complicated process that takes the expertise of experienced professionals. I hold the CDPE® Designation and am ready to identify all possible options and, when possible, assist in the quick execution of a short sale transaction.

If you have questions or feel you may qualify for a short sale, please contact me for a free consultation.

Understanding your options now could mean all the difference in the world.

For more information on foreclosure solutions visit our website at www.batonrougeforeclosurehelpnow.com

Upgrading Your Home on A Shoestring Budget

From REALTOR.com’s Daily Real Estate News
Homeowners who want to sell but don’t have a lot of cash to spruce up their properties might consider these tips from Bankrate.com for upgrading a property without spending a fortune.

  • Polish up the kitchen. Add new cabinet door handles, replace lighting and update the faucet set. Unless the cabinets are mica, give them a fresh coat of paint. Order new doors for kitchen appliances.
  • Tidy up the bath. Replace the toilet seat. Clean up the floor with vinyl tiles or sheet vinyl applied over the old floor. Re-grout the tub and, if the tub is dingy, add a new prefabricated tub and shower surround.
  • Paint the walls.
  • Add closet systems to all the bedrooms, pantry, and entry closets.
  • Hire a plumber and an electrician to fix anything that is loose or that leaks.
  • Clean the carpets or, if they are worn, cover them with area rugs.
  • Replace ceiling lights with inexpensive but attractive fixtures.
  • Refinish or repaint the front door and replace the hardware.
  • Mow the lawn, edge the sidewalks, mulch all the beds and put two big planters at either side of the front door.

For more information on how to fix up your home, go to our Media section and Download our Home Seller’s Handbook.

Preparing to Show Your Home on a Moment's Notice

As much as we would love every potential buyer to provide plenty of advanced notice before scheduling a showing, that is not always the case. Follow these quick tips to ready your home for its best showing when you have 30 or fewer minutes’ notice.

Start where the potential buyers will start:
• Make sure that the front door presents well. Sweep steps, if needed.
• Pick up any out-of-place objects and store them away quickly.

Head inside:
• Open window treatments and turn on lights.
• Put any dirty dishes into the dishwasher.
• Make the beds.
• Put any dirty laundry inside the washing machine.

If you still have time:
• Run a quick vacuum to give carpets and floors a fresh look.
• Wipe down counters and tabletops.
• Warm some vanilla on the stove to give the house a welcoming scent.

While we would all like to have our houses in showroom condition 24 hours a day, we also acknowledge that we live in them. Do your best to present your house in its best light and make sure that every potential buyer has an opportunity to view it—accommodate all showings possible.