High-Resale Value Weekend Projects You Can Take On
By Megan Wild
"There's no place like home," as the old saying goes. That's especially true when it comes to an investment.
You live in and love your home, but there might come a time when you have to leave it. And when that time comes, you'll want to get as much money as you can for your property so you can move onward—and upward.
In order to increase your abode's value, you might think you have to put in a ton of time, effort and money, but that's not entirely true. Instead, you can take on weekend projects over time to spruce the place up so when it's time to sell, you have a completely updated property that'll end up selling itself.
Ready to get to work? Roll up your sleeves and start on one of the following five weekend projects.
1. Repaint Your Kitchen Cabinets
When it comes to smart investment in your home, the kitchen is one of the best places to start. Buyers expect kitchens to be updated. Stone countertops, stainless appliances and sleek flooring all make a space feel modern. Obviously, these changes require a lot of money and, sometimes, a lot of time. That's why you can tackle it in bits and start first with your cabinets.
Old wooden cabinets with equally dated hardware—think oak doors with shiny brass handles—don't require a complete gut job. Instead, spend a weekend repainting them a more neutral hue. Finish the project off with new metallic knobs and pulls to complete the modernized look.
2. Make the Eye Go up With Crown Molding
Most homes have roughly the same ceiling heights, but there's a little trick to make yours look bigger: crown molding. Yes, that white line at the top of your painted walls will draw eyes upward, making the room appear airier than it may very well be.
The project is easy enough to complete, too. You might not be able to install molding throughout your entire home over a single weekend, but you can certainly tackle the project on a room-by-room basis. Again, start with the spaces likely to draw in the most moolah:
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living spaces
Master bedrooms
These tend to be the make-or-break rooms when it comes to a big purchase. Crown molding adds a bit of detail—a feeling of luxury that'll certainly add to the bottom line.
3. Boost Curb Appeal—and Backyard Bonuses
No one will come in your home unless the first impression is stunning. Another DIY project should be a landscape overhaul of your front yard. It can be something as simple as adding a path of pavers to your front yard or sprucing up your flowerbeds with colorful blooms. All of this will catch the eye of potential buyers—and fatten up the bottom line of the offers they make.
Another easy fix: your garage door. If it's street-facing, it's another area for prospective buyers to look at, and it has a great return on investment.
You don't have to stop with the front of your home. If you live in a climate that permits lots of outdoor activity, you'll want a backyard to match. Some projects may require you rent or buy tools for landscaping and other applications, but imagine the payoff from, for example, the beauty of a functioning fire pit in your backyard. Not only will you be able to enjoy it while you're still living in your home, but potential buyers will easily be able to envision themselves sitting around a fire.
4. Beautify the Bathrooms
Bathrooms have a big effect on buyers. They expect clean, modern updates, just like in the kitchen. Overhauling your powder room is an easy weekend task that might require small swaps, such as a new modern light fixture over the vanity or a new vanity altogether.
Your full bathrooms will require a bit more attention if you want them to be up to snuff. Again, look in the familiar places:
Lighting fixtures
Cabinets
Hardware
Countertops
Tile
You don't have to shell out a ton of money to have someone else re-tile a wall or backsplash in your bathroom, either, if you have the patience to demo and tile the space yourself.
5. Out with the Really Old
Some accents once considered fresh and fashionable now give your home a dated appearance. You probably already know what in your home screams '70s, '80s or '90s. Whatever it is should go in due course.
The list of outdated design elements is truly endless, but some of the biggest offenders are old school wallpaper, the floor-to-ceiling wood paneling that may or may not be actual wood, and, of course, popcorn ceilings. By removing these three offenders alone—a popcorn ceiling doesn't take much effort—your home will snap right into 2017.
Once people start envisioning themselves living in your home, you won't have to envision offers pouring in—they'll start coming thanks to your hard work. You go, weekend warrior.
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2017. All rights reserved.
Showing posts with label Bucks County Home Sellers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bucks County Home Sellers. Show all posts
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Saturday, November 29, 2014
The Home Inspection
After a purchase price is agreed on and the agreement of sale is signed, a buyer will generally have a home inspected. Depending on the results of the inspections, the buyer may accept the property as is, cancel the sales agreement, ask the seller to make repairs, or ask the seller for a monetary concession.
The buyer is responsible for scheduling and paying for the home inspections. The seller must allow access to the property. Inspections in Bucks County usually include a general home inspection, termite inspection, and radon test. When the home is not serviced by public water and sewer, water and septic inspections are usually performed. If the home has a stucco exterior, it is likely that a buyer will have the stucco inspected as well. Mold testing and chimney inspections are sometimes performed.
The buyer must act quickly in scheduling inspections. In Pennsylvania, the sales agreement sets deadlines for their completion, and most inspections are completed within ten to fourteen days after the agreement of sale is signed.
Once the inspection results are received, the buyer has the right to ask the seller to address issues raised in the inspection reports. The buyer can ask the seller to make repairs or provide a monetary credit. The seller must then respond to the buyer’s. request. A second round of negotiations may result if the seller does not agree to comply with all of the buyer’s requests. If both sides cannot come to an agreement, the sale will be cancelled.
If a sale is cancelled due to inspection issues, the buyer and seller will sign a release and the buyer’s deposit money will be returned to him. If the seller puts the home back on the market, the seller is required by law in Pennsylvania to update the Seller’s Disclosure to document material defects of which he was previously unaware.
The buyer is responsible for scheduling and paying for the home inspections. The seller must allow access to the property. Inspections in Bucks County usually include a general home inspection, termite inspection, and radon test. When the home is not serviced by public water and sewer, water and septic inspections are usually performed. If the home has a stucco exterior, it is likely that a buyer will have the stucco inspected as well. Mold testing and chimney inspections are sometimes performed.
The buyer must act quickly in scheduling inspections. In Pennsylvania, the sales agreement sets deadlines for their completion, and most inspections are completed within ten to fourteen days after the agreement of sale is signed.
Once the inspection results are received, the buyer has the right to ask the seller to address issues raised in the inspection reports. The buyer can ask the seller to make repairs or provide a monetary credit. The seller must then respond to the buyer’s. request. A second round of negotiations may result if the seller does not agree to comply with all of the buyer’s requests. If both sides cannot come to an agreement, the sale will be cancelled.
If a sale is cancelled due to inspection issues, the buyer and seller will sign a release and the buyer’s deposit money will be returned to him. If the seller puts the home back on the market, the seller is required by law in Pennsylvania to update the Seller’s Disclosure to document material defects of which he was previously unaware.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Bucks County Home Sale Facts Through August, 2014
The spring real estate market was brisk, but it has slowed down somewhat in recent months. Prices are up slightly, but more homes are on the market and the number of sales is down slightly. This chart sums up the market for single home sales through the first eight months of 2014.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Tips for Home Sellers
The best advice I can give sellers is to price their home right, declutter and leave the house during showings.
Home Pricing
Many sellers either overvalue their homes or believe they need to inflate the listing price in order to allow room for negotiations.
The eventual sale price of a home will be based on what a buyer is willing to pay for it; and, buyers these days are very knowledgeable. From internet sources, buyers have access an abundance of information about the prices of comparable homes and those that have recently sold. They may also look at many homes before making an offer. It is unlikely that they will significantly overpay for a home. Even if they inadvertently agreed to do so, buyers who require a mortgage to pay for the house, may not be able to purchase the property if the lender's appraisal comes in lower than the sale price.
When discussing listing prices with sellers, I have sometimes been told that if a buyer wants to pay significantly less than the listing price for a home, the buyer should make an offer. This may seem logical, but our culture does not require us to actively bargain for many things and most Americans are uncomfortable making low offers for homes. They either think it's a waste of time, they don't want to insult the seller, or they think the seller will be difficult to deal with.
A realistically priced home attracts more buyers and more offers than an overpriced home.
If you are unsure of the proper price for your home after your realtor shows you information on comparable sales, ask your realtor if he or she will show you homes similar to yours that are currently on the market. That way you will get a better feel for home values and the competition.
There are some homes that are difficult to price. Older, historic homes or unique, high end, custom homes sometimes fall into this category. In these situations, it might be wise to have an appraiser value the home.
Decluttering
A home should be spotlessly clean and decluttered to show well.
Some sellers are touchy when the subject of decluttering or staging is introduced. The clutter may include items they regularly use, or may include lovingly collected items. Unfortunately, these items may be distractions for buyers who need to be able to focus on the features of a home in order to evaluate it properly. Too much stuff prevents them from doing so. If they can't connect with the property and envision themselves living in it, they will generally continue shopping.
Staying in The House During Showings
I realize that in some situations it is difficult for the seller to leave the home during showings. Elderly people or parents with a napping infant cannot always jump in a car or take a walk around the neighborhood. However, if possible, sellers should vacate the property during showings.
Buyers need to be able to envision themselves in a home. If they see you there, it is an obstacle for them to do so. They may feel like they are intruding and may hesitate to open doors and cabinets to thoroughly examine the property.
Buyers should also be free to express their likes and dislikes to their agents and may not do so if you are there. Their agents can sometimes answer questions or overcome their objections. Your presence interferes with them doing so.
Conclusion
These suggestions are basic and there are many more tips of the trade a good realtor can suggest. A listing agent should work with you to assure that your home looks its' best in person and on the internet.
Home Pricing
Many sellers either overvalue their homes or believe they need to inflate the listing price in order to allow room for negotiations.
The eventual sale price of a home will be based on what a buyer is willing to pay for it; and, buyers these days are very knowledgeable. From internet sources, buyers have access an abundance of information about the prices of comparable homes and those that have recently sold. They may also look at many homes before making an offer. It is unlikely that they will significantly overpay for a home. Even if they inadvertently agreed to do so, buyers who require a mortgage to pay for the house, may not be able to purchase the property if the lender's appraisal comes in lower than the sale price.
When discussing listing prices with sellers, I have sometimes been told that if a buyer wants to pay significantly less than the listing price for a home, the buyer should make an offer. This may seem logical, but our culture does not require us to actively bargain for many things and most Americans are uncomfortable making low offers for homes. They either think it's a waste of time, they don't want to insult the seller, or they think the seller will be difficult to deal with.
A realistically priced home attracts more buyers and more offers than an overpriced home.
If you are unsure of the proper price for your home after your realtor shows you information on comparable sales, ask your realtor if he or she will show you homes similar to yours that are currently on the market. That way you will get a better feel for home values and the competition.
There are some homes that are difficult to price. Older, historic homes or unique, high end, custom homes sometimes fall into this category. In these situations, it might be wise to have an appraiser value the home.
Decluttering
A home should be spotlessly clean and decluttered to show well.
Some sellers are touchy when the subject of decluttering or staging is introduced. The clutter may include items they regularly use, or may include lovingly collected items. Unfortunately, these items may be distractions for buyers who need to be able to focus on the features of a home in order to evaluate it properly. Too much stuff prevents them from doing so. If they can't connect with the property and envision themselves living in it, they will generally continue shopping.
I realize that in some situations it is difficult for the seller to leave the home during showings. Elderly people or parents with a napping infant cannot always jump in a car or take a walk around the neighborhood. However, if possible, sellers should vacate the property during showings.
Buyers need to be able to envision themselves in a home. If they see you there, it is an obstacle for them to do so. They may feel like they are intruding and may hesitate to open doors and cabinets to thoroughly examine the property.
Buyers should also be free to express their likes and dislikes to their agents and may not do so if you are there. Their agents can sometimes answer questions or overcome their objections. Your presence interferes with them doing so.
Conclusion
These suggestions are basic and there are many more tips of the trade a good realtor can suggest. A listing agent should work with you to assure that your home looks its' best in person and on the internet.
Monday, June 16, 2014
The Best Time of Year to Sell a Home
Spring is generally the most active time of year for the sale of single family residences. Many people move during the summer so children can start school in a new district in September. That doesn't mean that homes don't sell at other times of the year. Not everyone has school age children that are affected by a move. People move for many reasons and may have little control over the timing of their move.
Some sellers delay listing their homes until spring. Doing so doesn't necessarily result in a higher sales price. More buyers may shop for homes in the spring, but there are also more homes to choose from at that time, and sellers have more competition. The summer and early fall are great times to sell a home as well.
Some sellers delay listing their homes until spring. Doing so doesn't necessarily result in a higher sales price. More buyers may shop for homes in the spring, but there are also more homes to choose from at that time, and sellers have more competition. The summer and early fall are great times to sell a home as well.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Are You Moving? Or, Just Have too Much Stuff?
As a realtor whose clientele inwww.yourgoodwill.org/shop/stores.phpcludes many mature adults, I find homeowners are frequently overwhelmed by the task of sorting through and disposing of excess clothing and home furnishings. It can be an especially difficult task for family members who must quickly clean out a deceased relative’s lifetime of belongings.
Many home sellers wonder where they can sell furniture and household items and are reluctant to sell items themselves through advertisements or garage sales. If this sounds like you, you might want to check out a couple of consignment shops that sell used furniture and home furnishings. They are choosy as to what they will accept, but if you have antiques, collectibles or currently fashionable furnishings, they might be worth calling. Here are two resources:
Classic Furniture Consignments, Marlton, NJ (856) 797-1707 www.maxexchange.com/cfc.htm
Decorators Consignment Gallery, Hopewell, NJ (609) 466-4400 www.decoratorsconsignment.com
Furniture and accessories can also be sold through auctions. Stephenson’s in Southampton and Brown Bros. in Buckingham are two well known auction houses in our area.
There are a number of local charities that accept furniture and clothing donations and some will pick up the donations. Among those charities are:
Trenton Rescue Mission (609) 815-3980 www.Rescuemissionoftrenton.org
Salvation Army, Trenton (609) 599-9801 www.Salvationarmytrentonnj.com
Salvation Army, Fairless Hills, PA (215) 946-1271
Impact, Hatboro, PA (215) 957-6131 x3105 www.impactthrift.org
Goodwill Store, Langhorne, PA (267) 364-6038 www.yourgoodwill.org/shop/stores.php
When all else fails, excess items can be given away through www.craigslist.com.
If all this sounds too overwhelming, or you want to make sure you are not giving away items that may be valuable, you might consult a pro. A professional can size up your belongings to identify valuables, and some will even assist you in sorting, packing, discarding and selling the contents of your home. Complete downsizing assistance is time consuming and can be expensive, but if you can’t do it yourself, it may be worth the expense. If you are interested in such a service, feel free to call me, I can recommend an appropriate service provider.
Many home sellers wonder where they can sell furniture and household items and are reluctant to sell items themselves through advertisements or garage sales. If this sounds like you, you might want to check out a couple of consignment shops that sell used furniture and home furnishings. They are choosy as to what they will accept, but if you have antiques, collectibles or currently fashionable furnishings, they might be worth calling. Here are two resources:
Classic Furniture Consignments, Marlton, NJ (856) 797-1707 www.maxexchange.com/cfc.htm
Decorators Consignment Gallery, Hopewell, NJ (609) 466-4400 www.decoratorsconsignment.com
Furniture and accessories can also be sold through auctions. Stephenson’s in Southampton and Brown Bros. in Buckingham are two well known auction houses in our area.
There are a number of local charities that accept furniture and clothing donations and some will pick up the donations. Among those charities are:
Trenton Rescue Mission (609) 815-3980 www.Rescuemissionoftrenton.org
Salvation Army, Trenton (609) 599-9801 www.Salvationarmytrentonnj.com
Salvation Army, Fairless Hills, PA (215) 946-1271
Impact, Hatboro, PA (215) 957-6131 x3105 www.impactthrift.org
Goodwill Store, Langhorne, PA (267) 364-6038 www.yourgoodwill.org/shop/stores.php
When all else fails, excess items can be given away through www.craigslist.com.
If all this sounds too overwhelming, or you want to make sure you are not giving away items that may be valuable, you might consult a pro. A professional can size up your belongings to identify valuables, and some will even assist you in sorting, packing, discarding and selling the contents of your home. Complete downsizing assistance is time consuming and can be expensive, but if you can’t do it yourself, it may be worth the expense. If you are interested in such a service, feel free to call me, I can recommend an appropriate service provider.
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