How To Get Designer Looks For Your Home On A Budget

Who doesn’t love to spend time browsing through home magazines? Every season there are new looks and trends. While some are easy to achieve with a little paint, others would require extensive redecorating and design. A trip to the mall with high-end home stores is not helpful either. Unless you are prepared to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on new items, these stores are disappointments. Fortunately, there are other ways to achieve the latest look without the designer price tag. 

First, did you know that many of those national high-end home stores also own lower-priced chains? These Big Box-style stores, like Target and Walmart, often carry more affordable versions of the high-end stores. These stores thrive on repeat business, and what better way to get customers to keep coming back than to show them new and trendy items each time? 

Another great way to update your look may surprise you – thrift and antique malls. You have heard the expression, “Everything old is new again.” A careful look at those style magazines may reveal vintage looks, like the revival of Mid-Century Modern and Vintage Chic. Often discarded items from their original trend can be found in thrift and antique stores. 

Finally, re-upholstery and refinishing can be an option. Professionally done, this is more expensive than some other tips, but still less than buying their new counterparts. If you find a trend you like, it may be worth investing in new coverings and finishes. 

Style does not have to cost a fortune. Simple changes can be made with a quick trip to the local chain store this weekend. As fall approaches, it’s time to find some inspiration and then find the deals.

Pricing Your Home for Sale When Everyone Else is Overpriced

 

The past few years have been exciting for home sellers. Not only were home prices historically high but buyers were well qualified and enjoying low interest rates. Today’s housing market is dramatically different in many areas of the country. If you are considering selling your home, you may be wondering how to select the correct price when it seems all the sellers around you are still overpricing theirs. 

Working with your real estate agent, the first step is to look at recent sales, not just recent listings. You may find quickly that the homes are selling for quite a bit less than they are listed for. You also need to look at the trends. Are sales prices rising month-over-month or declining – and by how much? This can help you gauge if you should price higher than recent sales or lower. 

In areas with few recent comparable sales, such as markets with many custom homes, it may benefit you to get a professional appraisal. This will cost a few hundred dollars and will give you a full picture of the local market. Appraisers will consider the unique features of your home vs the recent sales, as well as the sales prices. This can offer great information if you have a beautiful view, a large lot, or a remodeled home. 

Finally, rely on the advice from an experienced agent. Don’t be tempted to join the pack if they are overpriced. Be reasonable in your expectations. This will allow you to sell quickly and for the best price possible in the current market.

Evaluating Schools When Moving – How to Involve Your Child

 

House hunting is exciting and most likely, your child is excited along with you. They love to explore the possible bedrooms and dip their toes in the big backyard pool. However, when it comes to changing schools, their enthusiasm may start to wane. This might not be instantly apparent, and they may not have even thought about what a move would mean to them if they needed to change schools. But involving your child during the home hunting itself can help make the move easier. 

First, start discussing the school change in the very beginning. Explain why you are moving and the benefit to the family. Explain that they will get to see possible new homes and new schools. Reassure them that the quality of the school and opportunities it can offer are prime concerns of yours as well as the impact it will have on the child. 

Share the process you will take to research the schools and share the results. Spend some time discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the various options and discuss how the change might affect the child. Take them on a school tour and help them prepare some questions of their own during the visit. Consider creating a checklist for your child to use to learn more about the classrooms, teachers, activities, and children. Spend some time discussing their opinions and feedback as soon as you finish. 

Moving can be a very exciting time, but children do not always understand or express how change affects them. School is a huge part of their life and social world, so spend the time to ensure the change is a positive one by involving the child from the very beginning.

Finding An Affordable Home in a Great Neighborhood

 

You have heard it a million times, “buy the worst home in the best neighborhood.” While you do not necessarily want to buy a home straight out of a horror film, finding an affordable home that might need some updating or repairs in a GREAT neighborhood is a great strategy in a tight real estate market. With some strategic planning, it is possible to find a great home that will accrue value over time because it’s located in a great neighborhood. 

The first step is to define what a “great neighborhood” means to you and your family. Of course, the basics such as low crime and great school are a good start, but you also want to consider amenities that affect your quality of life and lifestyle. Do you want easy access to recreation facilities or trails for example? Once you identify the essential qualifications of a “great neighborhood” for you, then start doing your research. 

Real estate and community websites are a great start. Social media sites can also offer insight into the lifestyle of the communities you are considering. Review the prices of current listings and consult with your lender to determine a realistic budget. Then be open to compromises. What are the true “must have” aspects and what would you simply “like to have”? Be ready to pounce if a good home becomes available. 

Be open and honest with your budget and goals. Working with a real estate agent, they may offer similar communities as well. These could be good starter locations that offer value accretion. Finally, be ready to make updates and repairs. Finding a diamond in the rough will take work and elbow grease but in the long run, you can find significant financial and personal reward from investing in the right neighborhood.

How to Find a Pet-Friendly Neighborhood

 In a tight housing market, finding the right home for you and your family may feel like a needle-in-the-haystack effort. Add to this the need for a pet-friendly neighborhood and you may feel like it is impossible. The good news is that more communities are considering our furry family members when planning or improving their amenities. Finding the right location ensures that your pets are safe and happy. 

First, if you are considering a home in a planned community or association. Carefully read the rules, restrictions, and policies. While most local laws prohibit properties from banning pets, they can limit the number and type of pets. Make sure your furry friend meets their requirements. 

The home itself should be in a safe environment also. If your pet will spend time outdoors, either playing in the yard or chasing a ball, look for communities with low traffic and well-lit streets and parks. 

Next, observe the community. Take a drive and look for green spaces, dog parks, and trails. Spend time learning the rules, such as leash laws, day availability, or breed restrictions. Ensure they are maintained, and that people are complying with the posted rules. 

Finally, check for local pet services such as pet supply stores, grooming salons, boarding kennels, and veterinary clinics. Easy access to these facilities is important for your pets’ well-being and health. By focusing on these aspects, you will find a neighborhood where both you and your pet will thrive.

5 Ways to Verify Your Real Estate Agent is Experienced

 Regardless of whether you are a buyer or seller, using an experienced real estate agent is important to the success of your transaction. Yet, how do you know if the agent truly has the experience they claim? While there’s a case to be made that a new agent works harder, and they have the assistance of their broker, if you want a seasoned agent for a more complicated transaction, there are a few ways to verify they meet your expectations. 

1. Check their License and Credentials – The first step is to check their license and any accreditations they claim. All these professional organizations keep membership records available to the public. Also, review any disciplinary records or complaints. 

2. Review their Track Record – Ask for references and call them. Ask about any challenges that occurred during the transaction and how the agent oversaw them. Ask for a printout of closed sales, to see if they are managing the kind of homes that pertain to you. 

3. Ask Good Questions – Ask about the market. Ask them to talk about the community, amenities, HOAs, property values, etc. A seasoned agent should know this and be able to inform you on any local subject. 

4. Assess their Communication Skills – During the interview process, determine if you are getting clear and concise information. Notice if they are attentive to your needs and communicate quickly. Remember, they want your business, and if there are issues upfront, it will not get better once you list with them.

5. Understand their Marketing Strategy – Ask for a detailed marketing strategy. Question anything that seems unclear and know why they are using the various tools to sell your home. 

Everyone starts sometime. There is no reason a brand-new agent isn’t the right choice for you, if you’re aware and understand the support they are receiving. But, if you think you’re hiring a seasoned professional, these are a few ways you can verify the information and ensure you’re hiring the experience you expect.

Pricing Your Home for Sale When Everyone Else is Overpriced

 

The past few years have been exciting for home sellers. Not only were home prices historically high but buyers were well qualified and enjoying low interest rates. Today’s housing market is dramatically different in many areas of the country. If you are considering selling your home, you may be wondering how to select the correct price when it seems all the sellers around you are still overpricing theirs. 

Working with your real estate agent, the first step is to look at recent sales, not just recent listings. You may find quickly that the homes are selling for quite a bit less than they are listed for. You also need to look at the trends. Are sales prices rising month-over-month or declining – and by how much? This can help you gauge if you should price higher than recent sales or lower. 

In areas with few recent comparable sales, such as markets with many custom homes, it may benefit you to get a professional appraisal. This will cost a few hundred dollars and will give you a full picture of the local market. Appraisers will consider the unique features of your home vs the recent sales, as well as the sales prices. This can offer great information if you have a beautiful view, a large lot, or a remodeled home. 

Finally, rely on the advice from an experienced agent. Don’t be tempted to join the pack if they are overpriced. Be reasonable in your expectations. This will allow you to sell quickly and for the best price possible in the current market.