For the DIY pro, time is king. That is, next to doing things as efficiently and cheaply as possible. Nothing in the home project world beats a one-day turnaround time. We here at Lighter Side know that you value your time as much as your home, so we’ve put together a top ten list of best backyard projects you can complete in less than a day!
Let’s be honest, home ownership can be a downright pain in certain ways. I’m not to saying that owning a home doesn’t have a bright side, but be honest, sometimes the hassle is real. Here’s some hassle-relief in the form of DIY hacks so your relationship with your home is a long and beautiful one.
1. Plywood is the answer!
Cut on a bias, plywood can make for extra strong hanging material! Use this in places where thumbtacks dare not tread.
2. Get the drop on falling hammers!
Ever been to the top of a ladder, just to drop your hammer? It’s a nightmare. An AC Clamp can cure what ails ya.
3. Don’t let grime keep you from clear cooking!
Remember growing up and all your meals looked greasy and brown when you checked on them? Well now we can give you a clear picture when it comes to your cooking. Here’s the tutorial.
4. Aw nuts!
If ever you find yourself without a wrench, but a surplus of things you turn with a wrench, this will help you in a pinch.
Good luck not snapping your fingers eleventy-billion times installing this.
7. Dirty fireplace glass? Clean it up!
The only thing you need to clean the glass in your fireplace is a paper towel and wood ashes from your fireplace. Dip the wet towel in the ashes and use it to clean the glass. That’s it!
8. Put the squeeze on your lemons!
A pair of tongs and your citrus squeezing problems are a thing of the past.
The video went viral on Facebook, fetching 4.2 million views, 33,307 shares, and 8,293 comments before it was removed. One can assume that it became so viral because many people in the general public believed it to be true.
We can only assume this was an innocent attempt at humor by the creator(s) of this video. However, the result is that in the eyes of many, it casts a negative light on Realtors and the real estate industry as a whole.
By and large, agents are hard-working, loyal professionals who strive to do right by their clients day in and day out. We encourage you to learn more about agents and the real estate profession by clicking the links below:
Real estate agents come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. Some take pride in their job and are professional and dedicated, while others… not so much. You’ll find this disparity in all professions, but in the real estate industry you’ll find a wider assortment than an economy sized box of chocolates.
Why is that? Probably because real estate agents are self-employed, so we don’t all adhere to the same policies, practices, or rules when dealing with each other. You never know what you’re gonna get when working with another agent. You’re optimistic it’ll be a yummy, gooey caramel , but sometimes it’s that yucky, pink fluffy stuff that leaves a not-so-pleasant taste in your mouth.
But enough with the analogies. If you’re a good real estate agent, you get it. But if you’re not, here are 10 things the rest of us wish you’d stop doing from now on.
1. Neglecting to return phone calls and acknowledging texts and emails.
I may have a question about one of your listings. I may have an offer for you! Hello? Don’t you want to make a sale? If I have to reach out a second time, say a day later, I then have to spend more of my time to hunt you down on Facebook where I see you are alive and well, playing Candy Crush and hunting Pokémon. Rule # 1: Communicate. They teach reading and writing in kindergarten… clearly they should add a section about it on the Real Estate Exam too!
2. Calling from the driveway requesting to show my listing RIGHT NOW instead of scheduling it beforehand.
I understand this happens sometimes when out with buyers, but when I explain that the sellers can’t allow a showing RIGHT NOW because a baby is sleeping or there are dogs roaming free inside (or insert whatever else), then you need to be understanding. Please don’t whine and complain to me; simply reschedule. The world doesn’t revolve around you any more than it does me. If your buyers really want to see this house, please be respectful of what the sellers are asking and stop griping to me on the phone. Sheesh!
3. Hijacking my clever Facebook post designed to generate leads by posting in the comments YOUR information with a call to action.
Actually, thanks for that because you look like a total idiot and you’re driving more people to MY page!
4. Contacting me after your home inspection on a 50 year old home (that was priced low to reflect the condition) to say your buyer wants every item fixed on the 78 page report.
Really? Maybe your people would be better off getting a newly constructed home or a condo if they’re scared to deal with a little maintenance. Please educate your buyers that ALL homes will have odds and ends needing work, and the point of an inspection is for their protection. It is not designed for them to get all brand new everything, unless they want to spend $100-$500K more—then they can have a new home built for them.
5. Lowballing after ONE DAY on the market when there are ample comps to justify asking price.
Look, I know you want to help your buyers get a deal, but in a sellers market with a home priced perfectly (one that I have 15 showings already confirmed on), you’re just wasting everybody’s time.
6. Having so big of a team that it causes communication breakdown.
This doesn’t apply to all teams. But there are agents who have an assistant and that assistant has an assistant and 14 people under them too, and none are singing from the proverbial same sheet of music. It’s not cool if I call YOU (the agent) and get bounced around like a pinball to 8 of your minions and never even deal with the “Team Leader” (YOU)—the one with your name and 8 year old airbrushed photo on the lawn sign.
7. Not notifying the co/op agent to cancel a showing.
This is the 21st century and you have the option to call me at the office, call me on my cell, facetime me, text me, email me, facebook or tweet me. There is no excuse to have zero communication skills when we live in an age of communication overload. Frankly, it makes you look pretty inept, and lazy, and rude.
8. Not leaving feedback after the showing.
If your buyers hated the wallpaper, carpet, yard, or thought it was stinky or overpriced, please tell me! That’s the point of feedback and why it’s emailed to you the moment you show the property. Every listing agent will agree that getting feedback is ALWAYS helpful and many times it’s useful for justifying a price adjustment to our sellers. Ironically, in a day and age where people seem to have all the time in the world to share their thoughts and opinions about every possible thing, it seems odd why an agent can’t take the 10 seconds to fill out the feedback survey. Here’s the perfect opportunity to share your opinion, and the reader will actually care what you have to say!
9. Complaining about how “busy” you are.
There are many layers to being busy, so if you are hustling and selling a lot of homes, and busy taking your kids on vacation or to Little League games, then you aren’t “busy”—you are living your life and sharing your success. If you’re spinning your wheels, wasting time at networking events, have no business, complaining about money problems, traffic and your kids, then it sounds like you have worse problems than being “busy”. You may be sending off the signal to people that you are too busy, or just too downright negative to help them.
10. Not uploading disclosures in the MLS.
I know, I know… your assistant was supposed to do it, but she was off for two days and you were busy with clients who had you driving all over the state burning your gas. This still makes you look sloppy and unorganized. There are no excuses in real estate. Do your job well, or don’t do it at all. Please don’t make me call, text, email, Facebook or tweet you for items that are required by law for you to furnish.
My wish is for ALL real estate agents to work harmoniously, and be somewhat on the same page working together toward a common goal: to close a sale! Wouldn’t that make our jobs so much easier? To me, these 10 points are the basics and are really just common sense. So many real estate agents complain about the bad reputation stigma that comes along with this profession. You know what I do? Ask myself if I’m adding to that stigma, or working hard to change it.
1. A home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay.
You may think all the time and effort you have put into your home before listing it, even what you paid for it previously, makes it worth a certain price. Even an appraiser may come in before you list and say it’s worth close to a price you like. But at the end of the day, it is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it. They may think your upgrades don’t match up with the asking price. It may be that the home does need renovations and the asking price is too much to justify buying it and immediately pouring more money into it. A buyer would rather purchase a home at $125k, put $25k into it, and have it be worth $180k instead of buying a home at $180k that needs the same work of the $125k home.
2. Upgrades may not increase the value, but they’ll increase the chances of getting it sold.
It’s normal to think or hope that you’ll get back every penny spent on a home renovation. Unfortunately, in most cases you really only receive back a percentage of what you spent (or sometimes no hike in value at all). Different home improvements generally offer different returns, and that amount can vary depending on the area that you live in. Other factors include quality of craftsmanship and the personal taste of buyers.
3. Cleanliness is godliness.
No house is ever going to be perfect, especially with a dog in the summer, but it is important to make an effort to keep your home as clean as possible during listing photos and showings. You want potential buyers to remember what they love about the home after they leave, not talking about how much of a mess your home was instead.
4. Curb appeal is the first (and strongest) impression.
We all know what they say about first impressions. It’s hard for someone to change their mind after a bad first impression. Take a look at the front of your home. As a stranger, would you buy it? Just in case you’re biased, look next door. What about your neighbor’s home? Would you buy theirs? If no, imagine if they made it more presentable. Then would you buy it? Yes? Remove the kids’ toys from the front yard. Hide the trash cans and recycling bin. Mow the lawn and trim the bushes, especially before your professional pictures are taken! But continue to maintain the lawn for showings, and for the chance that someone might just drive by and notice the for sale sign in your yard. If you have shutters, make sure they’re all still attached and if needed, slap a fresh coat of paint on them. And don’t forget to pressure wash!
5. Pet odor and clutter leave the longest lasting impressions.
Just because we love our furry friends, doesn’t mean that everyone does. It’s hard to erase every piece of evidence that they exist in your home. No matter how many times you vacuum, there will be pet hair that you miss. Just make an effort. And if you can, hide their bedding and food bowls. Pet odor is extremely hard to hide, especially if you have a puppy learning how to be potty trained or a senile dog with a bladder problem. It might be worth your while to replace your flooring, or offer a flooring allowance in the deal. For now, stick a few air wicks in each room.
6. Neutral paint and decor will always appeal to the masses.
Get rid of those dark colors and bright purple accent walls now! That will stick out like a sore thumb in your listing photos before a potential buyer even schedules a showing of your home. The first thought going through their mind is, “How many coats of paint is it going to take to cover up that hideous color?!” Neutral is in. Neutral is always in. As for decor, minimal is best. Go ahead and pack any extra decor that is unnecessary while you’re trying to sell.
7. Cheap fixes or updates will result in cheap (low) offers.
If you can’t afford to update the whole house, don’t. Trying to cover everything will result in cheap updates that the potential buyer will most likely want to have redone. If nothing else, as stated above, at least paint. A fresh coat of paint in the whole house, as long it’s a natural color, is never wasted money.
8. Everything is negotiable.
Seriously. Everything is negotiable. While the refrigerator seems to be the biggest thing that buyers want or sellers note that it can convey with an acceptable offer, many other items have been negotiated. Blinds, curtain rods, curtains, furniture, even tractors. However, it is very important to make sure negotiations are done right and documented correctly in the contract.
9. Time is of the essence.
Because we’re in a seller’s market, it is the perfect time for you to list your home if you’ve been considering it. Homes can barely be put on the market before there is a contract put on them. This being said, time is of the essence for buyers. If you fall in love with a house, you need to put an offer in now, and a good one at that. There’s no time to waste going home and talking about it or sleeping on it. That home might not still be on the market tomorrow.
10. Location! Location! Location!
Why does location matter so much? For starters, you can’t move a home — at least not easily or inexpensively. When you buy a home in a good location, it’s usually a solid long-term investment. It’s often wise to buy the worst house — a property that could use some TLC — on the best block. Why? Because fixing up a home in a great neighborhood will give you the best return on your investment. Quite simply, it will be easier to sell later on. Conversely, you can buy a beautiful home that doesn’t need any work. But if the block is sketchy or just plain bad, you could have a hard time selling the property at a decent price.
11. Buyers notice things they want to change before noticing any updates.
Like previously said, it’s hard to please everyone. Even though you just spent $30,000 on an upgraded kitchen and $10,000 on a remodeled master bathroom, a buyer may be groaning because they’re not looking forward to having the carpets ripped up and hardwoods laid. Or, they just might not like the choices you made during the renovation process. One fail-safe move you can make is to allow a flooring allowance or paint allowance, therefore you’re not wasting the money while getting the home ready to sell and they can pick out the details they like.
12. When priced right, it will sell.
Even if you’re in a hurry to sell and price isn’t your main concern, you still need a baseline to start marketing your home. One thing’s for certain: Pricing is one of the biggest decisions in the selling process. Set too high a price and you run the risk of turning off potential buyers. It also means your house will not compare favorably with other similarly priced homes. Even worse, buyers may not even see your listing when they search online since they will be using lower price points.
What would you do to keep your home clean? Some people tackle their cleaning chores on a daily basis to fight back the growing mess, while others do just enough to keep their home off of an episode of ‘Hoarders’. This recently divorced man has taken keeping his house clean to the next level by doing something that most people wouldn’t even think to do. He completely wrapped it in plastic wrap.
Todd Moriarty, a recent divorcee, is trying to keep his house completely clean so that he can sell his home on the local market at his asking price of $280,000. The average price homes in the area sell for is $250,000. Moriarty feels by coating everything in many acres of Saran Wrap, he can bolster the home’s value over others in the area. He’s completely wrapped everything in the house from the bannisters to the walls. He’s even gone as far as sealing off two of the three toilets in the house with the stuff you’d generally use to keep your sandwiches in your lunch fresh.
While Moriarty attributes the wrapping frenzy to adding to the home’s value and keeping it clean, his estranged wife, Stephanie, feels that this out-of-the-ordinary act stems from her ex-husband’s tight-fisted ways. Moriarty seems to agree with her that he errs on the side of cheapness when it comes to his lifestyle. He even goes so far as to sleep in his closet so he doesn’t have to heat the master bedroom in the pristine house.
If ever you visit Moriarty’s house, just make sure you burp the front door like a Tupperware lid when you leave to preserve the freshness.
“Home is a shelter from storms—all sorts of storms.” — Political pundit William J. Bennett
As I stand at what is probably the mid-point of my real estate career—the twenty-year mark—I can’t believe how much I’ve learned and how much I continue to learn with each new transaction. I’ve been a sales person, an Associate Broker, and even an Operations Manager. It’s been a pleasure to help people find homes—places where they’ll shelter in all sorts of storms. While I’ve mastered the contracts and the negotiations side of the business (I’ll call that the easy stuff), never did I anticipate the evolving study of human nature that this profession would require.
Oh, how I’d love to hitch a ride on a time machine, dart back to 1997, and chat my younger real estate self before she embarked on her career in this noble profession.
“Listen closely,” I’d whisper. “The road ahead will have twists and turns, but here are the secrets you must know to make it.”
1. You’re not a medical doctor, but you’ll often feel like a psychiatrist.
Buying or selling a house is a highly emotional experience. And it can make people a little crazy. Your clients won’t care that you’re not a licensed mental health professional. You’ll counsel them nonetheless. Moving is stressful under the best of circumstances, but for many people it is a hyper-taxing transition: families are dissolving, someone has died, a new baby is on the way, or the wedding is right around the corner. It’s your job to keep everybody calm, to guide them through the tricky maze in and out of homeownership. Lend your ear and your heart. They’ll be relying on you in more ways than you’ll know.
2. Brace yourself to learn the true character of a person.
When a large sum of money is at stake, much is revealed about someone’s nature. For most people, the sale or purchase of a home is the biggest financial transaction they will ever make. And it brings out the good, the bad, the generosity, and the greed in them. Be prepared to treat everyone fairly even when they want to cut your commission. They’re not trying to insult you. Maybe they’re worried about the money they’re losing in the divorce, or the payment that’s due to the nursing home, the chunk of cash they thought would start the kid’s college fund. The flip side is that you’ll also be blown away and fortified by people’s generosity, their kindness, their adaptability, their gratitude, their hugs, and tears at the settlement table.
3. Learn to budget.
Know that you won’t get paid until the metaphorical fat lady sings. Save. Save. Save. Settlement could be delayed. A deal might blow up because of a home inspection. Someone’s gotten cold feet and defaults. Save. Save. Save. Understand that sometimes circumstances are beyond your control. And this might make you a little crazy. Save. Save. Save. (Oh and since I’m divulging secrets, 2005-2007 was an unsustainable bubble. Don’t get sucked into buying the flashy car and big house). Save. Save. Save.
4. Protect your personal time.
If you don’t set expectations and parameters, clients will text you at midnight, call you at 6am, or think nothing of asking you to show them a house on Christmas Eve. Shelter is one of the most basic human needs, and people panic when the possibility of being homeless exists. So respect this, but tell clients up front when and how you work and until what time of the day you take phone calls. And then be true to your word.
5. Sometimes, it’s best to wait 24 hours.
Early in your career, the moment something goes wrong, you’ll be tempted call everybody immediately. Pause. Take a deep breath. And if you’re not going to miss a contractual deadline, wait 24 hours. People have a way of calming down. Cooler heads prevail in time. Don’t be too anxious to send off a termination. You’ll be amazed by how often silence and the space of a day can save a deal.
6. You’re going to make a good living, but money will not be the reason you stay in the business.
No it will be the joy at seeing a young family starting their life in a new a house. The satisfaction in helping an elderly couple find a more manageable place to live. The delight of making a difficult transaction work. It will be the stuff you can’t touch—the hope, the happiness, and a little of the heartache that will sustain you. It’s the beautiful stuff that a career is made of—the foundation of a life—your life.
By now you’ve probably seen all the crazy conversions people are doing (i.e. she sheds and pub sheds), but are you ready for THIS?
Barndominiums — metal homes with inside living quarters — are becoming increasingly popular. This latest fad, has been trending across social media; especially on Pinterest. Of course, you shouldn’t just take our word for it. Pinterest recently included barndominiums on a list of the top searches for men.
These converted barns and metal structures are durable, easy to convert and can be remodeled into beautiful homes, workshops and entertainment rooms. Take a look at just a few examples of what can be done with these unique buildings.
1. This simple barn has been converted into a beautiful home with spacious outdoor seating area.
2. Here’s an amazing example of what can be done to refresh and update these old barns turning them into stunning living spaces.
3. This image shows one of the BIG advantages of a barndominium. SPACE!!
4. Modeled in a rustic/log cabin motif, this example looks more like a ski lodge than an old pole barn!
5. Once a place for livestock, this barn has turned into a luxurious country mansion!
6. Nothing says grand entrance, like a grand entrance!
7. Where horses and hay were once housed, barndominiums convert those areas into three car garages.
8. Pinterest, where the structures are trending heavily, is full of floor plans for those that intend to flip one of these barns.
9. Rich interiors abound inside of these refreshed country buildings.
10. If you want to keep a rustic look on the exterior, it will just add to the nuance of your barndominium.
Looking for pre-designed barn home kits? We found a couple of places for you to check out: here and here.
Realtors and agents across the country dread the FSBO (For Sale By Owner), and it’s not just because these sellers are playing dress-up and pretending to be real estate agents. There are all sorts of headaches and hiccups that can happen when not working with a professional, and here are the top five:
1. Trust
A FSBO is the owner of the home they want to sell, and they are not a licensed real estate agent. They aren’t bound by the Code of Ethics that Realtors are, and may do and say whatever they want to get their home sold. This is like buying sand from a guy on the beach, or taking nutrition advice from Little Debbie.
2. Documentation
It is required by law for disclosures to be made about the condition of the home, and if any repairs were made. A real estate agent will have access to the database of paperwork and have it properly documented, and know how to pull records to verify there aren’t outstanding liens, assessments, or back taxes owed. A FSBO may not even know this documentation is required, and possibly may try to cover things up.
3. Negotiation
Throughout a real estate transaction, there are so many back and forth negotiations going on you’d think it was a tennis match. This is because real estate agents are hired to best represent their clients, and there are so many complexities involved, including: the offer, closing date, financing terms, comps, appraisal report, inspection report, daily occupancy rate, and more—so it’s best to let the professionals handle it all. FSBOs, on the other hand, are representing themselves and don’t care what you need or want.
4. Finances
It’s easy to assume that a FSBO is broke; otherwise they would’ve hired a professional real estate agent. If the seller is broke, then what happens if the home doesn’t appraise? Or if the inspection report reveals the furnace and roof are on their last leg and need replacing? It’s also easy to assume that a FBSO is just cheap; otherwise they would’ve hired a professional. This may be worse, actually. Do you really want to buy a house from someone who might have also cut corners on their home instead of paying a professional to fix the plumbing, electrical, roof, etc.?
5. Sense of urgency
Anyone who wants to sell their home, and wants it to sell it quick, will hire a real estate agent to get the job done. Maybe the sellers are relocating, or need a larger home and want to move over the summer before the kids go back to school. Or, maybe they’re just really smart and trust a professional to do the job right! You won’t find as much urgency with a FSBO, because most times they have no clue where they’re moving or when. And according to a recent news report, you could even run into problems getting them to vacate after closing!
In summary, why do some people think they are qualified real estate agents and list their homes FSBO? Statistics show that an overwhelming 85% of them do list with a real estate agent eventually, so that speaks volumes. As for the 15% that don’t? Well, most will probably die trying… in the same house that’ll be eventually sold by a real estate agent.
The Bottom Line
There are some wonderful homes on the market that are listed by owner. It’s not that you should necessarily turn a blind eye to them; rather, don’t go into the situation alone. If you don’t have an agent, hire one to represent your best interests. And if you already have one, now is NOT the time to go rogue. Oftentimes the only thing that’s able to salvage a FSBO deal is the help of an experienced agent.
We can all agree that a lot goes into the process of selling a home.
From start to finish it could easily take four to six months!
In order for homeowners to truly maximize their profits there is a lot of time and energy that is also required from the seller. Some sellers may wonder…what does a Realtor® do to sell a home?
We decided to dig deep into the question and uncover some of the tasks that may be involved when it comes to selling your home and what your local Realtor will do through out the real estate transaction.
Complete List: What Does a Realtor® Do When Selling a Home?
Here is the complete breakdown of the many different jobs a real estate agent will take on when selling your home.
1. Schedule Appointment
When a seller decides to hire a Realtor® to sell their home a local real estate agent will schedule a time to meet with all of the decision makers who will be involved. It is important that all are present during this first initial appointment.
2. Pre-Listing Appointment
Your first appointment may be referred to as a ‘pre-listing appointment’. This is when your local real estate agent will come out and do a walk through of the property and take notes about any upgrades or issues that may need to be addressed in order for you to get your home ready to sell.
As a homeowner, this could be a good time to point out any issues or ask any questions about getting the home ready.
3. Research Comparable Sold Properties
A market research will be conducted following the appointment by using the data available in local MLS. The main focus is to find nearby comparable’s (like kind properties) that have sold within the last six to twelve months.
4. Research Comparable Days on Market
Your Realtor® will determine what the average DOM (days on market) should be for the home by using data from past sold properties by using the same search parameters that were used above.
5. Local PVA Data
Research and verify information available on the local PVA website to ensure proper recording and data information. This data could reflect on the price of the home.
6. Draft CMA Report
Agent will prepare and finish a CMA report for a follow up listing appointment and discuss the research that was found and what you should expect as a seller in the current market.
7. Pricing Strategy
What is good pricing strategy? Discuss your goals and expectations in order to sell your home for more money and in the least amount of time!
8. Marketing Strategy
Most Realtors® will discuss their plans and marketing strategies that they use in order to produce results for their clients when selling their home.
9. Online Marketing Strategy
It is important to have a well planned out marketing strategy that is strictly online focused. Properly utilizing social media advertising is a must and can make an impact when selling your home.
10. Screening Buyers
Learn about the importance of qualifying buyers and how showing agents have their buyer’s pre approved before showing them property. This is an important practice that benefits the Seller because it prevents unqualified buyers from wondering through your home.
11. Agency Relationships
Understand the different in agency relationships and how they work. Some states allow dual agency relationships.
12. Current Mortgage
What is the current mortgage and pay off on the home. This is important and will help you understand what your net profit is.
13. HOA Information
Verify any Homeowners Association information and copies of restrictions and bylaws and also gather any contact information available.
14. HOA Annual Fees
Verify the Homeowners Associations annual fees and where they will be paid or the address that they will need to be mailed to.
15. Local Utilities
Discover all of the available utility companies in the area and their contact information.
16. Average Electric Bill
Find out what the average monthly utility bill is for the last 12 months. This is a very common question for interested buyers and is good information to have readily available for showing agents.
17. Recent Upgrades
Verify all of the properties amenities and any recent upgrades. If there has been any recent upgrades-are there any warranties that are conveyed to the new homeowner?
18. Home Warranty
Go over the importance of offering a one year home warranty for Buyers. Some home warranty companies even offer a Seller’s coverage during the time of the listing until it closes.
19. Seller Disclosure
Your Realtor® will help get you started on filling out the Seller Disclosure form. The Seller Disclosure form is a report that helps uncover any defects or issues with the home.
20. Listing Contract
At this time your real estate agent will have you review and sign the listing documents and disclosures.
21. Seller Copies
You will receive copies of all listing documents for your records (or complete access to the documents on a transaction management software).
22. Additional Information
Obtain any additional documents about the house that you think could be helpful to a Buyer or showing agent.
23. Property Size
Your real estate agent will measure the house to verify the square footage or may use the data available on the local PVA website.
24. Room Measurements
Individual room measurements will be recorded and will submitted with the listing.
25. Copies of Key
Make a copy of the key that will be used for the front door and will be stored safely in the electronic Lock Box.
26. Professional Staging
Schedule or discuss any proper staging recommendations that may be needed to help showcase the home.
27. Professional Photography
A professional photographer and videographer will be scheduled to come out and take pictures of the home to showcase it in the best light.
28. MLS Data
All data and information will be verified and entered into the MLS for the home.
29. Showing Instructions
Discuss and prepare showing instructions for buyers and showing agents.
30. Financing Available
Another thing a real estate agent will do for you is find out if there is any financing that is not available for the property. For example, some condominiums are not FHA approved.
31. Checklist
Review listing checklist and proofread and correct any errors before turning in the listing.
32. Listing is Ready to go Live!
At this time the home will be turned in and uploaded to the local MLS and added to the list of real estate listings.
33. For Sale Sign
Now is the time for the yard sign to be placed in front of the home. Directionals may be put out at any nearby intersections as well-if needed.
34. Property Flyers
At this time flyers for the new listing will be designed and printed out to and will be added to the ‘more info’ box on the for sale sign.
35. Lock Box
Electronic lock box will be installed on the front door of the home with a copy of the key inside.
36. Double Check Accuracy
Your real estate agent will proofread and double check the live MLS listing to verify all information is correct.
37. Just Listed
Just Listed flyers and/or postcards will be delivered and mailed out to the neighborhood.
38. Social Media Ad
A targeted Social Media ad will be ran to highlight the new listing in hopes of attracting any interested buyers.
39. Showings
Accommodate and coordinate showings with any buyers and/or buyers agents so the home is easy to show.
40. Feedback
Send email to showing agents to request feedback on their recent showing.
41. Share Feedback
Discuss feedback to determine if a different approach is needed to get the property sold.
42. Weekly Updates
Touch base with seller weekly to discuss marketing and pricing adjustments that may need to be put into place.
43. Open Houses
Depending on the property and it’s location, an open house may need to be scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
44. Incoming Offers
Evaluate and deliver any and all offers to the seller.
45. Present Offers
Your Realtor® will present and any and all offers and will explain all terms and conditions that are mentioned in the offer.
46. Negotiate Offers
Negotiate all offers on behalf of the seller and work towards an getting an accepted offer.
47. Counteroffers
Submit any counteroffers back to Buyer’s agent with a set deadline.
48. Pre Approval
Obtain a copy of the buyer’s pre approval letter and verify the approval with the lender that is involved.
49. Good Faith Check
Request and receive a copy of the good faith check and deposit it into your offices Escrow Account.
50. Pending Listing
At this time the contract will be turned in and the listing will be updated as ‘Sale Pending’ in the Local MLS.
51. Home Inspection
Accommodate for the scheduling of the buyer’s Home Inspection.
52. Repair Request
The repair request will be delivered from the buyers agent and you will have a short time frame to review and respond.
53. Negotiate Repair Request
Repair request will be addressed and negotiated on behalf of the seller.
54. Licensed Contractors
Your real estate agent will assist you with any contacts of licensed professionals and scheduling for the repairs that are needed.
55. Appraisal
Make sure the Appraisal has been ordered at this time to keep the closing on track.
56. Meet Appraiser
Provide a packet at the home for the appraiser, including past comparable sold properties that may be helpful to validate the proper sale price of the property.
57. Appraisal Report
Deliver under appraised report to the seller and come to a resolution if needed.
58. Contact Lender
Your real estate agent will contact and follow up with buyers lender to ensure the clients processing of the loan is a priority to prevent any delays.
59. Closing Scheduling
Coordinate closing between both Seller’s agent and Buyer’s agent.
60. Closing Attorney
Follow up with closing attorney to verify that all documents have been received.
61. Title Issues?
Resolve any title issues that may arise just before the closing.
62. Walk Through
Accommodate for buyer’s final walk through of the property.
63. Closing Documents
Carefully review closing figures for complete accuracy.
64. Closing
Your Realtor® will attend the closing with you on your behalf and is available if any issues may arise.
Nathan Garrett is a licensed real estate agent in Louisville, Kentucky and owner of the Garretts Realty Group website. He enjoys creating engaging content and graphics to help cover topics about buying and selling real estate.
Need to get your home spruced up but don’t have time or perhaps cash for a renovation? No worries, you aren’t the first and you won’t be the last. Here’s a list of DIYs with relatively cheap and easy upgrade ideas. From curb appeal to paradise kitchen islands, you can now give your home the makeover it deserves.
1. Draw a bead on your ultimate kitchen cabinet design with this beadboard DIY.
2. Perhaps you’ll need to freshen them up even further with a paint job too. Here’s a DIY for just that.
3. Do your brass drawer pull handles look like they’ve weathered a decade of acid rain? Believe it or not, a 10 second soak in brass ager will bring some beauty back in short order.
4. Let’s face it. Sometimes you just want to feel like you were born in a barn. Here’s a tutorial for turning any door into a sliding barn like door, without welding. This DIY is handy too.
5. Desiring a kitchen island? Bet you haven’t heard of using upcycling old dresser for the job! You can do it like this…
10. With this DIY it’s a breeze to take that light fixture from dreary to dreamy using metallic paint and new bulbs.
11. Tired of your AC vent looking like something from a run down Detroit school building? Use some aluminum sheeting to make a cover worthy of your home.
13. You can also use Billy shelves for closet modification.
14. Tile isn’t all you can stencil accents on. Fancy up your wall with this DIY. You can find some high quality stencils here.
15. Are you sick of those “boob lights?” If your ceiling is tall enough, you can give the light a skirt instead. If you don’t know electrical work, you should likely hire a professional instead.
16. That ceiling fan isn’t getting any younger. How about a little paint makeover? It’s about as close as fan “wrinkle remover” as you can get. Here’s the deets.
17. Every good country house needs a pleasant mudroom. All it takes is a bench, a rustic shelf, some well placed hooks, and a little know how. The finishing decor is icing on the cake.
18. Has your stair railing seen a few too many hands? You can show it some gratitude with a little gel stain and paint. It’s like a railing manicure, or railicure… some kind of cure.
19. Don’t forget about those hard worked stair steps! Sometimes all you need is a stylish custom runner to ensure the integrity of both your stairs, and the steps you take upon them. Here are some “step by step” instructions.
20. A door’s function may be simple, but the look doesn’t have to be. With some plywood, paint, and the right DIY all sorts of door styles are at your disposal.
21. See that gorgeous house number backdrop? That was created from stained paint stirrers. Amazing, huh?
22. Gel stain can take your garage door from faded metallic drab to wood stain fab. DIY it up!
23. If you want an easily built and stylish firepit, you can use heat resistant stones and a little know how. Should run you less than $40.
24. Don’t want to spend money on an expensive patio? Secure your seating area on the cheap with concrete pavers and river rocks. While there isn’t a DIY, you can see more photos here to help you get the idea.
As I scrolled my newsfeed this morning, I saw another story about a Realtor getting drugged at an open house in North Carolina. Stories like these have been popping up more and more.
The threat is real. And it’s well known that the majority of Realtors are women. Unfortunately, this makes agents a target for weirdos of all kinds.
The first step to staying safe is being aware. Aware of your prospect, aware of the location, aware of everything. If a prospect makes you nervous, you should probably take another person along with you. I also recommend you prequalify your clients and ask lots of questions before meeting them somewhere other than your brokerage.
Here are some other Realtor safety tips. Following any and all of these five suggestions will help you. You have nothing to lose by heeding this advice, yet a lot to lose if you don’t.
1. Show up first
Half the battle is showing up, right? For further safety precautions, I recommend you arrive at the location first. If you’re going to meet a prospect, make it to the specified address 10-15 minutes early. This way you can get the layout, come up with a safety plan, and it also keeps you from turning your back on them at the door while you open the lock box.
The bright side of showing up beforehand, is that you can also make the house more showable. See, you win. Two birds, one stone.
2. Never leave things you eat or drink lying around
The incident in North Carolina involved the suspect putting a date rape drug in the agent’s drink. Treat open houses like the bar. Never leave food or water sitting around. If you drink water all day, use a cup/bottle with a lid. Carry it with you as you show the prospect around.
Even if you think you’ve watched a prospect the whole time, they can slip by you. Remember, those who want to hurt others show up with planned intentions, expecting you not to expect.
3. Get a check-in-buddy
The buddy-system is nothing new, but it’s about as effective as a firearm. When you make a call to your brokerage in front of the prospect and say, “This is agent #12344. I’m checking in at XYZ address. Thank you, I will call as I leave and get in my car to check out,” the prospect knows someone out there is waiting on your call. That can be a big deterrent to their plans.
The key to having a check-in buddy is to make sure the prospect/suspect knows someone is expecting you. Without you displaying this fact to them up front via a phone call, the suspect wouldn’t know and it might be too late for you to get the help your buddy could give you.
4. Take a self defense course
I highly recommend you take a local self defense course. Even a 110 pound woman can throw a 200 pound man if she learns how. A quick pinch and a swift knee to the groin goes a long way in stopping a man in his tracks.
Plus, let’s be real. After a firearms course and a self defense class, you’ll be a friggin’ superhero. There are probably a dozen different courses you can take in your area right now. Take the time to complete one. If you ever need it, you’ll be glad you did.
Now I know there are always going to be people who don’t like firearms. With a safety course and a carry license, a firearm can be the one thing that will save your life in a dire situation. Most firearms never even get discharged. The mere sight of a gun stops a majority of criminals dead in their tracks. Never forget, criminals are cowards.
If you’re not into guns, get a taser or a stun gun. Arm yourself with something you can conceal. I hope you never have to use it, but it’s better to be insured and never have to use it than it is to need it and not have it. By that time it’s too late.
In Conclusion
I’m not here to scare you or anything like that. I’m here to help you. I provide products to the Realtor community. I need you safe and sound so I can sell you stuff. In all seriousness, be mindful that there are individuals who prey on others for a living. It’s all they know and what they constantly think about. Implementing these tips will give you a fighting chance at fending off (or better yet, preventing) cowardly attacks by these low-lifes.
Share this with your fellow agents and brokers so they too can become aware and stay safe.
Ah the feeling of buying a new home. There’s nothing quite like finally having a place to call your own and do with what you want. Unfortunately, buying a new home often means having far less cash on hand to buy furniture and make the upgrades you would like for your ideal nest. Here are some great DIYs to help you get a jump on what your homestead heart desires through repurposing furniture you no longer need, or find on the cheap…
1. This DIY can help you turn that random garage sale cabinet into a brilliant kitchen stand.
2. Take those metal chair bases from stools or old metal chairs and place some round pieces of cut logs to create snazzy accent tables.
3. Have an old dresser that just doesn’t make the cut for your new home? You can turn that eyesore into a gorgeous bench with this handy DIY.
5. Sometimes those vases just don’t keep their former pizazz. You can renew their purpose by creating some cool lamps.
6. Let’s face it, wooden stools aren’t that comfortable and often aren’t very aesthetic. How about repurposing them into something that can assist home aesthetics from now on? This DIY can help you turn that proverbial frown upside down, and into a craft and tool holder.
7. Old drawers aren’t the only way to create pleasing ottomans. You can retread some old tires with this DIY for a similar purpose.
8. So what about that old dresser that got turned into a bench (or who knows what else by the end of this)? What if you don’t need four ottomans from the left over drawers? How about some cool and decorative shelves to cover bare walls?
9. As you may have noticed from other posted articles, wooden pallets can do anything. Here’s a DIY for using them to create a rustic cooler that will bring some extra “chill factor” to your patio.
11. You can turn unnecessary kitchen chairs into an awesome bench with this DIY.
12. Want to create that dresser bench but your old dresser looks nothing like the previous example? See if this DIY does the job for you.
13. Frame your photos in style with a rustic, multi glass door. Here’s how.
14. So now you have your own flower bed and no longer need that potting bench. You can now create this stylish outdoor bar to complement the rustic cooler from earlier.
15. I sure hope you never lose your grand piano to wear and tear. If you do, however, here’s another grand purpose it can serve in your home.
17. If you need a nightstand that is a little simpler and sturdier, you could do one like this.
18. Create a great place for people to sit and read by turning bookshelves into reading benches. Here’s how.
19. First comes the house, and then comes children (or vice versa). As your baby grows, there are ways to repurpose the crib for different times in their younger years. Here are 10 steps to turn the crib into a toddler’s loft bed.
20. When they can no longer fit the loft bed, you can turn their cot into a table for their first years of learning.
22. Eventually, your kid is going to need a place to play Legos. Help them keep their creations standing with this DIY Lego table.
23. Since dressers come in all shapes and sizes, and you may have left over pieces after some of these DIYs, here is another idea for turning a dresser into a cozy, multipurpose pet bed.
24. Sometimes you want an outdoor bench that is cozy, simple, and stylish. How about a French style bench made from old chairs? Here’s the DIY.
25. If by some miracle you still have an outdated dresser at this point, you can turn that bad boy into a vanity that will add value to your home in a very unique way. Check out the DIY here.
From the outside looking in, real estate agents have it easy. They work whenever they want, make lots of money and hardly do anything. How hard can it be? The truth is real estate is anything but easy. As professionals, we face constant struggles being in this industry. For me, these are some of the hardest.
1. Pretending things are always great
Ask a real estate agent how the market is and you’re likely to hear “Great!” Ask a real estate agent how business is going and again you’ll likely hear “Great!” Unless the agent you are talking to has already made the decision to leave the business, you will not hear anything negative. Why? “Fake it till you make it.”
This old adage has been around a long time and still holds true today. Success breeds success and no one wants to work with someone who is not, or at least does not appear to be successful. The truth is there is nothing inherently good or bad about the market. The “How’s the market” question is so subjective there is no real answer. The ups and downs in our business however, are very real. Even through the hard times, we must put on a smile and pretend things are great with the hopes next time you ask “How’s the market?” You will actually be asking to hire me as your real estate agent.
2. Time away from family
Real estate can take a toll on your family. Setting boundaries between work and home can be extremely difficult. The public has literally no idea what real estate agents do for a living. Ask your friends what they think you do every day. The reality is, aside from “Selling houses” the dirty (and HARD) work involved is unknown and goes unnoticed. This was cleverly described by a humorous website dedicated to real estate agents which read:
Public’s Perception: “Must be nice working anytime you please.”
REALTOR®: “Yeah, I can work any of the 80 hours per week I want.”
When starting a career in real estate there is the belief you will be able to work whenever you want, and frankly if you don’t want to work that day you really don’t have to. You are the boss! However, if you went to your favorite restaurant on a Friday night and saw a note on the door that read: “Closed today. Didn’t feel like coming in” What do you suppose would happen to that business?
There is no clocking in, and it’s unfortunate but there is no clocking out either. Family dinners, birthday parties and even vacations are shared with frequent phone calls, texts, emails, quick showings and last minute appointments inconveniencing your family for a client who in the end may or may not pan out.
3. Managing Expectations – Our Own
If you were to follow a real estate agent for 30 days you would be inclined to diagnose them with either ADHD or Depression.
ADHD: suffering patients have to cope with their condition, feeling frustrated by the second. Many people go through life with ADHD without even being diagnosed. Feelings of inadequacy and inability to cope cause depression, resulting in erratic mood swings
Depression: Depression causes extreme mood swings, happy one moment, hysterical the other and immeasurably sad again.
The reason is because we are sooooooooo heavily invested in the outcome of every phone call, email, inspection, appraisal, etc. After all, if it doesn’t go our way, we might not be able to provide for our families for the next 45 to who knows how many days! How can we not get so invested?
Being a real estate agent is full of ups and downs. When something positive happens such as a client’s offer getting accepted or we are hired on a new listing, everything instantly becomes so exciting and nothing can bring us down. On the flip side, getting too invested can lead us to want to “baby” each transaction so much so that when something negative happens to your baby, you are devastated.
4. Justifying your worth
You sit across from a homeowner who invited you to discuss the possibility of selling their home and to go over what you bring to the table, only to be asked to take less for your services. Don’t get me wrong, everything in real estate is negotiable but it sure doesn’t make it any more pleasant. Real Estate is the only profession I can think of where people will ask you to lower your income. Sorry sweetie, daddy can’t get you that baby doll today. Mr. Joe thinks I’m not worth it. Maybe it goes back to not knowing what real estate professionals do but it just feels like you’re being taken for granted sometimes.
5. Missing an opportunity to another agent
You know what hurts more than losing that listing or buyer to another agent? When it’s a friend or family member who called someone else to help buy or sell their home. Sometimes it’s better not to mix business and personal but what a blow that can be. At least let me refer you to someone competent.
6. Budgeting like you’ll never get paid again
2010 was a rough year for me and my family. I grossed $20,000 and had to rely on credit cards just to survive. Unless you are in a commission only job, you cannot understand the financial pressures involved in real estate. Some months you’re a rock star and think you should have your own real estate reality show, and some months you wonder if your career is about to end and be forced to take that 9-5 job you hated so much before real estate.
Unless your real estate income (if any) isn’t needed at home because of your sugar mama or sugar daddy, budgeting as if you will never get paid again is key. For this reason my wife and I live fairly conservatively even when things are good. We like to keep our bills as low as possible and try not to over extend ourselves knowing full well nothing is promised tomorrow.
The glamorous life of a real estate agent isn’t always what it seems but it’s not all bad either. There isn’t anything else I’d rather be doing (at least right now). Being able to help clients with their most significant investment is very rewarding. But in a business where the average real estate agent sells ZERO homes a year, the struggles are real and can hit you hard. Next time you meet a Realtor, give them a hug. After all, we’re people too.
Realtor at CENTURY 21 Award, Daniel was Voted U-T San Diego’s Best Real Estate Agent in 2014. A Husband, Father, and most recently, accomplished Blog writer, which explains your visit today.
Location, Location, Location! It’s just as important in real estate as it is in executing the wedding. It basically sets the mood for the rest of your life. Do you want a country setting? A city high rise? Cozy backyard shindig?
And just like a wedding, there are multiple players involved in purchasing a home. Each has an important role to play in making things go down without a hitch. Here are the main players:
Bride = Buyer
As long as she thinks she’s in charge, it’s all good. Expect momentary flashes of schizophrenia and crazy texts over nothing of actual importance. Normally, a very nice person but always be on the lookout for Bridezilla to emerge.
Groom = Moving Company
Not really an important player until after the paperwork is signed.
Mother of the Bride = Home inspector
“Nope. This house sucks. No good. Needs to be replaced. Might as well start over and find a new dream property. I said no. No means no. Fine do whatever your want.”
Minister = Insurance Agent
Mostly along for the ride after the union passes regulated counseling. Likes to be paid (and fed) handsomely at the reception.
Bridesmaids = Buyer’s Agent
These are the people who will walk hand in hand with you to see 14 different dresses/houses. They will laugh, cry and stress over every little detail with you.
Best Man = Listing Agent
Been buddies forever. Lots of embarrassing stories but we will all try to ignore those because we are serious, sophisticated adults now. Mostly just involved for the drinks and witness the bridal party meltdown.
Father of the Bride = Loan Officer
Also known as the gatekeeper for the whole transaction. Usually bringing all the funds to closing. Don’t lie to this person. Your fate is in their hands.
This is the person running the whole show from behind the magical curtain. Deserves a pay raise and WAY more credit than they usually get.
Flower Girl = Appraiser
Sure, she’s been cute for 6 months leading up to the big day. However, by the bridal luncheon the day of, she seriously needs a nap, a lollipop and a bribe to behave like a sweet little angel until we can get this knot tied up. Pretty please?!
Photographers
Crucial in both weddings and real estate. Overpaid but totally worth every penny.
Oh, and although the following isn’t a “person”, it’s a crucial component of both a wedding and real estate transaction:
Engagement = Due Diligence
During this period you’ll want to check for:
Leaky pipes (i.e. a gossip-driven Mother in Law)
Roofing issues (how long until hubby starts balding?)
Code restrictions for expansion (you promise you won’t get fat, right?)
Potential for future development in the neighborhood (KIDS!)
Architectural drawings of original site map (dang, you were an ugly kid… sure glad you grew into those ears!)
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You’ve probably heard the term “spite houses.” These are iconic homes built in normally unorthodox ways just to spite someone else. Ironically, these homes usually become places of significant intrigue long after the feud has passed.
Boston has one such home known as “The Skinny House.” Located at 44 Hull St, at the north end of Boston, Massachusetts, this place has become home to Jennifer Simonic and her husband Spencer Welton. They took the three story, 30 foot by 6.2 foot home and made it their own cozy nesting place.
They’ve been there for years already, and judging by the fact they had to move the couch in through the upstairs window (the only entrance is an alleyway that could make a tomcat claustrophobic), they will likely be there for many more to come.
While there is no verified history as to who built the house and why, there are two main urban legends:
One is that a soldier and his brother inherited the land from their deceased father. While the soldier was at war, his greedy brother built a very large house, leaving so little space he thought for sure the other brother would not use it. The soldier came back and decided to build a house in the left over space, ruining his greedy brother’s view. Neither brother has been named in this story.
The second legend is that someone built it in order to shut out light and air for a hostile neighbor. Again, neither neighbor has been named, but it is said that the home was likely built sometime after 1874.
While the history of this home maybe shrouded in intriguing mystery, the home itself is impressive on its own. Enjoy the following video, and remember to be nice to your neighbors!
When it comes to selling real estate, the one thing most commonly missed by sellers are the random little things that add ugly points to the showings. Even if it has nothing to do with the house itself, a “simple” tangle of cords or even a utility box can put a clinch in the potential buyer’s gut. On the flip side, anything that adds a sense of style, adventure, and feelings of coziness will only improve the odds of sweeping the buyer off their feet. With these DIYs and clever products, you can maximize the little things which help ensure smoother selling ahead.
1. Nothing says a maddening mess like a bunch of ugly cords. Here are some artful boxes you can use to stash them away.
2. Are there any areas of your home ruined by tacky popcorn finish or water stains? With this DIY you can use scarves and tapestries to turn that mess into something breathtaking.
3. Outdated vinyl chairs are not beyond hope. All you need are some specialty spray paints and this DIY for a little furniture plastic surgery.
4. Another way to manage a jungle of power cords? Use metal hooks and surge protectors to help ensure your work station won’t feel like a virtual obstacle course. Here’s how.
5. With this nightstand you can keep your lovable companion nearby for those early morning wakeup calls.
6. Whether it’s avoiding having to pick up trash scattered by the wind, or preventing an overflow from rain, this weather safe storage bin is right for those homes in turbulent climates.
7. Sometimes paint or standard wallpaper just doesn’t do your adventurous spirit justice. You can take some time to pin up maps to bring the theme home.
8. And oldie but goodie DIY for thermostats. With a nice piece of art and some hinges you can make these common eyesores disappear in a hurry.
9. Rolling systems are the primo way to hide your trash and recycling in an easily manageable space.
10. Laminate countertops can be just as visually appealing as granite with the right paint kit.
11. There is no end to the importance of an organized bathroom when showing the home. You can use stylish hanging stations to ensure the job is done right.
14. Tired of the old “boob lights.” Drum Pendants are a great way to refashion your disgruntled ceiling.
15. You can turn removable wire shelving into floating wood shelves with a little careful crafting. Here’s how.
16. If hiding wires doesn’t appeal to you, how about turning them into wall art with some tastefully added bloom clips?.
17. Do you have a door that can’t seem to avoid dings and scratches? With some chalkboard paint, you can cover the damage and decorate however you like. Here’s a DIY demonstrated on a door to the garage.
18. Stained concrete and ugly patio flooring can be rather challenging to replace. Make it easy to style it up with the artistic application of a drop cloth and some well-placed paint.
19. You know that cartoon bit where a light switch goes off over someone’s head when they have a great idea or realization? This Mod Podge DIY will bring you as close as you can get.
21. Use a roll of artificial ivy to bring some green goodness to an otherwise harsh looking chain link fence.
22. If your fireplace is brassed most dire, here’s a clever DIY for creating the ambiance you desire.
23. Do those exposed screws on your Ikea shelf mock your stylish eye? The remedy you need is paint stir sticks, the paint colors of your choice, and this DIY.
24. The only time a utility box should be seen is when it is being read. PERIOD! This is an assured thing with a pallet, a decoration of your choice, and some handy instructions for a removable box cover.
If you’ve ever bought a house, or even rented a property you may find yourself wondering how the previous owners or tenants kept the place looking so pristine when they lived there. Where did they keep their DVD collection? Did they really own just three outfits a piece? How did they keep the place smelling so fresh? Well, we’re about to let you in on a little industry secret… it’s all staged.
Home staging is fast becoming big business with professional home stagers more popular than ever before with private sellers and agencies alike, the reason for this is when a home is staged and prepped correctly, it appeals to the largest percentage of potential buyers and because of that it often sells more quickly and for more money, for example, a high rise penthouse apartment in the city will appeal to a different audience compared to a quaint country cottage out in the sticks.
However, it’s not all about having a tidy up and making sure your grass is cut, a touch of psychology is involved too, you need to encourage potential buyers to envisage themselves living at the property with their own possessions, so giving them a somewhat blank canvas is key.
Hiring a professional home stager can be costly so with that in mind, we would like to share with you some useful money saving tips that are used by professionals to help make your property more appealing and hopefully get you the sale that you wanted:
Home improvement is one of the key factors most real estate experts consider when selling houses. It is an inevitable aspect, which can increase the resale value of a home significantly, especially with the improvement of the exterior parts of the homestead. However, many people do not know how to enhance the value of their homes. That is why we came up with tips on how to increase property value by enhancing its exterior appeal.
1. Work on the Front Door
The front door is the focal point of a home’s visual appeal. A buyer can tell the quality of the house by looking at the front yard. You need to dress up your front door to make it visually appealing. Get rid of the rusty stuff at the sides of the doorstep, and use a polish to clean the door fixtures. Make sure the flowers adjacent to the front door are neat and fresh. Use beautiful colors to add more life to the front-yard. For instance, you can paint the door with a blast of red color supplemented by a white color at the background.
2. Ensure the Driveway is neat
Adding a driveway to your property is one of the home improvement investments you will never regret. Most buyers prefer a driveway since they want a connection that allows them to drive from the house to the main road without affecting the surrounding landscape in the homestead. If your home already has a driveway, ensure it is neat. Work on asphalt coating. You can do a colored asphalt to add an extra touch on the lawns. Make it visually appealing with fresh flowers along its edges. Ensure there is a symmetrical composition of flowers at both edges to make more pleasing to the eyes.
3. Invest in Outdoor Lighting
Add some outdoor lighting in your homestead to increase its value. Most buyers prefer a secure environment where they can do what they love despite the time of the day. Lighting not only make them feel secure, but it also scares away burglars. You can buy cheap low-voltage lighting, or you can go with some accent lighting on the trees and the walking path. Add a solar panel to make lighting more energy-efficient.
4. Create a Garden
You should have an instant garden adjacent to the house. A container garden is a viable option because it will save you from constant weed invasion. Add beautiful flowers to make the garden more colorful. Ensure you symmetrically arrange the contents of the garden to create a vibrant setting. Garden containers are available in most flower stores in your community. You can also make a container on your own. Let’s get some more ideas here.
5. Consider Arbors
A combination of arbors and fence panels is the key to increasing the home’s resale value. The fence panels can have additional pillars with arbors on them. Ensure the fence panels have decorations on them to enhance visual appeal. If you want great results, do some painting on the fences.
6. Wash the Sides
Do some cleaning on the sidings of your house, especially if there are tall trees the compound. You may need a ladder to access the roof and other elevated sections. Get rid of the dirt and the dead leaves from the roof. Clean up the walls with a tough brush and a suitable detergent. Work from the bottom to the top and leave no stones un-turned. Also, renew the painting and trim the side flowers for additional curb appeal. The steps tips discussed above are the best home improvement investments you can ever think for. You don’t have to hire a professional to have a successful exterior house renovation, as you can do it yourself. If you do it properly, your home’s resale value will increase significantly.
“Home is a shelter from storms—all sorts of storms.”
In all seriousness, be mindful that there are individuals who prey on others for a living. It’s all they know and what they constantly think about. Implementing these tips will give you a fighting chance at fending off (or better yet, preventing) cowardly attacks by these low-lifes. 
