10 Steps to put SPRING in your Curb Appeal!

It's been said that it takes only seconds for prospective buyers to decide whether or not they want to view your home. Here are some simple ways to ensure they won't drive on by.....

1. Clean up the landscape clutter; any leaves, overgrown bushes, toys etc. will detract from your home's curb appeal. Removing these items is a simple project that won't cost any money.

2. Decide which of your current plants and landscaping features you'll keep. Remove any elements that don't work and trim any bushes that will stay.

3. Add color and greenery with plants and flowers. There are many online resources for landscape planning or you can consult your local nursery. Make sure to select plants for your sun exposure. Landscaping gives a polished look! [and a well-cared for property gives a good impression about the homeowners].

4. Add new house numbers and a new mailbox. These simple accents make an easy but effective home improvement project. Buyers will notice your attention to detail!

5. Install a new lighting fixture. You can find very affordable outdoor lighting fixtures at most home supply stores. They are easy to install and can make a big impact on the overall curb appeal.

6. If your siding is a little dull, consider power washing it. Always do a test area to make sure the power washer won't ruin the siding! While you're at it, clean all of the windows to give them a quick face lift.

7. Re-paint window and door trim. Make sure to scrape away all of the old remnants of paint, particularly if it is flaking. Peeling paint can signal neglect.

8. Your front door is a focal point!. A fresh coat of paint can completely change the first impression of your property.

9. Refinish the deck. Worn decks are a major distraction when it comes to curb appeal.

10. Now relax and get ready to receive visitors with a brand-new Welcome mat!

Melva Reid is a real estate professional with Exit Realty Optimum; in her free time, Melva enjoys traveling and playing Celtic fiddle. Suggestions and comments are welcome!

Buyers….7 Tips for Writing Successful Offers!

It’s not unusual for a home with lots of attractive features to draw offers from more than one buyer. When this happens, the home often sells for more than list price. But price isn’t everything to a seller. There are other factors.

 1. Submit a Pre-approval Letter With Your Offer

A lender’s letter that says your credit rating has been examined and you can afford to buy the home, carries a lot of weight. It tells the seller that you are serious and qualified!

2. Write a Friendly Offer

Don’t include demands in your offer that are likely to irritate the seller. It’s common practice in this area for the buyer to pay for the home inspection…so best not to ask the seller to bear that cost.

3. Put Your Best Foot Forward

This means write your very best offer. You might get only one chance to make an impression on the seller, so don’t make a low offer hoping the seller will give you a counter offer. If the seller has received multiple offers, the low offers most often are not even considered.  Figure out the top dollar you are willing to pay for the home and offer that price.

4. Put Down a Healthy Money Deposit

A larger money deposit shows you are serious and are willing to put your cash on the table. Sellers will feel you are more committed with, for example, a 3% deposit than 1%... meaning if a home is listed at $300,000, don’t offer a $500 deposit. The seller might feel you have nothing at risk and could walk away from the transaction at will.

5. Reasonable ‘Conditions’ Time Frame

Many standard real estate purchase contracts give the buyer X number of days to fulfill conditions before the buyer is required to proceed with the transaction.  A time frame of 7 to 10 working days is generally reasonable, unless there are special circumstances.

6. Write the Seller a Letter

If the seller has eight offers on the table but your offer includes a letter that is personally handwritten by you, your offer will stand out. In your letter, you will want to appeal to the sellers’ emotions by explaining why you love their home. [My daughter’s buyer is an artist and offered to do an oil painting of her home.]

7. Offer to Close Quickly

Unless there are extenuating circumstances, many sellers prefer to close quickly. If you can offer a shorter closing time, this might be more important to the seller than an offer for more money. It just might be the edge you need to rise above the competition!

 If the world of real estate seems murky and you don’t have the foggiest idea where to begin…..ask me!