The Benefits of Listing with an Agent Instead of Trying to Sell Your House Yourself
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Whether you have sold multiple homes in the past or you have conducted extensive research online, you may feel like you can sell your home on your own, without the help of a professional realtor.

And while you may be correct, you may also be hurting the success of your own sale. Let’s take a look at several benefits of listing with a licensed real estate agent, rather than trying to sell the home or property on your own.

1. They Have the Proper Training
One of the biggest benefits of listing with an agent is you will work with someone who has received extensive training to sell homes. They recognize the various details and areas of a home that could be turning away potential buyers, what needs to be done to excite potential buyers, and much more.

Plus, they have been trained in all areas of the home-selling process and can help you avoid rookie mistakes that could cost you a significant amount of money.

2. They are Up-to-Date with the Current Market
The real estate market is continually changing. This means your home-selling strategy will depend entirely on the current status of the market.

When you work with a real estate agent, they are familiar with the real estate market and upcoming trends. This means they can help you make decisions that will ensure you receive the best deal possible, one that truly works in your favor.

3. They Understand the Real Estate Jargon
Real estate, like other industries, has specific jargon. There are certain terms and phrases that can be confusing for those who don’t work in the industry every day.

When you work with a professional real estate agent, they can be your resource to answer your questions and address your concerns, particularly when these confusing terms and phrases arise.

Additionally, they can help you navigate and understand the mountains of paperwork you will need to sign.

4. They Have Connections with Other Agents
When you hire a real estate agent, they can work with other agents to ensure your house is well marketed to potential buyers — particularly to those who are looking at homes similar to your own in your area.

Plus, these agents have the resources and the experience to know what marketing techniques work when selling a home. For example, they know how to correctly list a home online, host a successful open house, promote the house to potential buyers, etc.

Rather than feel overwhelmed and stressed at the complex and often confusing process of selling a home, work with a licensed real estate agent who can manage all of the challenging steps involved. They can be your greatest resource and will help you sell your home at a price that makes you happy.

4 Cosmetic Issues to Look Beyond When House Hunting
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When looking for your dream home, you want to ensure everything is perfect. You want to find a house that you can easily envision yourself living in, and one that has all the features you listed on your “must-have” wish list.

But, while some things may be major red flags, such as bad smells and poor home maintenance, there are several cosmetic issues that you should ignore because they can be easily updated.

1. Poor Paint Colors
While you likely want a home that is move-in ready, poor paint colors shouldn’t be a reason to say no to a property.

You can easily paint both interior and exterior walls in your home, and the repair is fairly inexpensive. Plus, when you choose the paint color, you can pick a color you love and that best matches your home’s chosen décor.

2. Light Fixtures
The light fixtures in a home should not be overlooked. The lights sets the mood for the space, and the right light fixture can become an instant focal point or even a beautiful statement piece.

However, if the lights throughout the home are old and outdated, it is a fast and simple fix. Plus, by updating the light fixtures you can choose more energy-efficient products, which will help you save money on your utility bills.

3. Small Details
Maybe you love the look of crown molding or you really want hardwood in the entryway rather than carpet, whatever these small details may be, don’t let it prevent you from placing an offer on a home.

These details may be important to you, but if a property doesn’t already boast these features, they are typically simple and cost-friendly additions you can add before you move in. Or, you can upgrade items individually over time to spread out the cost.

4. Window Treatments
Let’s face it, old, dusty lace curtains can make a room feel antiquated and in need of major upgrades.

But, by simply removing those curtains and letting in a little natural light, it will completely transform the space. As you look throughout a home, try to look past the window treatments. Rather, look at the size of the window itself, and its condition.

If you need to replace all the windows in the property, that will be a much more inconvenient and expensive project than just putting up a few new curtains or blinds.

Look at the House Through Clear Eyes
As you look at a home, don’t get caught up in the current owner’s décor and the small cosmetic issues — those can usually be fixed.

Instead, focus on the overall condition of the property, its layout, its major appliances, etc. so you can decide if it’s truly the home you are looking for. It should be a house where you can see yourself and your family spending time for many years to come – a house you can make a home.

Be sure to work with a professional real estate agent who can help you notice the major characteristics of a home and look past any cosmetic flaws.

Purchasing a Brand New Home vs. Purchasing an Older Home
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When it comes to purchasing a home, there are really only two options that home buyers have: purchasing a brand new home and purchasing an older home. Although both of these options are fairly similar, they offer completely different sets of positive and negative aspects. Anyone who is currently thinking about purchasing a home should take the time to consider the pros and cons of each option.

 

Purchasing a Brand New Home
One of the main benefits of purchasing a brand new home is that it will have no repairs or issues. Homeowners can spend the time they save on repairs on improvements for the home instead. Another positive aspect is that everything will feel fresh. This is partially due to the fact that no one else has lived in the home yet.

However, there are a few downsides to purchasing a new home. One of the primary concerns that home buyers have is that they have little or no upgrades. This blank canvas can be intimidating for some homeowners. Many brand new homes are also quite expensive in comparison to older homes.

 

Purchasing an Older Home
One of the biggest benefits of purchasing an older home is the nostalgic feel. Anyone who has lived in a 100-year-old house is fully aware that they have a unique, nostalgic feeling to them. Another benefit of older homes is that the seller can be open to negotiating on the price. This is especially true if the home is being sold directly from the owner.

However, before purchasing an older home, it is important for buyers to know the negative aspects as well. Older homes are prone to issues such as leaks, cracks and wiring issues. These issues can lead to expensive repairs in the near future. Home buyers are also at the mercy of the old contractors. If the house was built poorly, new buyers are not going to be aware of this until much later down the road.

Although many buyers are in a rush to purchase a home, it is important for them to know the positive and negative aspects beforehand. This will prevent them from making a decision that they regret in the near future.

For more information about the pros and cons of purchasing a brand new home or purchasing an older home, feel free to contact the real estate experts at Tammy Sells Rockwood.

Positive and Negative Aspects of Downsizing

At a certain point in time, many homeowners find themselves with a slight issue. Their children have moved out into their own homes, freeing up a large amount of space. While some homeowners may find this liberating, it can pose a problem for others. To deal with this abundance of space, many homeowners will do something called downsizing. This is where they sell their current home and move into a smaller living space. There are a number of positive and negative aspects of downsizing. As a homeowner, it is beneficial to know what these positive and negative aspects are. This will make it easier to make a decision when the time comes.

 

Positive Aspects of Downsizing
There is an abundance of positive aspects to downsizing. One of the prominent benefits is that it gives the homeowner some financial freedom. Many homeowners will spend a fraction on their new home of what they paid for their old one. This gives the homeowner tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit. The homeowner can use this as a retirement fund or spend it frivolously on whatever they please.

Another positive aspect to downsizing is that smaller homes are easier to maintain. There are often fewer rooms and areas that need to be cleaned in smaller homes. They will often also come with small front and backyards. Although some may see this as a negative aspect, it is extremely beneficial for older homeowners. This is due to the fact that older homeowners aren’t always in the best condition to be constantly maintaining a home.

 

Negative Aspects of Downsizing
Although there are a number of benefits to downsizing, there are a handful of negative aspects that go along with them. Even though smaller houses are easier to maintain, they don’t offer as much room for guests. This makes it difficult to host parties and have family or friends stay over.

Another negative aspect is that the homeowner has to give up his or her old neighbourhood. This means that the homeowner can no longer see his or her old neighbours regularly. The homeowner will also no longer be in close proximity to parks, restaurants or any other attractions that were near the old house. Many homeowners have a hard time giving these things up.

For more information about the positive and negative aspects of downsizing, be sure to contact the real estate experts at Tammy Sells Rockwood.