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5 Low-Cost Ways To Get Your Home Ready To Sell

Diana Carroll2022-05-24T01:21:29-05:00

Staging is a great way to emphasize your home’s best features. But before you stage, there are a handful of low-cost ways you can make updates on your home to help maximize the salability. Go Beyond Dusting Many homebuyers pay special attention to cabinets, walls, closets, and floors when touring a home, so it’s essential to do a deep clean. And don’t forget about washing the windows—letting natural light into the house will make it feel warm and inviting. Freshen With Paint Over time, the walls can start to look dull and dingy. A fresh coat of paint will brighten a room and make it look new. Adding a lighter color to the ceiling will make it appear higher. Repair or Replace Noticeable flaws turn off buyers. Take the time to repair issues such as sticking doors, leaky faucets, or damaged baseboards. Other small ways to make a big transformation are updating the hardware on your cabinets and upgrading light switch covers. Don’t Overwhelm the Senses Homebuyers are looking for a place they can see themselves living, so this is not the time to show off your style or keepsakes. Declutter and move excess decorations into storage. Spruce Up the Yard Since curb appeal is the first impression of the home, don’t underestimate the power of a freshly trimmed lawn and pruned bushes. Go the extra step and rake up leaves, remove weeds, and add a splash of color by planting blooming flowers. Don’t let inexpensive, easy tasks hold you back from getting the best possible offer. A REALTOR® can advise you on other ways to best prepare your home to sell.

5 Low-Cost Ways To Get Your Home Ready To SellDiana Carroll2022-05-24T01:21:29-05:00

Don’t Let Myths Steer Your Home Sale

Diana Carroll2022-03-29T01:16:12-05:00

Selling a property can be just as stressful as buying one. Your home is where your treasured memories—and probably your largest financial investment—reside. You want every part of the sale to go smoothly. So don’t let incorrect or outdated ideas influence your transaction! Avoid these myths when you put your house on the market: MYTH: Remodeling Projects Always Yield Dividends When You Sell. Your renovation could pay off when it’s time to sell, but many don’t. Some updates may make your property more attractive to buyers, and others do raise appraisal values and sale prices, but don’t count on getting back dollar-for-dollar what you spent. MYTH: Your House is Worth What Your Friend’s or Neighbor’s House Sold For. Many factors determine your home’s value, including property condition and nearby comparable sales. Appraisals aren’t the same as sale prices, either. Just because your neighbor sold her home for $50,000 over asking price doesn’t mean yours will. Every situation is different. MYTH: You’ll Save Money by Selling the Home Yourself. A REALTOR® is a trusted professional who can guide you through each step of the transaction, including pricing your home and assessing offers. A REALTOR® can help you avoid missing important deadlines or making costly mistakes that could threaten the entire sale. Your REALTOR® also may be able to help you attract more and better offers. MYTH: The Highest Offer is Always the Best. Money is important but other factors matter, too. The best offer also works with your timetable and terms. Your REALTOR® can help you navigate multiple offers. MYTH: Don’t Accept the First Offer. Sometimes the first offer is the best offer. Don’t disregard it just because it arrived first. Consider whether it meets your goals and what might happen if you reject it without having other offers in hand. Your REALTOR® can help you separate fact from fiction and guide you to make the best decisions for you.

Don’t Let Myths Steer Your Home SaleDiana Carroll2022-03-29T01:16:12-05:00

Can You Get Festive With Your Staging?

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-11-23T01:15:32-06:00

Cleaning out the clutter and staging your home help make a great first impression. But does that mean you should forego the decorations if you are selling during the holidays? You don’t have to. However, here are four things to keep in mind to not inadvertently turn off buyers. Emphasize the Positives Use holiday décor to draw attention to, not overshadow, your home’s best features. For example, add garland on your mantel to highlight your fireplace, or showcase the entertaining qualities of the large dining room by setting the table for a holiday meal. Avoid Clashing Colors Bold is not better. Choose decorations with colors that complement your current design palette. Use Scents Sparingly Evoking the seasonal spirit with sprigs of spruce or simmering a pot of apples and cinnamon is fine, but don’t go overboard. Too many strong scents can be off-putting. Create Curb Appeal The less-is-more rule applies outside as well. Swap out flashy lights and inflatable décor with a simple string of white lights and a fresh wreath on the front door for an inviting welcome feel. When in doubt, ask your REALTOR® for staging suggestions or a recommendation of a professional home stager in your area.

Can You Get Festive With Your Staging?Texas REALTORS Staff2021-11-23T01:15:32-06:00

Is That Estimated Home Value Worth Anything?

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-11-09T09:18:34-06:00

A simple internet search will tell you what a home is worth. Or will it? Just because a website shows you an estimate of a home’s value doesn’t mean that’s what you can buy or sell the house for. In fact, many home-valuation websites include disclaimers about how inaccurate their information may be. The internet also has plentiful data on median home prices in an area, the number of properties sold, days on market, housing inventory, etc. But even if that data is accurate and up to date (is it?), you may not know how those numbers translate into home values for the property you’re selling or buying. And how do you take into account the differences from one neighborhood to the next or one home to others nearby? Thankfully, your REALTOR® can show you accurate, comprehensive data relevant to your situation and provide the context to help you make sound real estate decisions. REALTORS® have the training and experience to explain what the latest market data mean for your situation. So before you get too excited or distressed about the real estate data you found online, talk to your REALTOR®.

Is That Estimated Home Value Worth Anything?Texas REALTORS Staff2021-11-09T09:18:34-06:00

Why You Should Use a REALTOR®

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-10-12T00:46:28-05:00

Although there are online options to utilize when buying and selling properties, REALTORS® offer services that you can’t get from a website. Human Connection REALTORS® offer a genuine, in-person connection. They will guide you through the process of buying, selling, or renting all manner of properties and be there for any questions or concerns you may have along the way. Expert Guide Most people don’t buy or sell property often. The process comes with numerous financial and legal documents that can be hard to understand and frequent changes. REALTORS® have the experience and up-to-date knowledge to steer you clear of mistakes and avoid delays. Online platforms can’t always provide that type of help. Ethical Advocate REALTORS® follow a code of ethics that mandates professionalism and puts the clients’ interests first. They want to help you succeed in your real estate transaction and will work to the best of their abilities to make sure you’re satisfied with your experience and result of the transaction. Websites can be a useful tool for real estate, but they are no match for the level of service a REALTOR® can offer. Find your REALTOR® at texasrealestate.com.

Why You Should Use a REALTOR®Texas REALTORS Staff2021-10-12T00:46:28-05:00

Factors To Consider With Multiple Offers

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-09-28T02:21:22-05:00

It’s a hot market, and you’ve received multiple offers for your house. The highest bid wins, right? Sometimes, but not always. A high-dollar offer might come with a lot of stipulations and other complications. Consider these questions when making your decision: What Are the Buyer’s Conditions? Buyers can put all kinds of things in an offer. They can request an option to terminate, ask for repairs, see if you’ll leave the appliances, and make the offer contingent upon the sale of their current home. Your REALTOR® can help you decide what is reasonable. How is the Buyer Paying? Without cash or a letter from a lender, your buyer may not be able to afford the price he’s proposing. Your REALTOR® can help you tremendously by making sure that anyone who places an offer on your home is qualified. Does Their Closing Date Line Up With Yours? If not, this leads to more questions: How flexible can you be? If your next home isn’t ready, are the buyers open to renting the house back to you? If so, how much would they charge for rent? How Much Earnest Money is Included? Earnest money is an amount a potential buyer will put towards the sale in advance of the closing to show he’s entering into this transaction in good faith. A high amount of earnest money usually indicates a serious buyer. If the transaction closes, the money counts toward the down payment; if it doesn’t close, the seller in some circumstances gets to keep the earnest money. Don’t forget to talk to your REALTOR® when reviewing offers to get additional insights on choosing the best offer.

Factors To Consider With Multiple OffersTexas REALTORS Staff2021-09-28T02:21:22-05:00

Make Moving Less Stressful for Your Pets

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-08-31T01:15:55-05:00

Moving is stressful—and not just for humans. Not only can animals sense your anxiety, they also dislike unpredictability. Here are suggestions to help your beloved companions have a smoother experience: Have a Travel Plan Coordinate how you will transport your pets ahead of time and give them a chance to get acclimated to the travel crate or carrier. Have treats, bathroom supplies, and a leash or harness ready for the trip. Also, reach out to your vet if you think they will need calming medication. Reduce Food Intake Prevent car sickness by not feeding your pet right before traveling. Instead, either feed them a few hours before or wait until you have reached your destination. Separate Your Pets from the Chaos Board your pets or put them into a closed room while your stuff is being moved out or into the new home. Keeping them confined will also protect them from accidentally getting out of the house. Reestablish Routine Ensure there are smells they recognize in the new home, so that your pets don’t feel completely out of place. For example, have their toys, favorite blanket, food, crate, or litter box nearby. Also, take your dog on walks with a leash around the neighborhood, and let your cats slowly explore the house to help them adapt to their new surroundings. And don’t forget, whether it’s finding a new vet, animal daycare, or different dog parks in the area, your REALTOR® can be an excellent resource.

Make Moving Less Stressful for Your PetsTexas REALTORS Staff2021-08-31T01:15:55-05:00

3 Tips to Help Your Kids Cope With A Move

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-08-03T01:17:13-05:00

There are more than just logistical challenges when you move with children. Many kids feel emotional about leaving their friends or old home behind. Here are some common challenges kids face when moving and ways to help them feel more comfortable in their new place. When Your Child is Nervous About a New School … Coordinate a tour of the school before her first day so she can get familiar with the building. Introduce her to teachers and a few classmates so she’ll have connections on her first day. When Your Child is Upset About Leaving Friends Behind … Put together treats your child can use to remember her far-away friends. Include a photo album, frames, and other mementos from your child’s hometown. When Your Child is Worried the New City Won’t Have Familiar Activities … Get your REALTOR® to help you find out where your child can participate in the hobbies she enjoys. Whether she likes to play soccer or take art classes, Texas REALTOR® should be able to point you in the right direction for similar activities in your new location.

3 Tips to Help Your Kids Cope With A MoveTexas REALTORS Staff2021-08-03T01:17:13-05:00

Show You’re Proud to Call Texas Home

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-07-06T02:18:18-05:00

A new real estate-themed license plate available to all Texas drivers proclaims that “Texas is Home.” Not only does it express your Texas pride, it also supports affordable housing—$22 of the $30 fee for the plate supports the Texas REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation. The Texas REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation is a 501c(3) charity that provides financial support to individuals and organizations that encourage homeownership opportunities across the state. The foundation is funded through charitable donations and proceeds from the sale of these specialty license plates. Get your “Texas Is Home” plate today through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Show You’re Proud to Call Texas HomeTexas REALTORS Staff2021-07-06T02:18:18-05:00

What to Know About Property Taxes

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-06-22T02:21:11-05:00

No one wants to think about property taxes. But understanding your rights and responsibilities can ensure you pay no more than your fair share. Here are some aspects of property taxes to keep in mind: Your Tax Bill May Differ From Previous Owners’ and Current Neighbors’ Tax Bills You might try to gauge your future tax bill on what previous owners or current neighbors paid, but your bill could be significantly higher. Those others may qualify for exemptions you don’t meet, such as ones for homeowners aged 65 or older or homeowners who are disabled. Also, their property taxes may have been kept in check with a homestead exemption that provides a 10%-per-year cap on increases in the appraised value. Once ownership changes on the home, though, the assessed value may jump substantially. Make Sure You Apply for Exemptions and Special Uses Exemptions lower your taxable value. A lower taxable value means your tax bill will be lower than if you don’t have exemptions. But you have to apply for them. A house you use as your principal residence qualifies for a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of your property and caps the amount your taxable value can go up each year. There are exemptions for homeowners 65 or older, homeowners who are disabled, homeowners who are disabled veterans, and others. Some farm and ranch properties qualify to be appraised based on agricultural uses, which often is lower than the market value of the land. Think Your Appraisal is not Accurate? If you believe the appraisal district appraised your home incorrectly, you can protest. Many districts have an option to try to settle a protest informally prior to a formal hearing. If the formal hearing with the appraisal review board does not go your way, you may be able to appeal the decision to state district court, an independent arbitrator, or to the State Office of Administrative Hearings. Information about the property tax process, exemptions, and protests can be found on the Texas Comptroller’s website and on many county appraisal district websites. Texas REALTORS® works to fight for laws that make property taxes fairer and more transparent. To learn more about property taxes, visit knowyourtaxes.org.

What to Know About Property TaxesTexas REALTORS Staff2021-06-22T02:21:11-05:00

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