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Buying and Selling a Home as a Pet Owner
If you’re buying or selling a house, there are a few things you have to consider when you have a pet. When you’re buying, you have to look into any pet ordinances in the neighborhood you’re considering, and also find a living arrangement that will work best for you and your pet. If you’re selling, you’ll have to stay on top of your cleaning game and make sure your pet makes as few messes as possible. Either way, you’ll get through it. As a side note, this blogpost is mainly aimed at people who have pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, or any other furry animals you may allow to roam around the house, as opposed to reptilian or amphibious creatures you would keep in a tank most of the time.
Pet owners looking to buy a home should check any local ordinances that may be in place regarding pets. A lot of times, areas enforce leash laws and require people to clean up after their pets in pubic places (You should be cleaning up after your pet, whether or not there are laws enforcing it), and there is usually a fine involved if these rules aren’t obeyed. If you belong to a homeowner’s association, there may also be a rule detailing how many pets you can have. If you own two dogs, three cats, a rabbit, and a hedgehog, or any group of pets, you should check to make sure you will be allowed to bring all of them with you. Although you are given more freedom when you have your own house, you should still check to be safe. Looking into this is especially necessary if you are moving into a condo or apartment complex, seeing as you’ll be living in close quarters to other people who may be allergic to pets or annoyed by their sounds.
When selling your home as a pet owner, you may be asked by state law to disclose a pet has lived with you. However, as you’re preparing your home for the market, you don’t have to leave any evidence in the staging or photos that you have had an animal in your home, so you should remove any photos of your pets and pet toys and store them away so they’re not within sight of the agent and their potential buyer. Before a photographer comes to take pictures of your home, make sure your pet isn’t there to wander into the background; not only is it a distraction from whatever else is in the photo, but some people might not want to think of a pet having lived in their future home.
When buying a home, pay attention to the layout of the house to make sure your pet will be comfortable living in that space. Think about what kind of floors they may be comfortable with, such as carpeted, tile, or wooden. If you and your pet are okay with wooden or tile floors, that may be the best route to go because it will be easier to clean up after your pet. Although you should make sure you and your pet will have enough space indoors, you should check if your pet will have enough fenced-in space outside to run around and get exercise, and also if there’s enough room in the backyard in case you want to include a doghouse. You may also want to see if there are some parks around the area in which you can take your dog for a walk.
While selling your home, you don’t want your pet to be in the way of the buyer’s agent and their client when they’re in the house. During this, either take your pet out with you for a walk, or leave them in a cage with a note taped to the outside notifying the agent and buyer to not disturb your pet. Although you love your pet and think they can’t do any wrong, having them interrupt the showing can possibly cost you the sale. Having “strangers” walking through your home can pose the risk of your pet accidentally scratching or biting the agent or buyer, which will land you in trouble. It can be distracting to the agent and buyer if your pet is walking around the house as they’re trying to focus on the house and get a feel for the settings.
As you’re looking for a house, there are a few others things you may want to consider. You should try and find a house that isn’t located too close to any busy streets. This way, you decrease the chance of your pet running into traffic, because you never know when the mood will strike for them to burst out the front door in a fit of excitement and run into traffic. To help keep your pet clean and healthy, you will also want to see if there are veterinarians, pet stores, and groomers within the vicinity of your potential new home.
Before you have any buyers walk through your home, you should go through every room and see if there are any stains, fur, odors, scratches, or other calling cards your pet may have left behind during their time in the home. As you get closer to your home being shown to potential buyers, you may want to limit the rooms your pet has access to so you have less to maintain and clean up.
Being a pet owner who’s buying or selling a house, you must take your furry pal into consideration. Whether you’re moving in or out of a new home, there are several factors you have to think about when you have a pet. A pet will add a little more work to whichever housing process you go through. But, given how much you love them, I’m sure it will all be worth it when you finish the task.
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
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www.homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome
Should You Buy or Rent When Entering Retirement?
It’s the moment we all wait for, whether it comes after many years of dedication to our job, or recently winning the billion-dollar Powerball lottery, and that moment is your retirement. We’ve all had our own thoughts about what we would do when we eventually reached this stage of our life, whether it be traveling the world, spending more time with family, or anything else. However, once you retire, you may consider changing your living arrangements; maybe you choose to downsize to a smaller home that’s easier to maintain, or you may decide to rent a place. This is an important decision to make as a retiree, so here are some tips for deciding in which direction you should go.
The first thing you need to think about is how long you plan on staying in your new location. If you can envision a long-term residence in a certain house, it would be best to buy. If you think you’ll only be staying in your next location for only a few years, it may be worth it to rent. As a retiree, you may want to use your free time to experience the world and live in a few different places.
No matter how old we are, a pet is always a comforting presence. Obviously, if you decide to buy your own house, you can have a pet without any trouble. But, if you decide to rent, you must check the rental guidelines concerning pets because some rental properties may not allow you to have them. Although I don’t have any pets, I can still tell you that, if I had one, I wouldn’t want to be separated from them in my new living arrangement, so you have to look for a new residence that not only fits within your financial means, but will also allow your pet to live with you.
You also have to factor in the conveniency that each option offers. When you own a home, you have to take into consideration the amount of repairs you may need to face at certain points. When you enter retirement, if you feel like you’ll be able to keep up with the necessary work that’s needed to maintain a house, then, by all means, go for a new house; but, choose one that’s relatively easy to take care of, maybe even one in a 55+ community. However, if you rent a property, repairs won’t be your responsibility because you’ll have a landlord to handle all of that for you. Instead of having the upkeep of the house be your responsibility, you’ll be able to focus on other things that are less bothersome. But, you must remember, if you decide to rent, you may not be allowed to do too much personalization in your home because it’s still the landlord’s property, and they have final say about what you can do with your rental home.
“When a homeowner is downsizing or considering renting, they need to consider their lifestyle as well as finances,” said Teresa O’Shaughnessy, manager of Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty’s office in Pearl River, NY. “If a homeowner doesn’t want to or can no longer maintain a home, moving into a rental or condo may be a good alternative.”
Proximity to family may also be a significant factor as to whether or not you buy or rent. If you know you’ll be staying in once place for several years, you may want to live near your family in case you need them for anything. In the scenario you feel you won’t be staying in one place for a long period of time and don’t mind being away from your family after one of your moves, then go for a rental property.
Retirement is an enjoyable time in a person’s life, but there are still some important decisions to be made as you enter this stage, and you should take time to think about what will be best for you in the years to come. Remember, you have arrived at these relaxing years after a lot of hard work, so make sure you choose a living arrangement that will meet your needs. Whether you choose to buy or rent, make these years some of the best of your life. You deserve it!
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
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Top Real-Estate Myths
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to sell your home, or a new buyer looking for that place to call home, odds are you have come in contact with your share of real-estate myths. In fact, you may have wished there was a “Myth Busters” type of show that dealt with real estate, to help you separate fact from fiction. While we’re waiting for a show like that to be created, we want to bust some real estate myths based on over 30 years of our experience in the New York and New Jersey real estate industry.
The Late Agent
Movies and television often propagate the myth that real-estate agents tend to be late for meetings, but this is simply not true. No matter what your profession is, there isn’t any excuse to be late for appointments. If something has come up and an agent knows they may be behind schedule, they will contact you right away to give you a heads-up. Being on time is a sign you take your career seriously, and an agent will convey that to their clients. Agents are committed to giving you the best real-estate experience possible, but if you sense anything different, it might be time to find a new agent.
Try to Get as Much as You Can Upfront
When you’re selling a house, you may have heard you should aim to price your home higher than its market value. In short, this will not work. Not only will this deter potential buyers, but this will undoubtedly force you to reduce your price at some point to get it in line with reality. If you price your home to the market at first, you will get an interested buyer much faster, and your house won’t have to spend more time on the market than it has to. There may still be some negotiating involved, but at least you’ll start engaging with potential buyers earlier and more frequently.
Renovate Before Selling
Some say there are two rooms in your home that you should renovate before selling, and they are the kitchen and bathroom. While that may seem like an enticing idea at first, the truth is you don’t know what kind of tastes your potential buyers may have. They may walk into your house and dislike the changes you have made, and they may not want to spend money on big renovations to make the kitchen and bathroom fit their vision. In that case, you have just wasted money on renovations that don’t attract to buyers. If your kitchen and baths work, leave them alone and let the potential buyer have the option to fix it up as they see fit.
Modernized and Luxury Homes Don’t Need to Be Staged
Even if your home is in a nice neighborhood and has an eye-pleasing appearance, that doesn’t mean you can forgo staging it. Staging a home is one of the most important things to do when you place your home on the market. A potential buyer is not just going to look at the exterior; they’ll want to walk through the house and envision themselves in those surroundings. If you don’t stage the house to make it look its best, potential buyers won’t be able to get a proper feel for that environment. Take some time to look around your house to see if there’s anything to clean or improve upon before your agent photographs the house. You want buyers to experience the best your home has to offer.
Just like ghost stories told around a campfire, you shouldn’t believe in real-estate myths. The real-estate industry is complex enough to understand without having these fallacies thrown in. What you should do is talk to your agent when searching for the truth about the current real-estate market. Doing so will keep you knowledgeable during the buying and selling processes and will save you a great deal of annoyance. Consider these myths “busted”!
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit and “Like” our Facebook page. You can also follow us on Twitter.
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What to Expect in 2016’s Real-Estate Industry
It’s hard to believe 2015 is already at a close. But it’s happening, and everyone’s getting ready for the new year and preparing their resolutions. In the real-estate industry, we’re excited for the trends that are predicted to take place in the coming year. This is a business that’s used to big and rapid changes, so we’re looking forward to what the new year has in store for us.
As we enter the new year, there are plenty of agents out there who want to help you with any real estate to-dos you may have.
“2016 looks to be a very lucrative year for real estate,” said Frank DiCocco, manager of Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty’s office in Closter/Alpine, New Jersey. “There is plenty of business out there for our agents. Agents need to hone their skills, and put themselves out there. The years of sellers and buyers falling in our lap are over. It’s the presence, so let’s make one!”
There is also going to be a potential increase in affordable single-family housing. Before 2016, builders were working more on higher-priced homes, which didn’t meet the financial criteria of entry-level buyers. However, with a decrease in new-home prices and improving credit access, builders will be focusing more on constructing homes that are more affordable for new homebuyers. If you have a family, this news couldn’t be better, so if you’re looking for a new home in 2016, keep searching for low home prices throughout the year to see if any fit your financial requirements.
One source’s prediction says home prices may start to decrease, which will influence potential buyers to revisit the market and see if there are any properties they will be able to afford. A lowered price is the best thing a buyer could be given, so 2016 is a year where you’ll want to take advantage of the lowered prices and search for your dream home. With this, you must keep an eye on the market, and also consult with your agent about their views on the industry. Once you have a better idea of the market’s current state, it will be time to dive in.
Although some people believe home prices will lower in 2016, Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty’s third-quarter market report details that home prices will rise in the new year, therefore creating a seller’s market. Because of these increased prices, this will cause more home sellers to list their properties. Home sellers will want to receive as much money as possible from their property, so they will be eager to place their homes on the market.
The real estate industry is more technological than it has ever been before. With smartphones, tablets, computers, and social media, we are given countless options when it comes to exploring potential real-estate investments. It has become difficult to think how we would have managed this in the past without the availability of these digital-age tools. However, despite the tremendous help modern technology provides for those searching for real estate, you can’t forget it’s the human touch that has been in the real-estate industry since the beginning. After all, you’ll be dealing with an agent the entire time, so it’s important to establish a friendly connection with them as you traverse through the ever-changing real estate market. Having someone to speak with who can provide firsthand knowledge of the real estate market is a wonderful service when buying or selling, so you should value the human factor as much as the technological one.
Parking has been an important factor for real-estate clients for decades. After all, who wants to buy a house without a proper place to park their car? However, it may be surprising to know parking will be seen as less of a concern among homebuyers in the new year. Lately, it has appeared an increasing number of buyers are forgoing cars and are instead using public transportation, cycling, and ride-sharing apps, such as Über. This is especially understandable for those looking to live in the city, seeing as parking normally costs extra and is rather difficult to find.
We will also see a greater solidification of generational buying trends. It has been evident lately that millennials make up a significant portion of current homebuyers, and that doesn’t show any sign of stopping. Nearly two million sales in 2015 involved millennial consumers, which equals about one-third of homebuyers. Despite the attention millennials are receiving in regard to the housing market, it should be noted there are two other demographics that will make an impact in the 2016 housing market: Generation Xers recovering from the financial crisis, and retiring baby-boomers who are looking to downsize. With these three very different generations looking for homes in the new year, we will see a surge in both the buying and selling markets, which will surely make for an interesting and lucrative year in the real estate industry.
A new year includes new beginnings, so whether you’re planning on buying or selling a home, these are a few trends you’ll want to keep track of. The start of a new year is a perfect time to be optimistic, so let that optimism carry you throughout the year as you work to accomplish any real estate goals you may have. With that being said, I wish you all a wonderful and prosperous 2016!
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
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Tips for Renting Out Your Home
Sometimes, if people try to sell their home, they may have trouble attracting a buyer. If you’re one of these people, you’re probably wondering what you’re going to do about it. Maybe you plan on consulting a realtor to change around the marketing, or maybe you’ll choose to take your home off the market for a bit. But, have you ever thought about putting your house up for rent? If you don’t have any interested buyers at the moment, renting out your home can be the next best step. It’s worth a try, so here are some tips on how to prep your home for renters.
When trying to estimate a rental price, you have to realize the market is what establishes it. If you set the price too high, you’ll discourage potential renter from approaching you and expressing interest in the property. Determining the rental price isn’t an arduous task because all you have to do is talk with your realtor and conduct some research on the market, which will show you what prices other rental homes are asking for in your area. If you wish to find a renter in a timely fashion, it’s important to have a fair market price, not a price reflecting how much you think your home is worth. In order to have success when attracting renters, this is something you must remember.
You must also realize, as a landlord, you’re going to have many responsibilities with the property. Although you have the benefits of an occupied home warding off vandals and earning some income from the renters, there are many things you’ll have to focus on in order for your property to stay in the best condition. Maintenance is key to not only keeping your renters pleased with the property, but also to make sure your property remains in top condition for when you finally attract an interested buyer.
It’s important to walk through your home and check for any issues you may have to fix before you have any potential renters look at it. Just as if you’re getting your home ready for a buyer, you have to do the exact same thing for a renter. Check the plumbing, the heating, the electricity, and other amenities the renters will need during their rental period. If you aren’t able to sell the house, renters are the next best option, so you don’t want to drive them away with problems that should have been fixed before advertising your rental property to the public.
When you go through your home to prepare for the renters, make a list of the furnishings you would like to take for yourself and which ones you don’t mind leaving with the renters. Even if the renters are responsible people, you never know if an accident might occur with a favorite furnishing of yours that is left in the house, so if you want that piece of furniture for your new home, you should definitely take it with you before the renters move in. After you pick out the furnishings you want, hire a moving company to take what you want for your new home.
Take some time to find the best tenants. You have to make sure you rent out your property to people you know will take care of and respect your home. When you think you have found a possible tenant, your realtor will put them through a screening process and ask them to complete an application listing their name, employers, past landlords, and references. Once your agent gets in touch with the renter’s contacts, you will have a better idea of who the renter is and if you would like to approve their application. If you rent out your house to the wrong person, this be will pose a risk to your home suffering damage and will have you pulling out your hair with stress. With the hard work it comes from being a landlord, stress is something you don’t need.
If you’re having trouble selling your home, don’t fret over this bump in the road; you still have the option to rent it out. However, you have to remember there’s a considerable amount of preparation you must take to prepare for the renters to move in, just as if you were selling your home to a buyer. At least if you have people renting out your home, there will be less time the house is unoccupied. If you have a responsible individual renting out your home, you will know your home is in good hands until the right buyer comes along.
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
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Things to Consider When Buying a Vacation Home
Winter begins next week, and some of you are probably wishing you had a vacation home, either to spend some time at your favorite ski resort or escape to a warmer climate to evade the bitter chill. Think about it, if you leave your home for the winter, you won’t have to worry about shoveling, driving on icy roads, and other hassles that come with the season. No matter your reasons for pursuing a vacation home, there are a several factors you have to focus on in order to make the right purchase for your getaway spot.
Although this is very obvious, it’s important that you visit your desired area before you consider buying a home in that location. Don’t just go to a certain area once and automatically think you want to have a home there; visit the area a few times in order to get a complete feel for the community. After that, you’ll have a clearer idea of whether or not you want to buy a vacation home. When you visit a vacation area, use that time to rent a place for yourself to see how much you like spending time in that location. Once you do, you will know if that area is the type of place in which you will be able to spend a few months without getting bored. When you know for sure this is a place where you would like to buy a vacation home, hire a realtor. Some companies even have relocation teams to assists clients with purchases such as these.
Seeing as we’re talking about vacation homes, you’re not going to be there all year. Even if you’re not there, you should think about hiring someone to manage the property. Yes, it will cost some extra money, but it will be worth it to have someone maintain the home in case there are any damages or small fixes that need to be taken care of. A vacation home is a place to which you want to escape for what will possibly be an annual vacation, so you want to make sure you have someone to watch over the property when you’re not there, so when it’s time to visit for your vacation, the house will be all set for your extended stay.
Speaking of management fees, there are other costs you’ll have to think about when owning a vacation home. You should know that the costs involved in such a home will be just like those included in your regular home. These costs include a mortgage, electricity, heating, water, trash removal, and other services. You’ll be paying for two homes, so you have to make sure you have enough to cover the costs that will go into maintaining a vacation home. Before starting your search for a vacation home, take some time to review your finances so you can be certain you will be able to afford such a home. That way, you’ll see what kind of vacation homes you can afford, or if you should wait awhile before buying one.
When investing in a vacation home, you should have an idea of how often you will be staying there. If you know you’ll be spending time there every year, or if you know you’ll be renting it out to others when you’re not occupying the house, then this will be a reasonable purchase. If you know you or others won’t be in there for lengthy periods of time, you may want to reconsider making a purchase as big as this. After all, what’s the point of buying a vacation home if you or anyone else won’t be going there for any vacations? You should purchase a vacation home in a place you know you’ll want to keep going back to. This way, you know you will be getting your money’s worth.
It will work in your favor to purchase a vacation home in an area you enjoy that also has tourist appeal for more than one season. This way, if you intend to receive extra income by renting out your house to others, you’ll have the season where you spend your time in the home, while tourists can rent and enjoy it for a different season. Given how a vacation home is a significant purchase, you might as well use as an advantage to earn some money. However, if you plan on renting out your home at certain times of the year, make sure you check the rules of the property before you buy it to make sure it allows you to offer the space to renters. The ability to permit renters in your home may be one of the benefits you hope your vacation home offers, so conduct some research on that aspect when looking at your possible homes.
Having a vacation home is a wonderful luxury, but there are several important steps you must take before you finally purchase such a house. I’m sure you look forward to your yearly vacations, and having your own place to escape to will save you the hassle of reserving a hotel room, so make sure your potential vacation home meets your requirements. Once you purchase your dream vacation home, you’ll be eagerly marking your calendar for your next getaway.
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
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How to Find the Neighborhood That’s Right for You
When you’re looking for a new house, you can’t just focus on what kind of house you would like; you also have to think about what kind of neighborhood you want to live in. If the house of your dreams is in the neighborhood of your nightmares, what’s the point of buying that property? There are many factors to take into consideration when looking for your desired neighborhood, so here are a few you should remember.
If you have children, or are planning to have children, one of the most important aspects you need to think about is school districts. When looking at schools, make sure they will meet your children’s needs and will provide them with an environment in which they will be able to learn and grow. Moving to a new house can be difficult for children, so transitioning to a neighborhood with a school district that shows promise for your children will help them assimilate into the surroundings of their new school. Although the Fair Housing Act doesn’t allow realtors to provide information to buyers about specific schools, realtors can still share links to websites that offer ratings for schools and local schools systems.
You also have to make plans as to how you wish to commute to work. Do you plan on driving? Is it easier to take mass transit? No matter how you travel, the proximity to your workplace is an important factor when considering a move. After all, who wants to move to a new home and have to experience a long commute to work? I certainly don’t, and I’m sure you don’t want to either. Of course, if you plan on taking a train, you can afford going a bit of a distance. But, if you plan on driving, a short travel time between your house and work will be a major convenience.
Safety is usually a top concern for people who want to move to a new neighborhood. When bringing your family and yourself to a new neighborhood, you want to be certain you and they will be safe. When researching new neighborhoods, you can visit real estate sites for details pertaining to crime and safety, or you can call the local police department. Although houses are expensive, you can’t put a price on safety, so conduct as much research as you can into what the crime statistics are in a neighborhood you’re interested.
It also helps to determine the distance you’ll be from loved ones when you move. If you’re moving from a town that has many of your family and friends living there, you’ll probably want to move to a neighborhood that has a relatively close distance to them. You’ll especially want to think about this when taking the holidays into consideration. We all know traffic is a pain when traveling during these times of year, so take some time to think about this as you determine how far you would like to move.
You should also make sure your prospective neighborhood has a variety of activities, entertainment, and restaurants for your weekends. When visiting a neighborhood, dedicate some time to exploring its culture by visiting its downtown area, parks, libraries, and performance venues to see if the area offers enough options for things to do on a day off or night out. Do some research to find out what local and fun opportunities your new neighborhood can provide for you.
Proximity to banks, post offices, grocery stores, and other necessities is also something to research. Wherever you live, you want to have these places within reach. Think about if you want to drive 20 minutes somewhere whenever you have to deposit a check, mail a package, or purchase food. Before you visit a particular neighborhood, make a list of all of the places you would like to be close to your house, and when you get to that neighborhood, see if the area includes what you have on your list.
Just like looking for a house, you have to make sure a neighborhood fits your criteria of what you need. By taking a relaxing walk or drive through a neighborhood, you can explore the area and see if it’s the type of place you would want to live in. As I said before, even if you get your dream home, you won’t be able to enjoy it if it’s in a neighborhood that doesn’t meet your needs. It will take some time to look at the neighborhoods that interest you, but it’s a fun and necessary step in the home-searching process, one that will help you find the best town in which to make a new beginning.
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
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How to Winterize Your House
Halloween and Thanksgiving have come and gone, which means we’re heading into the homestretch of fall 2015. It’s hard to believe winter is only a little less than three weeks away, but it will soon be upon us. I know we’re all busy getting ready for the upcoming holiday season, but we can’t forget the importance of prepping our homes for the winter. Although we can’t be certain about what kind of winter we’ll have, it won’t hurt to prepare your house for the oncoming cold weather.
During the winter, even if you think your house has proper heating, the cold may find a way to sneak in. Drafty windows will prevent you from feeling the full effect of your house’s heating, so you have to combat this chilliness.
“If your windows are drafty, you need to do something about it,” said Michael Graessle, associate broker for Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty’s office in White Plains, NY. “Replacing windows can be expensive, but it needs to be done. Or, you can get plastic covers to put over them in order to keep the heat in.”
Spend a few minutes to walk around your house and property to check out the trees. If there are any trees that seem overextended, trim them. If too much snow begins to pile on the branches, there becomes a greater risk of them breaking off the trunk, having the potential to cause harm to passersby or falling onto your house or car. It will be best to start getting rid of these branches sooner rather than later before the winter gets any closer.
Be sure to stock up on rock salt, or any other preferred ice-melt products. These tend to sell quickly, so get to your local hardware store and buy a couple of bags or pails so you’re ready for when the first snowstorm hits. If you have an icy walkway, porch steps, or driveway, using ice-melt is one of the best ways to get rid of the danger of slipping and falling. All you have to do is scatter some over your ice-covered services, and it begins to work like magic.
If you have a snowblower, make sure it’s working properly, and also purchase enough fuel for it. Of course, you don’t really need to use a snowblower when you only have a few inches of snow, but you don’t want to get caught with one that doesn’t operate properly when you have close to two feet of snow. Getting rid of all that with a shovel will take forever, especially if you have a lot of space to clear. When using a snowblower, you will get rid of the snow much quicker, and it will be a lot less strain on yourself. One of the last things you want to feel besides the cold is aches all over your body.
If you have a fireplace, odds are you haven’t used it since last winter. Because of this, you should get it cleaned before you fire it up (See what I did there?). Over the year, soot has probably built up in your chimney, and a family of birds maybe even decided to build a home in there. In this situation, hire a professional chimney cleaner to take care of it. Chimney cleaners tend to get busy during the fall and winter, so it would be best to call one before you get well into the fall season.
Here’s a tip you probably didn’t think of: having your ceiling fan spin in reverse. I know many of you probably associate ceiling fans with warmer weather, but they can also be of help when trying to make your house warmer. Counterclockwise rotations provide cooler breezes, while clockwise rotations will provide warmth. If you switch the direction in which the fan spins, the air that has been collected near the ceiling gets circulated back into the living space. Doing this can save you money on heating costs. Who wouldn’t want that?
Much like turning off a light when you leave a room, you should remember to turn down your thermostat when you leave your house. I know it may seem tempting to leave the heat on when you’re not at home so you can come back to the warmth afterwards, but this is a waste if there isn’t anybody at home to enjoy the warmth. It won’t take long for your house to become warm when you turn up the thermostat upon retiring home, so save on your heating costs by turning down the thermostat when there isn’t anyone in the house.
I know we all crave a winter where we only get a little bit of snow and we stay somewhat above freezing temperatures. But, until we’re graced with a winter like that, do what you can to prepare your house for the upcoming season. You still have time before winter begins on December 21, so start getting ready!
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
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How to Set the Best Price for Your House
Establishing a price is one of the most important aspects of the home-selling process. You want to receive as much money as you can for your property, but if you price it too high, you run the risk of driving buyers away. When setting a price, it would be wise to seek advice from a real estate agent, someone who knows the market and can gauge what would be an appropriate price. Although you’ll be using a professional, you’ll probably feel like having some input regarding the price, so here are some tips on how to successfully price your house.
“Setting the right price is like a perfect balancing act between the seller and the prospective buyers,” said Elizabeth Whiston, real estate salesperson for Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty’s office in New Windsor, NY. “Hopefully, the price is acceptable. But, if the seller would like to start at a higher point and it is not totally unreasonable, I would list their property at the higher price. I would have an open house the first weekend after taking the listing with the understanding that if no one shows up for the open house and no one has called about the property, the price should be adjusted.”
Before you settle on a price, it’s important to study the housing market, which will tell you what you need to know about current real estate trends. A working knowledge of the market is one of the best tools you can use when determining an acceptable price. Of course, your agent will have a lot of information to offer regarding the market, due to their considerable experience in the real estate industry. Because of the kaleidoscopic nature of the housing market, it’s recommended you seek the help of an agent to assist you with pricing because they will always be on top of the present changes within the industry.
In terms of agents, it would be more beneficial to use one who’s local. That way, you will be working with someone who is familiar with your neighborhood and those around it, and they will be able to compare the prices from other properties on sale and gauge what some buyers are currently paying. A local agent will have an extensive knowledge of what houses typically sell for in a given area, so they will be able to provide you with a price range that may be attractive to local buyers.
It will also help to be patient. After all, it’s a virtue. Don’t rush your house to the market with the highest price you think the property is worth. If you use a high price first, buyers will feel apprehensive about considering your house. This will cause your property to stay on the market longer. The trick is to wait until you and your agent have figured out an appropriate price for your house, and then place it on the market. There’s always room for your agent to negotiate if a potential buyer thinks the asking price is still a little high, but at least it will look better if you establish a realistic price right at the beginning, instead of trying your luck first with a price that won’t be appealing to buyers.
Setting a price for your house isn’t just important, but it can also be fairly tricky. You may be split between pricing the house for however much you think it’s worth and how much it’s actually worth. The price you set for your house is going to either make or break the success of the sale, so by using your and your agent’s combined knowledge of the real estate market, you can figure out the best possible price for your house. Like a fish to a worm, once you hook the potential buyers with an attractive price, you’ll start reeling them in!
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
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Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a House
Last week, we discussed the mistakes you should sidestep when buying a house. This week, we’ll transition to the other end of the spectrum and talk about the mistakes to dodge when selling a house. With this task being as significant as buying a house, you have to make sure to be every bit as diligent when you place your house on the market.
Curb appeal is essential. As soon as a potential buyer drives up to your property, you want them to feel excited about going into your house. But, if you don’t spruce up the exterior, it may turn away the buyer immediately, and you don’t want a buyer skipping your house before they even place a foot in the door. By neglecting to improve your curb appeal, it may send the buyers a message that you don’t upkeep your property on a regular basis, not just on the outside, but also on the inside. You’ve heard that first impressions are everything when it comes to meeting new people, and this notion applies just as strongly when it comes to properly maintaining your house for a buyer.
Never withhold any information from the buyer, such as your house having issues with pest infestations or leaking pipes. You should always make sure your agent is aware of any and all issues so they can disclose that information to the buyer. Place yourself in the shoes of the buyer and think to yourself that you wouldn’t want a seller keeping any important information to themselves if you were trying to purchase a house. If you choose to keep some details to yourself about the house’s faults, you’re setting yourself up for a very rocky negotiation, and even some possible legal troubles. The final buyer is putting a considerable amount of money into your house, and it will be very unfair to them if they are not given all of the necessary information before making an informed decision on your house.
If you have a pet or child, you know they’re prone to creating a mess every so often. However, you want to make sure your house is clean before an open house or a private showing. It’s important the buyers are able to envision themselves living in the house, but if there is a mess that gives the hint of pets or children, it will take the buyers out of their visualization. When you take your children out of the house during an open house or private showing, either take your pet with you, or place it somewhere in the house where it won’t be in the way of the agent and buyer. With these buyers taking the time to visit your house, it’s your responsibility to clean the house so they can see the house appearing at its best.
Speaking of buyers envisioning themselves in your house, this will be easier for them if you de-clutter your house. When you forego getting rid of your house’s clutter, the buyer won’t get a clear idea of the exact space a certain part of your room may have, such as a buyer taking a look at your closet, but not knowing exactly how the space looks because of your clothing taking up too much room. Although you’re still living in the house when it’s being shown, the buyers don’t want to be constantly reminded of that fact as they are looking around at someone else’s house, so remove any clutter that may prevent a buyer’s ability to imagine themselves in the home. De-cluttering will also allow a buyer to move around more freely without the worry of disturbing anything.
As far as pricing is concerned, this is probably the biggest pitfall of the home-selling process. You must realize you and your buyer are going to view the house’s price differently. Seeing as you don’t want to set a price too high in the beginning and turn away buyers, use your agent to help figure out a realistic market price that will attract buyers.
When you’re selling a house, you want to make sure everything goes right because you’re parting with something that has been an important part of your life. I know these mistakes may be worrisome, but if you take your time during the selling process and seek help where you need it, you’ll be fine. Just collaborate with your agent, establish the best course of action, and sell, sell, sell!
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
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