1. Clean It Up 

There’s no beating around the bush, the house needs to be clean. If you’re not sure if your house is passably clean, get a friend to give you an honest opinion or just hire a cleaning service.

Before taking listing photos, it’s ideal to declutter and deep clean your house. Don’t make potential buyers have to imagine what the house might look like tidied up–get rid of clutter both inside and outside the house and put some elbow grease into making the place sparkle! You should wipe down cabinets and drawers, remove any scuffs from the walls, and polish kitchen appliances. Shampooing your carpets or mopping the floors can make a big difference!

2. Consider Staging

3. Professional Listing Photos

4. Make It Available

5. Price It Right

The Bottom Line

This was originally posted on Coldwell Banker Elite.

Having your belongings moved from one location to another is without a doubt one of the most stressful things you can go through. Just about a million and a half things can go wrong at any point in time. However, with the right planning and preparations, you can help avoid some of these common moving mishaps and help your moving day go smoothly overall.

Picking Your Moving Day

Finding the right day to move is more than finding a free space on your calendar. As it turns out, the right day can mean less traffic in your movers’ way. Picking the right moving date can even save you a little money if you play your cards right.

Furthermore, the highest moving volume occurs between Memorial Day and Labor Day in the United States. According to simple laws of supply and demand, moving rates cost more during this time. The best times to move are going to be immediately before and immediately after these holidays when the weather is comfortable, but not too hot. Block out time in either May or late September/early October to get the best rates.

Picking a day in the middle of the week also helps guarantee the best movers are available. More people try to fit their moving needs into the weekend, bottlenecking a moving company’s resources. Take advantage of other people’s carelessness and pick a day between Monday and Thursday when you will be a priority.

A common moving mishap is not taking a few days off to move. It doesn’t just give you the freedom to get the best services, but offers some buffer time for you and your family to adjust to the move. You can explore your new neighborhood and take advantage of the time to bond as a family.

Staying Organized

Even if your movers are going to do your packing for you, it’s a good idea to do a little pre-organization so you have some idea of where everything is. A great idea is hiring a professional organizer to go through your home before the move and start cleaning out the unessential items your family has lying around. Having less clutter around means you will have a better idea of what you decide to keep and what goes between the move. Plus, it’s a trendy and very Marie Kondo thing to do!

Once you’ve reduced your belongings down to the essentials, talk with your moving company about how you expect your items to be packed and cared for throughout the process. Ask them about their standard procedures for handling delicate items, including antiques and other valuables. Clearly explain your expectations regarding the move, and get the names of all the movers that will be working in your home.

When it comes to really expensive and sentimental items like jewelry, plan to move them yourself. Place them in a portable safe along with any important papers you would also like to protect. However, if you have insurance policies for your items, don’t keep that documentation with them. Have a lawyer or family member hold on to them for safe keeping while you go through your move.

Make sure they clearly labeled all the boxes with the rooms in which the items they contain belong. Be sure to label each box with the name of the room it belongs in, avoiding general terms like “kid’s room”. Make sure the name of the child is included so they know in which child’s room the box goes. This helps keep things organized and makes unpacking much easier overall.

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Common Moving Mishaps

Moving is undoubtedly stressful, but the right preparations can make it easier. When picking your moving day, take some time off for the family in the months before or after summer when rates are low. Have some extra buffer time to make sure the adjustment goes smoothly for everyone. When it comes to organization, a good cleanout can make all the difference before it is time to pack. Communicate with your movers about how to handle delicate and valuable items, and make sure everything is clearly labeled to make unpacking the house easier for all.

This was originally posted on Coldwell Banker Elite.

So you’re finally ready to buy your own home, congrats! It’s a big decision that can really impact your life and your finances. Here are our top five things to do before you take the leap to make sure you’re completely prepared!

Strengthen your credit score

Don’t know your credit score? If you’re thinking about buying a home in the near future—it’s time to find out! Try CreditKarma or any of the free credit reports to see what you may need to work on or if you’re in good shape! The better your credit score, the less you’ll need to pay for your home loan. The quickest way to improve your score is to pay down any credit card balances! You’ll also want to avoid applying for credit, for example, opening a new credit card or getting a car loan, until after you’ve closed on your new home!

Figure out what you can afford

Now’s the time to face the facts and be realistic. What’s your actual budget for purchasing a home? Conventional wisdom says that home expenses should only take up around 30-33% of your income each year. What will your monthly mortgage payment be, including interest, mortgage insurance and any HOA fees? An easy way to figure out what you can afford is by using Zillow’s Mortgage Calculator—easily adjust your purchase price vs down payment and see how it can affect your monthly payment. You’ll also want to set aside an emergency fund for unexpected repairs—especially during your first year! Once you’ve figured out what price range you can comfortably afford, stick to only looking at homes in that range.

Research different neighborhoods

You know your desired price range and what kind of home you’re looking for—now ’s the time to do your homework! Different areas and neighborhoods have their own character, benefits and drawbacks—consult your Realtor, websites like Niche, Crimemapping and Yelp, and if possible, drive through any neighborhoods you’re seriously considering at various times of day to really get a feel for them.

Save up

Keep in mind that the down payment is only  one part of the costs you’ll need to pay upfront. Once you cough up that 10% down payment, you’ll still need to pay for any closing costs, necessary inspections, repairs or maintenance costs, the first few months of mortgage and insurance payments, and any moving costs. Closing costs can run anywhere from 2-5% of the asking price while typical home inspections are around $350-500. That’s on top of your down payment! With all that in mind, is your dream home still within your housing budget of 30-33% of your yearly income?

Connect with a lender

An experienced loan officer can be a huge help during your preparation period! They’ll help you figure out what loan product will be best for you and what you can do to improve your credit. Your CBE agent can recommend plenty of ed and once you’ve got your pre-approval letter, you’re ready to tour homes and make an offer!

Buying a home (whether it’s your first or not!) is an exciting experience and can be immensely rewarding! All of us at CBE wish you the best of luck finding your dream home–don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help along the way!

Protect Your Investment

Buying a house is probably the single largest investment you’ll ever make and throughout the transaction, we’ll work to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. A licensed home inspector can help you make sure that your investment is secure and safe.

A professional Home Inspector takes a close look beneath a house’s surface, and then prepares a detailed written report for the prospective buyer on things like the condition of the foundation, electrical service, roof, insulation, and other critical structural factors. We know several experienced and trusted Home Inspectors that are familiar with the local area and can help connect you with them when the time comes.

Are They Worth It?

This was originally posted on Coldwell Banker Elite.

Scrolling through your Facebook timeline in your twenties and thirties can feel like a never-ending slideshow of #adulting milestones. Why is everyone engaged all of a sudden? When did so-and-so have a baby? Chances are, you’ve seen quite a few “We just bought a home!” posts, too. If you’re one of the 80% of millennials would like to purchase real estate, watching all your friends buy a home can trigger massive FOMO.

We’re here to help you figure out whether you’re ready to join the homeowner ranks! As fun as it looks on social media, buying a home before you’re ready or for the wrong reasons can be a huge mistake. Let’s go through the top 3 signs you’re not ready to buy a home right now:

     1.  Not enough money saved

So you’ve saved enough to make a 10% down payment on your dream home, congrats! Unfortunately, the down payment is only one part of the costs you’ll need to pay upfront. Once you cough up that 10% down payment, you’ll still need to pay for any closing costs, necessary inspections, repairs or maintenance costs, the first few months of mortgage and insurance payments, and any moving costs. Closing costs can run anywhere from 2-5% of the asking price while typical home inspections are around $350-500. That’s on top of your down payment!

Keeping all that in mind, is your dream home still within your housing budget of 30-33% of your yearly income?

    2.  You’re on the move

Due to the high up-front costs of buying a home, real estate is not generally a good short-term investment. The days of flipping distressed properties for a profit are over so if you’re planning on making money on the sale of your home, you’ll need to stay put for at least five years. If your career or relationship status isn’t particularly stable or you’re considering exploring new areas in the next few years—buying may not be the smart choice right now.

   3. You’re still working on your credit

One of the biggest signs that you’re not ready to buy a home is a low credit score. It won’t make it impossible to buy a home, but it will make it more expensive. Check your credit score on free sites like Credit Karma—the higher your score, the better your interest rate on your mortgage will be! This can make a big difference in your monthly payments so if your credit score isn’t particularly healthy right now, you may want to wait to purchase a home. If you’re not sure where to start, a loan officer will be able to help you navigate the process of repairing your credit and getting ready to buy.

Still feeling like you’re ready to buy? Give any of our wonderful agents a call and start looking for your dream home today!

This was originally posted on Coldwell Banker Elite.

A school district and a home work congruently; a good school district can add family value to an already beautiful home. The balance of choosing a school district and a home can be difficult, since house-hunting with school-age children can be an adventure that contains an additional layer: finding a new school. Maybe you’ve found an ideal home in a not-so-ideal school district. Or you’ve found a great school district, but it’s harder to find a home that ticks all the boxes. In certain markets it is easier to find both. In a highly competitive market—such as the one we are currently in—sometimes compromise is the way forward. Choosing between a school district and a house is a tough decision, but there are work-arounds and questions to ask yourself that can help you navigate the process. Read on to learn misconceptions and insights about this common issue.

Know the Myths and Facts about School Districts

It’s always a good idea to research the school district of a potential home. You can view school rankings at sites such as GreatSchools.org and the National Center for Education Statistics. But before you do, let’s dispel some common myths:

Myth: A lower-rated school district always offers a lower-quality education.

Fact: A district’s ranking is not necessarily a sign of the school’s value (or lack thereof). There are many factors in your child’s education and success, such as extracurricular activities, community support, access to Advanced Placement (AP) classes, personalized learning, and the child’s family support. If you find a good home in an area with many enrichment opportunities for your child, it may not matter if the school district is not top-ranked. By the same token, a highly ranked school district doesn’t guarantee the best educational environment for your child.

Myth: Property taxes are higher in good school districts.

Fact: Property tax rate has more to do with where the home is located and how the local government has allocated taxes. Often, rural areas have higher property taxes while metropolitan areas (which often have higher-rated school districts) tend to have lower rates. However, homes in highly-rated school districts are on average 49% more expensive than the national median home price. In short, there are many factors at play. Always do your homework.

Knowing Your Options

If you find a home you love in a school district you are less enamored with, take comfort in knowing that you have options! There are many alternatives to public school if you worry that your child’s education will suffer in your new district. Private schools and charter schools are alternatives that aim to provide students with more individual attention and specialized learning due to their smaller class sizes. Homeschooling or virtual classes can be great options as well.

Since all of these options either cost more money or more time, weigh them out based on your finances and family needs. Budget out what several years might look like for a variety of routes. Sometimes it ends up being more cost-effective to buy a home in a better school district rather than pay for private school tuition in your location of choice. Other times, the opposite is true. Doing your research and playing out the alternatives will help you narrow down your options.

Why a Home in a Great District May Be a Great Investment

It is worth noting that homes in highly-rated school districts tend to have higher property values and therefore higher resale values. If you plan to sell the home at some point, a home in a highly-ranked school district is often a good investment. (Plus, homes in above-average districts sell much faster.) There also tends to be more community activities, such as local sports leagues, parks, performing arts centers, and so on. These are all reasons to consider buying a home in a good school district even if you don’t have kids.

Why a Great Home May Outweigh an Average School District

A high-quality home provides a safe, nurturing environment for your child—which ultimately contributes to their success. If you find a great home in a lackluster school district, don’t write it off just yet. Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of the local schools and look into community and extracurricular activities. There may still be AP classes and specialty programs suitable for high-achieving students, even in lower-ranked districts.

Plus, you’ll likely save money on your home, which puts more money back in your pocket to save for your child’s college fund, pay for their clubs and camps, etc.

Take the time to weigh all the pros and cons.

A Home in the Best School District for Your Family

Ultimately, your homebuying decision rests on your family’s unique preferences and needs. Every family has different needs and there is no one-size-fits-all approach! With due diligence, you’ll be able to choose a great home for your family.

Buying or selling a home can be stressful, but we’re here to help. Are you starting the homebuying or selling process? If so, reach out to us and find the perfect agent for your needs today!

This was originally posted on Coldwell Banker Elite.

Home equity can be a confusing topic for many homeowners, especially those new to the world of real estate. It is important to understand the concept of home equity and how it can benefit you as a homeowner.

In this blog post, we will break down the basics of home equity and explain how it works, how to build it, and why it’s valuable for homeowners. Helping homebuyers and homeowners make informed decisions about their homes and finances.

What is Home Equity?

Home equity is typically the difference between the value of a home and the outstanding balance on the mortgage. It is essentially the portion of the home that a homeowner owns outright. Home equity is an excellent tool for homeowners to increase their net worth and potentially secure financial stability.

One way to build home equity is by making regular mortgage payments. Regular mortgage payments build equity by reducing the loan balance and increasing homeowners’ ownership stake.

Another way to build equity in a home is through the value of the home increasing. For example, the value of a home can increase through home improvements. Rising home value boosts homeowner equity, reflecting increased ownership stake in the property.

Why is Home Equity Important?

Home equity is much more than just a number – it’s a valuable tool for homeowners to use for a variety of purposes. Depending on the amount, you can use the equity in your home as a source of funds for various purposes.

For example, homeowners can use their equity to pay for future home renovations, pay for college tuition, or even purchase a second property. In addition, having equity in a home can also make it easier to secure financing for other big-ticket items, like a car or a small business loan. Build home equity, use funds for next house. Smart move for homeowners seeking a new location.

Building Home Equity Versus Renting

Compared to spending money on renting, building equity in a home has the potential to be a more financially savvy move for many people. Explore the value home equity adds to your homeownership experience. Unlock the benefits of owning your home.

As a homeowner, you are paying a mortgage, which is an investment. With each mortgage payment, you are building equity and increasing your net worth. In contrast, when you rent, you may not be building equity, but your money is going toward things like maintenance and amenities. Depending on your stage of life and your family’s needs, you may find renting a better option than buying or buying better than renting.

Making the Most of Your Home Equity

Knowing how home equity works is valuable for building equity, funding a project, or learning about it. You can benefit from your home equity by making informed decisions. If you’re considering using your home equity to purchase a new home, reach out to our team at Coldwell Banker Richwill Realty. Our seasoned real estate experts will help you find the right fit for your family and make the most of your investment in your home!

They originally posted this on Coldwell Banker Elite.

Selling your home quickly is a matter of pricing it right, marketing it aggressively and making sure that it looks its best for potential buyers. Having a great open house can increase your chances of selling a your home tremendously. Your agent is responsible for the first two, but the last one is where you can really shine! In order to get top dollar for your home, you need to make sure you are helping it make the best possible impression. This means creating a calm, clean space so any lingering does not put that buyers off smells, unusual decor choices or messy rooms.

The Must-Do’s

Curb Appeal Matters: Enhancing First Impressions

• First impressions are very powerful! Take a look at your home from the street and spruce up any landscaping or front porch decor. Does your siding need to be powerwashed or your front door repainted? Even just sweeping up the cobwebs from around the doors and a few well-placed flowers on the front steps will make a big difference.

• Make sure your home is as empty as possible, or at least extremely decluttered. This means almost all pictures taken off the walls, most pieces of home decor off the shelves, and no curtains unless they are very flattering and make the windows look larger. Ask your agent if you’re not sure if the curtains should stay.  Someone should put away or hide everything on the kitchen and bathroom counters. This includes toasters, coffeemakers, soap bottles and sponges, etc. For example, the countertops on the left are perfectly clear except for one tasteful bowl, while the countertops on the right are mostly clear but the appliances still make it look cluttered.

Declutter and Depersonalize: Presenting a Real “Open” House

• Remove all valuables and medicines from the home during an open house. Unfortunately, open houses are easy targets for theft and during a busy open house and your agent simply cannot be everywhere at once to make sure your valuables aren’t pocketed. There’s no need to risk losing something precious when it could easily be taken with you or secured elsewhere!

• Turn on all the lights in the home–the home looks larger and more inviting when it is properly illuminated. Make sure to change out any dim lightbulbs before the open house or consider upgrading to some smart bulbs as an added feature!

• This should go without saying but all beds should be made, no towels or trash left in the bathrooms and all toilet seat lids should be down. Pet items like toys and beds should be removed or very well-hidden in the home. Kid’s rooms are not exempt from this—hampers and toys should be very well-hidden or removed from the house and the beds should be made just like every other room!

Professional Cleaning: Polishing Your Home to Perfection

• Consider hiring a cleaning service to come a few days or the day before an open house, especially if you have pets. As thorough as you think you are, there’s nothing quite like the shine and polish a home has after a professional cleaning. Freshly steamed carpets, stainless steel sans fingerprints, a spotless bathroom—these little details are what will convince a buyer that the home is worth the asking price.
• Please take all the dead animals off the wall before your open house!
• Don’t worry too much about making the house smell extra nice. If you absolutely must have scents in the home, one or two candles in universally-appealing scents like lavender or vanilla are acceptable but DO NOT Febreze the house into oblivion or leave a bunch of cookies baking in the oven for your agent to take care of during the open house.

• Ask your agent to make feature cards to put next to any unusual or special features in your home, or if anything in the home has a really interesting backstory.

• Lastly, probably the most helpful thing a seller can do for an open house is to leave the house! Go get a coffee and hang out for a few hours in a bookshop, or take a scenic hike—whatever you need to do to not be in the home during the open house. Buyers get really uncomfortable if the seller is still in the home and they feel like they can’t say what they really think.

Let Us Help You With Your Open House!

Trust your agent to sell the home and to put it in its best light for the buyers–it’s our job! As long as you and your agent have prepped your home for success, all you need to do now is relax and enjoy the process!