24. August 2010 by Michael McFarlane.

Set your price carefully
Price it too high and buyers may not even look at it, too low and you’re cheating yourself. A Realtor® may give you a free market analysis if you ask. This gives you an idea of how your home compares with similar, recently sold homes in your area. The analysis should also include how much you might expect to earn after closing.  To get yours click HERE.

Don’t do major remodeling
Don’t get carried away preparing your home for sale. Pricey remodeling (items such as a new roof) may be big hits with buyers, but rarely is the cost covered by the buying price. When possible, stick with the simpler (and less expensive) options rather than major remodeling.

Make a good first impression
Curb appeal is important. Keep your lawn and other landscaping neatly trimmed, weeded and watered. Check the exterior of your home for signs of wear and damage, such as peeling paint, foundation cracks or loose shingles.  Evaluate and fix what is needed (but do NOT try to cover up defects).  Clean the outside of the house, including windows. Often suggested is  giving the front door a fresh coat of paint for that warm, welcome feeling. Adding a few flowers in the spring and summer, or keeping the walks cleared of leaves and snow in the fall and winter can be inviting to potential buyers.

Clean!
The obvious seller’s commandment: thou shalt clean. Remove all clutter and personal effects from every room, including closets. Have a garage sale with all the stuff you don’t want to move to your next home!  Paint walls and trim if necessary.  A neutral color palette might appeal to a wider range of potential buyers. Clean all windows, light fixtures and ceiling fans. Bathrooms should always be squeaky clean. Inspect and make any necessary repairs to the plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical systems. Highlight the bath and kitchen by selecting some attractive new towels, curtains or cabinetry knobs.  Decorating these two rooms alone can sell your house!

And keep it clean
Maintain the new and improved interior and exterior of your home in spottless condition until you successfully sell. It’s hard, but it’s necessary. A professional cleaning service may be able to help maintain the new clean look with occasional visits.

Light it up
When showing your house, provide plenty of light and make your home a warm, welcoming place. Open the curtains to let in the sunshine. In the event of an evening showing, make sure you have ample lighting available in all areas. Fresh cut flowers make a nice addition, and a pleasantly scented house is very inviting.  Like to bake?  How about fresh chocolate chip cookies?  Or for something simple and quicker, warm water (on the stove?) with vanilla.  In the winter cinnamon or citrus smells are inviting also.

Go away
Many agents (read potential buyers) would prefer that the seller not be present during a showing to avoid limiting the buyers’ conversation or making them uncomfortable.  Make sure any pets are also gone, or at least well detained and that the selling agent knows about them.

For more, or to get help, visit Yuba Sutter Homes and Loans on line.  Or email us any time.  If you prefer, we are also available by phone at 530 315-2808

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22. July 2010 by Michael McFarlane.

No real news there, right?  Just look at your utility bills for the proof.  In this area it’s A/C in the summer and heating in the winter.  Of course, if you are fortunate enough to have a pool, then you have that cost year round also.

We have all heard the old standbys: turn your thermostat back, turn off lights; shorten pool pump run times; etc.  But one can only set the thermostat back so much!  How do you stay comfortable AND save?

If you are building a new home, or doing a major remodel, you are being presented with a perfect opportunity.  Not only will you save on utility bills, I believe you will greatly increase the selling price of your home when the time comes.  I also believe that as energy becomes more scarce and expensive, these energy saving features will become even more important in selling price and a buyer’s decision over which home to buy!  To read more about how to get the most from your investment click HERE.

Are you looking to buy a home?  Looking to save money on those utility bills from the start?  Read the article above to get some good pointers on things to look for, then click on over to Yuba Sutter Homes and Loans to begin your search.  To go directly to all listings currently on the MLS services click HERE.

OR

Give us a call at 530 315-2808 or send an email and we will do the research for you, FREE.  No cost, no obligation; FREE.  Of course, we would like to be your choice when it comes time to buy.  That’s why we are willing to EARN that trust, and we will offer you a FREE home warranty when that time comes.

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17. July 2010 by Michael McFarlane.

Whether you are selling your home because of life’s events forcing a change upon you NOW or you just want a change, you still want to get the most you can from your home.  Procedures and timing will change, but some things are consistent across the board.

To help your home show well (meaning interest others (read “buyers”)) removing personal items, clutter, and of course a super cleaning are all necessary tasks.  Kitchens and bathrooms MUST be spotless (think hotel room).  A place sometimes overlooked is the closet.  If your closet is packed it will look small to a perspective buyer.  For additional ideas click HERE.

Another thing you need to have is of course a price.  What do you sell for?  What is your home worth to others?  You may have many fond memories in your home that are invaluable to you but a perspective buyer does not.  Generally, the market price is determined by the market.  Sound confusing?  It can be! 

An often used (and sometimes the best) procedure is to hire an appraiser to come in, look at your home, and give you their report.  In our area prices for this service generally run $300-$500.  If you go this route, be prepared to work with the appraiser.  He (or she) will need to view your home in detail, and your input about what makes it special will help them.  For more on how to prepare for and work with an appraiser click HERE.

An alternative to this, or a preliminary step is to consult your Realtor®.  At Yuba Sutter Homes and Loans we will provide you with a FREE home valuation, sometimes referred to as a CMA (comparative market analysis).  Whereas an appraiser might look at things like the cost of building or replacing your home, a CMA looks at home comparable to yours that have sold recently for the selling prices.  This gives us a very good idea of what another person might be willing to pay for your home. 

Of course, it is much more complex than that, and many factors are considered.  If you would like a free CMA call us or send an email to CMA@YubaSutterHomesAndLoans.com.  Be sure to include your address and a phone number might help speed things along if we need to contact you.  If you need help getting started please contact us HERE.

If you prefer to call we can be reached at 530 315-2808.

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