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5 Things To Skip Renovating Before Listing Your Home For Sale — Because A Buyer Might, Anyway

by Josh Finigan | Nov 18, 2022 | Home Sellers and Buyers, Selling My House

When you decide to put your home on the market, you want to put your best foot forward in preparing it to look its best for prospective buyers. Besides, the better your home shows, the more offers you’ll likely get, right? Next, you make a to-do list of what things to fix and update around your home, only to realize that the list could go on forever. That’s when you realize: Do I have to do everything?

For starters, all those projects could cost money. Unfortunately, not everything is going to pay off at the closing table. Knowing what to fix – and what not to do when selling a home – can be tricky. Fixes are critical for any issues or defects that affect the intended significant function of a house system. To break it down, you should take care of any leaks, cracks in the foundation, minor electrical or plumbing issues, pest infestations, and other safety issues that could hurt your home’s value and pose imminent risks. But beyond those, especially when it comes to cosmetic repairs, it’s actually up to you.

The last thing you want is to get carried away and pour money, time, and effort into any project that won’t get a return on your investment. So here are some of those fixes or updates you can skip without too many repercussions.

Having state-of-the-art appliances such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, or oven can be appealing and is a nice bonus. But not having them is seldom a deal breaker. Especially in hot seller’s markets, old but working appliances may not need replacing or upgrading. All that you need is to give the appliances a good cleaning.

If your older model appliances are worn, broken, or missing some parts, that’s the time to think about replacing them. However, brand-new appliances can cost a fortune and are not worth buying only to get your home sold. So instead of splurging on top-of-the-line models (that you won’t be able to use much, anyway), consider buying used or floor models that can still add a lot of value to your home without draining your bank account.

Should you renovate the kitchen and bathrooms? That’s probably one of the biggest questions sellers have when they decide to sell.

It’s important to note that a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project can be costly and time-consuming. A kitchen remodel (midrange) will only recoup about 56 percent of the value, while remodeling a bathroom will only recoup about 59 percent, according to the 2022 Cost vs Value Report by Remodeling Magazine. First, you should consider several factors, especially time and budget, before spending thousands of dollars on these projects.

Likewise, your vision of a perfect kitchen or bath may differ from those of a potential buyer. And given all the home decor styles to choose from, trying to second-guess what they want and giving it to them when they visit your home is just plain unrealistic. It’s a risk when renovating these areas because they’re some of the things buyers look forward to when they can finally call it home.

If your kitchen or bathroom looks dated but functional, you only need to ensure it’s clean and clutter-free. Present it as a space with potential that is easily customizable to the buyer’s preferences.

If your home already has hardwood floors, there’s no need to tear out the existing flooring and replace it for the market. What’s important is to have your floors shined and polished before the staging or showing. The next homeowner may rip it out anyway and replace it with their choice of flooring, which could be wood, laminate, vinyl, or even carpet. If you have older carpets, you only need to spend a few bucks and hire a professional cleaning company rather than investing money into replacing them. The only time to consider ripping it all out is if there is a terrible odor from pets or if there are impossible stains that would deter a buyer from submitting an offer.

While improving your home’s curb appeal is crucial in enticing buyers to knock on your door, your home’s exterior needs not be perfect. Do not worry about fixing every small, minor, or insignificant crack in driveways and walkways that do not present any safety risks. They are common, and re-doing the paving of the entire section will cost more than it is worth. Only spend the money on fixing them if the cracks are hazardous for driving or walking.

Trends come and go, even for home colors and fixtures. What looks “cool” now can become dated in a heartbeat, or what may be trendy for a specific slice of the population may be off-putting for others. When you decide to sell, your goal is for a wider pool of potential buyers to come to your showings. By providing them with a blank slate, it’ll be easier for them to envision themselves in your home.

If you’re repainting a room, door, trim, or cabinetry to provide a quick face-lift, pick neutral colors, such as whites, beiges, and light grays. Should you choose to fix any broken or damaged things like light fixtures, faucets, and cabinet hardware, never replace them with something too obnoxious or trendy. Always choose common fixture styles that can appeal to almost all buyers. They’d be happy to do their renovations once the house belongs to them!

Show off your home’s potential

Don’t get overwhelmed by the idea that you need to fix everything you think is wrong with your house to get more offers. You’ll only waste valuable time and money on unnecessary upgrades that you could use to cover closing costs. You aren’t going to get a return on your investment if your house becomes “too much for the neighborhood” and yours is the only one that stands out. Aim to show your home’s potential instead of trying to achieve perfection. And if you’re still in doubt about what kind of repairs to make before listing your home, consult with your real estate agent so you’re guaranteed to make the most out of your home sale.

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7 Ways To Minimize Unnecessary Costs When Moving

by Josh Finigan | Nov 16, 2022 | Home Sellers and Buyers, Moving to Charlotte NC

Whatever the reason behind your move, whether you’re buying your first home, you’ve got a new job in a different city, or you want to be closer to your loved ones and relatives, among others, relocating is no small venture. There are many factors to consider: finding the time and energy to pack up all your belongings and choosing a reliable moving service to safely transport your items. And while it is exciting, it can also be overwhelming, stressful, and expensive. Moving expenses can get out of control if you don’t plan them out properly.

Trying to save money during your move is not just about reducing costs but also about avoiding unnecessary extra charges. Imagine using part of your hard-earned money to decorate your new home instead of throwing it away on expenses that may be avoidable in the first place. So here’s a bunch of tips to keep costs down from the minute you decide to move right up to moving day itself.

1. Create a moving strategy.

One of the smartest ways to reduce costs when moving is organization. As soon as you get to know you’re going to move, list down all the things you’re supposed to do. Go through your rooms and jot down what you have and what you’re taking with you. If you’ve decided to use a professional moving company, allow enough time to find the best movers and negotiate with them to avail of their services at affordable costs. Lastly, ensure you have a backup plan in place because there is always a chance that your timeline and move-in date could go awry at the last minute.

2. Research and compare the prices of moving companies.

You don’t want to wait until the last minute to look for movers, as you may end up accepting any price quote they give you due to being in a hurry. Be critical and do your research about the reliability of each mover before booking them. Be mindful of red flags, especially those who offer low deals that are too good to be true. Since no two movers quote similar prices, it’s preferable to get in-home estimates from at least three companies. Make sure that the relocation expert performs on-site and in-person cost estimates to make them as accurate as possible. Then compare the moving quotes you receive in terms of these three things: price, services, and terms and conditions. Once you select the right mover that fits your needs and budget, don’t be afraid to ask about discounts and negotiate for a lower price.

3. Read all the fine print.

Once you’ve decided which professional moving company you’re going to hire, make sure to examine the movers’ contracts carefully. Some movers are notorious for hidden fees, so be vigilant and read all the fine print. Take a long, hard look at the extra fees and add-ons attached to your estimate to make sure you’re not being overcharged for something you don’t need. Likewise, don’t forget to consider your insurance and liability options carefully.

4. Choose a cheaper date and time for your move.

Another good cost-saving technique when relocating is to schedule your move during the off-season, if possible. Summer tends to be the busiest season for moving when demand for movers is highest, especially in the months of June, July, and August. Likewise, movers quote high prices during weekends and month-ends since many people move during this period due to being off from work and end of lease or rent contracts. So if you can choose to move during the off-peak season or midweek or mid-month days when demand is typically the lowest, you can avoid paying unnecessarily high charges. Also, movers will be able to completely focus on your relocation job without being in a hurry to move on to the next one.

5. Purge and declutter your belongings before packing.

If you really want to avoid unnecessary costs when moving, follow this rule: the fewer things you have to take along with you, the less you’ll have to pay. If you declutter before moving, you will also need fewer packing boxes and supplies and cut down on costs if you need to store your items. So get rid of unwanted items—unworn clothing, out-of-date electronics, furniture that won’t fit your new space, etc. —as early as possible to make your life so much easier on moving day. Choose the items suitable for resale, then decide whether to have a local garage sale or sell them online. For those items that don’t sell donating is the way to go.

6. Seek out free moving supplies and pack everything yourself.

Moving supplies, including boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, aren’t cheap! Their cost can add up if you don’t plan ahead and get creative on where you source them. Since you have assessed your belongings, see if there are items in your home that you can use to pack some of your stuff. Using soft furnishings, blankets, towels, clothing, and any other materials to protect your items doubles up as smart packing instead of wasting money on bubble wrap that you are just going to throw away. You can also seek free moving supplies from various stores, online marketplaces, community groups, and friends. Lastly, you should be able to pack most of your things by yourself. If you’re going to consider professional packing services, it would be cheaper if it would only be for special and valuable items such as pianos, antique furniture, paintings, etc.

7. Prepare and disassemble furniture and other bulky items beforehand.

Preparing your large furniture and other bulky items before moving day is also a great way to save on shifting charges. Packers and movers may charge additional prices to dismantle appliances, like refrigerators or air conditioning units. If you know how to do it the right way, you could save on disassembling costs by doing it yourself. But if you don’t have the knowledge and skill, leave it to the pros and book their services in advance. They’ll use the necessary tools and follow proper guidelines to avoid damage to your furniture. Preparing these things ahead of time will be more cost-effective, rather than expecting the team to move items that won’t make it through the door and to disassemble without previously agreeing to it on moving day.

7 Listing Photo Mistakes To Avoid When Selling Your Home

by Josh Finigan | Nov 16, 2022 | Home Sellers and Buyers, Selling My House

A photograph can be worth more than a thousand words. This is especially true in real estate. You might have the most desirable house in the neighborhood, but if you do not take and post the right pictures, your home will not appeal to as many buyers.

In the 2021 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 84 percent of home buyers find photos very useful. Furthermore, 41 percent of recent buyers said the first step they took in the home buying process was to look online at properties for sale. This is why it is important for your online listing to make a good impression. You want to show that your home is worth considering setting up in-person showings.

Since you might not get a second chance to make a first impression, you cannot afford to mess up your listing photos. Here are some of the most common real estate photo mistakes you need to steer clear of and some tips on how you can avoid them.

Blurry or out-of-focus images can leave an impression that the seller is hiding certain house features, while grainy photos can make a house look menacing due to deep shadows. With today’s camera technology, there is no excuse for having such images anymore, especially when selling a product such as a home.

Listing photos need to look professional. If you do not want to hire a professional who specializes in residential photography, at least use a quality camera or smartphone that can give you high-resolution images. More so, use a tripod to enhance the stability of the camera and prevent blurred photos.

Lighting is a critical aspect that can make or break a photo. Good lighting can make a property look more spacious, fresh, and inviting, especially if you highlight the natural light it provides. This is why interior photos are best taken during the day, with windows and blinds opened, curtains drawn back, and lights turned on to produce bright and illuminated spaces. Similar principles apply to exterior images to best feature your home’s curb appeal.

One of the worst kinds of listing photos features a cluttered house. Papers on the side of the refrigerator, groceries and food items on the kitchen counter, unmade beds, clothing on chairs, personal belongings like diplomas and other memorabilia still on display—you name it.

While it does not directly affect the quality of the photos, a clean and organized house is critical to a successful photo shoot. If you cannot stage your home or hire a professional stager, do your best to clean, declutter, and organize beforehand. Remember that the goal is to photograph your home to look like a model home to entice potential buyers without being misleading. Any clutter and personal items will only distract them from seeing the most attractive aspects of each room and might hinder them from scheduling a showing.

The main goal of prospective buyers is to focus on your property, not to check who or what resides in it. Although you love your pets and they are adorable, keep them out of your pictures. Not everyone loves pets or may be allergic, so including your pet in listing photos can negatively impact house hunters. They might worry about fur on the carpet, scratched floors, or nasty pet smells and stains.

Similarly, listing photos should never be photobombed by you, your cute kid, or anyone living in the home or taking the photographs, which often happens when there is a mirror in the room. Remember that it is your home that should take center stage, so skip the selfies or family shots so buyers can easily envision themselves living in there.

Pictures of your property’s exterior should not include a close-up of a patch of grass. Or a tree in the backyard. Or a random plant. Interior photographs, on the other hand, should never include close-ups of everyday home items—from not-so-fancy ceiling fans, and water heaters to every appliance you have that would not qualify as sought-after amenities.

While the intention is likely to show the condition and age of these items, in reality, dull close-up shots make rooms look small and repetitive. So take a step back and photograph your property’s look and flow, focusing on spaces such as the kitchen, bathroom, closets, outdoor living space, and unique home features, so buyers can have the feel of the home just by looking at photos. The brand of the refrigerator can wait until they schedule a showing.

Another mistake sellers often make is featuring pictures taken several months ago that are outdated, maybe in an attempt to save time and effort. But listing photos should always be up-to-date and show the current state of the house and how it would look to a potential buyer in person.

Additionally, it is important not to post seasonal photos, especially with decorations from a holiday one celebrated months ago. For example, if you are listing your home for sale in February or March, you do not want buyers to see photos of your Christmas tree and twinkly lights. So take down all holiday decorations before taking pictures for your listing, unless you want people to think that your property has been on the market since December. Your listing photos should feature a neutral home and reflect the current season to attract more buyers.

Aside from having good quality listing photos, buyers would want to see as many photos as possible to help them make an educated decision on whether to schedule a showing of the property. If the listing has limited photographs, buyers might wonder what the seller is hiding. For instance, only featuring photos of the exterior could mean the interior is outdated, and vice versa. If your listing says your home has two bathrooms, you would want to show both of them. Make sure to include images of every part of the home, highlighting the rooms and spaces you want to.

Each Multiple Listing Service and real estate websites have different limits on the number of photos a home seller can include. Whatever website you and your real estate agent choose to use, it’s a good idea to upload the maximum photo limit.