Fort McMurray Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts in the category - Real Estate Questionshttps://www.fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com/blog/Copyright FortMcMurrayHomes4Sale.com2019-06-28T09:29:33-07:00tag:fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com,2012-09-20:4995Buying vs Renting in Fort McMurrayTo buy or not to buy? That’s really an intimidating question, isn’t it? With homeownership comes responsibility, while renting may be relatively carefree. Let’s look deeper into the benefits of buying a home versus renting.
Pros of Renting a Property
The lack of responsibility and maintenance
Fewer expenses that might be paid by the landlord (including utilities)
Fewer (if any) maintenance costs
No down payment when necessary
No commitment
Cons of Renting a Property
You walk away with nothing after paying tons in rent
You’re often still stuck in a lease for 12 months or longer
Could be forced to move on fairly short notice depending on the lease
There might be lots of restrictions like no pets, no remodeling, and so on
Rental payment may exceed monthly cost of mortgage
No ownership or wealth creation
Payments never stop when renting
Rent will rise over time
Must deal with a landlord or management company
No tax benefits
Rules, regulations, and limitations
More temporary, less stability
Always at the mercy of the landlord
While renting might be a temporary option for your housing situation, that’s really just what it is. Why rent when you can own? Not to mention that the money that you spend doesn’t get you home equity or ownership, despite all those payments. Nothing to hand off to your kids or to sell for cash proceeds. With the current real estate market you can actually buy with almost no money down and lower than rent mortgage payment. We have a list of bankers and brokers who can help. Check out this <a href="https://www.fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com/buyers/mortgage-pre-approval/" target="_parent">link</a> to know more. Now let’s look at the pros and cons of buying a home.
Pros of Buying a Home
A place of your own with few if any rules to follow
You are in charge and can do what you want (remodel, move, rent out, stay forever, etc.)
You can build a ton of wealth in the process without lifting a finger
Might actually be cheaper than renting
You can build home equity and wealth
Sizable tax deductions possible
Your space, your rules
Pride of ownership (social status, sense of accomplishment)
Potentially better for children, family structure
Mortgage can improve your credit history/score
Ability to borrow against your home
No more monthly payments once mortgage is paid off
Mortgages are the cheapest loans available
No landlord
It’s an investment that you can live in
You can rent it out to others
You can sell your home eventually and use the proceeds for bigger/better home
Retirement nest egg
Cons of Buying a Home
Not ideal if you relocate often for work
Increased responsibility
Finding your forever home may be a hassle (that’s where hiring an <a href="https://www.fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com/contact/" target="_parent">experienced real estate agent</a> saves you)
You must pay property taxes and homeowners insurance
Might not be the best option if you’re undecided on where to settle down
In summary, there are a lot of reasons why you should finally decide to buy a house or decide to continue renting for the time being. It’s all about what suits your current situation. But ideally, the tradeoff is that you’ll be rewarded for making the decision to finally own a home.
Looking for a property to rent or own in Fort McMurray? Check out your options on this <a href="https://www.fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com/communities/" target="_parent">link</a>.
2019-06-25T09:50:00-07:002019-06-28T09:28:52-07:00Jennifer Faheytag:fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com,2012-09-20:4866How to Avoid Foreclosure?Not a lot of homebuyers expect to go into foreclosure, but due to the recent economic downturn, it is a consideration or situation a lot of people in Fort McMurray are in. Just know that you are not alone. Hopefully you’re reading this before actually ending up in foreclosure. But even if you’re already in foreclosure, as long as you’re still in the house there may be a way for you to continue to stay in it, long-term.
First things first: What is foreclosure?
Foreclosure is the legal means in which your lender is enabled to repossess or take back your house in order to get their mortgage money back and settle any outstanding fees. Apart from wilful mortgage fraud, where someone has no intention of making payments, most homeowners face foreclosure due to a sudden event that leads to them being unable to make their mortgage payments on time. The most common reasons include:
Sudden unemployment
Loss of second income
Excessive debt obligations
Illness or injury
Death in the family
Divorce or family problems
Inability to pay adjusted/higher mortgage interest rate
Unexpected major home maintenance expense
How can you avoid foreclosure?
Being proactive is the best way to avoid foreclosure. Lenders do not want to foreclose but they will file a Notice of Default to protect themselves if it comes to that. While it might be hard to admit that you are starting to run into financial issues, if you know you are unlikely to meet your mortgage obligation, the first thing you should do is call your lender. Keep an open line of communication. Ignoring their calls or notifications will only make things worse. Depending on your situation, here are some options you or your lender might suggest for you to avoid foreclosure:
Extra time to make up for payments
Lenders might agree to wait before taking legal action against you and let you work out a repayment plan (forbearance) that is affordable for you.
Loan modificatioN
If your mortgage has an adjustable loan, you can ask the lender to change the interest rate to a more manageable level. A lender might also extend the amortization period which will lower monthly payments. Some lenders may offer to spread out missed payments over a longer term.
Re-calculate and refinance the mortgage
If you have enough equity and meet the lender’s requirements, the lender may increase your loan balance to include the missed payments and re-calculate the loan. If you are sure that you will be able to keep up with payments, another option is to refinance by consolidating your mortgage with other debts that have 20% - 30% interest, like credit card debts. By paying them off, and increasing the mortgage amount, you will then decrease your overall monthly debt load.
Mortgage Default Insurance
If you have made a low percent down-payment on your home then you may get some temporary protection from foreclosure since Canada’s 3 default mortgage insurers carry programs that help struggling homeowners to temporarily pay interest only, or to forgive some of your payments. Those insurers are:
Genworth Financial Canada
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance
Short Sale Programs
Some banks and mortgage insurers offer a short sale programs. Genworth being one of them. It is critical to speak with your bank or mortgage company to see what their options are. Banks and insures do not want you to foreclose so they will work with you as well.
Property Evaluation
Accurate property evaluation is crucial for you to know what your home is worth so it can be <a href="https://www.fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com/sellers/pricing-your-home/" target="_parent">priced correctly</a>, as well as what your resources are if you have to sell your home. <a href="https://www.fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com/contact/" target="_parent">Call me</a> as I will give you a free, no cost or obligation <a href="https://www.fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com/sellers/free-market-analysis/" target="_parent">assessment</a> on your home. We can talk about what your options are.
Debt Settlement
If refinancing is no longer an option, homeowners can attempt debt settlement. There may be a way for you to settle your debts to the same extent that you would in a consumer proposal, but without actually using a consumer proposal, so that the marks on your credit record are less severe. Consumer proposal is a good way to negotiate your debts down. Remember that lenders don’t enjoy foreclosing on people. It costs them a lot of overhead, legal fees and ongoing costs. They’re looking for a way out of the current mess, just like you are.
Other Options
If you have reached the point where you require a non-traditional solution that will solve your financial problems and keep you in your home. Here are some options that you can look into.
Equity sharing
Equity sharing requires a partner, and it can keep you in your home if that is your primary intention. In this situation, the partner will pay to stop the foreclosure and may even start helping you with part of your monthly payment. In exchange for this, your partner will now own a certain percentage of your home, or of your home equity.
Private financing
You can look for private financing from other people especially retired people who are looking for ways to get better returns on their investment.
Renting out your house
You could rent your house out for more than your monthly mortgage and property tax costs. This means that you would have to move and be approved to rent somewhere else - a tricky option if you have bad credit. So another similar option to this is to rent out a part of the house, and hope that the added income helps you to once again meet your monthly obligations.
<br />Again, prompt action is key to ensure that you get the best chance to avoid foreclosure. The earlier you recognize the mortgage issue, the faster you will be able to make the best decisions to pull you out of possible foreclosure. First time home buyer? Check out this <a href="https://www.fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com/buyers/first-time-buyers/" target="_parent">helpful guide</a> to familiarize yourself with the home buying process. Looking for foreclosed or company owned homes? Click <a href="https://www.fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com/buyers/bank-foreclosures-vacant-companyowned/" target="_parent">here</a>. Thinking about selling your home? Get a <a href="https://www.fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com/sellers/free-market-analysis/" target="_parent">FREE market analysis</a> from me. I’m always here to help.2019-05-10T14:08:00-07:002019-06-28T09:29:33-07:00Jennifer Faheytag:fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com,2012-09-20:4461The Best Real Estate Agent in Fort McMurray<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/bigstock-Best-Choice-Practice-Or-Serv-242885683.jpg" width="300" style="color: #313131; font-size: 13px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" />
THE BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT IN FORT MCMURRAY?
Sometimes you hear people call themselves "the best" this or "the best" that. When it comes to who is "the best" Realtor in Fort McMurray, I am not as worried about whether I am "the best" Realtor. Here's why:
The best is totally subjective. Some real estate agents may claim to be the best because they sell the most. Or maybe they think they are the " best real estate agent " because they won an award. Or maybe they made the most money. The truth is that just because a real estate agent may have some reason to claim they are #1, truly does not mean that they will be the BEST for you.
What's My Focus?
So my focus is not about being the best. It is about being the best choice for YOU. Each day I strive to do the best job I can for my clients. My goal is to be professional, efficient, thorugh and put THEIR needs first. It is how I have beena successful real estate agent in Fort McMurray for a decade and have scores of happy clients and friends for life.
It's all about being the best choice for them more than it ever is about being "the BEST". Whatever your needs, if you are looking for <a href="https://fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com" target="_blank">homes to buy in FortMcMurray</a>, or looking to <a href="https://www.fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com/sellers/free-market-analysis/">sell your home</a>, or if you are <a href="https://www.fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com/fort-mcmurray/" target="_blank">relocating to Fort McMurray</a>, my team and I are happy to assist you!
But I DO have the BEST Clients! :-)
While we are talking about the BEST... one of my favourite parts of my business is meeting and working with some of the BEST people in Fort McMurray. My clients are awesome. In many cases they become more than clients, they are friends for life who send other people my way.
2018-12-05T12:47:00-07:002018-12-05T14:39:08-07:00Eric Blackwelltag:fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com,2012-09-20:3552How much are Home Prices Appreciating across Canada?Home Price Appreciation / Depreciation across Canada
That is a great question. For parts of Canada where there are major cities and metropolitan areas, the monthly home price appreciation is not only calculated, it is available online<a href="https://housepriceindex.ca/#maps=c11" target="_blank"> here</a>. (Hat tip to <a href="http://www.kelownahomes.com" target="_blank">my REALTOR friends in Kelowna</a> for the link to that page.)
Using that online Appreciation map gives us a general idea in the biggest cities in a province how home prices are doing month to month and year to year...and that is good...BUT that does not show us the following:
How homes are doing in Fort McMurray?
How is YOUR home doing?
How much equity do you have in your home?
The good news is that WE can help you with that! Let us provide you with those answers. We are happy to give you at no cost or obligation. Getting started is easy. Simply fill out the information below:
2018-01-17T15:44:00-07:002018-01-17T14:04:58-07:00Eric Blackwelltag:fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com,2012-09-20:3496What are the Top Reasons Why FSBO Houses Fail in Real Estate?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/BY_OWNER.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Why do FSBO listings fail in real estate?" title="For Sale by Owner" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
Thinking about going the FSBO route? You don't have to do it alone. A highly-skilled and qualified Realtor is here to help you out! Before you consider selling your house on your own, take the time to read the following reasons why For Sale by Owner listings tend to fail in the real estate market.
Prep Work
Preparing a home for sale properly plays a big role in the success of selling a home. One of the most common reasons why people who attempt to sell their home without the help of an experienced agent is because they have little to no idea about how to properly and effectively prepare their home before it gets listed for sale.
Some of the most important pre-listing tasks that FSBOs should do before listing their home for sale include:
Decluttering
Freshly painted rooms
Professionally clean carpets and/or floors
Complete any neglected repairs
Replace outdated light fixtures
Make sure your home has good curb appeal
Screening Potential Buyers
An experienced real estate agent talks to buyers and sellers everyday of the week for a living. This means that they have a certain mastery of how to do this, and they definitely have a keen sense when it comes to screening potential buyers. A perfected craft is always the best option rather than taking a stab at doing it yourself. This is another factor that plays a big part on why FSBO sales tend to fail. The homeowner doesn’t have the same expertise in screening potential buyers like an experienced agent has. They are unable to quickly identify unqualified buyers, because they do not know how to ensure whether or not a buyer is pre-approved, or at the very least, pre-qualified. Since this is the case, much valuable time is also wasted on dealing with tons of unqualified buyers.
Handling Property Inquiries
Real estate agents spend much of their day answering inquiry after inquiry about properties from buyers whether via phone or email. They also coordinate showings for their listings where they are also asked specific questions about the property. Practice makes perfect - so since a real estate agent gets to answer property inquiries all day, they are the best person who can talk to buyers about what they want and need to know about the house that you are trying to sell. This is their trade, and they make time for anyone who is inquiring about a home.
<br />The homeowners on the other hand, might tend to fail at this area because they just don’t have the time or availability to answer all the inquiries about their home, or take time out of their day to conduct showings to those who request one. Home buyers and buyers agents want quick responses on their inquiries, otherwise, they will often move onto the next potential property.
<br />Give Buyers Some Space
One of the primary reasons why FSBO sales fail in real estate is because the homeowner doesn’t give the potential buyer the space that they very much need when they view their home. You are the homeowner, so it is understandable that you love your home and can talk about how great it is for days on end. However, what this typically does to potential buyers is make them feel pressured - and most home buyers definitely do not like to be pressured when they check out a home. Giving a potential buyer space allows them to be able to speak their mind about the property without worrying that they will hurt the homeowners’ feelings.
Negotiating
One of the most important gems that real estate agents learn throughout the licensing process is how to negotiate offers/contracts. They know the ins and outs of a real estate contract, and are very efficient when it comes to adhering to deadlines.
More often than not, the homeowner might not have the same strong understanding of real estate contracts as a real estate professional does. They may not know what they are agreeing to, and there’s also a strong possibility that they are unable to grasp how to effectively negotiate certain parts of the contract. For one thing, a lot of the terms on a real estate contract could definitely be new information that the homeowner is still trying to get a hang of. Real estate contracts are loaded with lots of clauses, timelines, and also many common contract contingencies, such as mortgages and inspections.
Now that's real and sound advice. More to come!
2017-12-07T14:10:00-07:002019-05-02T10:00:42-07:00Jennifer Faheytag:fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com,2012-09-20:3490Fort McMurray Mortgage Rates: Where do they go in 2018?Current Fort McMurray Mortgage Rate Environment:
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/bigstock-Mortgage-Rates-Represents-Real-163883030.jpg" width="301" height="255" alt="Fort McMurray 2018 Mortgage Rates" title="Fort McMurray 2018 Mortgage Rates" style="float: right;" />The Bank of Canada announced last month that it would be remaining at current interest rates (for now), but those on adjustable mortgage rates and buyers looking for financing are wondering what’s next. Should they lock in? Which is a better option, variable or fixed? If rates climb, how high will they go? How much extra monthly budget should you allocate for mortgage payment interest increases?
The correct answer is - It depends.
<br />The last two times before the latest meeting when the Bank of Canada met, they raised rates. This time they held the line with the overnight rate at 1.00%, due to their concerns about the increasing strength of the dollar along with the ongoing NAFTA renegotiation.<br />Variable rate holders after the previous two changes had already seen increases in their interest costs since those mortgages are based on prime rate, which is influenced directly by the overnight target rate.
<br />“Competitive variable rates have risen a smidge over 30 bps since the BoC started tightening this summer,” noted Robert McLister, who dissects mortgage rates at RateSpy.com. “That’s less than two rate hikes. The reason it’s less than two hikes is because discounts from prime have noticeably improved.”
McLister's assessment is that for an average borrower, each 1/4-point rate increase is equal to approximately $1,100 in additional interest cost over five years per $100,000 borrowed.
So if you look at your loan balance, and make a guess at the rate adjustment, you can approximate the additional cost. But the big key is this:
Where Do Mortgage Rates in Fort McMurray Go From Here?
While most rate hike forecasts have been revised down, the market is still pricing in two rate hikes in 2018. Economists are predicting flat to 100 basis points of further increase in interest rates in 2018.
It is important to note that these are simply predictions. The challenge is to prepare for any potential changes.
Another change coming to the mortgage rate environment in Fort McMurray is the new mortgage stress test coming January 1.
“If you can save 3/4% in a short-term fixed or variable, that’s the play to make,” says McLister. “But you should be risk tolerant, given we may see more hikes, be able to qualify under the new stress test, and have a minimum of three to four months of living expenses on tap.” - Robert McLister
All of this said, mortgage rates are still relatively low by historical standards. And some of the most attractive deals currently can be found in short-term fixed and variable rate mortgages.
Carrying costs are predicted to increase due to both rising rates and increased regulation such as the stress test. Scotia bank predicts the following:
“Average mortgage carrying costs for new buyers are projected to rise by about 8% in 2018 and by a further 4% in 2019,”
“Further rule changes, including more stringent stress tests for uninsured mortgages…(could) exert additional drag on new buyers.”
All eyes are on the next rate decision, which will be made on December 6.<br /><br />2017-11-29T12:43:00-07:002017-11-29T14:01:33-07:00Jennifer Faheytag:fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com,2012-09-20:3420How do you sell a house on your own? For Sale By Owner Tips<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/FSBO_block_1.jpg" width="800" height="393" alt="how-do-you-sell-a-house-on-your-own" title="how-do-you-sell-a-house-on-your-own" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
Selling your house? You may be thinking about going down the “For Sale By Owner” route. Here are a couple of things that you need to know before you decide on selling your house on your own.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/FSBO_block_2.jpg" width="800" height="358" alt="how-do-you-sell-a-house-on-your-own-negotiation" title="how-do-you-sell-a-house-on-your-own-negotiation" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
There are a number of parties involved in a real estate transaction. People with whom you would otherwise not have to deal with if you were to hire an agent to help you sell your home. Realtors act as a buffer in negotiations with all parties throughout the entire transaction. Should you decide on selling your house on your own, here is a list of people that you will have to negotiate with:
The Buyer
The Buyer’s Agent
The Buyer’s Bank
The Home Inspection Company
The Appraiser
The Title Company
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/FSBO_block_3.jpg" width="800" height="394" alt="how-do-buyers-search-for-listings" title="how-do-buyers-search-for-listings" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
With the continuous growth of social media, internet usage, as well as everyone already being equipped with a smartphone, you’ll have to know how to keep up with the ongoing trends to have your house seen by potential buyers.
Nowadays, having an ad on the paper just won’t cut it. With all the technological advancements available, the most popular way wherein buyers search for real estate listings in by doing an online search. These buyers don’t just utilize search engines to search for listings, they also do this through their social media handles, real estate websites, and even through property apps on their phones or tablets.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/FSBO_block_4.jpg" width="800" height="394" alt="how-to-get-your-listing-on-top-of-the-search-page" title="how-to-get-your-listing-on-top-of-the-search-page" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
Have you ever wondered how Realtors make sure that buyers find the house that they would eventually buy? Again, enter technology. Most Realtors have a set of strategies on how they promote their listings. Be it via search engines or through social media exposure.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/FSBO_block_5.jpg" width="800" height="392" alt="how-much-profit-can-you-make-with-selling-your-house" title="how-much-profit-can-you-make-with-selling-your-house" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
Did you know that hiring a Realtor to help you sell your house can greatly increase your net earnings from your home being sold? FSBO houses are more likely seen in markets with lower price points. So there’s a high chance that your house will not be valued for what it’s really worth. And selling your house is an emotional process, so it might be hard to be faced with this hiccup on the whole home selling process.
Bottom Line:
Before you decide to take on the challenge of selling your house on your own, consider meeting with a real estate professional to see what they have to offer. We each have our own field of expertise, so you’ll be sure that you’re in good hands with a trusted Realtor.
2017-10-04T13:53:00-07:002019-05-02T10:04:09-07:00Jennifer Faheytag:fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com,2012-09-20:3414How to sell you house fast: Top tips on getting your home on top of every buyer's list!<a href="https://fortmcmurrayhomes4sale" target="_parent"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/block_1_how_can_i_sell_my_home_fast.jpg" width="800" height="393" alt="how-to-sell-your-house-fast" title="how-to-sell-your-house-fast" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></a>
Home sellers always aim for one thing - selling their home as fast as possible. In neighbourhoods with lots of homes for sale, sellers must be willing to take their efforts up a notch in order to beat the competition and make sure that their home is on top of every buyer's list. Here are some of the easiest and inexpensive tips on how to achieve your goal in selling your home in no time.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/block_2_how_can_i_sell_my_home_fast.jpg" width="800" height="358" alt="how-to-sell-your-house-fast-top-tips-declutter" title="how-to-sell-your-house-fast-top-tips-declutter" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
De-cluttering your home gives way for space to be showcased in your home. It gives the buyer an idea of the areas in your home that they can utilize for the items that they'll be bringing in once they move in.
De-cluttering is also a way to eliminate the potential of buyers seeing your home as messy or unorganized which might otherwise cause them to steer clear of putting your home at the top of their list.
Clear your kitchen counters, night stands, coffee tables, etc.
Organize closets, shelves and other storage spaces.
Consider renting a storage unit for the sale period.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/block_3_how_can_i_sell_my_home_fast.jpg" width="800" height="394" alt="how-to-sell-your-house-fast-top-tips-donate-sell-throw-away-unused-items" title="how-to-sell-your-house-fast-top-tips-donate-sell-throw-away-unused-items" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
While de-cluttering, you'll find that you may have accumulated things that you don't need or use anymore. Sort them out to see whether they're fit for donating, selling, or throwing away. Here are some tips:
Donate or sell clothes and shoes that you haven't used in 1 or 2 years.
Donate or sell toys, gadgets and kitchen items that are in good condition. Throw away ones that are broken or worn-out.
Donate or sell old books.
Donate or sell furniture that you will not take with you.
Throw away expired food items.
Throw away expired makeup, medicine, etc.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/block_4_how_can_i_sell_my_home_fast.jpg" width="800" height="394" alt="how-to-sell-your-house-fast-top-tips-clean-your-home" title="how-to-sell-your-house-fast-top-tips-clean-your-home" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
This step is key! The one thing that's sure to deter homebuyers is an unkept and cluttered home.
Detail your house like you would your car.
Don't leave out dusting your furniture and cleaning or replacing your carpet.
Clean your windows and pressure wash the exterior.
Doing this one room at a time is the best tip if you're doing this step on your own. But you might also want to hire a professional to do some of the really tough stuff!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/block_5_how_can_i_sell_my_home_fast.jpg" width="800" height="394" alt="how-to-sell-your-house-fast-top-tips-repair" title="how-to-sell-your-house-fast-top-tips-repair" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
Having your home shown with all its flaws is a complete deal-breaker. Buyers usually zoom in on things that should be fixed if they ever buy your home. This translates to them having to spend more on top of what they will be paying for if they ever consider buying your home
Creaky doors, leaky faucets, cracked tiles and stuck drawers are some of the things that you can repair. You can also hire a professional to fix some of the major repair jobs.
Don't forget to address any other issues in your home, like wood rot, faulty appliances, popcorn ceilings, etc.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/block_6_how_can_i_sell_my_home_fast_ed.jpg" width="800" height="384" alt="how-to-sell-your-house-fast-top-tips-choose-a-neutral-paint" title="how-to-sell-your-house-fast-top-tips-choose-a-neutral-paint" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
Let's face it, not everyone likes vibrant colors on walls, so now is not the time to experiment and paint your living room wall that bright turquoise color that you've been eyeing on.
Not to worry, this doesn't mean that you have to go all-white either. Check out some paint samples that go along the tones of taupe, beige, ecru, guilford green - the list goes on!
Choosing a neutral color will make your home seem lighter and bigger. This also makes everything else look really put together and definitely creates a sophisticated tone in your home!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/block_7_how_can_i_sell_my_home_fast.jpg" width="800" height="394" alt="how-to-sell-your-house-fast-top-tips-boost-curb-appeal" title="how-to-sell-your-house-fast-top-tips-boost-curb-appeal" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
The first thing that the buyers see when they check out your home is your yard. Give it the same treatment as you would give the inside of your home.
Power wash sidings and walkways.
Mow and maintain your lawn.
Mulch the landscaping.
Update your house number.
Add a few pieces of furniture or clean and repair ones that you already have there.
Clean, repair and stain patio decks.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/block_8_how_can_i_sell_my_home_fast_ed.jpg" width="800" height="383" alt="how-to-sell-your-house-fast-top-tips-let-the-light-in" title="how-to-sell-your-house-fast-top-tips-let-the-light-in" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
A dark room can feel small, cluttered an uninviting. Open up your windows and blinds, and turn on the lights for a welcoming feel.
You can also add mirrors and lights where you need them. Wall mirrors make a room look much bigger and lighter.
Consider putting some mirrors up in smaller rooms or hallways. As for extra lighting, put lamps on dark corners and put soft lighting in the bathroom to create a warm glow.
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Let your home speak to your buyers. Your goal is to create a soothing space that allows buyers to visualize themselves or their own family and lifestyle in the home.
Our homes are personal, yet how we live is not how we sell. Our homes represent who we are - they are life-sized memory books of our travels and experiences, they trumpet our likes, our dislikes and our beliefs.
Staging your home aims to make the home speak to everyone else, in a compelling and positive way.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: Want to see something Funny? Check this out. After writing this, I went to several top REALTOR sites around the globe and their advice (while maybe said differently) is EXACTLY the same. <a href="http://www.propertyinsantacruz.com/blog/how-can-i-sell-my-home-fast-in-santa-cruz/">Gregg, a REALTOR in Santa Cruz CA</a>. <a href="http://www.carolyncapalbo.com/blog/5-things-to-do-how-to-sell-your-home-this-spring/">Carolyn, a REALTOR in Gainesville, Virginia</a>. Notice how the advice is REALLY similar? That is because there are some common principles that apply towards getting your home sold fast and for the best price regardless of the market.
2017-09-27T12:46:00-07:002019-05-02T10:07:29-07:00Jennifer Faheytag:fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com,2012-09-20:3404What Questions Should I Ask During Home Inspection?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/block_home_inpection.jpg" width="800" height="393" alt="home-inspection-tips-questions-to-ask-during-home inspection" title="home-inspection-tips-questions-to-ask-during-home inspection" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
A home is one of the most important purchases you will ever make, so the need to make sure that you are getting the best value for your hard-earned money. It is vital for you to be certain that everything in your target home is checked and evaluated before you buy a home.
Enter the value of home inspection. A home inspection is an inexpensive way to become aware of the overall condition of a home. It is important to make sure that you are not making a costly mistake of buying a home that is in need of major repairs or replacements. In line with this, you also need to know the key questions that you need to ask during the home inspection process - and I'm here to sum them up for you.
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The inspector should be able to tell you if the home is in a condition that's ready for move-in, or if you still need to do some work on it.
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If the inspector tries to get work fixing the problems, you may want a second opinion. The inspector should be able to tell you how to quickly fix something, or suggest an expert who can.
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The inspector tries to find every problem, big or small. Asking this can help you determine which are the most pressing issues.
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Have your home inspector teach you how your future systems and appliances work and what kind of maintenance you'll need to do on them.
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Get an estimate of how long you have left in your systems and appliances so you can plan ahead for what you need to replace in the future.2017-09-13T12:34:00-07:002019-05-02T10:10:52-07:00Jennifer Faheytag:fortmcmurrayhomes4sale.com,2012-09-20:3401How Do You Stage a Home?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/598/image/block_1.jpg" width="800" height="393" alt="how-to-get-started-with-home-staging" title="how-to-get-started-with-home-staging" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
How do you stage a home? First, we must learn what home staging is. Home staging is when your home is prepared to be sold in the real estate market. The goal is to make your home appealing to the highest possible number of potential buyers. In turn, you will be able to sell your home fast and for more money.
Here are some of the easiest and most effective ways for you to get started in staging your home.
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Nothing else says, "Welcome Home" more than an inviting porch! An updated, easy-to-read house number will make sure that your house is easy to locate. It also immediately gives an impression of a well-maintained home.
If you have a tiny stoop, a clean and cheery welcome mat will do the trick. Add a potted plant in bloom, and you're golden! For porches with more room, a few pieces of furniture will also make a huge difference. A nice rocking chair, a small coffee table and some chairs, or you can also add an outdoor sofa.
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Many people thinking about touring your home will often do a drive-by first to see if your home is even worth their time. Make sure that your home is sure onlooker-magnet with these tips:
1. Power wash sidings and walkways.<br />2. Give your front windows a good wash.<br />3. Plant blooming flowers and fresh greenery.<br />4. Mow the lawn.<br />5. Repaint or stain the front porch and outdoor furniture as needed.
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This step is key! The one thing that's sure to deter homebuyers is an unkempt and cluttered home.
Make sure that all the nooks and crannies are sparkling clean. From shining floors and gleaming windows, to clean counters and meticulously scrubbed grout.
Don't leave out cleaning your furniture, carpet, and removing or stowing away things that might just look like clutter to homebuyers.
Doing this one room at a time is the best tip if you're doing this step on your own. But you might also want to hire a professional to do some of the really tough stuff!
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The dining room is often neglected when comes to decorating a home. This is especially true for large dining rooms which can look bare and uninviting while it's not being used.
When staging your dining table, set the table in a way that will make the homebuyers imagine hosting a simple family gathering. Be careful not to go overboard with a formal table setting though. Another bonus tip is to put out a vase with vibrant blooms to strike that perfect lived in look!
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Let's face it, not everyone likes vibrant colors on walls, so now is not the time to experiment and paint your living room wall that bright turquoise color that you've been eyeing on.
Not to worry, this doesn't mean that you have to go all-white either. Check out some paint samples that go along the tones of taupe, beige, ecru, guilford green - the list goes on!
This makes everything else look really put together and definitely creates a sophisticated tone in your home!
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This step is especially important in the living room. Remember that the goal here is to make the home buyers imagine what their life would be if they were to live in your home. Help them out by arranging your living room furniture in such a way that it would look like an inviting conversation area.
This will help set the scene for home buyers to imagine themselves having tea with their friends, reading a good book, or simply lounging with the rest of the family.
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Closet space can sometimes be one of the deciding factors in putting an offer for your home, so home buyers WILL peek inside your closets.
Temporarily store your excess clothes, shoes, bags, etc. to free up 20-30 percent of each of your closet space.
Organizing them will give home buyers the impression that you have a fairly spacious closet. Plus, who wants to see a packed and messy closet anyway?
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Set up a small work station, a mud room, a cozy reading nook, or built-in shelving for any awkward spaces in your home. It may be a room beneath the stairs, a nook, or an alcove.
This will turn the awkward spaces and corners in your home from a road block to a selling point. Ever seen a board in Pinterest that's dedicated to reading nooks, craft rooms, and gift wrapping stations? There's a bunch of ideas that you can explore!
Plan out your days and get started on making your home a show-stopper. Offers will be pouring in faster than you know it!
2017-09-07T12:08:00-07:002019-05-02T10:13:35-07:00Jennifer Fahey