Homeowners, it isn't as difficult or involved as you think to make improvements on your house. In fact, with just a little cash, time and energy, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. One of the key things to remember is you don't want to put so much money into your home that you can't get it back when you sell. I've known many people who have walked down the hallway called disappointment because the improvements they made cost them money in the end. They simply couldn't recover their investment because they spent too much in upgrading.
Here is what I like to refer to as a Burrows Suggestion: You should know the value of your house before undertaking a project to improve it. Why? So that you won't over spend, investing more than it is worth. Often simple, cosmetic improvements can be adequate and in reality, can help to expedite a sale. Playing by some simple rules, will actually help you make money on the other side of the sale.
Here is an article I'm sure you will find informative on this subject: 10 Quick and Cheap Ways to Upgrade Your Home - Looking to make a big splash in improving the looks of your home, but don't have much cash. Here are 10 suggestions you might try.
Find additional House and Home Reports on my personal website. In fact, this helpful literature can get you started on the right foot for selling, buying, fixing up your house, mortgage, refinance, winterizing your home, home security and many other useful topics.
David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Envirian of Warrenton, Warrenton, VA
Phone: 703.859.5188
Burrows Properties
Selling thought for the day:
When you are selling your house it is no longer your home - it is a house for sale.
Interested in some great reading on selling your home? Take a look at these articles on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin?
Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale When you land on the main page try one of our custom searches listed on the bottom of the page. No registration is necessary for the Fairfax MLS general search on my site. If you check the box to receive automated updates sent to your email, you will be required to give us your name and a valid email address.
Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!
This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.
David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.
Absolutely amazing, the stories I've heard from sellers in reference to costly mistakes they've made when endeavoring to sell their house. I've had some indicate to me their errors in judgment cost them time, money, and especially huge disappointment. I've compiled a list, certainly not complete because other Realtors® like me could add to it again and again with similar stories that have been told to them about the subject, "If only I would have" when trying to sell my house. For now, here is my list, updated from a few months ago.
1. If only I would have ceased calling it my home and looked at it as a house for sale.
You probably believe like many other people selling their home that "My house is close to perfect". Why not? You've lived in it, slept in it, laughed, cried and made all kinds of improvements. The fact is, while you probably view your house as simply the best house, others won't and don't! Remember the old saying, "When you are selling your house it is no longer your home - it is a house for sale."
2. If only I would have de-cluttered and de-personalized.
Whether you've lived in your house one year, two years or thirty, clutter is inevitable. If you can't somehow sell your excess clutter in a garage sale or even give it away, then rent a storage locker for the time your house is for sale. Remember, too much clutter often makes your house look smaller and less appealing to a home buyer. At the same time, don't forget to de-personalize.
3. If only I would have hired a major maid cleaning service company.
I was looking at my back windows this morning off of my family room. Whew, do they need cleaning! The fact is, I hadn't noticed until today. If you are a smoker, you may not realize the smell of smoke that can linger in your house and that non-smokers will have a tendency to NOT want to buy it or even pass thru the front door to view your house once they catch a whiff. When you hire a professional cleaning crew they will attack the areas you wouldn't regularly have thought about or noticed. I can guarantee you that something overlooked here will almost always be a deterrent in selling your home. By the way, smoke outdoors while your house is for sale.
4. If only I would have employed someone to stage my house.
Home stagers are especially gifted at arranging pictures; furniture and helping rooms look more presentable, spacious and inviting. A seller will often have just one chance to make a positive first impression with a prospective buyer and it is when that person first walks thru the door. Failing here can certainly delay a sale. One additional thought: Your Accredited Home-Staging Specialist can help you here.
5. If only I would have cleaned the garage.
Remember, your garage is part of the property. A garage that is organized, de-cluttered and clean will certainly enhance and possibly speed up your sale.
6. If only I would have paid attention to curb appeal.
Sellers often forget this point. Grass should be mowed, flowers planted, trees properly trimmed and don't forget to trim the shrubs or apply fresh paint where needed, especially around the main entrance. If it is in the winter, snow and ice should be removed.
7. If only I would have had a home inspection and purchased a home warranty for my prospective buyer.
When a seller takes the time to hire a Professional Home Inspector and then purchases a Home Warranty for the prospective buyer, it helps to assure the purchaser that the home is in "Move In" condition. It is an extra touch that can certainly make a difference because in our current "Buyers Market" sellers must offer something that is one or two steps above the neighbors who have their house for sale down the street. Be sure your Realtor® makes note of these two seller contributions in the MLS and other advertising. By the way, by having the inspection completed, buyers won't be asking for a 7-14 day home inspection contingency in their offer to purchase. It might help you to seal the deal a bit faster. Remember, you don't have a true contract until all contingencies are removed.
8. If only I would have disappeared while my house was being shown.
I wrote an entire article on this regret and you need to read it by following this link: Do You Want To Sell Your House in This Buyers Market? Try Getting Lost!
9. If only I would have set a more realistic price.
This is huge! Over pricing your house in this market will almost always delay your sale or perhaps even deny you the sale of your home. Buyers are wise when it comes to which house on your street is over priced. Why should they pay more for yours than three or four doors down from you, when your house is almost exactly the same as the one for $20,000 dollars less? If you can buy something at one store for five dollars, why would you pay ten dollars down the street? I have heard so many "If only I would haves" over this one issue.
10. If only I would have hired a Realtor® rather than endeavoring to sell the house myself.
I know there is a lot of talk today about selling your house on your own. The fact is, many, many people try for six months to a year to sell their property only to eventually hire a Realtor® to list and sell for them. The regrets I've heard here are huge! My suggestion is that you interview at least two or three agents. Make sure the agent you choose is heavily involved in technology since 80% of home buyers today begin their home search by looking on the web for listings. Find out how much web traffic is generated on the agent's personal website. You will also want references; someone who returns every email and phone call and is easily reached. Make sure you feel "A Connect" with this person when it comes to communication. Finally, get their promises in writing and make sure what the agent is committing to is not what I refer to as, "Over Promising" just to get the listing. Hyperbole in Real Estate just doesn't cut it. If someone cannot be real when you interview them, then they will probably not be real further down the road and disappointment will fill the air.
Finally, there is another article worth reading on the subject of Common Selling Mistakes. Take a moment to read it.
David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.391.9200 x9119
Email: david@burrowsproperties.com
Burrows Properties
A Burrows' Thought worth considering: Buying a house involves commitment to the task before you. My definition of commitment is translated inconvenience. Expect the unexpected after you have a contract. Something always develops that you didn't expect to happen. When it does, remain calm and absolutely resolved to see everything through to the end. By the way, this is when you lean on your Realtor.
Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these articles on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin?
Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor®® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this powerful link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale
The search engine on my site will allow you to find a house by Mapping, County, Subdivision, Zip Code, Address or City. I encourage you to try the Fairfax MLS and in fact, search the entire Northern VA Real Estate area.
Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!
Click on the following link for your Complimentary eCalendar & Daily Planner. This is a Free Gift from David. There is absolutely NO sign-up, registration, tricks, or gimmicks. It really is free for you to enjoy! This is a great tool for keeping track of your schedule for all of your Real Estate needs. There is NO obligation.
This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.
David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.
I know, everybody is writing these days about how to buy a house. Often the writer will mention a couple of key issues to consider, but it is seldom that an author comes along and basically covers if not all, almost all of the house shopping steps in one writing.
Here's what you need to remember. Whether you want to buy in the Fairfax VA Real Estate market, Gainesville VA Real Estate area, or anywhere in Northern Virginia you really need to be an informed, educated buyer. You will have needed to do your homework, knowing that if you goof up, the price tag for fixing your errors can be massive.
Here is the Good News. I came across this article that I would consider "Must Reading" if you are thinking of purchasing a house this year. Take a look and why not share some of your thoughts in the comment section of my blog when you are finished. I would love to hear from you.
The written material I am referring to is:
§ 20 Steps to Getting the Best Deal on a Home - Here is the way to achieve the absolute best positive results on buying a house.
David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.391.9200 x9119
Email: david@burrowsproperties.com
Web Site: Burrows Properties
A Burrows' Thought worth considering: Before beginning your search for a house, always see a Mortgage Loan Officer first. The Loan Officer will pre-qualify you for a certain amount of money. You will then know the house to shop for by way of price. When you are ready to make an offer, your offer will carry more weight when the sellers know you are pre-approved!
Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these writings on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin?
Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor®® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this powerful link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale The search engine on my site will allow you to find a house by Mapping, County, Subdivision, Zip Code, Address or City. I encourage you to try the Fairfax MLS and in fact, search the entire Northern VA Real Estate area.
Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!
Click on the following link for your Complimentary eCalendar & Daily Planner. This is a Free Gift from David. There is absolutely NO sign-up, registration, tricks, or gimmicks. It really is free for you to enjoy! This is a great tool for keeping track of your schedule for all of your Real Estate needs. There is NO obligation.
This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.
David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.
I have some friends in another state that purchased a house a few months ago in a 55+ community. My friends were quite Real Estate Savvy having made a number of purchases down thru the years. On this particular occasion, because the house was only six years old, they decided they didn't need a Real Estate Agent and they also didn't need a home inspection. In fact, the contract stated the sale was NOT contingent on a Home Inspection. They did, however, agree in the contract to have a final walkthrough. For all practical purposes though, the house was being sold "as is".
A few days before their close, my friends did the final walk thru of the house. We could call it a renter's walk thru! They checked toilets, showers, and under the sink for leaks. They went into the attic to make sure everything was dry and there was no mold or mildew. They tried all of the windows, doors and locks and then moved outdoors for the remainder of their own personal inspection. They had noted the water was turned off outside of the house and as a result went into the house and turned it on, only to discover the pipes were broken above the garage, the ceiling was now wet and ruined, caving in and even the outside of the garage had water streaming down the side.
The owner, wanting to get the house sold said he would get it fixed. Of course this was January and the purchasers would have no use for the outside faucet until spring and really didn't give it another thought. They were told it was fixed and in fact the drywall on the ceiling was repaired and looked fantastic! Here is the kicker: The buyers had failed to get a receipt for the work and didn't try the outside faucet until late spring, some 90+ days after purchasing the house. Guess what? The same problem still existed and the new drywall on the ceiling was spoiled all over again. The new owners are wondering if the previous sellers only had cosmetic work done on the ceiling and maybe the plumber was never called - the purchasers will probably never know. Now they have hundreds of dollars in repairs to make. What is even more amazing is for 300 or so dollars, they could have had an inspection and then a follow up inspection to make sure everything was properly repaired.
I believe my friends made several mistakes: 1) They needed representation by a Buyers Agent. 2) They needed an inspection and re-inspection 3) They needed to have gotten the receipt! Who knows what else was missed.
I recently came across this article. It is called, 10 Biggest Mistakes Home Buyers Make - If you can avoid falling into these traps you're likely to get a much better deal. This is definitely good reading and I highly recommend you take a moment, probably four minutes to read this timely paper on Home Buyer Mistakes. You may save yourself thousands of dollars and more important, be able to enjoy sleeping at night after you purchase your house.
David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.391.9200 x9119
Email: david@burrowsproperties.com
Web Site: Burrows Properties
A Burrows' Thought worth considering: Before beginning your search for a house, always see a Mortgage Loan Officer first. The Loan Officer will pre-qualify you for a certain amount of money. You will then know the house to shop for by way of price. When you are ready to make an offer, your offer will carry more weight when the sellers know you are pre-approved!
Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these writings on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin?
Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor®® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this powerful link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale The search engine on my site will allow you to find a house by Mapping, County, Subdivision, Zip Code, Address or City. I encourage you to try the Fairfax MLS and in fact, search the entire Northern VA Real Estate area.
Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!
Click on the following link for your Complimentary eCalendar & Daily Planner. This is a Free Gift from David. There is absolutely NO sign-up, registration, tricks, or gimmicks. It really is free for you to enjoy! This is a great tool for keeping track of your schedule for all of your Real Estate needs. There is NO obligation.
This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.
David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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