6 Essential Home Selling Tips for First-Timers

Selling your first home can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience.

It's a big step in your life, and you want to make sure you do it right. But don't worry if you're not sure where to start—we've got you covered! In this guide, we'll share six essential tips for first-time home sellers that will help you through the process with confidence and ease. So let's get started on making your home selling journey a success!

Research the Market
Before putting your home on the market, you need to do your research and understand the current real estate scene. Look into recent sales in your area to get an idea of how much homes are selling for and how long they stay on the market. This will give you a realistic expectation of what you can expect for your own sale.

You should also research any trends or changes in the housing market that may affect your sale. For example, if interest rates have gone up or down, this could impact buyer demand and ultimately, the price you can sell your home for. Being aware of these factors will help you make informed decisions throughout the selling process.

Consider Hiring a Real Estate Agent
While it's possible to sell your home on your own, it can be a time-consuming task for anyone. Consider hiring a real estate agent who can help guide you through the process and handle all the details for you. They are experts in the field and have experience negotiating, marketing and navigating legal documents.

When looking for an agent, make sure to do your research and find someone who is knowledgeable about your local market and has a proven track record of successful sales. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family who have recently sold their homes.

Price Your Home Competitively
One of the most critical factors in selling your home is pricing it competitively. Overpricing your home may lead to it staying on the market for longer than necessary, while underpricing means you could be losing out on potential profits.

Your real estate agent can help you determine a fair and competitive price for your home based on market research and the condition of your property. Be open to their advice and consider making adjustments if needed.

Stage Your Home
First impressions are crucial when it comes to selling a home. Staging involves decluttering, deep cleaning and arranging furniture in a way that showcases the best features of your space. A well-staged home can attract more buyers and potentially lead to a higher sale price.

When staging your home, try to create a neutral and inviting atmosphere that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. You can also add some personal touches, such as fresh flowers or scented candles, to make the space feel more welcoming.

While staging can be beneficial, there are also some common mistakes that first-time sellers should avoid. These include over-decorating or personalizing the space too much, not properly decluttering and neglecting to make necessary repairs or updates. If you're not sure what to do with your space, your real estate agent can provide guidance on how to best stage your home for a successful sale.

Be Flexible With Showings
As a first-time home seller, it's easy to get caught up in the stress of having strangers walk through your home. But remember, the more showings you have, the higher chance of receiving an offer. Make sure to be flexible with showing times and keep your home clean and presentable at all times. It may also be helpful to have a plan for where you will go during showings, whether it's taking a walk or going out for coffee.

During showings, potential buyers will schedule a time to view your home with their real estate agent. Your agent will be present to handle the showing and answer any questions that may arise. Try to make sure your home is in top condition for each showing, as this could potentially lead to an offer. Remember to also be open and honest about any known issues or repairs needed in the home.

Don't Neglect Curb Appeal
Curb appeal refers to how attractive your home looks from the outside, and it plays a significant role in making a good first impression on potential buyers. Simple tasks like mowing the lawn, trimming bushes and adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door can make a big difference. If your home is in dire need of a facelift, consider hiring a professional landscaper or investing in small upgrades to boost your curb appeal and make your home stand out.

While improving curb appeal can help attract potential buyers, there are also some common mistakes you should avoid. These include overdoing it with landscaping and adding too many personal touches, like lawn ornaments or excessive decorations. Be sure to create a clean and inviting outdoor space without going overboard. Additionally, make sure to address any major issues like cracked sidewalks or broken fences, as these would deter buyers from even entering your home.

By following these essential tips, you'll be on your way to a successful home selling experience. Remember to stay informed, listen to the advice of professionals and keep an open mind throughout the process. Good luck!

Read more at Rismedia.com

Related Links

• The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down Payment

• Why Now’s Not the Time To Take Your House Off the Market

• Vintage Decor Is Making A Comeback

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down Payment

Did you know? Homeowners are often able to put more money down when they buy their next home.

That’s because, once they sell, they can use the equity they have in their current house toward their next down payment. And it’s why as home equity reaches a new height, the median down payment has too.

According to the latest data from Redfin, the typical down payment for U.S. homebuyers is $67,500—that’s nearly 15% more than last year, and the highest on record (see graph below):

Here’s why equity makes this possible. Over the past five years, home prices have increased significantly, which has led to a big boost in equity for current homeowners like you. When you sell your house and move, you can take the equity that gives you and apply it toward a larger down payment on your new home. That’s a major opportunity, especially if you’ve had concerns about affordability.

Now, it’s important to remember you don’t have to make a big down payment to buy your next home—there are loan programs that let you put as little as 3%, or even 0% down. But there’s a reason so many current homeowners are opting to put more money down. That’s because it comes with some serious perks.

Why a Bigger Down Payment Can Be a Game Changer

1. You’ll Borrow Less and Save More in the Long Run

When you use your equity to make a bigger down payment on your next home, you won’t have to borrow as much. And the less you borrow, the less you’ll pay in interest over the life of your loan. That’s money saved in your pocket for years to come.

2. You Could Get a Lower Mortgage Rate

Providing a larger down payment shows your lender you’re more financially stable and not a large credit risk. The more confident your lender is in your credit score and your ability to pay your loan, the lower the mortgage rate they’ll likely be willing to give you. And that amplifies your savings.

3. Your Monthly Payments Could Be Lower

A bigger down payment doesn’t just help you reduce how much you have to borrow—it also means your monthly mortgage payment may be smaller. That can make your next home more affordable and give you a bit more breathing room in your budget.

4. You Can Skip Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

If you can put down 20% or more, you can avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which is an added cost many buyers have to pay if their down payment isn’t as large. Freddie Mac explains it like this:

“For homeowners who put less than 20% down, Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI is an added insurance policy for homeowners that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. It is not the same thing as homeowner’s insurance. It’s a monthly fee, rolled into your mortgage payment, that’s required if you make a down payment less than 20%.”

Avoiding PMI means you’ll have one less expense to worry about each month, which is a nice bonus.

Bottom Line

Down payments are at a record high, largely because recent equity gains are putting homeowners in a position to put more money down.

If you’re thinking about selling your current house and moving, reach out to a trusted real estate agent. They’ll help you figure out how much home equity you have right now, and how it can boost your buying power in today’s market.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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The 20-minute trick that will help a carved pumpkin last for weeks

Carving a pumpkin is one of the joys of autumn, but they typically only last between three and five days before beginning to rot.

To stop your pumpkin from looking sunken, sad and smelly, experts have recommended a clever 20-minute vinegar trick that could help your carved creations last for weeks in the run-up to Halloween and beyond.

Better still, this simple solution is an eco-friendly alternative to the trend of spraying pumpkins with bleach.

It's also safe for wildlife too, so you don't have to worry if you leave your pumpkin outside.

"The vinegar kills fungus, making it hard for the pumpkin to rot. That's why vinegar-soaked pumpkins look so new; they're unblemished by the grossness that inevitably befalls their untreated peers," says the team at Taste of Home.

How to preserve a carved pumpkin with vinegar

Want to give this trick a go? According to Taste of Home, you can make your fresh pumpkin last longer by using vinegar and water. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Choose a healthy pumpkin from your local pumpkin patch. "Make sure there are no soft spots or discolored areas, and avoid any gourd that's too bruised," says the team.

2. Next, carve your pumpkin with your desired design. Browse our guide on pumpkin carving ideas for plenty of inspiration.

3. Fill a large bucket with 10 parts water and one part vinegar (the bucket needs to be big enough for your pumpkins). Some experts also suggest doing this in the bath or a large sink.

4. Submerge your pumpkin in the vinegar and water solution, leaving them for 20-30 minutes. Once the time is up, pull them out and let them air-dry. You can then place your carved pumpkins outside for a long-lasting display.

Read more at CountryLiving.com

Related Links

• Home Values Rise Even as Median Prices Fall

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• Vintage Decor Is Making A Comeback

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Vintage Decor Is Making A Comeback

Home furnishing trends, colors and styles come and go with amazing speed, making it a challenge for even the most dedicated homeowner to keep track of what is "in" and "out" at any given moment.

The need or desire to remain current can be time-consuming and expensive.

The terms classic and timeless referencing design and architecture are vague and hard to pin down, and they are often overused. Presently, the popularity of vintage style – referencing the past with a few tweaks – is one answer to the struggle to harmonize old and new concepts.

A quick glance at any recent home decor magazine reveals influences from the past, whether in the form of antiques such as grandfather clocks, armoires (large cupboards used before built-in closets) or Hoosier cabinets, which stored flour and sugar in kitchens before cabinets were commonplace and standardized.

Attempting to define "vintage" is a bit complicated, as its stem, "vinter," (Anglo-French) in combination with "age," dates back to the late Middle Ages and references wine. Merriam-Webster, like most other dictionaries, offers several definitions of the adjective vintage, among them “of old, recognized, and enduring interest, importance, or quality” and “dating from the past.” Cambridge Dictionary states that “to be called vintage, the piece should strongly reflect styles and trends associated with that era.”

So, vintage design is influenced by the past, and according to Britannica Chatbot, it evokes feelings of nostalgia and celebrates the cultural heritage of bygone times. But in the past two decades, the term vintage has been “thoroughly diluted and deconstructed,” argues Shutterstock, and it “suffers from overuse in popular culture.” Often, the term can describe any type of product or design that references older styles.

In today's understanding of vintage style, five basic historical periods are seen most frequently.

1. Art Deco 

Originating in France in the 1920s and developing through the 1930s, Art Deco has had a profound influence on design with its fluid use of curving lines based on nature. Art Deco is short for the French phrase “arts décoratifs” (decorative arts), first seen in Paris in 1910, just before World War I, and it blossomed in both the United States and Europe in the 1920s and 1930s. Fashion, jewelry, furniture and interiors were heavily influenced by Art Deco, and it continues to inspire present design. New York City's Chrysler Building is a stellar example of Art Deco architecture.

2. Hollywood Regency 

Next up in the historic lineup of vintage styles is Hollywood Regency, a lesser-known style from California. Inspired by – what else? — Hollywood, the motifs emphasized glitz, glamour and sophistication. The Spruce defines this period as "glam, flashy, and unapologetically maximalist." Born in the Golden Age of cinema in the 1930s, it was an updated take on the styles of the 19th century Regency Era, sometimes termed Regency Moderne. This style and period coincided with Art Deco, representing its antithesis, and featured mirrors, animal prints, exotic jungle florals and overpowering crystal chandeliers. Its influence is still felt today in apartment building lobbies with black and white checkerboard floors, whether marble, ceramic tile or composite flooring. High gloss and lacquered finished were present in walls, ceilings and furniture.

3. Midcentury Modern 

Midcentury modern, also known as "retro" design of the 1950s, began in 1945 and was popular through the 1970s, with a resurgence as the new millennium began. Not really a style, but rather an era in design, post-World War II materials used in the war effort, such as glass, plastic, and aluminum, were now available for use in architecture and manufacturing of home goods. The focus was on inexpensive, modern, forward-looking design. Flat, abstract shapes, like the famous "Boomerang Pattern,” originally named "Skylark" by its originator, Raymond Loewy, in 1954, are emblematic of this style. This laminate was seen everywhere during this period and was reintroduced by Formica Corp. in four postmodern colors for its 75th anniversary in 1988.

4. The Natural Movement 

The 1970s brought environmentalism into the world of design with the natural movement. Natural materials, stone, wood and fur were used throughout the home. During the energy crisis or "Oil Shock of 1973-74,” the result of an oil embargo triggered by oil producing nations, warm earth tones predominated in carpeting, paint, tile and fabrics. Ceilings of living rooms and family rooms featured beams made of rough-hewn timber, wood stoves were back in vogue to keep warm and kitchens expanded in size to become cozy gathering places for families.

5. Farmhouse Style 

Presently, farmhouse style, incorporating all the vintage and antique furniture, materials and accents that were commonplace in the late 1900s, is the latest in vintage style. Despite the fast pace of life, the advanced technology of computers and appliances, and the use of solar panels; front porches, complete with hanging plants and rocking chairs, are en vogue. Television celebrities such as Joanna Gaines of HGTV's "Fixer Upper" have spearheaded this design style and promoted it relentlessly on television and in retail outlets. Clearly, the use of design motifs, colors, styles and materials from the heartland of America's early days has brought us full circle.

The Comforts of Living in the Past 

Designing one's home based on the past will assure it a place in the future. The desire to update our homes may be driven by our need to embrace the new and redefine ourselves to feel better and distract ourselves from larger life issues.

Decorating our homes makes us feel like we have control over our environment and, in turn, our lives. Living in a home that is influenced by the past can be comforting, familiar, and reassuring in a world filled with uncertainty.

Read more at USNews.com

Related Links

• Home Values Rise Even as Median Prices Fall

• Why Now’s Not the Time To Take Your House Off the Market

• Signs of housing demand surge after interest rate cut

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Home Values Rise Even as Median Prices Fall

Recent headlines have been buzzing about the median asking price of homes dropping compared to last year, and that’s sparked plenty of confusion.

And as a buyer or seller, it’s easy to assume that means prices are coming down. But here’s the catch: those numbers don’t tell the full story.

Nationally, home values are actually rising, even if the median price is down a bit. Let’s break down what’s really happening so you can make sense of the market without getting caught up in the fear the headlines create.

Homes on the Market Right Now Are Smaller

The biggest reason for the dip in median price is the size of homes being sold. The median price reflects the middle point of all the homes for sale at any given time. And that’ll be affected by the mix of homes on the market.

To show you how this works, here’s a simple explanation of a median (see visual below). Let’s say you have three coins in your pocket, and you decide to line them up according to their value from low to high. If you have one nickel and two dimes, the median (the middle one) is 10 cents. If you have two nickels and one dime, the median is now five cents.

In both cases, a nickel is still worth five cents and a dime is still worth 10 cents. The value of each coin didn’t change. The same is true for housing.

Right now, there’s a greater number of smaller, less expensive homes on the market, and that’s bringing the overall median price down. But that doesn’t mean home values are declining.

As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

“The share of inventory of smaller and more affordable homes has grown, which helps hold down the median price even as per-square-foot prices grow further.”

And here’s the data to prove it. 

Price Per Square Foot Is Still Rising

One of the best ways to measure home values is by looking at the price per square foot. That’s because it shows how much you’re paying for the space inside the home.

The median asking price doesn’t take into account the size of different homes, so it may not always reflect the true value. And the latest national price per square foot data shows home values are still increasing, even though the median asking price has dropped (see graph below).

As Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

“When a change in the mix of inventory toward smaller homes is accounted for, the typical home listed this year has increased in asking price compared with last year.”

This means that while smaller homes are affecting the median price, the average home’s value is still rising. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA):

“Nationally, the U.S. housing market has experienced positive annual appreciation each quarter since the start of 2012.”

So, while headlines may make it sound like prices are crashing, you don’t have to worry. With a closer look and more reliable data, you can see that prices are still climbing nationally.

But it’s important to remember that home prices can vary by region. While national trends provide a big-picture view, local markets may be experiencing different conditions. A trusted agent is the best resource to explain what’s happening in your area.

Bottom Line

The decrease in median price is not the same as a decrease in home values. The median asking price is down mostly due to the mix of smaller, less expensive homes on the market.

The important thing to focus on is the price per square foot, which is a better indicator of overall market value—and those prices are still going up. If you have questions about what home prices are doing in your area, reach out to a local real estate agent who can provide insights on your specific market.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

Related Links

• This Is the Sweet Spot Homebuyers Have Been Waiting For

• Why Now’s Not the Time To Take Your House Off the Market

• Signs of housing demand surge after interest rate cut

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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