Preparing for an Open House

Here are a few tips on preparing for an Open House

1) The first thing to do is take a look around your home and make notes of any small repairs or items that need immediate attention. Make sure that none of the rooms have bad odors that could possible turn any potential buyers away.

2) De-clutter and de-personalize: Put away any knick-knacks and remove any over-sized furniture. Remove personal photographs. Make sure the refrigerator is free of magnets, clippings, etc.

3) Make sure all windows are clean including screens and window seals. All blinds should be open and the lights should be on. The brighter the room the larger it will look. Make sure all light bulbs are working.

4) Make sure that the house is neat and clean. A clean house gives the impression that “this house needs no repairs and is ready to move into”.

5) Make sure that the front entry way is clear of debris including dust, webs and dirt. Replace your front door mat if needed.
6) Empty all trash, make sure trash cans are either removed from a conspicuous area and/or that the smell clean and fresh.
8) Flush all toilets often and make sure lids are always down.
7) Outside, cut the yard and weed the flower beds.
These are small things but are significant to making your listing feel inviting and your Open House Guests feel “at home”.

251 Poplar Springs Drive, Rogersville, AL | Powered by Postlets

251 Poplar Springs Drive, Rogersville, AL | Powered by Postlets

Five Bad Home Improvement Ideas by Kimbrough Gray

Five Bad Home Improvement Ideas
Published on Saturday, May 15, 2010, 6:18 PM Last Update: 17 hour(s) ago by Kimbrough Gray
Category: All Articles » Sales Strategies and Tactics

When considering adding value to a home, you consistently hear from the real estate industry that updated bathrooms and quality kitchens stand out in a home sale. Those are proven sale closers. There are certain other improvements you can make to your home that will beautify it or create convenience for your family. When it comes time to selling, however, those improvements may do nothing to increase the value of the property and may even turn off potential homebuyers.

Over-the-Top Renovations

Au contraire mon frère, not all renovations will raise the value of your home. Just `cause it's bigger doesn't mean it will be perceived as better by future homebuyers. Unless your home is located in Beverly Hills or some other very posh neighborhood, don't install the bathroom with the supersized steam shower, imported Italian marble and several different spray heads ... unless you have the money to do it for your own pleasure and enjoyment only. That kind of improvement doesn't typically do anything to increase the value of the average home.

On the other hand, if you updated an old bathroom, you could see an increase of several thousand dollars to your home's bottom line. Real estate professionals suggest that homeowners pour over local home listings to see what amenities are the standard in your area, then upgrade your home to meet it. If you overdo it, however, you may not recoup your investment.

Swimming Pools

If you think installing a swimming pool in the back side of your home will draw hoards of homebuyers clamoring to make offers on your home at sale time, you'd be wrong. Some may consider it a perk, but others may perceive it as a pain with all the maintenance it will require.

Homeowners have even paid to have their swimming pools buried to create more yard space. If you shell out the expense to build one, don't expect your home's value to budge. The only exception to building a swimming pool is if you live in states where they are considered the norm.

Home Office Renovations

Although, a home office is often an amenity appreciated by those shopping for a home, it should be built with frugality in mind. Overhauling an office doesn't pay off when it's time to sell your home. Don't steal usable space from another living area to create a home office. Instead, make sure the space can easily be converted back into a bedroom or other living space if needed. If you decide you just have to have the built-in Curly Maple wood shelves, know that you will only recoup around 50 percent of your cost at sale time.

Unique Builds

Home magazines are always coming up with clever and creative ways to change the look of your living space. Some are exotic and outlandish, but they can pique your interest. Tempted to put a classic disco ball with lights in your bedroom, a constellation ceiling in your family room or a peaceful Koi pond in your back yard? Avoid making outlandish changes to your home or changes that will be perceived as adding work for a future homeowner. Don't be tempted to incorporate these ideas into your own home, unless you don't plan on selling anytime soon. Homebuyers may not share your enthusiasm.

Roof Renovations

If your roof needs repair, don't hesitate to have the work done. It will be one less issue you'll have to deal with when listing your home. If in your pursuit to list your home you think replacing your roof with cedar shakes or clay tiles will increase the value, think again. Although they have the ability to make your home stand out, they probably won't inspire homebuyers to pay more for them. So, unless you have the money to burn, keep it simple when preparing your home to be listed on the real estate market.

Ki has been an investor in the Austin real estate market for several years. The website has an Austin home search for listings in Austin, Texas. It also has general statistics covering Austin real estate along with several neighborhoods in Barton Creek.

Life as a Realtor (In My Opinion)

What is life like in the business of being a Realtor? I know several people have asked this question and thought about becoming a Realtor. Well let me tell you about my experiences as a Realtor for the first two years. The first year was very hard due to getting all the systems in place to make your business successful. You also have to be known as a Realtor to keep your business moving forward. Most Realtor s are only employed as long as they have clients they are working for. The second year has been much better and I believe it is because of the consistency of reminding everyone that you are a Realtor. It is also very important to take care of you clients so they refer you out to their friends and acquaintances. There are many fees associated with being a Realtor Including: signs, lock boxes, ads, business cards, ect... Like every other job on commission you are at the top of the hill one day and then the next day you wake at the bottom starting over. This job takes a lot of dedication, nights and weekends for you to be successful.

In My Opinion

For Sale: 3BR/1BA Single Family House in Decatur, AL, $59,900

For Sale: 3BR/1BA Single Family House in Decatur, AL, $59,900

1202 7th Ave, Athens, AL | Powered by Postlets

1202 7th Ave, Athens, AL | Powered by Postlets

For Sale: 3BR/2BA Single Family House in Athens, AL, $129,900

For Sale: 3BR/2BA Single Family House in Athens, AL, $129,900

To Choose a Realtor

There are many ways to decide what Realtor works best for you. Some things you may want to ask are: Do you work weekends? Do you work in Real Estate full time? Do you have another job? How long has it been since you have written a contract? What hours are you available for me to reach you? Whether you are buying or selling make sure to ask the questions that are most important to you. When you do this it makes the process much smoother and less stressful.

Thursday May the 6th 2010

Today is May the 6th 2010 and started out a little strange with a phone call at 6:25 AM. This was a shock as it was another Realtor needing a form that he did not have that had been signed by my client. Needless to say I sent over the paper, went to the gym and burned my 900 calories on the elliptical machine. After this I went to meet with another client and have them sign a request for repairs. I had floor duty from 1-5 PM with no luck there with phone calls. Tomorrow will be great. Check back and see