Making Moving Fun For The Whole Family

Moving to a new home can be a stressful experience for anyone.  From the moment the house hunt begins to the day one steps foot into a new abode, relocating can be an intense process – especially when children are involved.  More often than not, the home serves as a special source of security and comfort for children, so it’s no wonder why many families have concerns about leaving their familiar surroundings.  After all, kids tend to be reluctant to change their clothes let alone their addresses, schools and friends!

Talking to kids before a move can help get them ready both emotionally and physically. Parents who communicate with their children that moving is an exciting adventure rather than something frightening or dreadful are likely to reduce some of the stress and help make moving more enjoyable for everyone.

Below are six suggestions for how to make moving fun for the entire family:

Explore the neighborhood.  Between the time you close on a new home and the time the moving truck arrives, spend a “family day” touring the new neighborhood.  This will take some of the “mystery” out of the move.  Pointing out local attractions and introducing children to their new neighbors and school will help get them excited about their new surroundings and reassure them that they will be able to make friends after the move.

Make a family wish list.  One of the best ways to acclimate your child to change is to emphasize the positive opportunities they’ll be presented with once the family makes the adjustment.  Write a list of all of the things your child wants to do once the family is settled in the new home.  By encouraging your child to get involved with extracurricular activities that align with existing interests, you’ll not only keep them busy but help them to feel more at home in their new surroundings.

Pack a treasure box.  It’s no secret that children can become very attached to their belongings.  Consider giving your child his / her own packing box to decorate however they would like and to pack up their favorite things.  Keep the box close by throughout the move.  This way your child can be sure those precious items will not be left behind.

Let loose your child’s creativity.  Kids will appreciate being involved in decorating their new house – especially when it comes to their own rooms!  Bring home paint swatches so that your child can choose a color for the walls.  Then follow up with a special day where he / she can shop for a new comforter, furniture, etc.  Being reasonable with his / her selection and allowing your child to be creative will help make the transition smoother – after all, it’s only paint!

Help your kids create an address book.  Staying in touch with friends has never been easier.  Help your child collect phone numbers, mailing and email addresses for everyone they would like to keep in touch with.

Pre-plan a housewarming party with friends from the old neighborhood. Saying goodbye to friends can be difficult for parents and their children.  Before the big moving day arrives, plan a gathering at your new home with pals from the old neighborhood.  Having a date set in advance will help your child to see that just because the family is leaving behind a particular home, does not mean they are leaving behind friends.

How to Sell Your Home in a Competitive Market

 What does it take to sell a home in a competitive market – a fresh coat of paint or a kitchen overhaul?  Lowering the asking price or offering incentives?  From cosmetic to strategic, smart sellers can take advantage of a few simple tips to get the most out of their properties.

Here are four suggestions on how to help secure a “sold” sign:

Price Point is Paramount When getting ready to put a home on the market, determining the right listing price is the number one most important element in the home selling process.  After you have carefully chosen an agent, the trust you have established will come into play immediately.  Have those tough discussions with your agent about where to price your home.  Make certain you understand how the agent has arrived at the price, including how previous sales and current homes on the market make an impact.  If necessary, jump in the car with your agent and see some of the homes on the market in the area.  This will provide first hand knowledge on homes that are available in your neighborhood.

Leave a Great First Impression Everyone talks about curb appeal, but a first impression is truly lasting.  A Coldwell Banker Real Estate survey found that 70 percent of women and 62 percent of men knew the property was “right” the first day they visited the home.  Remember, your agent is your trusted advisor.  They will know the necessary updates, upkeep, etc. you should make to hopefully get the home ready for showings.  But some of this is fairly easy and the front door is particularly important.  This is the area where a buyer will first step up to a home – and likely wait for a moment providing time to look around.  Do this ahead of time, stand directly in the front door and look up and around at the home from all angles – cobwebs that have not been noticed in years could be the first thing greeting a potential home buyer, so it’s important for this area to give a great first impression.

Everything is in the Visual Don’t underestimate the power of visuals in marketing your home.  The National Association of Realtors found that, more than 90 percent of home buyers begin their search online.  Your agent may push hard for you to have the home prepared for vivid pictures and video of the property that can be posted on websites.

Hit the Right Note with all Five Senses When a buyer comes to look at a home they want the full experience.  To help a home stand out, your agent may ask you to focus on appealing to all five senses.  Small and inexpensive upgrades to the home such as getting the walls painted, de-cluttering and making minor improvements to the outdoor landscape.  In terms of “touch,” remember that buyers aren’t just going to look – they’ll be turning on your faucets and opening closets, so make sure closets are clean and organized.  When it comes to making a home smell good, many agents prefer the smell of baked goods rather than fresh flowers or air fresheners which can be overwhelming.  All of this is being done to allow the buyer to properly visualize living in the home.

Tips for Moving with Pets

While moving to a new home is very exciting, relocating can be a stressful process for every member of the family – including pets.  More often than not, a move means that all familiarity is gone.  From where to hide a bone to where to nap in the sun, the pet’s sense of security and comfort has suddenly been altered.

Below are five suggestions for how to make moving a little less ruff for four-legged members of the family.

Plan ahead. From start to finish, moving to a new home involves a lot of planning. Pet parents should decide as soon as possible where their pet’s belongings – toys, water dishes, etc., — will go in the new home.  If the pet’s only car ride has been to the veterinarian, pet parents should get him or her accustomed to traveling by bringing them along on visits to the future home.

Take them on a walk-through to get them acclimated. For home buyers with pets in tow, it is important to help their companions become acclimated to their new life early on. During a visit to the future home, pet parents should take their four-legged friend on a personal tour, showing them their new play area and “bathroom.”  By scoping out all of the new scents and sights the pet will start to acquaint itself with their new digs.  Cats may feel more comfortable exploring one room at a time so start in the bathroom, a smaller space, and let them take their time coming out of the carrier to explore.

Get new pet tags. With doors opening and closing and people entering and exiting, pets will likely have more opportunities to get loose during a move than they did while living in the previous home.  As soon as the contract is signed, home buyers should purchase a new tag with their pet’s name, new address and phone number.  If the pet has a microchip, pet parents should also contact the company and have their pet’s ID information updated in their database. If a pet escaped during the move, it would be very difficult for them to find their way back to a home they barely know.

Be extra security conscious. The first few days in a new home can spook even the most laid-back pet. Pet parents should make sure their pet’s collar fits securely and, unless the backyard at the new home is securely fenced in, keep their pet on a leash when heading outdoors.   Also, take a full inspection of the house looking for openings a pet can crawl into or other safety hazards before letting the animal explore. Once they are off their leash or out of their carrier, be sure to keep a close eye on them.

Continue with business as usual.  After moving into the new home, pet parents should try to stick to their pet’s daily routine as closely as possible by feeding them, playing with them and walking them at the same times they did while living in the previous home. Such consistency will enable pets to get used to their new life more quickly.

Pick the Right Agent for You

A trusted real estate agent provides experienced counsel, guidance and unparalleled local expertise – all essential ingredients for anyone on the hunt for a home.  But for first-time home buyers, the first step can be one of the most intimidating.

Here are tips to identify the right real estate professional:

Ask around: Friends and family can be the first source of helpful information.  Referrals are the leading source of finding an agent.

Questions for potential candidates: As you meet potential agents, you should feel empowered to determine if the agent’s personality and skills are a good match.  Some of the key questions that might help you make a decision include:

○        What is your experience in the local area?

○        What is the average price point of homes that you help people buy and sell?

○        Tell me about the brokerage firm where your work?  How long has it been around?

Examine their online presence: Many real estate professionals are especially savvy when it comes to marketing themselves online.  They list their areas of specialty.  Some post tours of their local areas, demonstrating their expertise.  If the person is highly-visible and socially active online, it is also a good indicator that he or she is connected to the right tools and technology that come in handy for home buyers.

Go with your gut: After consulting with friends and family, doing research and looking online, the buyer’s instinct is often right on.  He or she will have a good “gut” feeling as to whether a person will be a good fit for the house-hunting process.

Staging your Home for First-Time Homebuyers

When it comes to staging a home for sale, it is important that sellers create a warm and inviting atmosphere that will appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. Today, due to an abundance of low-priced homes to choose from and historically low interest rates, first-time homebuyers account for a greater number of these potential buyers than ever before. But sellers looking to attract this coveted demographic need not do a complete design overhaul. Staging a home for first-time homebuyers is easier than one might think.

Below are simple staging tips to help boost a home’s appeal and give owners the competitive edge necessary when selling a home.

Stage rooms with one purpose. Extra rooms that have a mishmash of uses can confuse and even deter first-time homebuyers, so staging rooms with one purpose is vital. Keep in mind that these buyers are generally young couples without children, and rooms should be presented as areas equipped to meet their needs. So turn those playrooms and storage dens into a home office or the kids’ bedroom into a guest bedroom.

Tackle the easy “do-it-yourself” projects. To ensure that a home is in tip top shape make sure to replace outdated kitchen and bathroom fixtures, apply a fresh coat of paint to a worn wall and refinish the kitchen cabinets. Providing a sleek and modern look wherever possible can make a huge difference in the eyes of first-time homebuyers.

Focus on the living areas. A living room is an area in which potential first-time buyers should be able to envision themselves entertaining friends or gathering with their family. With that in mind, homeowners should make the area appear as large and functional as possible by removing any unnecessary furniture and decorations.

Make sure the master bedroom appeals to both sexes. The master bedroom of a couple’s first home is often the first bedroom they will share. When staging this room, make sure that it appeals to buyers of both sexes.  Remove any feature that seems too gender-specific and paint the walls a neutral color.

Furnish the home, but don’t overdo it. While an empty home looks spacious, it is hard for new buyers to visualize their belongings in a home if they are staring at ceilings, floors and bare walls. Leave the basic components of each room, but make sure there is still plenty of open space.

Don’t forget to spruce up the yard. First impressions often play a role in a consumer’s decision making process.  Make sure the home’s exterior is inviting by trimming the bushes, mowing the lawn and painting faded window trim. Couples looking for their first home often have less yard work under their belts and will appreciate the seller’s attention to detail.

 

Why not own it?

For most people, deciding to purchase a home is the largest financial decision of their lifetime. Rather than sitting on the fence, why not own it? Mortgage rates are near historic lows and with home prices more affordable, right now is the perfect time to speak with a professional real estate agent and seize the opportunity to achieve the American Dream of homeownership.

According to a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors, nearly eight out of 10 respondents believe buying a home today is a good financial decision.  Based on this, here are five reasons why now is a great time to get off the fence and consider owning the fence instead (and the home within it)!

Homes are More Affordable – Home prices remain more affordable than ever

Rates are Low – Mortgage interest rates remain near historical lows, which can mean lower monthly payments and/or shorter lending terms.

Homeownership is Still the American Dream – Lifestyle changes such as marriage, having children and starting a new job are some of the most common reasons that people decide to purchase a new home. But the American Dream of homeownership is much more than just a piece of property, it’s a home.

Financing is Available – Though many people decide they want to purchase a new home based on lifestyle factors, the financial aspect of purchasing a home needs to be top-of-mind.  A potential homebuyer should conduct the necessary research to prepare for the home buying process. Today’s borrower needs to have stable employment of at lease two years; sufficient income to cover the monthly mortgage payment and living expenses; adequate savings to make at least a 3.5 percent down payment; and, in general, a credit score of at least 620.

Timing is Everything – “Timing is everything,” a saying used to describe just about anything, is incredibly true when it comes to home buying.  When preparing to purchase a home, take the time to research other factors that could affect the home buying process.

Five Questions to Ask Prospective Real Estate Agents

Selecting a real estate agent to assist in the largest financial transaction a person will likely ever make is a critical part of the home selling process. In a challenging economic environment where competition among real estate companies is on the rise, choosing the agent that’s right for you can be a confusing task.

Home sellers should start by interviewing several real estate agents to find someone with whom they “connect.”  However, chemistry is not the only variable to consider. The length of time an agent has been in the business, his or her home sale success rate and knowledge of the local market can also play a significant role in the decision-making process.

To jump-start the conversation, here are five essential questions home sellers should ask before selecting a real estate agent.

1. How long have you been in the real estate business and what has your success rate been in terms of home sales over the past 12 months? The length of time a real estate agent has been in the business and their home sale success rate demonstrates their knowledge and expertise in the industry. Ideally a home seller will want to work with an agent who has a high percentage of completed transactions within your home’s price range. While this number will vary depending upon how active the local real estate market is, a higher percentage is preferable.
   
2. What was the average amount of time it took to sell those listings? Comparing marketing times between the agents you are interviewing will provide you with an indication of how well that agent markets homes.
   
3. What was your list-price to sale-price ratio? Significant differences between original listing prices and ultimate sale prices can be an indication that the list prices quoted at the outset were unrealistic.
4. What is your online marketing plan to sell my property? According to the National Association of Realtors, 90 percent of home buyers use the Internet as a source for their home search. Therefore, the real estate agent you select should have a strong online marketing presence as well as be visible through social media outlets in order to reach the widest possible audience.
5. Do you have references you can share from past clients? References allow you to gain additional insight into the day-to-day workings with the real estate agent. Gathering reputable references will help ensure that you select the best real estate agent for your needs.

 

To Buy Or To Rent?

“To buy or to rent?” Recent graduates, young couples, relocating professionals and others have all asked themselves this question at one point or another. While each option has its benefits, the decision to purchase a house as opposed to renting, is complex and based on a number of factors. According to a survey from the National Association of Realtors, nearly eight out of 10 respondents believe buying a home today is a good financial decision. The question that remains is whether or not now is the right time to purchase a home for you.

For most people, deciding to purchase a home is the largest financial decision of their lifetime. Before making the jump into homeownership, potential home buyers should consider the “soft” lifestyle issues as well as the “hard” financial ones. Here are financial and lifestyle questions to consider when determining if buying a home is the right decision for you:

1. Do you have a steady income? At or near the top of every potential homebuyer’s mind is whether or not they can afford to buy a home right now. Buying a home remains a sound financial decision for those with documented income and a good credit history, and a steady income can provide a strong backbone for the initial down payment and future mortgage payments.
2. Do you plan to stay in a home for an extended period of time? With proper planning, a home purchase has historically proven to be one of the strongest investments one can make. Along those lines, it’s imperative to understand that investing in a home is much different than investing in a stock portfolio. Homes typically appreciate in value over time while the owner builds his or her equity through monthly mortgage payments. If you anticipate staying in a home for only one or two years, it doesn’t necessarily mean buying is not for you, but you are less likely to see a significant financial return on your investment.
3. Do you plan to sell a house in order to buy a house? A local real estate professional can help you understand current local market conditions and will help you make smart decisions when listing a home on the market. If you do not currently own a home that needs to be sold prior to purchasing a new one, now is a particularly smart time to buy. Even with lenders becoming increasingly more thorough in their approval process, mortgage financing is still widely available for those with a steady income and solid credit.
4. How do your other options compare? For renters, calculating month-to-month housing expenses is as easy as inquiring about the monthly rent and average utilities. The calculation gets a bit more complicated when considering the monthly cost of owning a home. A real estate professional can help you understand a range of financial considerations from annual property taxes to the tax incentives for owning a home.

There is no one right decision when it comes to renting versus buying a home. Each individual should take the time to look at their personal and financial situation to decide what will work best for their needs and lifestyle.

Home Improvement Tips

While improving one’s lifestyle is a fundamental reason for a home renovation, homeowners should also be aware that with proper research, planning and thoughtfulness, home improvements can ultimately raise the value of a property investment.

Here are several items to consider before renovations begin.

Think Long-Term:  Remodeling Magazine reported that money spent to upgrade a kitchen produces the highest return on investment.  Renovating bathrooms and adding additional rooms such as a spare bedroom or study also traditionally score well.  Homeowners should consult with a local real estate sales associate to determine if their plans will positively influence the resale value. 

Healthy Balance:  While homeowners should consider a home’s future value when making renovations, changes that enhance their lifestyle should also come into play.  More size, better layout and updated looks can help a family find more pride in their home and increase the home’s overall value.  Life-altering milestones – like having children, having extended family move in and work-at-home-jobs – provide good cause to renovate.

Seek Out Referrals:  Once committed to the process, hiring the right home improvement contractor is critical.  A great way to choose a contractor is to contact salespeople at stores where contractors buy their supplies. It is also a good idea to speak with friends, family and neighbors that have been through the process before.

Obtain Multiple Bids: Always get at least three estimates on a project. Contractors can bid on the same project using different prices and time frames.  Check that all the bids are based on the same scope and quality of work, which is the only way to do a fair and effective comparison. 

Interview the Contractors:  It is important for the homeowner to talk about a contractor’s style and process.  A strong rapport and close communication with the contractor will increase the likelihood of the project going smoothly.  If, for example, the homeowner will want to know every detail during the project, they probably will not be content with a contractor that provides little information during the interview. 

Follow up on References:  Be sure to check the contractor’s credentials.  Ask how many similar jobs the contractor has completed, how much experience they have, whether they guarantee their work and who will be in charge of the project.  Reputable contractors typically supply names and phone numbers of recent references.  It is worth calling a minimum of three people to verify the contractor’s credentials.  There are several good questions to ask:  Did the reference pay a fair price, was the work done properly and would the reference hire the contractor again?  Did the contractor show up every day and finish the project when expected?  

Eco-Friendly Home Tips Make Going Green Easy

Incorporating eco-friendly measures in homes has moved beyond installing energy efficient appliances and swapping out incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescents – going green is giving home sellers a competitive advantage. In the end, small changes to a home can help the environment and help a property stand out among the competition.

The following are tips that outline how to make homes sustainable, energy- and cost-efficient now, and appealing to eco-conscious homebuyers:

A Ray of Light:  South-facing windows provide more natural daylight making a home more bright and cheery. But, more importantly, natural daylight can help keep the indoor climate comfortable during the winter months, allowing a homeowner to set the thermostat a bit lower.

 

Green Gardening: Sustainable landscaping is becoming all the rage to eco-conscious homeowners.  Planting native plants, vegetation and shade trees strategically around a yard can keep a home cool during the summer and block cold winds during the winter.

 

Switch to Green Power: The use of renewable energy in a home, such as solar, wind, water or geothermal, greatly helps reduce pollution.

 

Dial it Back: Lowering the settings on water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry machines reduces the amount of energy required to maintain the temperature. Installing low-flow sink faucets and shower heads also lessens water consumption.

 

Reuse Rain: Recycling rain water for gardening is another great way to conserve. For example, a water collection system under drains can catch the water and then reuse it for watering landscapes.

Less Lawn does More: Eliminate as much of the lawn as possible and plant native bushes, flowers, etc. Homeowners can simply cut back on the amount of space that they have to mow to promote energy conservation in lawn care.

 

Turn Old into New: Refurbish the home’s existing materials when remodeling instead of buying new ones. If brand new appliances are required, homeowners should make sure they are energy-efficient, and should consider donating their old appliances to be recycled or reused.

Insulation is Key: Insulating cold-water pipes will prevent them from dripping condensation, and insulating hot-water pipes will prevent costly heat loss and save on energy bill.