Shopping for a new home can be a dizzying experience. There are so many things to think about. It’s all too easy to lose focus on the most important consideration of all: getting the home you really want. Here are five questions to help focus your efforts: 1. Is it located in the neighborhood I want? Where […]
Do You Need a Pre-Sale Inspection?
Your home probably has dozens of great features that are going to help it stand out and sell faster. Perhaps it has a cozy sunken living room. Or an equipped and smartly decorated kitchen that Rachel Ray would envy. Or a location in a desirable neighborhood. All these things will help. But there’s another selling […]
When Choosing a Fixer-Upper Makes Cents
Some renovations can significantly increase the market value of a home. Others can cost more than you’ll ever get back. So, when choosing a “fixer-upper”, look carefully at the work that needs to be done. General painting, and bathroom or kitchen renovations typically increase the resale value of a house. “Invisible” repairs such as plumbing, […]
Get Your Home-Hunting Ducks in a Row
Getting Schooled on Local Schools
If you have kids, the local school will be a big part of your new home buying decision. That’s why it’s important to get a school’s “vital statistics”, such as: Safety record Curriculum Accommodation for special needs Awards Average class sizes Extracurricular activities. (sports, arts, crafts, technology, etc.) Scores on standardized achievement tests Daily schedules […]
Fresh Air Sells
Will Your Furniture Fit?
When shopping for a new house or condo, most buyers consider such factors as neighborhood, proximity to schools, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of the kitchen, and more. These are, of course, all important considerations. But there’s one question that few buyers ask – until it’s too late. “Will our furniture fit?” This may […]
Should You Accept a “Conditional Offer”?
There’s no doubt about it. The best kind of offer is a “firm” offer. The buyer offers you a certain price for your property and, should you accept it, the deal is done. Congratulations. You’ve just sold your house! But more often than not, an offer is “conditional”. That means the buyer is offering you […]
Surviving a Bidding War
Traffic Matters
Like taxes, traffic is a fact of life. (Particularly if you live anywhere near the HRBT). So, when you’re shopping for a new home, consider how the road situation will affect your commute to work, access to shopping and attractions, and the ability to conveniently reach places you need to go. After all, it’s difficult […]