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Tips for First-Time Home Sellers Directly from the Experts
Our “Guiding You Home Since 1906” ad, re-launched this week during the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament and on streaming platforms, showcases how Coldwell Banker-affiliated agents are a vital aspect in any home selling experience – especially in this fast-paced seller’s market, in which sellers need the most trusted guidance in the industry to help them navigate this new normal. Trust our agents to help YOU navigate the home selling process and receive the best offers on your home!
Be Informed: Know Your Market
Being informed and knowing your local market results in successfully selling your home. It’s important to do your own research to have an understanding of the market, but don’t feel like you need to know everything about real estate prior to meeting with an agent.
Britney Kensmoe
Britney Kensmoe with Coldwell Banker Howard Perry & Walston in Holly Springs, NC, loves making sure clients are well informed from start to finish in order to make the process less overwhelming. Our network of agents can help you understand terminology, local trends, pricing and what buyers are looking for.
Megan Vaden
Megan Vaden with Coldwell Banker The Brokers in Billings, MT, stresses the importance of knowing the local buyers, noting that buyers can often tell when a home listing is overpriced, which can lead to little or no offers on a home. Instead, if a home is priced fairly the first time it hits the market, there’s a better chance of getting an offer of equal or greater value to the listed asking price.
Closing costs – should you cover them? According to Ant Stroud with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty in Jacksonville, FL, it depends. Before immediately rejecting a buyer’s request to cover closing costs, he advises considering if you received assistance from the previous seller during your buying process, plus asking your agent if it’s common in your market for closing costs to be covered by the seller.
Prepare Your Home for Listing
The most important thing to do when you’re ready to sell your current home is to prepare it for listing. Take a step back and look at it from the eyes of a potential buyer.
Ed Feijo
Ed Feijo with Coldwell Banker Realty in Cambridge, MA, understands that preparing the home for showing can be the biggest hurdle to overcome when selling and that the process is made more difficult because of COVID-19 – if your whole family is always home, when do you clean, organize and do minor repairs? For this reason, he tries to help sellers overcome any anxieties by doing what he can to maximize the sell.
Jessie Simmons
“The days and weeks leading up to listing are what’s really important,” echoes Jessie Simmons with Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan Properties in Lake Chelan, WA. The effort placed into organizing, staging and marketing the home in those weeks [is] essential and will be what sets the home apart for a successful listing on the market.
Kensmoe is big on helping sellers set up their homes for success on the market and shares that, as a seller, “you only get one first impression.” For this reason, she properly prepares clients by setting up staging, professional photography/videography and creating a website for the listing so that the home is able to “shine like the star it’s meant to be.”
Ant Stroud
Stroud has two key terms he shares with customers: buyer value and return value.
“Buyer value is when you improve your property, but it might not show you any signs of financial return,” he says. He shares the example of curb appeal, which cannot be added to a listing price but helps buyers fall in love with the property upon driving up to it and can ultimately influence their decision to purchase the home.
On the other hand, Stroud explains that return value means “upgrades we can actually add to your listing [to] improve the listing price.” Renovated kitchens or bathrooms are a perfect example of return value as they can be included in the listing and can help raise the price of a home on the market.
Trust Your Agent and Take Advantage of the Current Market
Real estate agents are always available to help you along the home selling process, and Coldwell Banker-affiliated agents in particular are the best prepared and have the most experience to answer any questions you may have.
Stroud’s most important tip? Understand the value of your real estate agent because an agent’s job starts way before the offers roll in. They help you understand the process, help with inspections, negotiate repair requests, communicate with the lender for loan approval and coordinate with the title officer to make sure a closing date is set.
Trust your agent’s guidance and advice but know that ultimately, you will be the one making decisions. Once the home is listed, you can relax and trust that your agent will handle the process while keeping you informed and finding the best offers for your home!
As for finding the right time to sell, Feijo advises that right now is “a great time to take advantage of selling [since] you’ve got low inventory and low interest rates out there.” With limited inventory in most markets, finding a new home after the sale is a pain point that may keep many want-to-be sellers on the sidelines. “There are options and strategies to help you jump that hurdle,” remarks Feijo. “Don’t let fear keep you from having the home of your dreams. Trust your agent to work for you.”
No one is better suited to help you on your home-selling journey than a Coldwell Banker agent. After all, we’re the only real estate company that’s been guiding people home for 115 years!
Written by Athena Snow
How Much Home Can You Afford?
Determining your creditworthiness can help you learn what size mortgage you’ll qualify for and lead you to a realistic homebuying budget. When you obtain a pre-approval from a mortgage lender, you’ll know exactly what you can afford. Having a pre-approval letter will also make your offer more appealing to sellers. To ensure you are set for success for the homebuying journey, contact your Coldwell Banker-affiliated agent, who can connect you with a trusted loan officer.
Prior to any significant purchase, it’s important to set a realistic budget, and buying a home is no exception. Do a reality check on your personal finances. Scrutinize your monthly income, expenses and debt-to-income ratio, so you can assess what funds you’ll have available for a down payment and a monthly payment once you move into your new home.
Another important piece of this puzzle is your credit history. Check your current credit report for any debts you need to pay off so you’re in a stronger position when it comes time to apply for a loan. The higher your credit score is, the more access you’ll have to loans and lower interest rates.
Refer to a handy, online mortgage calculator to study property purchase prices. Do a quick search online and you’ll find a variety of free options. In fact, many allow you to figure in important, relevant factors such as property taxes, down payment amounts, interest rates and home insurance to provide a detailed breakdown of what your monthly payments would look like.
To be really savvy, factor in related expenses such as upfront costs, closing costs and other fees you’ll have prior to closing on a home. Also, budget for standard property maintenance expenses such as homeowner’s insurance, taxes and repairs that may be needed in the short term after closing.
Comfort and joy in your first home start with setting realistic financial expectations ahead of time. Buying a home will likely be the biggest purchase of your life, after all.
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Two-Month Moving Checklist
The pandemic stay-at-home protocols forced us to reevaluate our homes and where we live. Questions about our home size, needing a home office long term and thoughts of relocation to more affordable cities or closer to family were on the minds of many during the last year. Whether due to a life change or a change brought about by the pandemic, millions of people are moving and creating the “Great Reshuffling.”
This record rise in Americans moving, coupled with the typical busy moving season in the summer and a shortage of workers, has created the perfect storm. Moving companies are incredibly busy and are working hard to hire the qualified help they need. Moving is challenging enough without scrambling to find a reputable moving company.
So what does this mean for those planning to move this summer? Plan ahead! Make your moving reservations as early as possible to beat the surge and put your organizational skills in overdrive.
If possible, give yourself eight weeks to handle the moving to-dos in an orderly, low-stress manner. Use the steps below in this two-month moving calendar to keep you calm and prepared. Simply follow these steps and check them off one-by-one:
EIGHT WEEKS TO GO:
- Start the process of selecting a mover
- Check a mover’s record with the Better Business Bureau in your state and social review sites. A great reputation is the best way to choose a mover
- Book your mover
- Start to inventory and divide up your belongings: Decide who gets what, which items to donate, recycle, to take and which items (if any) need to go into short-term or long-term storage
FOUR WEEKS TO GO:
- Mail change of address cards or change your information online at the following:
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- Post office
- Local Department of Motor Vehicles for License & Registration
- Social security
- Insurance companies
- Credit card companies
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- Credit bureau and/or other creditors
- Employer (to forward W2s)
- Broker
- Mail order accounts
- Magazines
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- Friends and relatives
- Gather personal records (medical, dental, etc.)
- Arrange to transfer children’s school records
- Gather all pet’s vet records and make sure all pets are microchipped and chip corresponds to a cell number that goes with you on your move. Order new tags and licenses with new address and your cell phone number
- Check homeowner’s insurance policies to see if moving is covered. Be sure your new home is protected by transferring fire, theft and other personal-property insurance
- START TO PACK
THREE WEEKS TO GO:
- Make arrangements to discontinue current utilities and schedule the start-up of new utilities:
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- Landline telephone service
- Cable TV
- Internet
- Electricity (check for refund)
- Gas (check for refund)
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- Fuel oil
- House cleaners
- Babysitters
- Dog walkers
- Gardeners
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- Pool Service
- Diaper service
- Water
- Water softener
- Parking
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- Other: ________________________
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- Have appliances serviced for shipment
TWO WEEKS TO GO:
- Arrange to transfer local bank accounts
- Ask doctors, dentists and veterinarians for medical records
- Cancel newspaper delivery
- Refill all prescriptions. Get prescriptions transferred to a new pharmacy closer to the new home
- Make arrangements to move children and pets. Do you need a babysitter for a day or two? A pet sitter?
- Confirm that the mover will move houseplants; if not, make arrangements. Houseplants, usually, cannot be moved by a mover, especially on long distance or out of state moves
- Start to disassemble any shelving, closet systems, etc. that you plan to take or arrange with the mover that they will be doing this on the day of the move
- If you need one, hire a cleaning crew to come clean your empty place to get your deposit back. Will your new place need a cleaning crew before you move in too?
ONE WEEK TO GO:
- Pack in separate boxes the items necessary for first days in the new home: Label “LOAD LAST.” And label where to put each of those boxes in your new home:
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- Medicine (always keep prescriptions on you)
- Comfortable clothes
- Linens and towels
- Toothbrushes and toiletries
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- Paper goods
- Disposable plates and silverware
- Foil and wax paper
- Plastic containers
- Microwave
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- Vacuum cleaner
- Garbage bags
- Tool kit
- Step ladder
- Extension cords
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- Light bulbs
- Cleaning items (mop and pail, broom and dust pan, etc.)
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- Each member of the family should also pack a suitcase with what they need for a few days while you’re getting settled into your new place. Don’t forget cell phone chargers, medications and favorite teddy bears
- If the movers are packing all or part of your belongings, call to schedule and confirm the details. Make sure your mover knows how much packing you expect to do yourself and how much you expect them to do
- Plan to use up most food items before the move. If you have any leftover food on moving day, donate it to Move For Hunger
- Register to vote
TWO DAYS TO GO:
- Defrost and dry refrigerators/freezers to be moved
- Gather valuables and important documents from jewelry cases, safe deposit box, etc. to take with you in the car. Do not pack these items with your other belongings
MOVING DAY! YOU MADE IT!
Congratulations, you conquered “The Great Reshuffling!” Not only did you move during a very unique time, you stayed organized and, hopefully, the entire process was much more stress-free. As the winner of this moving marathon, you now get to slowly unpack and peacefully settle into your new and improved lifestyle.
Written By:
Home Design Trends for 2023
In recent months, the world has re-energized, and hope has bloomed in ways that many had not experienced since before this decade began. In contrast, shifting economic and global conditions have awakened and heightened certain sensitivities. This age of extremes has given way to a curious range of design ideas. From eclectic and new to natural and nostalgic, here are some of the most notable home design features and themes we expect to see in the year ahead:
Bring the vacation to you. After nearly two years of limited travel, a sense of wanderlust has arisen for many. Yet, rather than actually traveling to fulfill this urge, savvy decorators have opted instead to create an escape within the residence. With a continued desire to revel in the comforts of home, many have embraced the idea that venturing out truly isn’t necessary to achieve that breezy, revitalizing experience. Using warm wood tones, bright light and airy linen curtains and furnishings, abodes will have rooms – both indoors and out – transformed in the style of beachy resort destinations and dreamy European villas.
Connect to nature and the present. People are recognizing the need to be more present and peaceful in the moment and are erring toward pragmatic sensibilities in lifestyle and functionality. Fostering security and balance continue to be key, but with an emphasis on the senses – which translates into the use of natural textiles and rare materials in home décor such as crude clay, terra-cotta, handcrafted finishings and glazed tiles made from organic materials. Color schemes are inspired by nature and the desert theme has gained in appeal, incorporating gentle colors such as beiges and greys. The trend additionally translates to comforting, tactile interior designs that blend organic shapes, arches and irregular forms to create a cozy, warm aesthetic. Such biophilic design will continue as a trend. In fact, you may even consider adding a full-sized tree to the kitchen – olive trees are favored – to add an impressive fixture and create a Mediterranean or rustic vibe.
Embrace opulence and idiosyncrasy. In a distinctly disparate tone, an “anti-neutral renaissance” has simultaneously gained traction, influencing home interiors. For those on this opposite end of the spectrum, minimalist fatigue has set in, driving the desire for extravagance and affecting a mood for glamour. A major theme for the new year is celebrating individuality, so unique touches, unconventional decorative fabrics and elements will reign. Think luxe jewel tones, whimsical details and embellishments galore. Expect striking visual effects in homes such as curvy and geometric shapes, fanciful rugs, monochromatic rooms in vivid shades like baby pink – as well as two-toned cabinets in contrasting colors. Emerald green, cobalt and rust are expected to be top interior colors in the coming year. Hellenism and antiquity will also see a surge in popularity, so Corinthian-style furnishings, statues and wallpaper motifs will be highly sought after.
Statement stone. Combining aspects of the two aforementioned trends, another desirable style in 2023 will be the use of unexpected stones in surprising ways. Anticipate colorful marble in creative reds, corals, deep blues and jewel tones. Exotic types of porcelain, soapstone and granite will be used throughout the home in a variety of ways: Subtly – as serving platters, side tables or nightstands – and dramatically – as accent walls, tables, bathtubs or countertops that transition into bold backsplashes – to incorporate as standalone art or a stunning focal point.
Whether you feel like a daredevil or crave simplicity, the coming year boasts a menu of delights to fulfill the moods and needs of many appetites. We hope you’re inspired to customize and love your residence more than ever in 2023.
Savvy Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value
Whether you plan to be in your home for just a few more months or many more years, there are plenty of efficient ways to maximize your space and increase its value. This type of investment needn’t require a loan, nor does it have to span any great length of time. From green living to greenery in your yard, here are a few impactful and straightforward means of boosting your home’s value and appeal over the short or long term.
A Smart Move
Green is the new black. Any form of energy efficiencies and conservation in your home will inevitably be a fiscal gain. Whether you install energy-saving window treatments or solar panels, both options can reduce utility expenses for you and any future inhabitants. When it comes time to replace appliances, a prudent decision would be to select a “smart” model of said item, which can significantly lower long-term energy costs.
While on the topic of efficiency, a wise investment would be installing “smart” devices throughout your property. Think digital features such as automated blinds or shades, security cameras, door locks, security lighting and thermostats. When you’re ready to sell, the smart tech will appeal to buyers with a penchant for the added value of convenience and connectivity.
Wide Open Spaces
Create visual space in rooms by keeping them clutter-free and organized, which can be solved by simply installing a stylish shelving unit to keep extraneous items out of sight. Seek the help of a professional organizer who will be bursting with innovative ideas to optimize the storage areas in your dwelling.
Another way to increase square footage without a renovation is to let the sunshine in! Avoid heavy drapes and instead, use modern window treatments that add height such as roller, Roman or cellular shades. Similarly, you can position a decorative floor-to-ceiling mirror in any room to visually double your space.
From the Bottom Up
Explore the possibility of replacing the flooring in a few key spaces. A unique, beautiful and buzzworthy material is cork, which is also known to have antibacterial properties. If you opt for new surfaces under your feet, consider installing radiant heating simultaneously. These systems not only add optimum comfort, but are also aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient.
Make an impact through your lighting choices. Utilize contemporary or dramatic fixtures to complement each room. Whether you choose minimal or eye-catching designs – the right piece in the optimal locale can add intrigue and substance to your residence.
Kick It Up a Notch
Significant updates to your kitchen and bathroom are sure to boost value. Modern appliances and updated décor increase appeal to buyers, so consider a new backsplash or that roomy farmhouse-style sink you’ve been eyeing. Think one step further and install a water filtration system to add practicality and luxury to your dwelling. Additional elements like stylish sconces, a new vanity or a vintage mirror can elevate functionality and increase allure.
It’s Only Natural
Consider your front and backyard. If there is an area that would benefit from some striking landscaping or creative plantings, explore your options or consult with a professional landscape architect or designer. Executed well, a garden or other natural elements in your yard can become lovely extensions of your home’s indoor atmosphere.
When you look around, there are many ways to enhance the comfort and appeal of your property that will serve you well as a resident – and add value one day when you’re ready to sell.
