The LAST thing that you want to do when staging your home, is to over accessorize. Don't get me wrong, I love a good trinket here and there, and I like decorating just as much as the next person, but sometimes people take it too far. That's when people run into problems selling their home.
Home Staging: Less Really Is More
We've all heard the saying "less is more". But when it comes to selling and staging your home, is that really the case? It seems to be! People interested in purchasing a home aren't looking to see all of your memorabilia, they're looking for simplistic, and they're looking for minimal design.
When staging your home, try to minimize the accessories that you're using. If you have book shelves or books you want to display, only display a few! Keep it on the lower end. The same rules apply for something like plants or paintings. Try and keep it to only one plant per table or piece of furniture, and if you have a favorite piece of artwork, hang only one instead of them all! A little goes a long way when it comes to staging and selling your home.
To learn more on staging and how to sell your home, click right here!
Is the Price Right for you to buy or sell that home of yours?
Drew Carey knows The Price Is Right. Where in the world is Drew Carey when you need him? Tell us Drew, what to do?
He's a true handy man in the career sense. He's had a hand in lots of different sorts of honey pots. Maybe not a colligiate fellow, but Real Estate licensing isn't higher institutionalized - don't worry. Marine, Game Show Host, Stand-Up Comedian, Press Photographer for Soccer, Denny's host (maybe?), a bank teller in Vegas and let's imagine him now in his retirement phase going on the housing market waves instead of the air waves.....
Drew Carey has a background in the U.S. Marine Corps-- 6 years experience. "SELL YOUR HOUSE! No, not 1,000,000...999,999! Okay, give me 999,950." He'll compromise, but you do the work and he works on looking fly.
Drew Carey could probably draw the house and carry your boxes for you, too. It's common intuition that what you speak comes into existence. What if Drew Barrymore slowly turns her daughter into an Apple? How is Fiona doing? Drew Carey, your wide audiences may have turned you into a real estate agent with a name like yours. Drew, stop trying to put that ad in the funnies.
Whose bottom Line is it anyway? Drew Carey is used to hosting and catering to men and women acting afool. If Mr. Carey could have I think he'd have taken the house, err horse-play even further. Have you seen his stand-up?
He's worked as a photographer for soccer. The things in your house can sit still right? Money is on Drew for capturing the best pics of your house. Ohh, well, it was funny of him to pull the underwear out of your top drawer, click, put it on Zillow. Zestimate says you'll get more for your home if Drew uses his background in stand-up to sell your home. He's a bit pent up after being thumbed under ABC for the Drew Carey Show. Buying? He can laugh any home owner right out of their shorts, so of course, home too.
He doesn't actually need those glasses.
He doesn't actually also sell houses - not rent-to-own, or own-to-rent, or not even sometimes showing houses in all those nine years of Drew Carey show (if you are more devout Mr. Carey fan and know better, sound off in the comments. Especially if he has in fact helped you buy, sell or rent a home). Want actual help selling your home? Click here
These parental friends and their six children are stuck at grandma's house, climbing the walls because they made this classic mistake. Some prior owners did this DIY project: build a garage/barn/man cave. Oops, they didn't have the barn built to code, because it was DIY and they did not know! So now the housing renovations are on hold. The walls at Grandma's are going to need a renovation afterwards. DIY turned into DIAY - Do It ALL Yourself. The Dad of 6 small ones spends nights these days after work making drawings by hand of the barn he did not build in order to prove to the proper officals: the thing is standing, now let me build a livable ark for my tribe. That's a true story - Housing Market 2016.
If you are watching better homes and garden for noise and reading Real Simple in the grocery line and Pinteresting in your bed on your board: NEW HOME IDEAS - Pinterest has real estate resources, for sure! - you might think you CAN in fact work on your own house, save money, earn more money, have fun, uh no. Not for most. Murphy's Law! Anything that can go wrong will.
It can seem like free labor (your labor after hours) will be a profitable situation. In economics there is no such thing as a free lunch and let me tell you, there is no such thing as a free DIY. Have you ever spent $20 at Michael's just to hand make Christmas Cards. It was $6.99 for that box of 10 cards, which seemed over priced. Now you have $20/200 cards, but you only needed to send 20. In a market economy it's best to have specialization - DWYDB - Do What You Do Best.
DIY people are special ducks. They are almost hoarders of the Work-Cost-Transfer Law, which became a thing just now, right here, as a sub-set under Murphy's Law. What you save here, will pop up as cost later on. It's that American version of Karma; what comes around goes around. If you are that odd duck, at least get the home inspected to save yourself that feather rustling down the line.
Money is time, time is Money. Math is right, and art is left over. Your home needs to sell, probably you'd prefer for as much as it can as soon as it can. Let's DIY on something you can enjoy, once you are in your new home, shall we?
Stop wasting your time and Sell That House!
Click here for some DIT - Doing It Together. You are on a device...stalling....already, why not?
While we are at it, can you think of 6 home selling mistakes other people make? Here's a list...
It's true, believe it or not. We're guessing the real estate market is still so vibrant as mentioned here that even baby boomers from back in the '80s and '90s are still very much active when it comes to home buying. And they should be. Prospects are good. Why not take advantage of it?
There Are Four Aspects of This Market for Baby Boomers to Keep in Mind, Though
It's not just about your age. Or the fact that you have a big salary with a career you've held down for a decade or more. Rather these bits can prove that you are, in fact, a baby boomer booming in the real estate market:
Mortgage Financing -- You'd be surprised to see that baby boomers actually have the same kind of challenges that even millennials have. Read this.
When Selling a Home -- The question of why a baby boomer's selling (and consequently buying or renting even) is crucial to ask. What's the answer? Click here.
Just by these facts, you can tell that age isn't necessarily what makes a baby boomer.
There's so Much More to It Than That
While the term "baby boomer" represents a higher birth rate of kids sprouting out like fish eggs and an explosion of opportunities both on the job side as well as the business side, there's no doubt that being a baby boomer in the real estate market means that much more. They may be an older generation -- but they certainly still act young. Learn more about the other home buyer demographics as well right here!
Either way we look at it, that's great for the real estate market.
Don't get us wrong, though: the USDA mortgage is quite the secret in the real estate market. Just check this article out for yourself. If there was a way for someone to get a home loan approval fast and easy, it would be the USDA. But there are certain guidelines to keep in mind.
Keep an Eye on Your Income and Your Debt
It's called the debt-to-income ratio. How much debt do you have? Is it ruining your credit? Do you need Lexington Law or Independent Credit Solutions to help you through those muddy waters? Good. Do it. But bear in mind that if the debt, plus the mortgage amount, just happens to be over 31% of your actual monthly income, the specific loan might be a no for you.
The VA program, another mortgage program out there, sticks to the similar rule: 41% is their measuring stick. Jumbo mortgage loans, the conventional ones, however, tend to stick to lower ratios overall given the assumption that when you take out a home loan, you're entrusted to pay it every month despite whatever debt you already have.
And That's What the Mortgage Guideline Is For:
It's to protect you from buying a home that might be too expensive. When debt continues to drown you out, foreclosure commences. That's something this real estate market won't want given the growth we're seeing in down payment averages and home prices.
So what should you do? Get on the right path, and without a doubt, the USDA mortgage loan might be your best bet, because it has plenty of benefits! Clean up your debt. Fix your credit.Sign up with the HOPE Program.
Think about the future here. Let go of the animosity (especially if you have kids!), because sometimes while the pain and tumult of divorce can be overwhelming, sometimes the money issues, especially with the house, can hurt even more! Something you honestly don't want....
You Might Be Divorcing Your Spouse, But Try Not to Divorce Your Entire Life
Might be asking much, but when it comes to your taxes, you have an option here (as crazy as it may be). You can live in the home together. Promote stability. Be civil. Care. This also keeps all tax obligations amicable and mutual, neither side benefiting or hurting more than it should.
And here's the bonus: you get more bonus tax advantages when you do eventually sell the home!
Also do keep in mind that just because you also own the home, doesn't mean you always have to technically live there either. However, your mail will continue to arrive at that house. So make sure the ex-spouse realizes that and doesn't shred the material every time he/she sees your name.
It's the Simplest Way to Get Taxes Figured Out About the House
They're called mortgage trends, friends. Do the research here. Of course, we're noticing that there's one major trend going on in the real estate market, and that's the higher down payment, but perhaps you might want to stick with something lower. That's okay. Want to know why?
You Have a Budget, and While Down Payments All Over Are Increasing, Some States Are Still Lower Than Others
Good news for all! It looks like the national real estate market is ready for an upswing of home prices due to low inventory, and every single state will be feeling it very, very soon. Yes, this does include the Midwestern states we all love so dearly. The crossroads of America. The Mitten. The Windy City. You name it.
Each of these states will be a pretty good place to sell a home with optimal returns. So if you live in any of these states, and you're planning on selling your home somewhere in these corn fields, take a look at the home prices first and see if you should plan ahead for pricing that home on the higher end of the big bucks!
Take One Look Here at the Entire Midwest and See for Yourself
Kentucky -- Talk about a derby.... You might as well have every state here compete with the highest percentage, and Kentucky's undoubtedly a contender.
And this is the heartland of America, so you know real estate's not exactly a bread and butter, but a golden gem. So if this golden gem's getting bigger, then it's for sure -- our real estate market's looking up!
The
baby boomers are getting older, and the majority of them are currently downsizing
due to the immediate financial and physical accommodations of home renting. With
many of them already enjoying retirement, having a mortgage over their head and
a home with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms really isn’t necessary for them anymore.
An uptown waterfront condo with a maid and someone to cut the grass is
more the style of comfort that is appealing to these thriving baby
boomers.
Millennials Amuck!
The
young adults that should be buying homes are just not capable enough, apparently, what with the poor employment market and looming student debt climbing to ungodly heights. Millennials are more comfortable renting
than adding more debt to their already strained financial situations. Renting is
really the most accommodating route for young people in today's world. Plus with
most millennials still not married and without children, there is no reason for
them to have a cap code on a cul-de-sac when they can enjoy a trendy loft by
the local pub.
Sounds Convincing, Right?
You do, however, have to understand one thing about the real estate market, whether it's about home selling, home buying, or home investing. It's a fickle beast. And the appetite can change in a blink. So the important thing to remember is this -- keep your eyes opened.
This is great fear of many real estate agents -- and brokers. The idea that you have to write. And not just poetry, or anything like that, or even a mega-novel! No. The idea of writing a blog is like slitting your throat. Do you have the time to do that as a home seller? No. You're too busy marketing and showing homes. You do not have the time as a home seller to sit in your bed or chair, with your laptop, writing on your Wordpress, Blogger, Tumblr, or even Facebook about your experiences, or thoughts, especially regarding the real estate industry. Right?
I Need to Make This Clear: Get With the Program and Start Writing
Blogging is essential to real estate when you think about it. It's all about networking. We're already pretty keen on the idea of social media being a hit with the real estate market, so it makes sense to think that the bread and butter of the digital atmosphere that is blogging would lay that foundation and build your audience better than any open house.
Get. Your. Wordpress. On. Start writing. Right now. It'll only help your real estate business.
Think of It This Way, People: How Else Are Prospective Buyers Going to Learn About You?
When selling through social media, you have to realize that it's not just the technology, or even the home itself, making the sale. You are as well. You're the secret weapon. You're the closer. You're the one making sure the buyer follows through on the purchase. After all, you can catch the fish on the hook, but only you can reel it in.
So be prolific with your blogging. Through the content you build, you can syndicate it through Twitter, through Facebook, through LinkedIn -- through the entire World Wide Web. And before you know it, you're known not only in the industry, but with buyers in your area. Go hyperlocal. Get in depth. Stick to the news. Of course relate to your reader with your own thoughts about anything going on in your life, because that personalizes the marketing aspect to great effect. But the important thing is to just write. And write with your own personal voice.
You'll Find That You'll Nab Many Buyers That Way
That's actually Sales 101 when you think about it: connecting to the customer in a personal way. There's no better way to do that than blogging (or "blog writing"). And the real estate, you can bet your bread and butter on it, will benefit from it greatly.
Real estate's like gambling when you think about it. You're basically betting on a property hitting it big. You don't know if it's going to hit big. You have certain factors on your side, though: property values, assessments, location, trends, that sort of thing. But you can never be sure of what's going to happen. Even if you're just a potential home buyer looking for your zero-down home through H.O.P.E. to Own, you're never sure if that home's going to turn into a good investment on your end in the future just in case you plan on mortgage refinancing or moving out.
More so is the fact that you never know what's going to happen to property developments around
your particular real estate in question! That's what this is all about.
Future Property Developments: Will They Help You or Hurt You?
This takes some real estate research, far beyond what you're accustomed to, just so you know. After all, if you invest or purchase a home in a development that may face vacancies or additional land developments, that may just have a tremendous effect on the future supply and home pricing around you.
Other such issues can include soon-to-be governmental prospects on developments for new schools, hospitals, changes in zoning and traffic for better flow or access to other amenities and that sort of thing. If changes are made around you -- for better or worse, specifically for you -- you could be looking at a good thing.... Or a bad thing.
It's a Gamble. But What Do You Expect?
Shoot the tables and see what you come up with, I guess. You go in with great knowledge and technique, though, as a real estate investor. Whether it's beachfront real estate or just a single-family home in a neighborhood -- whatever the case, wherever the chips fall, if you have some idea of what's going to happen in the future, you'll have some idea of just what you might net in terms of ROI, or property value.
Just ask Star-Lord. He's all about opportunity. And Groot's just Groot. However, even in the wide array of the Milky Way Galaxy, the Guardians can see that real estate technology can be the wave of the future and a virtual black hole of possibilities ensuring that everyone's supercharged for the next best battle on the home front.
Real Estate Technology at Its Best
Out of all real estate trends for 2015, this stands as the one people are probably the most excited about. Even a talking racoon would be excited about this. Let's just hope you don't pimp out your home with streamlined costs in cloud-controlled security cameras to beef up your protection.
Additionally, you can check to see if the Rocket Raccoon's making moves with motion sensors built in around your home. And with all the security at your fingertips, you just might not need to worry about having Gamora and Drax the Destroyer on call to whip some burglar tail in your home.
Technology Makes Home Living That Much Easier
But before you do, visit H.O.P.E. to Own to get in on the fast track with a zero-down home. Who knows -- you, too, just might be a "guardian of the galaxy" -- or a collaborating member of the Avengers, maybe? -- after hitting your 640, getting the keys to your house, and moving in faster than light speed.
Did you notice that it's not summer right now? Yes. There's snow on the ground. That blizzard occurred over on the east coast, record numbers, and the Midwest isn't any slouch either. You can imagine, too, a lot of the summery spots don't see a lot of action, because, yes, the temperatures drop and people start migrating back to where stores are still open and people can get some hot chocolate down their pipes.
Face it: your beachfront investment property's down for the count (at least until the temp warms up and people flock back to the wind, sand and surf). What does that mean? It certainly doesn't mean you've missed out on the H.O.P.E. Program and your prospects for a zero-down home.
You're Losing Money, Though. A Lot of It.
It's to be expected, and you're probably prepared for it. After reading about all the disadvantages to having beachfront property, you practically dread it. Perhaps you offset the lost revenue by upping your prices on tenants, and that's all fine and dandy, particularly when weather becomes an issue. You've got to pay for repairs, upkeep and maintenance, and it can get costly.
Is it all worth it, though? It depends.
If you notice: beachfront properties are known not only for the sand and surf, but for the stores and commerce associated with it. You buy your t-shirts, candy, surfboards, board shorts, coolers and kites. Economy soars for those communities, but when the winter hits, it all shuts down. It might not hurt you at all, but just in case you're running a business in that community, not only do you have to worry about maintaining the beachfront home, you also have to worry about maintaining any bills you have for businesses you own.
Consider Your Finances Carefully
If you play your cards right, you just might sit fine on a beachfront property, perhaps living in it all year round. After all, grocery stores would still be open. You'd have all your necessities. As an investment property, though, consider that you might be pouring more money into it than getting out of it. Just a thought.
Let's conduct an experiment here: do you have an alarm clock handy? If so, get it out. Plug it in. Next step: let's hope this alarm clock has one of those features allowing you to loop all sorts of sounds while you sleep. You know what I'm talking about? I'm talking about the synthetic playback of all sorts of nature sounds --
Waterfalls
Raindrops
Wind
Crickets
That sort of thing. Go ahead and get this video started, by the way, while reading, and I can guarantee that this will be the best article you'll ever read today.
I know, I know. You're probably wondering where I'm going with this, especially when the title does say that this is something about the benefits of beach real estate property, so what am I getting at? Or am I just pulling your strings and leading you on some goose chase?
No Goose Chase Here: Just Beautiful Visuals and a Feast for the Ears
There's just one more sound you would've heard on that video, which also could possibly be on your alarm clock. It's a popular one. I am, of course, talking about the ever-familiar sound of the surf, perhaps some seagulls in the air, and the gentle crash of waves on the shore. It's the beach.
Name one individual researching for zero-down homes, and automatically you'll know that the term "beachfront property" perks people's ears up real fast. It's obvious.
The appeal of the getaway, the visuals, sights and lack of city sound make for a great meditative escape, relieving you of stress and recharging you for the next daily grind, whatever it may be.
Your instant benefit is that revitalization. You stay productive. You get the relaxation you need. Heck, some may even resort to their, well, resort every weekend to recharge for Monday and the rest of the workweek. In fact...that's probably why they call it a "resort"!
Don't Knock the Beach Real Estate Property
It just might be the best thing to ever happen to you, emotionally, spiritually, even practically from a profession standpoint. I'd go this far to say that you benefit the best as a writer, or an artist. Why?
Not only can you handle more of the 'marketing' and business aspect of your job during your regular days in the city, but you can do your work while on vacation. Every weekend. Or on any given week.
Bonus! Don't cheat, though, and settle for the alarm clock. I'd suggest getting the beachfront property, going for the real thing. It's always better.
Home Staging: Less Really Is More
