Top 10 Charlotte Home Seller Tips for 2018

01/14/2018 by Debe Leave a Comment

Top 10 Charlotte Home Seller Tips for 2018

If you’re considering selling your Charlotte home then you may want to take inventory and identify what needs to be addressed before placing your home on the market.

First Impressions are Critical

Put yourself in your buyers’ shoes. Enter your home starting at the front door and ‘tour’ your home as though you were a buyer. When a buyer is viewing your home, remember, they are going to be critical of every single aspect of your home. **Remember, this may very well be their new home! Does your home ‘flow’ nicely? Are your colors coordinating? Are all repairs made? Does your home smell clean? Is your home bright and welcoming? What ‘feeling’ do you get when you walk through the front door? Do you feel closed-in or is open, welcoming space the dominant feeling?

Even though Charlotte home inventory is low, pricing and preparation of your home are still keys to a successful sale.

Here are 10 top priority tips for Charlotte home sellers:

The Front Door: Many of us pull into our garages, rarely ever even using our front door other than to greet guests from the inside—never seeing what our guests see as they’re standing at the door waiting for us to greet them. A clean, freshly painted front door with a new welcome mat is the best way to give your buyers a truly positive first impression. Fresh seasonal flowers in a nice pot also make your buyers feel at home before they even enter the front door!
Address any deferred maintenance: A pre-inspection is always a great idea – even newer homeowners can have hidden repairs that will be discovered with the buyers’ inspector. These items tend to elongate the list of repairs that the buyers find and put doubt in their minds as to how well the home has been maintained in general. Glaring items are important to address pre-listing such as caulking, broken seals on windows, dripping faucets, etc. Those little things also give buyers pause, wondering if there are hidden issues since the glaring ones haven’t been addressed. However, once under Contract, the larger items (HVAC, roof, crawl space/structural/fungal growth) are the deal-killers once under Contract.
Neutral colors: This is likely one of the biggest complaints buyers have when touring homes with loud or bright colored paint. The paint may have been your child’s favorite color of purple but, neutralizing that one room can make a huge difference in buyers’ opinion of your home. It’s a ‘cheap’ investment that goes a long way in getting your home SOLD! Don’t think that color doesn’t matter – it may not be a ‘spoken’ thought but, if the colors are neutral, the buyers tend to have a more positive experience while touring your home. **Remember, as all of us are busy these days, so are your buyers; buyers do NOT want to have to paint. So, if you’re thinking that the buyers would prefer to pick their own color(s), you’re going to take a ‘painting allowance’ hit that is higher than it would cost you just to do the work and neutralize NOW. Otherwise, if they don’t like the colors, they may not even consider your home.
De-Personalize: Buyers love looking at photographs and trying to ‘figure out’ your familial status…are you downsizing?…is your family growing and you’ve grown out of the house?…will the same thing happen to them? You don’t want buyers looking at your photos, you want them looking at your HOUSE!
De-Clutter: Cleaning closets and drawers are just as important as cleaning the carpets. Buyers are going to open the cabinets, drawers and closets and you don’t want them to think that you have run out of room in your house (meaning that there isn’t enough storage in your home). Get rid of it by giving it away, selling it or packing what you’re not currently using. What remains that is used, replace it in an orderly, clutter-free fashion. ** Remember, you’re soon going to be packing anyway – why not start now?
Garage: You may choose to use your garage for storage but, your buyers may want to park their cars in there. If the garage is full of furniture and boxes, the buyers can’t see that they will have a good sized garage for parking. De-clutter as above in #5 or rent storage space and clean out that garage!
Floors: Do your hardwoods need to be refinished? Does the carpet need cleaning or replaced? Gone are the days that buyers want a ‘carpet allowance.’ Buyers want move-in ready and floors are an important item that they will be looking at very closely.
Windows: Clean your windows and screens and let the sunshine IN! If you have windows with a broken seal (cloudy in between the two layers of glass), go ahead and have them replaced. This is an item that inspectors WILL find and buyers WILL ask for you to replace them. You have more time now to replace those windows than you’ll have on your hands while you’re packing to move!
Kitchen: Kitchens and baths are the most important parts of the house to many buyers. If your kitchen needs updating, go ahead and do that NOW – again, buyers do NOT want any updating to do when they move in. As our lives are so much busier than ever before, buyers during the last 4-5 years have been bypassing homes that need updates. We see it all the time – the bones are excellent but, they want move-in ready. **Remember to be sure that all cabinets, drawers, the pantry and countertops are all clean and well-organized.
Landscaping: Outdoor living areas are huge this year! Buyers want maintenance-free and want a lovely yard (or garden). Be sure that your flower beds have a few seasonal annuals blooming and fresh mulch to make a clean, finished landscape. Get rid of weeds and trim the hedges. Also, be sure that all of the children’s toys and bicycles are stored away properly and not left on the driveway or lawn.

Bonus tip for selling your Charlotte home when you do get it ready for the market: VACATE your home when potential buyers come to visit. DON’T be the elephant in the room! Your presence will make it difficult or awkward for the buyers to discuss their thoughts and feelings openly with their agent or partner. They will also rush through your home so as not to cause YOU any inconvenience with them being there.

More Charlotte home seller information:

What are home buyers looking for in a home? A move-in ready, well-maintained property. Let us help you prepare your Charlotte home for the market. Thinking of selling your Charlotte home? Give us a call and we’re happy to provide you a market analysis and free consultation. We’d love to assist you in helping you prepare your home for the market and getting your home, not just listed but, SOLD!

Let’s talk preparation! Call or text (704) 491-3310 or email DebeM@remax.net

Top 10 Charlotte Real Estate Articles for 2017

As we do each day, week, month and year – analyzing the way that our information which we provide to the consumer, both near and far – we’ve once again researched the top 10 articles for the year. Our goal is to be certain that if you search for something related to Charlotte real estate in Google, Bing, MSN or any of the other search engines and find us, we are providing you the information that you need in an accurate, clear, concise and thorough manner. In fact, we go to great lengths to do so!

Our staff works diligently to find exactly what YOU, our valued customer, needs with regards to Charlotte real estate–and even basic Charlotte North Carolina information such as things to do, school information, restaurant reviews and openings, the local economy and more. We then work to give you just that–exactly what you’re looking for!

So, to put a wrap on 2017, the best year we’ve had in Charlotte real estate, we’d like to share with you our top 10 posts that were viewed throughout the year. Here’s hoping that your 2018 is happy, healthy and prosperous! Please let us know how we can serve you in the New Year.

Here are the top 10 articles for 2017:

More Top Hits (evergreen articles [written in previous years])

The following articles consistently make our list of top-hit articles for the year. This year, we only included articles written in 2017 in our list above. The timeless posts below continue to rank in our top 20 most-read on our site – each and every year since they were written! They are certainly worth taking a few minutes to read…

What if the Appraisal Comes in Lower than the Contract Price?

12/21/2017 by Debe 2 Comments

What if the Appraisal Comes in Lower than the Contract Price?

You have an accepted offer in on a house for $600,000. You have put down 25%. The appraisal comes in at $580,000.

What do you do?

First, you do not have to pay more than the house is worth, unless your would like to. Meaning you don’t want to risk losing it. Of course this means you would have to come up with $20,000 out of pocket.
You can walk away from the deal since the Contract DOES make execution contingent upon the house appraising at the value of the offer or above – not below.
You can present an addendum to the Purchase Contract to the Seller, stating that you both agree to an adjusted sales price of $580,000 to reflect the current market value. *All other terms & conditions remain the same.
You can compromise with the seller – quite often, especially of late, buyers and sellers are meeting in the middle of the difference in the appraised value.
You can also ‘try’ to have the appraiser correct the appraisal. During the recession, I had a 90% success rate at getting these changes. NOW, it’s a whole new ballgame; the appraisers are over-worked and are not paid to go back and make changes. I’ve seen appraisers turn down making changes when the appraisal comparables used were blatantly erroneous. We do still try but, when the appraisal comes in low, I immediately discuss a Plan-B with my buyers (and sellers when it happens on that side of the transaction).

If you back out, the Seller is likely going to have to accept an offer at $580,000 or less, because the house will probably appraise at that same price or near that price, and no one else is going to want to pay more that the home is worth. However, I’ve seen buyers change lenders, get a new appraisal management company and the appraisers with the new company have no issue getting the home to appraise.

$20,000 is significant income for the average person. Would you compromise your income for any other reason?

Today’s market is in a strong appreciation mode, but most buyers are not willing to pay more than the property is worth. Reaching a compromise is the most common resolution to this issue but, know that you do have options.

REMEMBER: More often than not, the sellers are READY to Close on their home. This is something the Listing Agent is well aware of and an agent worth their salt is going to have that talk with his/her Seller.

If you’re thinking of buying a home in the Charlotte Metro region, let’s talk! We know how to address all of the hurdles that you’ll face with buying a home and would love the opportunity to work with you. Call or text (704) 491-3310 or email DebeM@remax.net

Hiring the RIGHT Charlotte Realtor® is critical to your home buying success!

Common Home Remodeling Projects: DIY vs. Pro

10/09/2017 by Debe 2 Comments

Common Home Remodeling Projects: DIY vs. Pro

Charlotte homeowners often struggle with listing preparation – what improvements need to be done and which don’t. Some home improvements are highly personalized and can actually harm a Charlotte home seller more than it would if left unchanged. Then there’s the choice of DIY or hiring the professional. Because of the many choices out there and the unsolicited advice you’ll often get from ‘salesmen’ in the business, it’s highly recommended that you seek the advice of a licensed real estate agent before making ANY home improvements, especially if preparing your home for the market. We will likely be able to save you a LOT of money!

Here is a great bit of advice from our guest author, Eugene Williams of DIY Dad. For more information and other great resources about all things DIY, check out his website here.

Many homeowners have that one room in their house that just doesn’t fit their needs. Maybe it’s a kitchen with awkwardly arranged appliances or a bathroom with outdated decor. In 2016, nearly two-thirds of homeowners had expressed plans to renovate, according to an article on CNBC. A Harvard study showed that 40% had budgeted to spend $5,000 or more, and more than 20 percent had a budget with double that amount.

So, if you’re a homeowner planning a remodeling project; you’re not alone.

However, many homeowners find themselves wondering if these projects require a professional or can be taken on by a DIY weekend warrior. This is a common concern for many reasons — namely budget. But it’s important to remember that saving money could mean spending more time. Low cost can also sometimes result in low quality. On the other hand, hiring a contractor can be a safer choice, and create a stronger return on investment in the housing market.

Not sure what to do? Weigh your options for these four common home remodeling projects:

Bathroom Remodel

Bathrooms are the most common room remodeling project, according to the National Homebuilders Association. In 2012, 80 percent of homeowners remodeled a bathroom, some with a professional and others on their own. According to HomeAdvisor, the average price to remodel a bathroom in Charlotte is $7,938 – $16,041 and takes around 4-5 weeks to complete. Those who tackled the project themselves can save up to 50 percent of those costs, but often spend two to three times as long on the project. Bathrooms have complex systems, from electrical to plumbing; many homeowners don’t have the skills to replace a tub with a shower or install an additional sink. Those facing simpler projects, like painting, changing fixtures and resurfacing cabinets, have an easier time completing the project themselves.

Bedroom Remodel

The cost for hiring a professional to remodel a master bedroom can run from $2,500 to $10,000. This range is so large because of the differences in square footage of the room, the materials and tools needed, along with the types of upgrades planned. For example, tearing down wallpaper is much less expensive than tearing down a wall.

Kitchen Remodel

Homeowners spend more than an average of $20,000 on a remodeling their kitchens. Kitchens have a variety of renovation options. Some people need to upgrade their appliances, which can skyrocket a budget. Other kitchens need only surface remodels, like painting walls, upgrading sinks and refacing cabinets, which some homeowners take on as a DIY project. When it comes to knocking out walls, installing new countertops and floors, bringing in a professional can be a safer option.

Making Safety a Priority

A home remodel can be more than just paint on the walls and new hardware on doors. When you start getting into plumbing, electricity and structural changes, safety becomes a big factor as to why homeowners decide to go with a contractor. There two major reasons to consider safety a priority:

More than 5,000 house fires a year result from faulty electrical equipment, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).
More than 200,000 people are injured each year doing DIY projects. Construction professionals have safety training, licenses and familiarity for the tools they use.

In addition, there are some financial safety risks to consider, as well. For example, some remodeling projects might require permits or inspections. A homeowner starting a DIY project may not know which permits to get and what they mean, risking paying steep fines and fees. Professional contractors know which permits are needed for specific projects.

Safety isn’t just about specialized skills — basic knowledge comes into play, too. Can you safely and properly knock down a wall so that you don’t damage an essential support? Are you able to safely clean up hazardous chemicals and dispose of them properly? Are you working on your project after a long, tiring day at work? How closely are you paying attention to making sure you’re following safety best practices? If your project requires this level of care, hiring someone with experience (and liability insurance!) might cost more upfront, but could cost less in the long run.

For more guidance in preparation of your Charlotte home sale, let’s talk! Give me a call or shoot me a text to (704) 491-3310 or email me at DebeM@remax.net.

Visit www.ListMyCharlotteHome.com if you’re thinking of selling your home in the Charlotte Metro region and make the right decision to hire a professional! I provide full-service real estate with award-winning customer service. I am also happy to provide references of any of our sellers for you to speak with about their experience. You can also read a few of our reviews at www.CharlotteRealEstateAgentReviews.com.

Hiring the RIGHT Charlotte Realtor® is critical to your home selling success!

Making the Most of a Smaller, More Intimate Outdoor Space in Charlotte

04/14/2017 by Debe Leave a Comment

Making the Most of a Smaller, More Intimate Outdoor Space in Charlotte

What can you do with your patch of green space? Here are a few options for making it aesthetically appealing, while maximizing its potential.

Establish a Centerpiece

In order to stretch the look of your green space, try adding a centerpiece or focal point that will draw the eye and instantly improve your yard’s appeal. Whether you decide on a planter, a birdbath, a fountain, waterfall or an awning covered in vines, a unique piece will work to distract from the limitations imposed by your yard. A centerpiece may do nothing to actually expand your garden space but, by changing the way you view it, it will make all the difference in the spacial ‘feel.’

Make It Flow

Your garden or back green space is going to look a whole lot smaller if its eclectic style differs greatly from your home – so, keep the flow going right out the door to your green space. If there’s a color scheme and style that you use in the room that faces your yard, use that same style and color scheme outdoors! Of course, a pop of color within that color wheel will help the flow but, another point – if you’re really into cooking, perhaps have your transition outdoors lead to an herb or vegetable garden. If you’re into bright, floral furniture, you may want to fill your path to your green space with colorful perennials.

Clean & Green

As we all know, clutter in any enclosed space will instantly make it look smaller, and it’s no different when it comes to your yard. Instead of jamming an excessive amount of ‘stuff’ into your small space, keep it simple and decide exactly what you want to get out of the area, whether it’s a vegetable garden or a comfortable place to sit. In keeping with a clutter free home, you’ll also want to make sure you keep any invasive or aggressive plants from making themselves too comfortable in your outdoor space!

While it may seem limiting to go from a larger yard to an undersized green space, creating a central point of interest, a theme that flows to the great outdoors that is well-kept and ‘clutter-free,’ you’ll be well on your way to a fabulous, new intimate green space.

Thinking of selling your Charlotte home and downsizing to a more manageable home and garden, give me a call – let’s talk about that transition. Call (704) 491-3310 or email DebeM@remax.net

Five Ways to Keep Up with the Joneses Where First Impressions are Concerned

12/07/2016 by Debe Leave a Comment

Five Ways to Keep Up with the Joneses Where First Impressions are Concerned

Yes, the old saying about keeping up with the Joneses is not always frowned upon – especially when it comes to curb appeal when selling your Charlotte home! Another old saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” is also applicable when it comes to curb appeal!

How your home looks from the street is an essential part of being successful in the sale of your home. It’s also where comparison with your neighbors’ homes is inescapable – which can pose a problem if you neighbor’s home is for sale and their yard always had that ‘Yard of the Month’ sign in the front yard – even in the winter!

Here are five ways to keep up with the Joneses by boosting your home’s curb appeal and making a lasting first impression.

BE CRITICAL

Because most of us use the garage door to enter our home, we rarely take a critical look at the front of our homes. This is probably the most essential step in creating effective curb appeal that out-does the Joneses! You may even want to consider getting another person involved in being critical – sometimes it’s difficult for us to ‘notice’ issues that really could make or break getting a buyer into our homes.

Balance | Symmetry

I had a conversation with a previous client the other day about symmetry – it is something that jumps out at her with every photo she sees of homes online! Not only is a symmetrical design visually appealing, it’s something that will cause a buyer to skip right over your home when viewing online – or seeing in person. If your home doesn’t allow for large symmetrical designs because of its structure , focus in on specific elements such as tree-plantings or light fixtures that you can use for balance. Consider the front door fixtures as well. Sometimes just a little balance will make all of the difference.

Garage Doors that POP!

If you have a front or side-load garage, you know that the external façade is taken up largely by the garage door(s). Garage doors have a large influence on how people see your home – for the first time. If your garage door is in need of paint or repair, replacement doors to suit your home, can make or break the sale of your home. If the door is fine but, just needs a touch-up, paint or touch-up to make that door POP!

Outdoor Living Spaces

A great way to attract buyers is to put yourself in your buyers’ shoes. Think about what is appealing to you about outdoor spaces and arrange an aesthetically pleasing seating area outside your home. Front porches make a powerful statement and the sentiments of them are quite impactful at first sight. This welcoming space offers buyers the chance to sit down and dream about owning your home! A clear and attractive walkway is also very inviting, so be sure to spruce yours up or install a whole new one to, literally, lead buyers to your door. If you have a great one but, rarely use it because you access your home from the garage and rarely take the sidewalk, perhaps it just needs a good power-washing!

Accent By Manicuring

Are your shrubs looking a bit over-grown or scraggly? Put a little time or pay someone to do some trimming, moving, planting out front! Nothing screams that this home has been well-maintained than a perfectly manicured lawn! It shows buyers that the current owners have pride of ownership – making them WANT to walk through your front door to see the rest! If trees are hanging over the roof, touching the side of the house, have those trimmed as well. And, a pop of color can go miles with that first impression by way of a few potted, flowing annuals by the door or in the beds out front. Lastly, a new load of mulch or pine needles make your green shrubs really stand out even in the wintertime!

We’re here to help you look at your home objectively and provide a clear assessment of your home’s strengths and weaknesses. Be sure to give us a call to help you with your home’s first impression – we know how to keep up with the Jonses with regards to curb appeal and first impressions!

Thinking of selling? We’d love to help you list your Charlotte home for sale and give you some early advice during the planning stages as you prepare your home for sale. Give us a call at (704) 491-3310 or email CharlotteBroker@icloud.com.

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