FINDING THE LIST PRICE "TIPPING POINTS"

Setting the right list price for a home is a mystery for many sellers. How do you begin to determine what buyers are likely to pay for your property? After all, no two homes are exactly alike.

Yet, setting the right price is crucial. You need to avoid the two price “tipping points” that, if crossed, can cause you a lot of problems.

The first tipping point is a price that’s low enough for buyers to begin thinking something is wrong. They wonder, “Why is your price so low? What are you not telling us about your property?”

But that’s not even the worst problem with this tipping point. If you do get offers at that low price, you’ll have a bigger issue – leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

The other tipping point is setting your price so high it discourages buyers from giving your listing a second look. When your price is that high, you’ll get few enquiries and even fewer people coming to see your property.

Of course, you can lower your price later, if necessary. But experience shows that reduced prices make potential buyers skeptical. Most sellers who price high in the hopes of getting a windfall actually end up selling for much less than they would have if they had priced their properties correctly in the first place.

So what’s the right price to list your property? The answer is somewhere in between those two tipping points.

Contact me today for help determining the right price for your property.

email: valeriemcconville@gmail.com

HOW TO HIRE A TREE REMOVAL SPECIALIST

Sometimes a tree needs to be removed, so how do you go about the task? In this article I discuss some tips on how to handle a troublesome tree.

If you have a troublesome tree on your property, dealing with it responsibly, economically, and safely is important. While you may own a chainsaw, tackling the project yourself can be extremely risky. Here are some questions to ask and tips for tree removal:

1. Make sure you need to remove it. Mature trees are good for property value. Before you go clear-cutting your property, be absolutely sure removing it is the right move. A certified arborist can help you make the decision between removal or sensible trimming.

2. Don’t do it yourself. What if the tree falls on your house? What if it lands on your neighbor’s car? What if you get crushed? Are you experienced enough with a chainsaw to handle it without injuring yourself? Hire a pro.

3. Hire a certified company. This means someone certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or a Tree Care Industry Association Accredited business. If the tree is near power lines, they’ll also need to be “Approved Line-Clearance” arborists.

4. Can you legally remove the tree? Be absolutely sure the tree is legally on your property before you take action. If you determine it is, find out if any permits are required to remove or trim the tree. Some communities have strict guidelines pertaining to tree removal.

5. Ask about trimming methodology. If the company handling your tree recommends “topping” the tree or uses spikes on their boots for routine tree trimming, find another company. Both can expose the tree to disease and result in serious wounds.

6. Get a detailed estimate from three companies. Nail down what they’ll do, how long it will take, and what equipment they plan to use. You need an apples-to-apples comparison to make your decision, and you might just find out one company takes greater precautions when it comes to safety.

7. Get references. Don’t rely on Yelp alone for a review of your arborist. Ask them for references you can speak to independently.

Trees are beautiful and essential to our ecosystem, but there are times when steps must be taken to deal with dead wood and other incursions. Do yourself a favor and treat your property with the respect it deserves.

Need a good referral for tree work? Get in touch: valeriemcconville@gmail.com

MUST - HAVE ITEMS FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS

Owning a few crucial items can make you happier, safer, and handier while living in your new home. Check out this list of must-have items for new homeowners.

While you may not be a big Do-It-Yourselfer when it comes to home repair and renovation, there are some must-have items for your home which can make you happier, safer, and a little bit handier. An informal survey of new homeowners I’ve worked with has revealed the following items to be among the most important when it comes to adding convenience and piece-of-mind to the home ownership experience.

You may already have some of these items, but when you move, the old versions may not quite meet the needs of your new space. Check out this list and see what you might need to add or update before you move:

1. Fire extinguisher. The kitchen sink spray hose or a bucket of water isn’t enough to put out a fire before it gets out of control. Do yourself a favor and refresh your fire extinguisher. Having multiple fire extinguishers is a good idea, as there are different types for different types of fires. Keep extinguishers designed to put out cooking oil fires in the kitchen and station a few more general-purpose extinguishers throughout your home.

2. Ladders. It’s a good idea to have a few ladders in your house. One for rooftop access, a sturdy step-ladder with four feet, and a smaller leaning ladder you can prop up against walls indoors. Be sure to check the weight ratings for the ladders to make sure you have one which will support your weight plus anything you may carry up with you.

3. Wet/Dry Shop Vac. It may sound like a luxury, but as many a homeowner will tell you the all-purpose shop vac van be a total lifesaver when it comes to cleaning up spills. Drop a bunch of small screws? No problem. Tip over a paint can? This can handle it. 

4. Extension Cords & Cord Organizer. Don’t be one of those people with a giant knot of cords tucked in a drawer. Instead, splurge on an extension cord organizer and make sure you have a range of lengths and uses available. Four or five should be enough, and make sure at least one of the cords is rated for heavy-duty usage in order to prevent accidental fires.

5. Bonus Tools. You probably have some of the basics such as a hammer, screwdriver, drill, etc., but there are a handful of helpers which can make all the difference in a minor project. For example: A headlamp can help you keep your hands-free while working in darkened areas such as under sinks and closets. A stud finder will allow you to hang shelves and art confidently. A crowbar with a curved end for nails and a flat end for removing trim and drywall will save you frustrating screwdriver work.

MEETING THE NEIGHBORS AFTER YOU MOVE

So you’ve just moved to a neighborhood you love, but you don’t know the neighbors. No problem! In this blog post I share some tried-and-true tips for connecting with the neighborhood.

If you’ve recently relocated to a new neighborhood, you may find yourself struggling to break the ice with your neighbors. It can be a little daunting to just knock on doors unannounced, and in today’s day of texting and “connections at a distance” could be considered outright rude.

Still, neighborhoods are only as good as their neighbors. In a world where so many people recognize neighborhood cars over the faces of people who live around us, there's a lot to be said for making an effort to connect with the people who live up and down the block. So how do you make those first few casual connections which lead to meaningful bonds?

Here are some tips for forming new connections with your neighbors:

1. Throw a "move in" garage sale. Yes, most people have garage sales before they move out of their old house in order to reduce the amount of clutter they have to pack, but garage sales draw lots of local foot traffic and present super opportunities to get to know who lives nearby. If you didn’t have a garage sale before you moved, or you think you might still have some stuff to unload, why not throw a garage sale in your new ‘hood? Bonus tip: Have some free refreshments on hand.

2. Stroll the streets. Want to get to know and be known? Get out there on foot. A routine morning or evening walk is a perfect way to say howdy and stop for a chat. Don't wear headphones. Be open to conversations. Observe who’s out and about and use compliments and open ended questions to spark a little small talk.

3. Be of service. If you have a skill you can share, offer it up to those nearby. This may be something small, like knife sharpening, or it may be a group project like power washing houses. Good deeds and shared labor build bonds. 

4. Start a group activity. Posting flyers for a book group, running club, or even routine cocktail hour or monthly potluck is a perfect opportunity to bring people together through a shared activity.

Step back from social media and make those neighborhood connections “IRL” (In Real Life). They can make all the difference when it comes to establishing yourself in the community.

Looking for a great new neighborhood? I’d be happy to help you sell your old home or find a new one: www.valeriemcconville.com Or, email me at valeriemcconville@gmail.com