A NICE HOME OR A NICE NEIGHBORHOOD: WHICH MATTERS MORE?

When you start shopping for a home, you probably have a very specific image of what you would like that home to look like.  

You probably also see the perfect neighborhood surrounding that perfect home.  

Every buyer sets out with an image of the house they want to own, but in reality compromises are often necessary in order to stay within your budget.

Compromising On The House

There may be certain things that are non-negotiable when it comes to your new home, such as the number of bedrooms or a two-car garage.  But as you take a look at the homes that are within your budget, you may discover that it is not likely you will get everything on your wish list.  But the great thing about owning a home is that you have the power to remodel it at any time.  Once you are in your new home, you can renovate or even add on if necessary to create the home you really want.  And if you have managed to stay below your budget, you will even have the extra money each month to make some of those changes.

Compromising On The Neighborhood

So you've found the house of your dreams, but the neighborhood isn't precisely what you were hoping for.  Too much traffic, some houses that are becoming run down, or many other issues can mar the area your house is in.  In most cases, you will have to accept that you cannot change the neighborhood, and this means that you have to decide if the problems are things you can live with or not.

In some cases, buying in a run-down neighborhood can be a strategic move.  If many people are buying up the houses and improving them, then your home might one day be worth a lot more.  However, you must realize that this is a risk and it might not work out that way.

Another thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to buy the nicest house in the neighborhood, you may have trouble selling it down the line.  If other houses in the area are available for less, why would anyone buy your expensive house to get into the area?

So Which Matters More?

In the long run, when it comes down to choosing between the right house and the right neighborhood, you should choose the right neighborhood.  While you can change your house for the better, you can't count on your neighborhood changing; in fact, it might get worse.  So choose the best neighborhood you can afford even if the house there isn't perfect.

Want to learn more about how to choose the right neighborhood?

Give me a call today! (780) 700-8638

BOOSTING YOUR HOME'S VALUE ON A BUDGET

Any material improvement to your home can increase the home’s value. But this doesn’t mean you have to take on a major renovation project. Check out these inexpensive ways to boost your home’s value on a budget.

Want to boost your home’s value, but don’t have the budget for a big renovation? Good news: You don’t need a big budget to make material improvements.

When evaluating home improvements, it’s always a good idea to ask yourself if the money invested will be recouped in the sale of the home. The best renovations not only cover their costs, but they can actually provide a nice return. The key, of course, is identifying those improvements which deliver the biggest return for the smallest investment.

Here are five renovation projects which are both easy and inexpensive ways to dial up your home’s appeal and value:

1. Paint the front door: You might not have the budget for full exterior paint job, but have you looked at your front door lately? It’s a focal point from the street and if it’s looking weathered, improving its appearance can have a disproportionate impact on your curb appeal.

2. Paint the foyer/entry way: Interior paint is an obvious improvement, but you don’t have to make it an all-or-none proposition. Where do people enter your home? Refresh that point of entry and make it look brand new.

3. Change light fixtures and switch plates: You probably don’t even notice your light fixtures anymore, but buyers will. Swapping out the fixtures seldom requires an electrician’s skill, and modernizing the look goes a long way. Same goes for switch plates, which may have grimy fingerprints or bent dimmer switches.

4. Upgrade kitchen and bath fixtures: Do you need a new sink, or do you just need a fresh faucet? It’s amazing how much a deluxe kitchen faucet upgrade can change perceptions of a kitchen. Same goes for the bathrooms: Faucets and even a new toilet can do wonders.

5. Garden upgrades: Fresh borders on your flower gardens, new flowers, and fresh mulch are all small touches which refresh a home’s exterior.

Want a second pair of eyes to advise you on your modest remodeling? I am happy to help you make a checklist to prepare your home for sale. 

Give me a call today at: (780) 700-8638.

MAKE GARDENING A FAMILY AFFAIR

Now that Spring has finally arrived, it's time to get outdoors and into your garden. But don't forget to bring your family along!

As adults, we often assume that gardening is designed exclusively for us.  Believe it or not, children also love to garden making this popular past time a wonderful family-oriented activity.  If you are interested in making gardening a family affair, consider the following ideas to help make your goal a successful one.

Why Children Love To Garden

Children love to create and there's no better way to do so than by sharing in the fun of planting a garden.  Because little ones also love color, they are naturally drawn to the landscape of a garden.  In addition to that, they also can enjoy the pleasure of watching something grow that they had a hand in preparing.

What To Plant

If you want to enjoy gardening as a family affair, try planting something that the entire family will enjoy.  Everyone loves strawberries; they are pretty and they taste great on a hot summer day.  Planting strawberries is a terrific way to get your children to join in on the fun of gardening.  In addition, watermelon, apples, pears, oranges and other colorful foods will entice your family into the project.  Don't forget to plant pumpkins for Halloween!  Not only will your children love to watch them grow, but they will also enjoy carving them for decoration.

How Your Child Can Benefit From Gardening

Gardening is a fun way to enjoy an activity with family, but it also teaches your child responsibility.  If he/she is responsible for planting something, it will provide a lesson in patience as the seed turns into a mature plant.  As they water the garden, they will also learn responsibility in that taking care of something is necessary for its health and survival.

Make Gardening Fun For Everyone

If you want to make any family activity fun, everyone in the family must have a specific interest in the project.  In other words, just because you want to plant roses doesn't mean that your child will share in your enthusiasm.  As a family, go out to the store and choose something specific for each individual to plant.  By allowing everyone the freedom of choosing their own project, they will be more likely to enjoy watching it grow and be proud of their achievement.

The Importance Of Sharing A Family Activity

One of the greatest things that a family can do together is to spend quality time enjoying a common interest.  Instead of getting lost in a television program or a video game, your family can benefit from gardening by learning one of life's most important lessons - sowing seeds is required to reap a bountiful harvest.

ANSWERS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Is now the time for you to purchase your first home? Are you nervous or unclear about how the process works? 

Here are straightforward answers to some of the basic questions about home buying.

Okay, first-time buyers… it’s time to turn the dream into the dirt you can stand on. Your very own home. I’m sure you have questions. In fact, I’m sure your questions are like most first-time buyers. Which is why I’ve put together this down-and-dirty answer guide for the most common questions home buyers have.

1. What kind of credit score do I need to have?

Generally, 630 or above is what you’ll want to have. The better your score, the better the terms will be on your loan. Some lenders may give you wiggle room on this, but it all depends on the circumstances. A loan professional can help you navigate this as you go.

2. How much of a down payment is required?

There are loans which will let you in for as low as 3% - 5% of the value of the home, but I would consider 5% to be the floor. More is better, especially if your credit isn’t as optimal as you’d like it to be. Working with a loan officer will help.

3. What’s the first step to home buying?

Getting pre-approval for a mortgage. Don’t shop for a home until you know what you can afford. There’s no use in falling in love with a $300,000 home in your dream neighborhood if the banks will only write you a loan of $150,000.

4. How much do I have to pay my real estate agent?

As a buyer, you don’t have to pay your real estate agent. The seller is responsible for listing fees and a portion of those fees will be paid to your agent for helping with the transaction.

5. Why should I use a real estate agent?

Like a lawyer, doctor, or other professional hired to represent your interests, the agent will not only advise you about the transaction, but protect and facilitate the process.

6. How long does it take to buy a house?

After you find the home you want to buy, it takes between 30 and 45 days, generally. The home search can take longer, however, so have a clear idea what you’re looking for and able to afford. (Your agent can help you with this. Another reason to have one on your side!)

Naturally, there’s more to buying a home, but this covers the basic introduction to the process. As your agent, I will walk you through the rest, guiding you along the way. 

When you’re ready to make the move, reach out to me: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

FIVE ITEMS THAT YOU SHOULDN'T TRASH

Most of us fall into the habit of disposing of all of our household items when they’ve broken, expired, or simply are no longer useful. 

But for environmental and safety reasons, here are five items that need to be disposed of with care:

Old batteries: Batteries contain chemicals like alkaline, zinc, cadmium, and nickel. These chemicals can be hazardous if a battery deteriorates, so take your old batteries to a hazardous waste center.

CFL lightbulbs: CFL bulbs (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) are much more efficient than incandescent bulbs, but they require different care once they burn out, because they contain mercury. Take them to a waste center.

Paint: Water-based paint is OK to be thrown in the trash. But oil-based paints can be hazardous. You could take them to a hazardous waste center, or you could donate the paint—community centers and non-profit organizations are a good start.

Electronics: Replacing your computer, or just getting rid of old junk? Instead of throwing your old electronics straight in the dumpster, take them to an e-waste center, or consider donating if the items are still useful.

Smoke detectors: Make sure to replace them every 10 years. Ionization smoke detectors actually emit a small amount of radiation, so you should mail them back to the manufacturer.

SELL IT FASTER WITH BUYER FEEDBACK

Collecting feedback from prospective buyers is a valuable part of listing and selling a home. 

Here’s how collecting an evaluating buyer feedback can be used to your advantage.

A second pair of eyes on an important document often helps spot mistakes or awkward phrasing we might miss on our own. Therapists help guide countless people through difficult situations with an outsider’s viewpoint. The same is true with selling a home: Buyers can see what’s holding your house back.

Naturally, some buyers believe complaints will help them lower the price when negotiation

time comes around, but more often than not buyer feedback offers valuable insight. As the

owner, you are frequently too familiar with your home to see it (and smell it!) with a buyer’s

point of view.

Common buyer complaints include:

- Foul or off-putting odors from animals, cigarette smoke, mildew, or a “closed up” house.

- Poor lighting or a “dark” feel to the rooms

- Worn flooring, dirty walls, or nasty wallpaper

Almost all of these complaints are easy fixes and involve cleaning, paint, or some floor

replacement. Though a buyer could easily undertake these projects after buying the home, the initial negative impression is enough to put them off the house for good.

If you’re not living in your home while it’s on the market, you might also discover unexpected reasons why buyers were dissuaded from making an offer. If you have renters who make access to the home difficult or refuse to remove their aggressive pets from the premises, you won’t know without some feedback from buyers. “Stagnant house syndrome” is another potential problem, so it’s good to know if buyers feel like a home is airless and gloomy. Finally, buyer feedback can alert you if there have been any vandals or pest infestations.

I always follow-up with buyers to find out what they thought of the house… good and bad.

It’s crucial to get this feedback. If, for instance, buyers consistently complain about things

which can’t be changed (such as major floor plan issues or proximity to a busy road), it may be necessary to adjust the listing price on the house. On the other hand, if they are relatively simple cosmetic fixes, it’s possible to consider inexpensive upgrades.

It helps to think of your relationship to sellers as a collaborative one. They like your home

enough to consider buying it, and you can learn from why they passed. Perfect pricing and preparation are key to a quick sale. 

Let me help you with both: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

CHOOSING YOUR AGENT THE RIGHT WAY

A surprisingly small percent of real estate agents are responsible for the majority of business in any given market. How do you make sure you don’t choose one of the slackers? 

Here are some simple tips to help you make your choice.

As you probably know, having a real estate license doesn’t make someone a great agent. In fact, in any given market, a relatively small percentage of the total number of agents are responsible for a majority of the business. This means that when you’re evaluating agents, the odds of picking someone with relatively little experience or true skill can be disconcertingly high.

So how do you know you’re in danger of working with a rank amateur? Here are some common “sniff tests” to help you sort through the masses:

1. Is the agent’s top selling point the fact they offer a lower commission? If an agent is eager to buy your business by promising to work for less than the competition, be wary. Professionals are compensated for hard work, and a true pro won’t make commission cutting their go-to reason for representing you in the sale of your home.

2. Is the agent’s proposed listing price for your home way higher than everyone else? It can be sweet to hear, but sometimes sweet things are poisonous. In the business this is called “buying a listing” and it usually works this way: An agent says your home is worth more than it is in order to get you to sign with them. Then, as the home languishes on the market, the agent will begin discussing price reductions. Instead of a quick sale for a fair price, you endure the heartache and expense of a home which takes longer to sell.

3. How is the agent marketing their current listings? Ask to see some listings for homes their representing right now. Are the photos terrible? Does the advertising copy for the home sound generic and unhelpful? Have all the homes experienced price reductions? How do the homes compare to other listings online? Can you find the home online easily? The agent is suddenly going to be working harder on your listing. How they’re treating their current listings is how they’ll treat yours.

4. What comes up when you Google the agent’s name? If it’s a common name, you may need to add “realtor” or “real estate” to the name. What comes up? Do they have a website? If nothing shows up, that’s a bad sign. Are they in the business or not? Can you find them on social media like Facebook? Have they updated profiles on Zillow / Trulia? If they’re a ghost online, beware. After all, that’s where buyers are starting conversations about buying!

I promise you I pass all four of these with flying colors and I'm eager to help you sell your home. Let's take soon: valerie@valeriemcconville.com