This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
2. Avoid Project Installations if Possible
Because holiday schedules can be all over the map, trying to coordinate a project installation at this time of year can be a challenge. In fact, it can be such a challenge than many pros suggest avoiding installations altogether and waiting until the new year to schedule them.
“A lot of our installers and subcontractors are also taking off for the holidays,” says Rebecca Sutton of Kitchen Design Concepts in Dallas. “We have conversations with our clients during the sales process — if their project timeline runs over the holidays, we know to begin their project at the start of the new year.”
Ruchi Agrawal Mohan of DesignbyRuchi in New York agrees that project installations during the holidays are a hassle. “It’s always harder to schedule deliveries and installations during the holidays,” she says. “The buildings are shut down for deliveries, clients are hosting and vendors are not available. I try to put installations on the schedule way ahead of time or after the holidays have passed.”
Stephanie Frees of Plain & Posh in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, also tries to avoid holiday installations. “I have always tried to get projects completed by Thanksgiving,” she says. “No one wants workers in their homes when they are trying to decorate for the holidays and then hosting holiday events.”
How to Create an Engaging End-of-Year Newsletter
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
6. Place Your Dishwasher for Easy Access to Storage
In most kitchens, the dishwasher is conveniently located next to the sink to simplify loading. When laying out your space, also think about the ease of unloading clean dishes and flatware. Consider where you’ll be standing when the dishwasher door is open and how easily you’ll be able to access drawers and storage.
Since emptying the dishwasher is a frequent task, convenient access to storage should be a priority. I have seen several kitchens where an open dishwasher door blocks access to storage for dinnerware and flatware. Other kitchen layouts require walking across the room to put away dishes. Also make sure there’s plenty of space to stand at the sink when loading the dishwasher.
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
What makes a house unique are important to include on online listings. This shot of a Breckenridge home demonstrates the view of Breckenridge Ski Resort that can be seen through the property’s large glass windows.
Tripp Fay/Courtesy photo
Tripp Fay/Courtesy photo
There’s a reason “location, location, location” has become one of the most-used real estate phrases of all time. When it comes down to it, in many situations, location sells. People in the market for luxury homes often seek one out in scenic areas.
Location can help a property stand out. But in popular resort communities, many homes on the market can claim to have a great location. Many people wonder how they can give their property a leg-up on the competition, so Summit County real estate experts offered a handful of tactics people looking to sell their luxury property can deploy when the competition is also pointing to its backyard and the mountain views in the High Country.
Aerial shots that give a bird’s eye view, such as this one of a home near Breckenridge Ski Resort, help buyers get an idea of what a property’s surroundings are like. Tripp Fay/Courtesy photo
Many local real estate agents emphasized the importance of maximizing curb appeal when vying for bids in a resort-town market.
Dana Cottrell, a Realtor for the Summit Resort Group and president-elect of the Colorado Association of Realtors, said curb appeal becomes more paramount based on the price of the home. She said the more expensive the property is, the higher the expectation is that it will have strong curb appeal.
That means investing in smart landscaping decisions as you own the home, and, when you’re ready to sell, Cottrell said curb appeal also means getting rid of any weeds in the front lawn or driveway, ensuring the lawn looks well-kept and highlighting the property’s tasteful landscaping.
Jim Schlegel, a branch broker with Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate’s Ten Mile Team, said outdoor amenities — such as pools or fireplaces — can also help enhance curb appeal. A property that’s set up in a way that facilitates large gatherings or parties is likely going to stand out compared to others on the market.
A still image shows off the living room of a home on Timber Trail Road in Breckenridge that is listed for nearly $20 million. Investing in unique amenities and creating artistic touches in a room are important parts of marketing a property in a resort-town market like Summit County.Tripp Fay/Courtesy photo
Cottrell and Schlegel said in an era where many people rely on the internet to scope the scene for what luxury homes are on the market, it’s also very important to evoke good curb appeal in a property’s listing online. They said the best way to do that is to get aerial drone footage of the property so people can get insight into it — and its surroundings — before visiting it in person.
Cottrell said that high-quality aerial drone footage is becoming a standard in the luxury home market — so much so that some buyers are starting to expect it.
High-quality visuals are important tools to both show off the uniqueness of a property and its interior. It can be the difference between someone opting to tour a home — or not.
This aerial drone shot demonstrates a 6,200-square-foot, ski-in-ski-out residence on Snowy Ridge Road in Breckenridge sold for $12 million, making it the most expensive home sold in Summit County in 2023. Jonathan Huffman/Summit Multimedia
“A buyer could be from anywhere from London to Mexico City. … Being able to present that property fully and show it off and make it enticing is important because it can get somebody to hop on a plane from London to come see it,” Schlegel said.
Schlegel generally instructs photographers photographing homes he is selling to show how different aspects of the home function through the still images. For instance, he asks the photographers to have the faucet on when photographing the bathroom, and he wants the fireplace to be all lit up when capturing the living room.
He added it’s crucial to showcase all the amenities that make the home unique in a listing, especially if the unit can be categorized as a ski-on, ski-off property, which he said are generally the fastest selling in Summit County.
Cottrell said it’s imperative to showcase the home while it’s at its prime in a listing, which is largely dependent on making sure the home looks spotless. She said even a small smudge on a bathroom mirror can impact how buyers view a home.
Realtors that sell luxury homes say that outdoor amenities, such as fireplaces overlooking sweeping views, help make a property more enticing to buyers.Tripp Fay/Courtesy photo
Alongside ensuring that every window sill looks dustless and every counter appears immaculate, it also means taking out anything like family photos before staging a home and offering tours.
“The whole idea is you want a buyer to be able to envision themselves living there,” Cottrell said. “Having family photos on the wall can make that hard to do.”
While selling a luxury home can be tough in a market where “great locations” are everywhere, Cottrell said its useful for the seller to have patience. Luxury homes tend to stay on the market longer, so people interested in eventually selling should keep this in mind.
Editor’s note: This story originally published in the June/July Summit County Home magazine.
This article was originally published by a www.summitdaily.com . Read the Original article here. .
When homeowners change their mind about a design feature late into a project — for example, after plans have been finalized, contracts are signed and builders have broken ground — things are bound to get complicated. Sometimes you might have to deal with a domino effect of issues and complete extra work such as drafting new plans, reconfiguring the budget, managing supply logistics and educating clients about how the project timeline and cost will be affected.
Here, designers and contractors share their best advice for processing change orders and implementing major last-minute requests from customers. Take a look at these eight tips, then in the Comments tell us how you negotiate change orders with clients and team members.
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
When homeowners change their mind about a design feature late into a project — for example, after plans have been finalized, contracts are signed and builders have broken ground — things are bound to get complicated. Sometimes you might have to deal with a domino effect of issues and complete extra work such as drafting new plans, reconfiguring the budget, managing supply logistics and educating clients about how the project timeline and cost will be affected.
Here, seven designers and contractors share their best advice for processing change orders and implementing major last-minute requests from customers. Take a look at these eight tips, then in the Comments tell us how you negotiate change orders with clients and team members.
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
Even in a seller’s market, where inventory is scarce and bidding wars are common, it still pays to invest some time and energy in positioning your home to sell for top dollar. This can involve a variety of steps, from working with a real estate agent who truly understands your local market to spending some money to make sure your home looks its best for buyers. Here are 10 tips for selling your home that Realtors say will separate you from the competition — and help you bring in a higher price.
1. Find a real estate agent
Working with a skilled local real estate agent who knows your area inside and out can help you sell your home more quickly, and often, for more money. In fact, data from the National Association of Realtors shows that between July 2022 and June 2023, homes listed without the assistance of a Realtor sold for a median price of $310,000, while those sold with one fetched a median of $405,000. Interview several candidates before you commit to one agent — the better you get along, the smoother the process is likely to be.
2. Invest in value-adding improvements
Determining which home improvements to invest in can be daunting, and the costs can add up quickly. The key is to spend your money on projects that will provide the most return on your investment.
Minor kitchen upgrades are typically a wise choice, says San Diego–area Realtor Jade Lee-Duffy. “The heart of the home is the kitchen, and many buyers will judge a property by its kitchen,” she says. Just don’t go overboard: “While a complete overhaul of this space can run into the tens of thousands, a minor update is where you can gain the greatest return,” she says. “Think about resurfacing cabinets, replacing countertops, a fresh coat of paint or updating the fixtures and hardware.”
Updating a bathroom is another smart investment, says Katie Severance, a Realtor with Douglas Elliman in Palm Beach, Florida, and author of “The Brilliant Home Buyer.” “Renovated kitchens and baths are the ‘money rooms’ — those that add the most value to a home,” she says.
3. Up your curb appeal
As the saying goes, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. “Make sure your front yard is free of debris, the bushes are pruned and the grass has been cut,” says Lee-Duffy. “Also, add some bright potted plants by the front door to make buyers feel welcome.”
Some other easy updates that can improve curb appeal include:
Touching up exterior paint
Adding window flower boxes
Installing a new mailbox
Adding new mulch around shrubs and trees
4. Get a pre-listing inspection
Investing in a home inspection before putting your property on the market is another step to consider. “You don’t want any unexpected surprises,” says Lee-Duffy. “It’s best to find out beforehand if there are any issues that you can fix, before buyers find out on their own.” That would give them negotiating power for a lower price or, worst case scenario, a reason to back out of the deal. So it may be worth a few hundred dollars for the peace of mind.
There is, however, a downside to a pre-listing inspection: “Beware, because once a seller becomes aware of an existing defect and does not correct it prior to listing, they are obligated to disclose it to a buyer,” says Severance. “Defects that a buyer learns were known but not disclosed, prior to accepting an offer, can kill the deal.”
5. Highlight the positive with professional photos
Spending a bit of money on high-quality photography can go a long way toward helping your home sell for a higher price. “The majority of people search for properties online,” says Lee-Duffy. “If the photos pop, it can translate into a higher sale price — and sell faster, too.”
It’s OK to leave some things to the imagination when it comes to your home’s online listing, though. “I advise against photographing every square foot of the home,” says Severance. “The goal of photographs is not to give all the goodies away online; it’s to make a buyer want to see more — to whet their whistle enough to entice them to see it in person. If they don’t come see the house, they probably aren’t making an offer.”
6. Stage your home
When it comes to home staging, says Severance, there are two rules of thumb: less is more and keep it neutral. “It’s very important to capture buyers’ interest from the front door,” she says. “Pay extra attention to the entry: Repaint; place flowers; buy a new area rug, an impressive mirror or a dramatic piece of art.”
Remove objects and clutter that visually shrink a room, such as large ottomans or too many plants, and remove everything from the kitchen counters except for one or two new-looking appliances. “And don’t forget to stage the deck or patio, because that is an extension of the house that can make a small home feel much larger than it is,” Severance adds.
You can do the staging work on your own or up the ante by hiring a professional stager. A pro will average around $1,800, according to HomeAdvisor.
7. Set the right asking price
Identifying the best price for your home can be critical to your success. “Setting the price too high can be detrimental and prevent buyers from walking through your front door,” says Lee-Duffy.
How do you find that sweet spot of pricing for profit but not overpricing? The expertise of your agent can be truly valuable here. A knowledgeable agent will understand fair market value in your area, how much your house is worth and how much you might reasonably expect to get for it in the current market.
“Good pricing requires the expertise to thread the needle,” says Severance. “List at a number that is lower than comparable properties, in order to draw attention to it, but not so low that you will be disappointed if you only get one offer right at list price.” If enough buyers are enticed, you might even set the stage for a bidding war.
8. Remove personal items
“The goal of any showing is for the buyer to envision their own belongings in the space,” says Severance. So, while family photos and other knickknacks might seem like they have no bearing on how much money your home commands, they really do matter — especially if you are still living in the home while you’re trying to sell it.
If buyers are distracted by personal items, then chances are they won’t be able to see themselves in the space, and will not end up making an offer. “Buyers are thinking of their own furniture, where it will go and how it will fit. It’s the house they came to see, not the items inside of it,” she says.
9. Be ready to move fast
Once your property is listed on the market, things can happen quickly. It’s important to be well prepared ahead of time so that you can be as responsive as possible to potential offers. “Fill out all the necessary documents, such as any seller disclosures, and have paperwork for recent repair work, home renovation costs and utility bills on-hand for any buyer requests that come in,” says Lee-Duffy.
Sellers who are slow in reaction time or unresponsive can lose buyers, adds Severance. “If the buyer feels that they are not being dealt with fairly, they are very likely to walk away,” she says.
10. Use your head, not your heart
Finally, try to remove emotion from the equation and see the process as a simple transaction — your home is no longer “home” but a product for sale. It’s not unusual for prospective buyers to request credits or repairs, and it’s easy as a seller to take offense, so try to have a clear understanding of what issues and items you may be willing to make concessions on.
“It’s important to take emotion out of it and remember that the buyer usually doesn’t expect to get everything they ask for,” says Severance. “Take a closer look at which requests are valid and fair, and offer something. The cost to you is not in giving the concession — it’s the expense of losing the buyer, putting the property back on the market, starting all over again and getting a potentially lower offer.”
FAQs
How can I maximize my net proceeds from selling my home?
To maximize how much you earn from the sale, it’s important to put in some work to get your property market-ready. This includes improving your home’s curb appeal, investing in professional listing photos and staging your home before opening it up to buyers. Your real estate agent can provide home-selling tips based on your specific situation.
Do I need a real estate agent to sell my home?
No, you don’t necessarily need a real estate agent to sell your house. Selling without one is called a “for sale by owner” transaction, and they are not unusual. However, partnering with an agent can make the process much easier for you — agents help with important tasks like determining the right asking price, creating a listing that will attract buyers and hosting showings and open houses. Later in the process, they’ll negotiate with buyers and guide you through the closing, ensuring your interests are protected.
How can I sell my house fast?
If you’re in a hurry to move, consider selling to a cash homebuying company or iBuyer. These businesses buy properties for cash, often in as-is condition, and they can close deals far faster than a traditional market sale — often in just a couple of weeks or less. The downside is that you’ll likely earn less money selling this way than you would with a traditional home listing.
This article was originally published by a www.bankrate.com . Read the Original article here. .
Food magazines may tell a different story, but striving for perfection on Thanksgiving is only bound to stress you out. Before your holiday planning begins in earnest, take a moment to discard too-high expectations, and focus instead on what a happy Thanksgiving Day would really look and feel like to you.
To me, it involves a messy kitchen, tried-and-true dishes, loud and boisterous good times with family, shared thanks, an afternoon walk in the fallen leaves, and someone pitching in to help with the dishes. Think of your own top-five favorite things about Thanksgiving and be sure to include them in your celebration.
Your Guide to Stress-Free Thanksgiving Prep