Posts with tag 'Selling your home'

If you're getting ready to install new flooring, you'll be faced with a choice between laminate and hardwood. Though they may look similar, each of these two flooring options has its pros and cons. Our real estate agents have summarized a few key factors to help you decide which is best for your home.

• Appearance and Aesthetics
  When it comes to aesthetics, the difference between laminate and hardwood flooring is glaringly obvious. Hardwood has a timeless appeal and tremendous texture variation of the wood grain. No two planks of hardwood flooring appear exactly alike. They can also take on different finishes and stains.
  
  When copying real wood, laminate flooring cannot look as genuine due to repeated patterns in the photographic layer. While the quality of synthetic materials continues to improve, repetition is unavoidable because it's impossible to replicate the uniqueness of authentic wood grains. 
  
  

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When it comes to making your home stand out, it's critical to ensure every room in the house is attractive to buyers. Our real estate agents help tons of clients with Richmond homes for sale understand how to prepare to put their homes on the market.

Sometimes it may be a certain room holding you back from getting offers on your home. Beware of the following pitfalls that may leave you wondering why buyers aren't biting.

1. Cluttered Rooms
   It doesn't matter if it's a children's playroom, your bedroom, or basement, clutter plain turns buyers off and putting your house on the market is a perfect excuse to get rid of it. It's critical. When potential buyers see clutter, they often assume that your house is dirty. It's also difficult for them to envision themselves and their things living there. Sell, donate, or throw away anything and everything you don't need or want to keep. And don't forget closets, cabinets, and drawers—the last thing you want is a pile of clothes falling on someone's head when they open the door to check out closet space in the hall or bedroom.
2. Poorly Lit Rooms
   Nobody wants to walk into a dark, creepy room, even if the rest of the house is bright and light. Make sure to open all the curtains and blinds before showing your home. Turn on lamps or add new ones if a room is in desperate need of light. One easy, affordable way to make your house look updated is to install more modern overhead light figures. Sparkling clean windows and a pretty plant by the window or in the corner will also brighten up any room. If any area of your home is painted in dark colors, painting it a lighter color like beige or gray will also lighten things up.
3. Damp, Creepy Basements
   If your basement needs a little TLC, consider putting up some shelves or bookcases and neatly storing books, toys, or other items. It's also essential to make sure your basement smells good. Mildewy smells can make buyers think there's been a flood or there's something wrong with the foundation. If there is a problem—fix it before listing.

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We are very proud to announce that Napier ERA has achieved Platinum Status in the Cartus Broker Network for 2019!

Cartus is the industry leader in corporate relocation services. We have been working with the Cartus Broker Network for many years and are proud to have the Platinum status for 11 years in a row. 

Napier ERA Realtors congratulates and thanks the Relocation Team and our agents for their outstanding service to our Cartus clients! 

When you're selling a home, every detail matters. From the smallest closet wall to the largest exterior wall, you need to showcase your property as well as possible. Upgrading appliances, repairing fixtures, and renovating rooms can increase your home's value. But don't overlook completing painting projects that can transform your house into a buyer's dream. Our REALTORS® have identified these four simple painting projects that you can easily accomplish before you list your home.

1. Consider Painting Exterior Features
   While you can certainly paint your full exterior, you can make the outside of your home look fresh and new without such a large project. Consider washing your exterior walls to let the color shine. Then apply a new, complementary color of paint to the front door, the railings of your porch banister, your window shutters, or other notable features.

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Buying and selling a home at the same time is essentially doing two jobs at once. Coupled with other life obligations, you will have a lot on your plate. While our real estate agents know it seems like a daunting challenge, the following tips can help you sell your home, buy a new home, and stay balanced.

1. Study the Market
   Timing is critical, and you should have a solid understanding of prevailing market trends where your home is located and where the home you want to buy is located. This can help you position your home to sell so you won't have to wait to buy a home where you want.
   
   
2. Secure Funds for a Down Payment
   Apply for a home equity line of credit (HELOC) before you list your home. This will give you access to funds you can use as a down payment. Alternatively, build up your savings, or speak with your bank about a bridge loan.
   
   
3. Be Ready to Make a Contingent Offer
   If you find the home you want before you selling, then you may want to broach the subject of a sales and settlement contingency with the seller. This allows you to put an offer on a home with a first-right-of-refusal if the seller accepts your offer. Ideally, you will want to wait until you have an offer on your own home and then discuss a settlement contingency that allows you to buy the home when your home is sold.  

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