How to attain higher appraisal when selling home?

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How to attain higher appraisal when selling home in Gilbert AZ?

Posted on November 23, 2015

3 Tips to Attain a Higher Home Appraisal
Somewhere between when buyer applying for a home loan and the close of escrow comes a most crucial step: the home appraisal. Since the transaction that got you to this point is one in which a buyer and seller agreed on a price, an actual market dynamic, the appraisal is likely to match the purchase price.

In fluctuating markets however, especially those going up after being down for some time, low appraisals frequently occur. For instance, as the nation climbed out from under the explosion of distressed sales, it took some time for home appraisals to even out. The gap was understandable, given that appraisers were basing market values on many homes that had foreclosed or sold via short sale.

Although there is nothing a homeowner can do about nearby properties that affect the market value of all homes in the area, there are things home seller can do to help achieve a higher house value. Here are three ways to increase your home appraisal.

1. Arm the Appraiser With Accurate Info
"The reality is that the appraiser is only there for 30 minutes at most," Brian Coester, chief executive of appraisal management company CoesterVMS, told Reuters. Thirty minutes to make a good first impression is a tall order.

Put together an information packet that the appraiser can take when she heads back to the office to crunch the numbers. Here are some items to include in the packet:

• The facts – Make a list of facts about your home, including the street address, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the year it was built. Yes, the appraiser has access to these details, but verification from you can't hurt.
• A list of recent sales – The appraiser has access to area home sale prices, but there is always the possibility of an error or two. Ask your real estate agent to print out a list of comparable homes in the area that have recently sold for prices that help justify your price.
• Inside information – Include any information you may have that the appraiser can't possibly be aware of, such as the fact that your next-door neighbor sold his home at a drastically reduced price to be able to quickly relocate for a new job out of town.
• Improvements – Let the appraiser know about any improvements you've made to the home, the date they were made and the contact information of the contractor who performed the work. Include info about new floors, windows, countertops or a new roof. If you finished the basement, list that. Any work on or replacement of major systems should go on the list, too.

2. Spiff Up Your Home
While you don't need to stage your home for the appraiser's visit, you do want to show that the house has been well maintained.

Things like overgrown landscaping, soiled carpeting, marks on walls — those do affect value and are part of the property's overall condition rating," Dean Zibas of Zibas Appraisal in San Clemente, Calif., told the Wall Street Journal.

Certified residential appraiser Ralph J. Vaccari of Marblehead, Mass., agrees. "It's important to realize that a dirty or unkempt home can increase its appearance of wear and tear beyond normal, and that condition can, in fact, affect value."

So get busy cleaning up the landscaping and sprucing up the interior of the home in advance of the appraisal appointment.

Selling your home in Gilbert AZ
Contact Us or call Swee Ng at 480.721.6253 today to discuss your potential Phoenix AZ House Value and our comprehensive marketing plan. We will prepare complimentary competitive market analysis (CMA) to find out what your home is worth at today’s market.

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3. Make Repairs
The appraiser will assign an "effective age" to the home, which is based on the condition of the home and any updates performed.

"Say you have a cracked window, thread-bare carpet, some tiles falling off the shower surround, vinyl torn in the laundry room, and the dog ate the corner of the fireplace hearth. These items could still add up to an overall average condition rating as the home is still habitable, however your effective age will be higher, resulting in comparables being utilized which will have the same effective age, and resulting in lower value," Doreen Zimmerman, an author and appraiser in Paradise, Calif., told the Journal.

Make any repairs that, if not made, would age the home in the eyes of the appraiser. Some of these may be as simple as replacing torn window screens, while others may be more substantial.

While the sale prices of comparable properties are relied upon heavily to ascertain the subject property's value, appraisers do not solely depend upon them. All pertinent data, including some intangible aspects, will help determine the closest estimate of the value of a property. And these are often the aspects of the appraisal process that you can have an influence on.

Gilbert AZ New Listing Homes for Sale

Swee Ng

Keller Williams Realty

sweeng@kw.com

15905 S 46th St #160

Phoenix AZ , 85048

480-721-6253

Swee Ng, Realtor and Gilbert AZ resident specializing in win-win real estate transaction through great communication and fighting for his clients' best interest. After all, this is more than real estates, this is about your life and your dreams.
If you are looking to buy or sell your home in Gilbert AZ, we hope you will consider us. Contact us today for complimentary consultation.

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3 Things to Think About Before Going FSBO

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3 Things to Think About Before Going FSBO

Posted on May 15, 2015

Quick: Off the top of your head, what can a real estate agent do to sell a house that you can't do?

"Frankly, I don't think a Realtor® does much that I can't do myself," a New Jersey homeowner told CBS News. After all, real estate agents just stick a sign in the yard, hold an open house or two, and fill out a couple of papers, right? Since you, too, can perform these duties, why not sell the house yourself and keep the commission money?

This is a fallacy many Americans operate under when judging the job of a real estate agent. Keep in mind that lots of jobs look easy when you aren't the one performing them.

Before you decide to plunge head-on into the world of the For-Sale-By-Owner, here are there key points you may want to consider.

1. Getting the Price Right
When the National Association of Realtors® surveyed FSBOs about what challenges they faced when attempting to sell their homes without the aid of a real estate professional, 13 percent said that setting the right price was a key challenge.

What is the "right" price? A home should be priced at or very near its market value. Therein lies the challenge – how does a layperson determine a home's current market value? The calculations require access to recent sales in the area, information about those homes, and information about the current real estate market in general.

Without access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), it is nearly impossible for anyone to gather info on all recent home sales in a given area. Although many websites claim to have this information, they are relying on public records, and most of the time they don't have all of the information required to pinpoint market value.

Would you sell a used car without consulting the Kelley Blue Book, or something similar, to ascertain its worth? Without knowing the true market value of your home, setting a price for it is akin to throwing a dart – where it lands may or may not be the bulls-eye.

2. Getting the Word Out
One of the most important jobs of a listing agent is marketing the property. Once upon a time, all it took was an ad in the Sunday classifieds. Today, however, it requires a lot more work, and multiple marketing platforms – especially for homes with problems.

Homebuyers begin their search online, and that's where real estate agents shine in their marketing efforts. They employ multiple strategies across multiple platforms – something a homeowner with no real estate or marketing experience may find challenging.

3. Getting a Handle on the Paperwork
Understanding and completing paperwork is the one task of selling a home that stymied the largest number of FSBOs in the NAR survey. From the purchase agreement to how to deal with changes to disclosure requirements, the typical home sale requires a stack of legal contracts that few outside of the industry know anything about.

You will need to familiarize yourself with all contracts, reading and understanding every single line. Otherwise, when a buyer submits an offer to purchase, you may end up sitting there with a glazed look on your face and no idea how to decipher the pages in front of you.

Get more Real Estates tips at SweeEastValleyHomes.com

Swee Ng, is a Gilbert resident specializing in win-win real estate transaction through great communication and fighting for his clients' best interest. After all, this is more than real estates, this is about your life and your dreams.

If you are looking to buy or sell your home in Gilbert AZ, we hope you will consider us.

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3 Must-Knows Before You List Your Home for Sale

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Selling Your Home in Gilbert: 3 Must-Knows Before You List

Posted on September 9, 2014

Sometimes the hardest part of selling a home is making the decision to sell your home in Gilbert AZ. Our homes give us roots, provide sanctuary, house memories and, hopefully, give us some financial security. It's a huge decision to sell a home.

Once made, however, additional decisions will come fast and furious, so take some time now, before the frenzy, to understand three salient points about the successful sale of a home in today's real estate marketplace.

What is Market Value?
One of the most challenging aspects of selling a home in Gilbert is determining the list price. Many homeowners will go online to find homes nearby that are for sale and base their price assumption on those that are most similar.

The list price of a home, however, is a fantasy. It represents an amount of money the seller thinks, or hopes the home will bring. Until the home sells, he may be right or he may be wrong.

Buyers set market value for homes. What a knowledgeable, willing, and unpressured buyer pays for a home is the home's true market value. Therefore, when pricing a home for the market, one must always look at the sold prices of similar homes nearby.

This is the method both real estate agents and appraisers use when determining a home's market value.

First Impressions Matter
Think back to when you were house hunting. Were there houses that you arrived at that you just couldn't bear to get out of the car to look at? Chipped or peeling paint, sagging window and door screens, and overgrown or dead landscaping do not make a good first impression.

Before you do anything else, clean your house, inside and out. Make cosmetic repairs, especially outdoors where the house makes its first impression. Even if it's merely a new coat of paint on the front door, shiny new house numbers and some fresh mulch in the planting beds, it may help folks want to see more.

Don't neglect the interior either. If you don't know where to start, take a look at some websites with ideas on how to declutter and stage the home.

Don't Attempt This on Your Own
I know what you're thinking: Of course a real estate agent is going to tell me not to take the for-sale-by-owner route. So, I won't ask you to take just my word for it. Let's look at the cold, hard numbers.

First, only 9 percent of homeowners attempt to sell their homes without the aid of an agent, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). Of those, almost half said they took this route because they were selling their home to someone they knew.

The next most commonly stated reason that a homeowner gave for not using an agent was that he or she didn't want to pay the real estate commission. That's understandable when one isn't sure exactly what an agent does to get a home sold. Once you get a look at that list, you'll understand that you definitely get what you pay for.

You should also take into consideration the fact that a home that is for sale by the owner is considered a bargain to most homebuyers. Many will walk in expecting you to kick back some of that money you're saving by not using an agent. This is why, according to NAR, homes sold by agents sell for 16 percent more than those sold by owner.

Selling a home is a big deal and, thankfully, something we don't often do. When it's time to sell yours, start with the basics, as outlined above, and you'll be ready to list your home before you know it.

Selling Your Home in Gilbert AZ?
Contact Us or call Swee Ng, Gilbert real estate agent at 480.721.6253 today to discuss your potential Gilbert AZ Housed Value and our comprehensive marketing plan. We will prepare complimentary competitive market analysis (CMA) to find out what your Home is worth at today’s market. You also can go to www.GilbertAZHouseValue.com to find out what your Gilbert house is worth instantly.

Swee Ng, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty who live, work and play in Gilbert AZ, specialize in Residential Resale, First Time Home Buyer and Investment Homes. Call 480.721.6253 today for complimentary consultation.
Sell: sell.sweephoenixhomes.com
Buy: buy.sweephoenixhomes.com

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Can Pets Hurt Gilbert Home Sale?

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Can Pets Hurt Gilbert Home Sale?

Posted on September 3, 2014

Dogs do the darndest things when they're bored. Take Squishy, for instance. Lauren came home late one night from her job as a nurse to find that Squishy –her usually well-mannered dog – had torn her sofa to shreds, right down to the woody skeleton.

Wading through the chunks of foam and scraps of distressed leather, she noticed something else: Squishy had enough time to not only disassemble the sofa but also to chew up the living room baseboards.

While a ruined sofa won't impact a home's value, gnarled-on baseboards most definitely will.

Americans Love Their Pets
Over 43 million American households own a dog, and over 36 million own at least one cat, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. It's unclear how many of these households are owner-occupied and how many rented, but since 65.5 percent of Americans own their homes, it's probably safe to say that many pet owners are also homeowners.

The various dog-shaming websites prove that pets behaving badly is sometimes funny – especially if it's someone else's pet acting up. When it's your cat or a neighbor's pooch committing the atrocities, though, you may pay dearly with a lowered resale value on your home.

Impact on Home Value
Time business and money writer Brad Tuttle claims that pets "can potentially do pretty much the same thing to your home's value that some pets do on the rug." He goes on to credit a New England real estate agent for determining that owning a pet may have a negative impact on your home's resale value.

As evidence, the agent cited a cat owner's condo that sold for up to $30,000 less than it should have because of damage caused by the pets.

Then, there's the noise factor. Whining, barking dogs in a neighborhood can bring down resale home values by between 5 to 10 percent, Appraisal Institute's Richard L. Borges tells Business Insider.

There isn't much you can do about a neighbor's dog, but there is plenty you can do about your own.

De-Pet Your Home
Just as you'll need to clean and declutter your home before it goes on the market, you'll also need to de-pet it. This involves getting rid of not only any damage the pet has caused, but also the hair, stains and, most of all, odors.

Start by getting rid of the hair. You'll need a heavy-duty vacuum for the job. Consider having the upholstered furniture dry-cleaned, launder or dry-clean the drapes, and shampoo the carpets.

Carpet: The Stink Magnet
Cat urine in the carpet is one of the hardest odors to get rid of, according to Neeraj Gupta, director of product research and development at ServiceMaster Clean. "Oftentimes," he tells MSN's Marcie Geffner, "you have to remove the carpet, remove the pad and seal the floor, and then replace the carpet and the pad."

If you think you can fix the problem by shampooing the carpet, you may want to pay close attention to those areas your pet chooses to use as a restroom.

First, though, you'll need to find those spots. Christopher Solomon of MSN Real Estate says that not all of the spots will be visible to the naked eye. He suggests that you consider purchasing a battery-powered ultraviolet light – also known as a black light. They are inexpensive and, used in a totally dark room, can pinpoint every bodily fluid that has landed on the carpet.

Other Flooring
If you have a hard-surface floor, you may think you've squeaked by the pet-odor problem. Think again. Even some hard surfaces can absorb urine. You'll need a chemical deodorizer and cleaner to rid the floor of the odor. If it lingers, you may need to strip and repaint, varnish or otherwise seal the floor.

Walls
If you own a dog, you are probably familiar with how they seem to love rubbing against the walls. Walk through your home with your eyes cast on walls and interior doors at doggy height and you'll no doubt notice discolored areas. Sometimes a Magic Eraser will remove the marks. If you've lived in the home for a long time, you may need to repaint to remove the doggy odor.

Cats like walls too – especially male cats, who tend to spray vertical surfaces, such as the backs of chairs and walls, according to the experts at Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Ask your veterinarian what she recommends to clean and deodorize the walls.

Showings
Your real estate agent will suggest that you not be home during showings. There are a number of reasons for this, but the most significant is that buyers are more relaxed if the homeowner isn't hanging around.

The National Association of Realtors® suggests removing the pet from the home during showings as well. If you'll be home, this is easy, just take the dog for a walk or drive.

If you will be working during showings, you'll need to come up with an alternative for your pet. Here are a few places to take your dog during showings:

• Doggie Daycare – This one is ideal. The dog gets a day of socializing and playing, and potential buyers get to tour the home in solitude
• Groomer – An obvious win-win
• Veterinarian – Use the opportunity to get the dog or cat a checkup and shots
• Professional Dog Walker – Hire a dog walker to remove the dog from the home during showings.

Life is chaotic and full of unexpected events when your house is on the market. It's important to remain flexible and accommodate last-minute showings if you want to get the home sold. While pets may be members of the family, they are distractions to buyers, so it's important to decide beforehand how you'll deal with them while the home is for sale.

Selling Your Home in Gilbert AZ?
Contact Us or call Swee Ng, Gilbert real estate agent at 480.721.6253 today to discuss your potential home value and our comprehensive marketing plan. We will prepare complimentary competitive market analysis (CMA) to find out what your Home is worth at today's market. You also can view your home value instantly at www.GilbertAZHousevalue.com

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Home Seller Tips - Your Bank Account

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Home Seller Tips - Your Bank Account

Imagine if you weren't allowed to withdraw money from your bank. Well that's what's happening if your house does not sell. Yes, a house is a great way to build equity, except it only works in your favor if you can unlock it. Your agent holds the key.

What's My House Worth?

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Swee Ng

Keller Williams Realty

sweeng@kw.com

15905 S 46th St #160

Phoenix , AZ , 85048

480-721-6253

Swee Ng, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty who live, work and play in Gilbert AZ, specialize in Residential Resale, First Time Home Buyer and Investment Homes.
Call 480.721.6253 today for complimentary consultation.

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Paint to Sell: Painting Tips to Ensure a Quick Home Sale

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Paint to Sell: Painting Tips to Ensure a Quick Home Sale

No matter how much you rearrange or decorate a room, nothing affects appearance like a fresh coat of paint. When you enter a house, your eye may be drawn to little decorative touches, but all the staging in the world will fall flat if your paint is drab, dirty, or goes against the potential buyer's taste. Considering that a gallon of paint is only about $25, it's also an inexpensive way to give your home a makeover.

Choosing Colors to Appeal to Homebuyers
Using colors that make the buyer feel "at home" will help you sell your home more quickly. You want them to look at each room and be able to literally see themselves and their belongings fitting inside your walls. Inspire a feeling of peace and relaxation, and part of the sale is already done!

Neutrals and soft colors create a soothing, calm atmosphere. Homebuyers can more easily visualize the paint colors they want when other colors aren't bombarding them at every glance.

Avoid bold, vibrant or dark colors. Even pure white can prove overwhelming. Stay away from trendy colors no matter how good they look to you.

Keep in mind color psychology. Not only do certain colors calm you, but the shade can also affect the room itself. Light colors make a space appear larger. Dark colors, on the other hand, make the room feel smaller. Of course, sometimes a darker color is good if you want a certain effect. A cozy den with a darker color and a bright, cheery kitchen with a lighter color may work best to highlight each room's appeal.

Neutral Shades
Even with neutrals, you still have a variety of colors to choose from. Off-white is a popular, all-purpose color, but it's not the only one. Beige, tan, eggshell and ecru are other colors that work well with almost any style. But your choices range even further: pale shades of blue, green, yellow and gray, for instance, can blend with the house and complement the room. Aim for colors that don't overpower the room or furnishings. Keep the color variations to a minimum to lend a sense of continuity to the house. If every room is a different color, it can prove overwhelming. It's much better to pick two or three colors to use throughout the house.

Painting Tips
Take the time to paint properly. Mask off areas that will be left unpainted. Throw down floor and furniture coverings to ensure you don't create damage during the process. Most importantly, prep the wall properly.

You may wish to spread a primer first to block bold colors. If the walls don't require color or stain blocking, sanding the walls slightly or washing with a solution of trisodium phosphate are other options. Both sanding and washing with TSP will remove dirt, oils and other contaminants that prevent the color from adhering well and looking good.

While you paint, take time and care to cut in the corners and avoid drips. Aim for the best paint job of your life – it will be worth it when the buyers sign on the dotted line!

If you can't afford to repaint your entire house, concentrate on a few select areas. The first room the buyer enters is the place to start – remember, first impressions count! Consider painting cupboards, trim and doors along with key rooms. Let your instincts guide you. Look around at other homes for ideas. If your home has a "parade of homes" that local builders showcase, you can glean a lot of tips in a short amount of time.

With a minimum investment, a little time and elbow grease, it shouldn't take long for you to have your home ready for its next owner.


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Swee Ng, Realtor Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living specialty in Residential Resale, First Time Home Buyer and Investment Homes.
Visit www.SweeEastValleyHomes.com for your Gilbert Real Estate needs.
Go to www.GilbertAZHouseValue.com to find out what your Gilbert house is worth instantly.

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Creating Curb Appeal: 6 Ways to Improve Your Home's First Impression

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Creating Curb Appeal: 6 Ways to Improve Your Home's First Impression

You've probably heard the old saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." That's true in life, and it's true in real estate. If you're in the process of selling your home, take a moment to walk across the street and look at your home with a critical eye. What are potential homebuyers seeing as they pull up? Is your home giving off a good first impression? Does it have good curb appeal?

Real estate agents and home staging services know how important curb appeal is to the home selling process. It only takes a couple of seconds for potential homebuyers to form an opinion of your home based on its curb appeal. Below are six ways to improve your home's first impression.

First Step: A Critical Review
Remember that trip across the street I mentioned above? Well, after living in your home for years, you may not be the best judge. Invite a friend or family member over to give your home a critique. What would they do to improve your home's curb appeal? If they can't make it over, take some photos and email them to some friends for their review. We tend to see things in photographs that we miss when we're casually looking at things. Print your pictures out on 8 ½-by-11-inch paper, draw on them, and make notes about what changes you want to make.

Give it a Fresh Coat of Paint
A fresh coat of paint can go a long way toward improving your home's curb appeal. If a potential homebuyer drives up and sees cracked and peeling paint, what impression will that leave? Not only will the homebuyer think you haven't maintained the exterior of your home, but he is going to wonder what other maintenance items have been neglected.

Make sure the colors you choose fit with the neighborhood and the character of the house. You want your home to have great curb appeal, but that doesn't mean it should stick out markedly from the rest of the houses on the block. If you're selling your home, neutral colors are the best because they will have broader appeal. However, a neutral paint color doesn't have to be boring. Add some pizzazz by painting your front door a more vibrant, complementary color.

Make it Welcoming
Whether it's a decorative wreath on the front door, some decorative pots with brightly colored flowers, or simply great porch lighting, make your front door visible and inviting. Don't overdo it. Keep things simple, but make it easy to spot your front door. If you have overgrown shrubs blocking the view to your home, it will feel less safe. Trim shrubs back to eliminate any areas where predators could lurk, and make sure your house number is clearly visible.

Get Rid of the Junk
"One man's trash is another man's treasure" applies to garage sales and antiquing. Improve your home's curb appeal by putting things away and storing items that don't enhance your home's first impression. The less clutter you have around your front door and in your front yard the better.

Maintain Your Lawn
If you have a home with a lawn, the best thing you can do to create great curb appeal is to keep it maintained. Mow your lawn to a height of about 2 inches. Many people believe that mowing a lawn shorter is better, but with a blade height of about 2 inches, the grass is long enough to provide some shade for the roots, which helps the roots retain moisture and promotes stronger root growth.

Manually remove weeds as soon as you see them to prevent them from going to seed and becoming a bigger problem. Weeds generally show up in areas where the lawn is weak or lacking in nutrients. Over-seed any areas where the grass is thin and use an organic fertilizer to provide nutrients and maintain healthy soil.
Near sidewalks, driveways, and planting beds, edge your lawn with a line trimmer or straight spade to maintain a nicely manicured edge. There is no need to buy plastic lawn edging. It rarely holds up over time. A spade and a little muscle can do the trick. However, if you find you really want a built edge to your lawn, use aluminum edging. It is far more durable than plastic and will cut down on some of the maintenance needed to maintain the shape and size of your planting beds.

Oh, the Pressure!
Maintaining concrete driveways, sidewalks, and patios is always important for providing safe walking surfaces. However, if you are selling your home, what is the one thing a potential homebuyer is going to do? They will walk up your sidewalk or driveway to your front door. If you want your home to make a great first impression, fix any major cracks and make sure your entry sidewalk is free of debris, moss, and uneven edges. Pressure-wash concrete surfaces to remove any built up dirt and moss.
As you can see, most of these tasks are things you are probably already doing, but when neglected, they can take away from your home's curb appeal. Creating great curb appeal really just comes down to maintaining your home. Performing these tasks on a regular basis means you'll never have to worry about your home making a great first impression.

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8 kitchen remodeling ideas for under $500

Frugal ideas to remodel the kitchen
Remodeling a kitchen may sound like a big, expensive project. But the truth is that there are ways to breathe new life into an old kitchen without spending much money.

"A kitchen remodel can be done on any budget," says Lowe's spokeswoman Jaclyn Pardini. "The secret to success lies in careful planning. Conduct research ahead of time, find your inspirations, and know which projects you can complete yourself and which ones you'll leave for an expert."

Naturally, there are limits to what you can do on a budget. But many home-remodeling experts stress that moderately handy homeowners with just a little cash to spend can make a big difference in their kitchen. And if the work looks good, you're adding equity to your home, according Erin Davis, lead designer for Mosaik Design & Remodeling in Portland, Ore.

Here are eight kitchen remodeling projects that cost $500 or less.

Spruce up your walls
If your kitchen feels old, there's no better remedy than a coat of paint.

"Paint is by far the best bang for your buck," Davis says. "One of my design teachers once told me that a gallon of paint is worth $500 (in terms of) the value it brings to a space. Not only does it instantly change the feel of a space, but if you do it yourself, it will cost virtually nothing."

For about $100, a less time-consuming upgrade is to add molding to the area where your cabinets meet the ceiling.

"If you're handy with a table saw, it would only take you an afternoon to add a chunky piece of crown molding to the tops of your upper cabinets," says Atlanta-based DIY blogger Kelly Marzka, who runs View Along The Way. "This is an easy way to make inexpensive cabinetry feel like custom pieces."

Freshen up cabinets
New cabinets may sound expensive, but most DIYers know cabinets are one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to revamp a kitchen.

One simple trick is to add or replace the hardware on existing cabinets.

"Hardware is like jewelry for your cabinets," Davis says. "You'll be surprised at how different your cabinetry looks with updated hardware."

Changing hardware is easy, and you can choose from many styles without spending more than a few dollars per piece.

Another, more involved, option is to paint the cabinets, which will make them look new without replacing them.

"All cabinets, even laminate ones, can be painted if you use a strong primer," says Jay Hart, CEO of Sold with Style, a New York home design firm.

Supplies should run less than $100. But before you paint, it's important to prep. Remove the doors from the cabinets, cover the hardware or remove it, and be sure to sand away old paint.

Float a new look for the sink
You don't have to be a plumber to give your kitchen sink a makeover, but you do have to be somewhat handy, according to Jamie Gold, a certified kitchen designer in San Diego and the author of "New Kitchen Ideas That Work."

You can replace the faucet on your sink rather easily in about an hour. But, says Gold, the costs vary dramatically. "Depending on the quality and features of the faucet, you could spend anywhere between $150 and $500."

A more dramatic option, and one that requires a little more muscle, is to replace the whole sink. The project will take a few hours, and it should run you between $250 and $500 for a new sink.

Update the lighting
If you've ever thought your kitchen might look better in a different light, you may be on to something, according to Davis.

"It is amazing what a great light fixture can do to a room," Davis says. "Just swapping out new fixtures in the existing locations is the most affordable way to go. Another good idea is to add recessed can lights to a kitchen to improve the general lighting."

If you're changing fixtures, Davis says most homeowners can do it pretty quickly on their own with some basic instruction. But adding recessed cans might get a little tricky for a novice. Thankfully, each high-quality recessed light installed by an electrician should run about $150, which includes materials and labor. And if you don't feel comfortable doing anything electrical yourself, Davis says it's possible to hire a good electrician for up to $95 an hour.

Renew counters and floors
New counters and floors will probably test your kitchen remodel budget and your handiwork. But if you're up for it, either one of these changes can have a dramatic impact on your kitchen's appearance.

At about $2 a square foot, Hart says homeowners shouldn't overlook vinyl flooring, which "has come a long way."

When it comes to countertops, homeowners have even more budget options. Granite tile can give you a granite look without the price of a granite slab, says Gold, who adds that you can tile over existing tile if you rough up the underlying surface with a sander.

Similarly, Davis points out that you can install laminate countertops on top of existing counters. Hardware stores sell countertops for as little as $45 per section. And if you're looking for an installation tutorial, the experts say you can find a lot of quality presentations on YouTube. Just remember to keep a laptop or tablet handy as a reference.

Buy (almost) new appliances
Changing an appliance will push the outer limit of any budget. But if you're willing to accept minor imperfections, it is possible to pick up a new appliance for less than $500.

"You can update appliances by going to a 'scratch-and-dent' store where they sell new appliances at a steep discount due to minor cosmetic flaws," Gold says.

The term refers to cosmetic blemishes that preclude retailers from selling the appliances as new, but when it comes to functionality, the buyer is getting a new product.

Unfortunately for your budget, unless you're talking about a new refrigerator, you may have to hire someone to install the new appliance, which could add a few hundred dollars to the project.

Add a backsplash
You may not think the wall space behind your sink offers a lot of design potential. But the truth is that adding a backsplash is one of those small changes that can have a big impact.

"One of the easiest ways to spruce up a kitchen is to change the backsplash," says Christine Tse, an interior designer in New York City. "This small change will instantly change your kitchen from drab to fab."

The cost will depend on the size of your backsplash and the type of material you choose. Coming from New York, Tse says she's fond of subway tiles, which can run about $350 for 12 square feet. If you want something high-end like white Carrara marble, you should plan on spending about $450. But if you want to keep costs down, you can hunt around for options in the $200 range.

You'll need to block out a day to do the job, or two days if the tiles need grout work. But the good news is you don't have to be a tile expert to put in a backsplash. A lot of hardware stores run free weekend classes that show you how to do these projects.

Install more storage
If you're strapped for storage in your kitchen, you probably aren't doing yourself any favors in the aesthetics department.

"Clear the clutter by moving cookbooks and other clutter off of the countertops and adding some floating shelves to the walls," says Dorothy Myers, a Realtor and interior designer at Sky Real Estate in Washington, D.C. "There are all kinds of wonderful storage solutions to organize kitchen cabinets and to move those often-needed items off of the countertop and into the cabinets or onto the walls that will be functional and beautiful."

The shelves you pick will drive the cost, but Myers says you can pick up thick floating wood or glass shelves for about $40 each. Thinner, less expensive shelves can be had for as little as $5 apiece.

A moderately handy homeowner should be able to do the project in a few hours, according to Myers.

"Just make sure that you anchor the shelves to studs to ensure that the shelves can hold some weight, if your wall is drywall," Myers says.

via bankrate

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For Sale: Get a Home Market Ready to Sell

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Want to be the seller who goes to market instead of the one who stays home? The difference might be a few of the things you do before you plant that "for sale" sign.

It's a buyer's market. Your house has competition, and that means you have to do some work to get it ready to sell. So, while your home looks great compared to the neighbor's foreclosure, it might not quite compare to that house a block over where, rumor has it, the owner clips the lawn with an electric razor.

You don't have to spend a ton of time or money. A few simple tricks can get you market ready in time for the start of the spring selling season. Especially if you start now.

Here are tips from top agents to give your home the edge.

Make it shine
Step one to getting your house market ready: Break out the cleaning supplies.

"Give it a really good cleaning," says Jeff Wiren, immediate past president of the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors in Oregon.

The problem: "A lot of sellers might not have the same perception of 'deep cleaning' that a buyer would," he says. For that reason, "it might be worth spending a couple hundred dollars to have professionals come in and clean."

Two places where clean can be critical for buyers are kitchens and bathrooms, says Pat Vredevoogd Combs, past president of the National Association of Realtors. Having those rooms clean and sparkling can make a huge difference in the perception of "whether a house is kept up or not," she says.

Windows and baseboards are crucial, says Mark Ramsey, broker with The Ramsey Group at Keller Williams Realty in Charlotte, N.C. If you're not replacing carpets, have those cleaned, too, Wiren says. The potential outlay for a cleaning service and carpet cleaning is likely in the neighborhood of $300 to $500 total, he estimates. "It has a much greater impact than most sellers think."

Add square footage -- free!
Ditch junk and clutter to make your house look more attractive and spacious.

"This is now a showcase," says Patricia Szot, immediate past president of the Dallas-based MetroTex Association of Realtors. "You are no longer living in it; you are showing it."

A couple of pro tips:

• Laundry room: Make it neat and orderly, Szot says. Your goal is to make it look like the room is plenty big enough for the job.
• Pantry: It's for food only, Ramsey says. Using the pantry for general storage screams, "Not enough cupboard space."
• Garage: If it's a two-car garage, make room for two cars, Szot says. For a lot of men, if the garage "looks small because of the clutter, there's an issue."

"And while you're decluttering, you're depersonalizing," Wiren says. "You really need the buyer to be able to picture your home as their home." A picture of your kids on the nightstand is "not a big deal," he says. But you don't want the family portrait gallery lining the hallway.

Color it neutral
With paint, stick to neutrals, several agents say.

"I have had people who painted some of their rooms and picked the colors themselves" in shades of pink and purple, says Combs, who is vice president of Coldwell Banker AJS Schmidt Realty in Grand Rapids, Mich. "And it was more of a negative than a positive when they put their homes on the market."

Their mistake wasn't DIY painting but color selection, she says. Opt for neutrals, which have a broader appeal.

"Then consider the flooring. If the carpeting is old and stained, put in new carpeting," says Szot, operating principal with Keller Williams Realty, Lake Cities at Firewheel.

Keep plans practical
Keep any planned changes to the house reasonable and in character with the home and the neighborhood.

"Don't lie to yourself," says Wiren, a principal broker with Re/Max Equity Group. If the house has areas that show wear, get that work done before offering the home.

Seek a second opinion from your agent or a potential agent. A real estate professional can advise you on what repairs or upgrades will give you the most bang for your buck.

"The price of your house is going to determine what things you should do," Combs says. One client spent $10,000 putting in hickory cabinets and granite countertops in the kitchen of a home that listed in the $100,000 range, she recalls.

"In that price range, it wasn't necessary," Combs says. "And we couldn't get any more money for the house."

See with 'buyer's eyes'
View the house from the buyer's perspective. "Pull up and stop right in front of it, just like a buyer's going to do," Ramsey says. Then "let yourself in the front door, like a buyer's going to do."

How does your home compare to others on the street? Is it inviting? Does it make you want to see more?

"Walk through the home with the eyes of a buyer," Szot says. If you're buying another house, think about what you want to see in your new home, she says.

Pay special attention to the entryway, Ramsey says. "You want it to be open as much as possible," he says. Look at the furnishings you have in the area, and err on the side of less-is-more. "When in doubt, get it out," Ramsey says. "You want it open and bright with neutral paint."

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Adding Art Deco Style to Your Living Room

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Adding Art Deco Style to Your Living Room

Made popular in the 1920s and 1930s, the elegance and glamour of art deco design can be resurrected in your home today. Art deco swept the interior design world in Europe and the United States beginning in the mid-1920s. Signature elements of the design include distinct geometric shapes, shine and a bold reflection of world culture and modernism.

The famous art deco buildings of Miami are standout examples of this design, but there is much more to this style than those structures and pastel colors. The lavishness and sleek glory of the art deco lifestyle highlights contrast and drama at its finest.

Designing your living room in art deco style makes a statement in all areas of the room.

Floors

In many ways the art deco living room begins with the floors. Linoleum tiles, lacquered wood, or polished parquet wood is the base for the rest of the room. Today, linoleum and parquet wood get a bad reputation for being cheap or ugly because of inexpensive peel-and-stick options available at big-box stores. That is not the case with these floors.

The materials that make up the art deco floor are made of high quality products that are durable with a heavy sheen. Linoleum tiles or wood pieces are arranged in patterns to create interest in the room. Checkered or border patterns are good tile options. Classic black-and-white tiles can work well with this style. Wood patterns can be alternating dark and light squares or planks, the traditional herringbone pattern, or any number of other patterns. Large area rugs with outstanding geometric shapes, Egyptian zigzags, or sunbursts often secure the room or delineate areas of the living space. Circular rugs can break up the angles of the rest of the room.

Colors

Although any color can work with this style, there are a couple sure ways to go when choosing a color palette. Choosing a mellow cream or beige as the main color allows for bolder accessories or pops of brighter color throughout the room. Neutral color families also work well with lacquered wood and wood inlaid furniture. Bold wall colors tend to go well with metallic furniture and accessories.

Furniture

A few large pieces of furniture will easily fill an art deco living room. A large, streamlined sofa or loveseat flanked by comfortable yet sleek chairs will provide the seating for the room. A side table or coffee table, also in a glossy design, can be used to enhance the seating area. Glass, metal or unadorned wood make perfect tables for this room. Mirrored armoires can add a little luxury to the room and hide modern televisions and media players.

Accessories

Selecting accessories is easy and fun when you use your floors, color palette and furniture as a guide. Silver and chrome provide the shine that is indicative of the art deco style. Window treatments are downplayed with this type of décor. Simple drapes, cornice boxes or solid colored valances can act as accents for the windows. Leaving windows uncovered also works for this style. Fabrics should be solid colors or include some of the patterns mentioned earlier. Pillows and throws are places to use some of those pops of bold colors. Use framed movie posters, magazine covers, original artwork of the era, or art that channels its heyday to echo historic aspects of art deco design. Mirrored or shiny boxes can top tables or shelves alongside small statues.

Seek Out Art Deco Treasures

Making the old new again is the key to this style. Art deco originated at a time when artifacts of exotic cultures were being discovered and brought to Europe and the United States. Archeological finds provided inspiration for this style. Think of those Egyptian zigzags or the South American stucco influence of Miami's buildings. Visit antique stores, collectors or consignment furniture stores for international vintage pieces to add to your living room as focal points. These art and sculptural finds paired with the right furniture will create a perfect art deco setting.

Own It

The art deco style of today is still reminiscent of a certain swagger of times gone by. It's not lacey or romantic. When you incorporate art deco elements into your interior design, the result can be a style that is amazingly bold and sharp-angled, simple yet very sophisticated.

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What Home Buyers Desire Today

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Homebuyers nowadays have some advantages over prospective buyers during the years of the housing bust: low (but rising) interest rates and relatively low (but rising) home prices in many markets. Those advantages don't necessarily translate into confidence about a home purchase.

Buyers want to be sure they are buying a home that will at least maintain its market value, if not appreciate over the coming years.

In order to feel more certain about their choice of home, today's buyers want homes that meet three factors of good value:

• Price
• Condition
• Location.

"Since no one knows when the market will truly level out and values will start to climb, buyers are trying to insulate themselves from buying an overvalued home," says Roxanne Gennari, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Princeton Junction, N.J. "Buyers are looking for the best deal they can get. In many cases, they only want to buy if they can get a house at a certain price."

Here are six items on homebuyers' checklists in today's market.

Buyers want homes that maintain value
Buyers are looking for neighborhoods where prices are rising or have at least stabilized, says Leisa Frye, a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers in Roswell, Ga. "Buyers want to make sure their home won't be worth less in the future," Frye says, "so while they are focused on getting a good deal, they are looking for some control over not losing value in the future. They want a discount on already low prices as an insurance against potential declining value."

In Massachusetts, Gary Rogers, broker/owner of Re/Max on the Charles in Waltham, Mass., says buyers don't always find the bargains they look for.

"Lots of buyers expect rock-bottom prices, but there are no steals out there," Rogers says. "Buyers are trying to get superlow prices, but sellers who are already pricing their home at market value are not accepting those kinds of offers."

Buyers want homes in move-in condition
When homebuyers crave bargains, they sometimes look for fixer-uppers -- until they see one. Then, a lot of potential buyers change their minds, says Ben Coleman, broker/owner of Century 21 Hartford Properties in San Francisco.

"Some buyers may be willing to do a little bit of cosmetic work like replacing the carpet or having something painted, but most are looking for a home in ready-to-move-in condition," Coleman says. "The preference is for a maintenance-free home, although few homes are truly maintenance-free."

Rogers says the desire for ready-to-move-in homes may be a side effect of home-and-garden television programming.

"People used to love 'This Old House' and think they wanted to do their own work, but now they watch shows on HGTV like 'House Hunters,' where everyone leans toward homes that are in turnkey condition," Rogers says.

"Buyers don't want to deal with contractors," Frye says. "And they don't want a paint or carpet allowance. I tell my sellers to do everything before they even think about putting their home on the market."

Homebuyers want homes in handy locations
As always, the mantra "location, location, location" still applies to buying real estate. The better the location, the higher the home's value. Nowadays, buyers factor in amenities such as commute times when they assess a neighborhood's desirability.

"Location has become even more important recently than it used to be, with buyers wanting to be near the city or at least near some kind of public transportation," Rogers says. "We're seeing empty-nesters move into Boston while 20-something and 30-something buyers are moving just outside the city in order to afford to buy."

In San Francisco, Coleman says living within walking distance to amenities and to public transportation is the No. 1 priority for most buyers.

"We talk about Walk Score all the time now, which tells you how close a particular home is to things like a coffee shop, a grocery store, and a bus or subway stop," Coleman says.

Buyers want functional homes
During the housing boom, buyers looked for the biggest, most amenity-laden homes they could afford. Sometimes they bought houses they couldn't afford. Those days are over.

"Buying a home used to be all about size and luxury, but now it's about buying a functional home; one that is satisfactory and just large enough," Gennari says. "Some people still want a big home, but those that have owned one often want something smaller and not some rambling home that's expensive to heat."

Rogers says homebuyers want smaller homes for several reasons.

"It's partly a reflection of the recession, that people are being more careful and conservative," Rogers says. "They are concerned about the manageability of their home, property taxes and utility bills, and they want to be able to save money even after they buy a home."

Rogers says that while empty-nesters are particularly eager to downsize, almost all buyers share the same sensibility about size.

"It used to be OK to be extravagant, to look for a home that had 2,500 or 3,000 square feet when they really only needed 1,800 square feet," says Rogers. "Times have changed."

Buyers are looking for open floor plans
Homebuyers today gravitate toward open floor plans, in which the kitchen, family room and dining room share one space where family members can see and talk to one another.

For this reason, buyers in Georgia look for homes built in 2000 or later, mostly because the floor plans of 21st-century homes reflect the way people live today, Frye says.

She says buyers don't particularly want formal living rooms because they don't have formal furniture. A living room frequently is converted into a study or another family room.

"Everyone wants an open kitchen and family room, or at least a direct view from the family room into the kitchen, so that the family can be together even when someone is cooking," Frye says.

Buyers in the San Francisco area prefer a great room and an open floor plan, Coleman says.

"A lot of older homes in this area weren't built to be open, and have small rooms and small closets," Coleman says. "Those homes that have been renovated or can easily be changed into a more open design are extremely desirable."

Coleman says natural light is important to buyers, especially in combination with open rooms.

Buyers want a 1st-floor bedroom
Now that baby boomers are getting older, a long-predicted trend is coming to fruition: Homebuyers look for a first-floor bedroom, even if they don't intend to use it just yet. The space can be a master suite, a guest room or a flexible room that can be converted into a bedroom someday.

"The baby boom generation wants a first-floor bedroom because they are forecasting that they will stay in their home longer," Rogers says. "In addition, we're seeing more extended family members moving in together, especially since people are staying healthy longer and living longer."

Frye says homebuyers in her area prefer a guest suite on the main level rather than a master suite, unless they are elderly.

"Buyers in their 30s, 40s and 50s usually want the master bedroom upstairs, so they can be near their kids," says Frye. "If there are no health issues, they want to be upstairs, but they also want a bedroom and a full bath on the main level for their elderly parents and in-laws who live with them or even just visit."

By Michele Lerner, bankrate.com

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7 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a House

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7 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a House
Lucky is the homeowner who has experience with selling a home. First-time sellers have a steep learning curve ahead of them and many obstacles on the road to a successful sale. Although common with first-time sellers, some of these obstacles aren't obvious.

1. Not Preparing the Home for Sale
"Dress your house for success," is probably the best advice for home sellers. Just as you wouldn't attempt to get top dollar for a car without cleaning the interior and detailing the exterior, so it goes with the sale of your home.

Cleaning the house is the first step because, face it, nobody will buy a dirty house. But, here's incentive for you to put on the rubber gloves and drag out the cleaning supplies: Clean houses sell quicker and for more money.

According to a recent survey, commissioned by one of the big real estate companies, a $402 investment in cleaning and decluttering a home realizes a 403 percent return on investment. That is a whopping $2,024 in your pocket at the closing table.

As impatient as you are to move on to the next phase of your life, it is vitally important to get the cleaning, painting, repairs and staging done before the house goes on the market.

2. Not Pricing the Home Realistically
The first few weeks that your house is in the local Multiple Listing Service database are known as the "honeymoon period." This is the time when it will get the most traffic. All the traffic in the world, however, won't compensate for a too-high price.

Buyers aren't ignorant and neither are their real estate agents. They are well aware of current market values in the areas they are searching and will know that your home is overpriced. In the meantime, you've wasted the honeymoon period. By the time you lower the price, agents and buyers will think there is something wrong with the house.

3. Not Hiring a Real Estate Agent
Yes, you will pay a real estate fee when the home sells. The flip side to hiring an agent is going it alone. If this is your first time selling a home, that would be a huge mistake.

First, unless you are a lawyer, how will you know how to protect your interests during the process? How will you understand the contracts and which ones to use when? Then, consider the negotiating process. Without an agent to advise you or to negotiate for you, you may make costly mistakes.

Finally, a 2008 Stanford University study showed that "the use of a broker increases the probability of a sale during the first month on the market by nearly 25 percent."  In other words, homes sold by owners remain on the market significantly longer than those sold by real estate agents.

4. Trying to Hide Problems
Full disclosure of everything you know about the property is not only the law, but it protects you as well.
Home sellers are legally required to disclose anything that affects the home's desirability or value. This doesn't mean just the big stuff, but neighborhood nuisances such as the weekly parties the college kids next door hold or the yappy dog that keeps you up at night.

A buyer can sue you in a court of law when the defect is discovered if you didn't disclose it, in writing.
Remember, you are only required to disclose issues that you know about. There is no need to hire an inspector to learn if the house has defects you don't know about. That is the buyer's responsibility.

5. Letting the Ducks Run Wild
Many first-time sellers are also purchasing another home. Trying to juggle two real estate transactions is challenging, and it's easy to let some of the details fall through the cracks. When that happens, though, you risk derailing either - or even both - of the transactions.

Line up all the stray ducks early in the process. Get your financing for the new home under way, and respond to the lender's requests in a timely fashion. Check your current mortgage for prepayment penalties. In the case of a short sale, determine if there is a second lender. This is important information for your real estate agent.

6. Being Inflexible
Buyers look at houses when it is convenient for them, not for you. Many look at homes after work or on weekends - busy times for most families. It's important to try to accommodate showings, even if it's inconvenient for you.

You never know, these may be the buyers who fall in love with the home. It's important to understand, and let your family understand, that, although the situation is uncomfortable, it's only temporary.

7. Not Checking With Your Homeowner's Insurance Agent
There will hopefully be a lot of people coming through your house and wandering around the property. Find out if your insurance covers slips and falls or anything else that might happen to a buyer while touring your property.

Take the time to walk around the property to find any hazards that exist. Cover the pool during showings and remove pets.

With the right real estate agent you'll avoid most of these mistakes, experience a smooth transaction, and soon be on the road to your new life.

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Negotiate Best Sale Price on Your 1st Home

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Selling your first home in a buyers' market? You can get the best possible price if you know how to negotiate.

From truly understanding the market to figuring out what moves prospective buyers, it pays to be part detective, part psychologist and completely realistic.

Here are six tips to help you negotiate the best price when you sell your first home.

Understand your market
Your home is worth the most someone is willing to pay for it. Or the least.

The best indicators of the price your home could fetch are actual sale prices (not listing prices) of similar homes in the immediate area during the past few months, says Ron Phipps, principal broker with Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I., and past president of the National Association of Realtors. Nearby sale prices are called comparables, or comps for short.

Comparable homes are roughly the same age and square footage with the same number of bedrooms.

Using an agent? Choose carefully, then listen
"The first time I sold a property, the first broker I spoke with gave me a ridiculously inflated selling price," says Steven Cohen, president of The Negotiation Skills Company. "Consequently, I didn't talk to any other broker."

Later, a more realistic broker sold the home for two-thirds of that initial asking price, he recalls. He learned a lesson: The best agents are worth the money, but choose carefully.

Don't automatically select the agent who promises the highest listing price, Cohen advises. Instead, reach out to professionals who have a reason to know who's good --bankers and lawyers -- for referrals. Talk to at least three agents, and be wary if one proposes an asking price that's "superlow or superhigh," he says.

Once you find someone you trust, listen to the advice you get. Your agent will explain how to maximize home value -- and that's why you hired that person, Cohen says.

Employ subtle staging
"Don't overlook staging," says Katie Severance, co-author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Selling Your Home." "It's not a new concept, but some people think they don't need it. But staging can get you thousands more."

Staging needn't be obvious or expensive, she says. Ask your agent what you could do to make your home look bigger and better.

There are tricks (think new, spa-quality white towels and accessories) to give that bubble gum-pink bathroom a more neutral appeal without having to renovate.

Staging advice probably will center on clearing out and getting rid of pieces that make rooms appear crowded, Severance says.

Delete the drama
A potential buyer makes a lowball offer for your home. You respond with a cold refusal, followed by indignant silence. Or maybe a few heated words.
That's not the way to negotiate effectively. This is a business transaction. That means you meet a bid -- any bid -- with a counteroffer.
"Never ignore a lowball offer," Severance says. It's just an invitation to haggle, she says. "Always make a counteroffer. Never end the negotiation." She adds: "Sometimes the buyer will raise the offer significantly if the seller counters."
A volley of offers and counteroffers can go back and forth five or six times, she says.
Give buyers a choice
Want to negotiate without seeming to negotiate? Give buyers several options, and let them decide, Phipps says.

For example, say the buyer wants to move in next month, while you desire a leisurely move in a few months. Figure how much your time, inconvenience, storage costs and last-minute moving expenses will cost you, and build that into the price. Then present the buyer with a set of options. Something along the lines of, "We can afford to let the house go for $250,000 if we close in 60 to 75 days, as planned. But if you need it in 30 days, the price will be $257,000."

By giving a buyer options, "You do a better job of making the negotiation reasonable," says Phipps. "It becomes more of a conversation than an arms-length negotiation."

Put a human face on it
"Remember, this is not a company merger or acquisition; it's the sale of a family home to another family," Phipps says. "You'll get a better outcome if you negotiate with that in mind."

One example of this style of negotiation: "Send a personal letter with your counteroffer," Phipps recommends. Say something along the lines of, "This is a great house, we've really enjoyed it, and here's why we've really enjoyed it."

Understand your buyers, and remember that money is not the only motivator as you negotiate the best price on your first home.

One seller discovered that a potential buyer was a golf fanatic. So instead of discounting the price of the home, he sweetened the deal by offering to pay the buyer's initiation fee to the country club.

The result: sold. The seller benefited because the initiation fee was less than the price reduction he was contemplating. The buyer loved the idea of buying both a home and membership to the club.

"Figure out what the motivator is," says Phipps. "And remember that price isn't the only thing that matters."

via bankrate

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5 Dirt-Cheap Home Staging Ideas

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When it comes to selling your home, appearance is everything. But hiring a professional "stager" to prepare the home for prospective buyers can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour, according to Jessica Page, a Realtor with Innovative Real Estate in Denver.

Fortunately, homeowners can take matters into their own hands.

Page, along with veteran Florida Realtor Jennifer Radice, of Coldwell Banker in Boca Raton, share expert tips for staging your home that cost next to nothing.

Pack away personal items
Packing away personal items is one of the simplest -- and cheapest -- things you can do to sell your house or condo quickly, according to Page and Radice.

"The reason you want to 'de-personalize' your home is because you want buyers to view it as their potential home," Page says.

Prospective buyers won't be able to picture themselves in the house if they're surrounded by dozens of photos of your children and grandparents.

"Pictures are extremely distracting. You cannot believe how long potential buyers will stop and stare at people they do not know in photos," says Radice, who also recommends removing any religious items from plain view.

"You want your home to show like a model," Radice says.

In addition to attracting the buyer, "you want the buyer's agent to enjoy showing the home. You never know whom they may have, if this particular buyer is not interested," says Radice, who is in the top 1 percent of Realtors nationwide.

The cost: $2 to $3 for a roll of packaging tape. You already have the scissors on hand and you can often score the boxes for free from a neighborhood store.

Clear away clutter
Ridding your home of clutter is another simple way to get buyers to focus on the bones of the house, not the titles in your CD collection.

"This is the hardest thing for most people to do because they are emotionally attached to everything in the house," Page says.

"After years of living in the same home, clutter collects in such a way that may not be evident to the homeowner. However, it does affect the way buyers see the home, even if you do not realize it. Clutter collects on shelves and countertops, and in drawers, closets, garages, attics and basements," she says.

Radice recommends removing items from countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms.

"If you have kids, get rid of the toys all around the house. For all you know, the buyers could be empty nesters," Radice says.

She suggests putting things in boxes and neatly stacking them in the corner of the garage. Anything extra should go in a small, rented storage unit.

Even better, ask a friend or relative to hang onto your items for free.

"Pack up 90 percent of your home," Radice says.

The cost: The price of a storage unit varies (around $45 a month for a 5-foot-by-5-foot unit).

Rearrange and neutralize rooms
Rearrange the rooms in your home to reel in prospective buyers. Make sure each room has a distinct, useful purpose.

Page suggests touring builders' models to see how the rooms are furnished.

"Builders are experts on preparing their product for prospective buyers," she says.

Radice says closets should be "neat and organized."

"The pair of shoes that you haven't worn in 10 years, get rid of," she says.

If your home has been painted recently, consider yourself ahead of the game. If not, take a paintbrush to the rooms that need it most. Sellers who paint the interior of their home will see a large return on the investment, Page says.

"Fresh, neutral paint on the walls, trim and doors is worth its weight in gold -- it makes everything appear clean and new," she says.

The cost: Anywhere from $12 to $50 per gallon for paint, plus another $10 to $50 for other painting supplies (primer, brushes, drop cloths, etc.) You can get back some of that money as a refund on your taxes for any items you donate to charity (such as those extra shoes in the closet).

Scrub and deodorize
No one wants to look at a dirty, smelly home -- especially not prospective buyers. So make sure your house or condo shines from top to bottom.

Page says cleaning and deodorizing a home before every showing "should be first and foremost."

The goal is to help buyers imagine themselves living in the home, Page says.

"When buyers see an unkempt home or smell something when they first walk in, they become turned off immediately," Page says. "They can rarely see past it to look at all of the great features in the home."

Radice suggests having the house professionally cleaned so that everything is spotless -- windows, sliding glass door tracks, garage, basement, ceiling fans, etc.

"This is worth the money spent," Radice says.

She also recommends baking cookies in the oven, bringing cinnamon sticks to a slow boil in a pot of water or using air freshener to mask smells before each showing. Ridding the home of litter boxes is also a must.

The cost: Varies by the location and size of the home cleaning service, but typically less than $100 to clean a four-bedroom, 2,500-square-foot home. Cookie dough runs about $3.

Enhance curb appeal
Whatever you do, do not overlook the home's exterior when selling.

"Curb appeal is just as important as cleaning the inside of the home -- it's the buyer's first impression of your home," Page says.

Radice agrees. "You only have one chance to make a first impression. There are so few buyers out there -- you want your home to stand out."

Mow the lawn, make sure the sidewalk and driveway are free of clutter and debris, and ensure the house number is easily visible.

It may also be beneficial to pressure-clean the exterior of your home, driveway and sidewalk, if needed.

Another valuable low-cost solution? Mulch.

"Mulch is cheap and covers a multitude of sins. It makes everything look trim and neat," Radice says.

The cost: Mulch costs around $3 per bag.The cost of renting a pressure washer varies, but you may be able to get one from a local hardware store for around $50 per day. It may cost double that to purchase a pressure washer. Professional cleaning with a pressure washer for a 2,500 square-foot-house may set you back about $250.

via bankrate

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5 Dirt-Cheap Home Staging Ideas

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When it comes to selling your home, appearance is everything. But hiring a professional "stager" to prepare the home for prospective buyers can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour, according to Jessica Page, a Realtor with Innovative Real Estate in Denver.

Fortunately, homeowners can take matters into their own hands.

Page, along with veteran Florida Realtor Jennifer Radice, of Coldwell Banker in Boca Raton, share expert tips for staging your home that cost next to nothing.

Pack away personal items
Packing away personal items is one of the simplest -- and cheapest -- things you can do to sell your house or condo quickly, according to Page and Radice.

"The reason you want to 'de-personalize' your home is because you want buyers to view it as their potential home," Page says.

Prospective buyers won't be able to picture themselves in the house if they're surrounded by dozens of photos of your children and grandparents.

"Pictures are extremely distracting. You cannot believe how long potential buyers will stop and stare at people they do not know in photos," says Radice, who also recommends removing any religious items from plain view.

"You want your home to show like a model," Radice says.

In addition to attracting the buyer, "you want the buyer's agent to enjoy showing the home. You never know whom they may have, if this particular buyer is not interested," says Radice, who is in the top 1 percent of Realtors nationwide.

The cost: $2 to $3 for a roll of packaging tape. You already have the scissors on hand and you can often score the boxes for free from a neighborhood store.

Clear away clutter
Ridding your home of clutter is another simple way to get buyers to focus on the bones of the house, not the titles in your CD collection.

"This is the hardest thing for most people to do because they are emotionally attached to everything in the house," Page says.

"After years of living in the same home, clutter collects in such a way that may not be evident to the homeowner. However, it does affect the way buyers see the home, even if you do not realize it. Clutter collects on shelves and countertops, and in drawers, closets, garages, attics and basements," she says.

Radice recommends removing items from countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms.

"If you have kids, get rid of the toys all around the house. For all you know, the buyers could be empty nesters," Radice says.

She suggests putting things in boxes and neatly stacking them in the corner of the garage. Anything extra should go in a small, rented storage unit.

Even better, ask a friend or relative to hang onto your items for free.

"Pack up 90 percent of your home," Radice says.

The cost: The price of a storage unit varies (around $45 a month for a 5-foot-by-5-foot unit).

Rearrange and neutralize rooms
Rearrange the rooms in your home to reel in prospective buyers. Make sure each room has a distinct, useful purpose.

Page suggests touring builders' models to see how the rooms are furnished.

"Builders are experts on preparing their product for prospective buyers," she says.

Radice says closets should be "neat and organized."

"The pair of shoes that you haven't worn in 10 years, get rid of," she says.

If your home has been painted recently, consider yourself ahead of the game. If not, take a paintbrush to the rooms that need it most. Sellers who paint the interior of their home will see a large return on the investment, Page says.

"Fresh, neutral paint on the walls, trim and doors is worth its weight in gold -- it makes everything appear clean and new," she says.

The cost: Anywhere from $12 to $50 per gallon for paint, plus another $10 to $50 for other painting supplies (primer, brushes, drop cloths, etc.) You can get back some of that money as a refund on your taxes for any items you donate to charity (such as those extra shoes in the closet).

Scrub and deodorize
No one wants to look at a dirty, smelly home -- especially not prospective buyers. So make sure your house or condo shines from top to bottom.

Page says cleaning and deodorizing a home before every showing "should be first and foremost."

The goal is to help buyers imagine themselves living in the home, Page says.

"When buyers see an unkempt home or smell something when they first walk in, they become turned off immediately," Page says. "They can rarely see past it to look at all of the great features in the home."

Radice suggests having the house professionally cleaned so that everything is spotless -- windows, sliding glass door tracks, garage, basement, ceiling fans, etc.

"This is worth the money spent," Radice says.

She also recommends baking cookies in the oven, bringing cinnamon sticks to a slow boil in a pot of water or using air freshener to mask smells before each showing. Ridding the home of litter boxes is also a must.

The cost: Varies by the location and size of the home cleaning service, but typically less than $100 to clean a four-bedroom, 2,500-square-foot home. Cookie dough runs about $3.

Enhance curb appeal
Whatever you do, do not overlook the home's exterior when selling.

"Curb appeal is just as important as cleaning the inside of the home -- it's the buyer's first impression of your home," Page says.

Radice agrees. "You only have one chance to make a first impression. There are so few buyers out there -- you want your home to stand out."

Mow the lawn, make sure the sidewalk and driveway are free of clutter and debris, and ensure the house number is easily visible.

It may also be beneficial to pressure-clean the exterior of your home, driveway and sidewalk, if needed.

Another valuable low-cost solution? Mulch.

"Mulch is cheap and covers a multitude of sins. It makes everything look trim and neat," Radice says.

The cost: Mulch costs around $3 per bag.The cost of renting a pressure washer varies, but you may be able to get one from a local hardware store for around $50 per day. It may cost double that to purchase a pressure washer. Professional cleaning with a pressure washer for a 2,500 square-foot-house may set you back about $250.

via bankrate

Read More