IN Bethel Park Summer 2016 | Page 30

S P E C I A L S E C T I O N : R E A L E S TAT E

10 SELLING: Don’t spend earnest money!

Many sellers make the mistake of depositing and spending
earnest money before closing day. If the transaction doesn’t go
through or the buyer pulls out due to repair issues, it is up to the
seller to return the cash. It is recommended to have a real estate
agent or broker hold the deposit. Most buyers’ earnest money
will be held in an escrow account until the closing day, allowing
the money to remain untouched by either party.

FUN FACT: Get the name and numbers.
9 SELLING: Will renovating always increase

my resale value?

Make conscious decisions when renovating your home. While
newer will entice potential buyers, be cognizant of what rooms
you update and how you do it. While updated kitchens will
increase the value of your home, be sure to appeal to a wide
range of tastes. A good place to start is with the appliances.
Realtor.com states that homes with stainless steel appliances sell
15 percent faster than those without. Updated bathrooms are
easier to satisfy a wider range of buyers’ desires for luxury, but
be sure to keep the colors neutral.

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Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2016

28 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Bethel Park

Just when you think you’ve checked all the boxes for an easy sell
of your house, take a second look at your address. According
to Zillow, street names and house numbers matter! If you
happen to live at 666 Fanny Hands Lane, you may be out of luck
(however that particular street is in the United Kingdom, so you
should be safe). Innuendo-laden street names tend to not sell as
quickly as those like Thunder Road. American numerology says
that 666 is bad luck and could decrease the value of your home
by 2-3 percent. Also, steer clear of the number four, considered
unlucky in Chinese culture. Stick to the number eight, or
include the lucky digits 316 in your asking price!

Before entering the real estate market, educate yourself. The more
you know, the better your chances are for nailing down the home of
your dreams! n