IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Summer 2019 | Page 41

SPECIAL SECTION:
Real Estate
to choose when you sell your home, rather than being forced
to sell it due to job relocation or financial distress, will be
the biggest determinant of whether you will see a solid profit
from your investment.”
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.
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.
Continued on page 42 >
BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL
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SUMMER 2019
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