SPECIAL SECTION REAL ESTATE
you are decluttering, start packing away items that aren’t
used every day such as trinkets, photos and personalized art.
This will allow buyers to imagine their own touches added
to the room.
3. Create more space, or at least the illusion of it.
Short on space? No problem! Create the illusion of space by
storing away (off-site, if possible) unnecessary items, giving
cabinets, closets and storage spaces a spacious look. Or,
make moving easier by donating or selling these items!
4. Update only to increase value.
Work with your real estate agent on recommendations for
simple changes that can add value to or create appeal for
your home. This can be as simple as adding a backsplash in
the kitchen, or refreshing landscaping to add curb appeal. A
small upgrade may be just what you need to close a sale.
5. Make sure the price is right.
You won’t need to call on Drew Carey, but you should work
with your real estate agent to figure out comparable home
prices in your area, pricing trends and inventory available,
and price your home accordingly. A fair market price will
attract buyers interested in making your home their dream
home.
PREPARING TO BUY IN 2018?
Whether it’s saving for your first home, searching for your
dream home, or downsizing to your forever home, buying a house
is an exciting and exhausting experience. Putting in the extra effort
could be the difference you need to nail the home you want.
1. Give yourself some credit.
Now is not the time to open a new credit card, increase your
credit limit or make a big purchase. The first thing lenders
check is your credit score when determining how much
you are approved for on a home loan. Work on keeping
your credit card balances low, and paying down balances.
Limiting your spending may seem hard, but is worth the
payoff when you are approved for your new home.
2. Location. Location. Location.
When narrowing down where you want your home to be,
it’s best to first determine how much you can borrow. You
don’t want to have your heart set on a location and come to
find it is out of your budget. Look at what is most important
to you. Is it proximity to parks and good schools, or access
to entertainment and nightlife, or lots of land to spread out?
From there, you may find exactly where you want to be that
fits your spending limit.
3. Create a must-have list and a wish list.
What’s non-negotiable in your new home? Is it an integral
garage or open-concept floor plan or a pool? Now, is a pool
really a non-negotiable? (We do live in Pittsburgh with
sunny days less than half of the year.) Be realistic with your
must-have list and your wish list. While a pool may seem
dreamy, many communities have local swim clubs or gyms
that provide all the joy of having a pool without the work.
You may not get everything on your must-have list, but be
creative on ways to potentially add those “musts” once you
move in.
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