SPECIAL SECTION:
Real Estate
market to make sure it’s in optimal condition prior to selling.
When considering buying a home, it’s also helpful to have
someone who is not buying the home go with you to take a
look. He/she will be able to point out potential issues that you
may not see when trying to make such an important decision.
8. SELLING:
Ignore the housing market.
Don’t waste your time watching the housing market for
the best time to sell. According to Investopedia, “it doesn’t
matter what your home is worth at any given moment except
the moment when you sell it. Being able 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
5. BUYING:
Enjoy the view?
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It’s obvious that homes with a view can sell big. In fact,
Realtor.com states that homes with a view of the city sell the
fastest, with an average of 83 days on the market, while homes
with an ocean view sit for 98 days (mostly due to the elevated
price of oceanfront property). If you are in love with a home
with a view, be sure it is there to stay. Although you may see
rolling hills through your living room window now, who’s to
say a real estate developer won’t see that same space as the
perfect opportunity to build more homes? Check with your
local municipality for land use regulations to make sure your
view will remain.
6. BUYING/SELLING:
Your real estate agent matters.
According to Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff, research shows
gender matters when choosing a real estate agent. Rascoff says
men will get your home sold closer to asking price because
they are stubborn, while women will negotiate and close the
deal faster. Most importantly, find an agent who will work on
your behalf. Ask friends and family for references of agents
they’ve used in the past. Look up their current listings to see if
they align with the type of home you want to buy or sell. This
will also indicate their knowledge of the market.
7. BUYING/SELLING:
Get a second opinion.
When you have lived in your home for years, it’s easy to
overlook problems that potential buyers may spot right away.
Have a relative or trusted friend come over to spot any small
fixes that you can make prior to putting your home on the
MCKEESPORT AREA
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SUMMER 2019
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