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.
FUN FACT:
Get the name and numbers.
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
something more 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! ■
58
724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
❘
icmags.com