SPECIAL SECTION:
Real Estate
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! ■
WAYS TO
PREPARE YOUR
HOUSE FOR SALE
In the market to sell your home? Follow these tips on
how to optimize the home-selling process.
• Make sure your landscaping is appealing to the eye
and aligns with the season.
• Add shrubs, plants or flowers to line the front of your
home to add curb appeal.
• Use a power washer or a hose attachment sprayer to
clean the exterior of your home.
• Clean out gutters and wash windows.
• Make repairs to screens, leaks, and broken windows
where possible.
• A fresh coat of paint on the front door, a new
welcome mat and an inviting entrance can give a
great first impression.
• Add or refresh house numbers to make them visible
from the curb.
• Make the entryway valuable by adding a simple coat
rack if there isn’t a closet.
• Remove shoes, bags, coats and excess furniture from
the entryway.
• Make sure the view from the entryway is clear into all
visible rooms.
• Remove oversized furniture and organize remaining
furniture to make the room look as large as possible.
• Leave just enough furniture in each room to show
the purpose of the room.
• Depersonalize rooms by removing photographs of
family, personal sayings and artwork.
• Open curtains and blinds to allow as much natural
light in as possible.
• Leave countertops clear of small appliances and
wipe them down.
• Clean out cabinets, refrigerator and pantry to allow
for a roomy look.
• Clean carpets and flooring before showing
your home.
• Clean mirrors, countertops and sink bowls.
• Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
• Close your toilet lid.
• Hang fresh towels in the bathrooms in neutral colors.
• Eliminate harsh odors with natural scents or
by adding fresh flowers or baking a batch of
cookies (Yum!).
• Paint rooms with neutral colors to appeal to
more buyers.
• Declutter closets by removing half of your clothes,
giving the illusion of more space.
• Clear out the garage as much as possible to leave
extra room for cars.
• Sit back and get ready for some offers!
PENN HILLS
❘
SUMMER 2019
27