by Denise Franklin | Jan 6, 2025 | For Sellers, Selling Tips
You may have heard that staging your home properly can make a big difference when you sell your house, but what exactly is home staging, and is it really worth your time and effort?
Here are a few quick FAQs that can help you decide how much you should prioritize staging as you prep for your move.
What Is Home Staging?
Staging is the process of arranging and decorating your house to highlight its best features and make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. It can range from simple touch-ups to more extensive setups, depending on your needs and budget.
How Does It Help Me Sell My House?
Studies show good staging does have an impact on your sale. Staging your house well can help you attract more attention from buyers, which ultimately helps it sell faster and maybe for a higher price than an unstaged home .
What Are My Staging Options?
Now that you see the value, let’s think through your options. The most common is leaning on your agent for their expert advice. They know what buyers like because they’re in showings all the time and hear that feedback first-hand. That expertise is crucial to getting your house market-ready. Basic staging with an agent usually means they give you insight into how you should:
- Declutter and depersonalize by removing photos and personal items
- Arrange your furniture to improve the room’s flow and make it feel bigger
- Add plants, move art, or re-arrange other accessories
Full-service staging is another option if your house needs more hands-on attention. This is when you hire a staging professional or staging company to come in, make recommendations, and do the work for you. Going this route is more involved and that makes it more costly too. That’s because it can include renting furniture and decor to more fully transform a space.
How Do I Know Which One To Pick?
Not sure which one you need? You don’t have to figure that out on your own. Your real estate agent will help determine what level of staging will make the most impact on your house and market.
They can help you decide if professional staging is worth the investment, or if you can knock it out with their advice alone. And just so you know, here are some of the factors an agent will look at to figure that out:
- Market Conditions: If the market is slower, going all in on staging can make your home look move-in ready and attractive to buyers who may otherwise be hesitant. If your local market is very active and homes are selling fast, you may be able to get by with doing less.
- Your Home’s Condition: If your home is vacant or has a unique layout, using a professional stager who can bring in the right furniture and accessories may help buyers truly visualize its full potential.
- Your Budget: Talk to your agent to get an idea of staging costs in your area, as it can be the difference between your house selling and sitting. But if your budget is tight or your home only needs minor updates, your real estate agent can help you think outside of the box by suggesting simple DIY staging tips to help your home look its best.
Bottom Line
Staging your house properly can make it much more attractive to buyers, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and every home shines differently. If you’re considering staging, talk to your real estate agent—they’re your best resource for determining what your home really needs to stand out and sell for top dollar.
by Denise Franklin | Dec 16, 2024 | Agent Value, For Sellers, Selling Tips
In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to rely on automated tools for everything — including figuring out how much your house is worth. But be careful. The automated estimates you’re seeing online often miss key details that affect the true market value of your home.
Before you toss a for sale sign in your yard and expect to bring in the number you saw for your house online, you need to understand why these tools generally aren’t spot-on and why working with an expert real estate agent is the best way to get an accurate picture of what your house is really worth.
The Myth: Online Home Value Estimates Are Accurate Online home valuation tools give you an approximate value for your house based on the data that’s publicly available for your home. While this can give you a rough starting point, the keyword here is rough. As an article from Ramsey Solutions says:
“Online Home Value Estimators Aren’t 100% Accurate . . . The estimates are only as reliable as the amount of public record data the real estate websites can access. The less data gathered for your particular neighborhood, county and state, the less you can depend on this number.”
The Reality: Online Estimates Miss Key Factors Here’s the biggest issue with online estimates: they don’t take into account the unique aspects of your home or your local market. And that’s why an agent’s expertise can make such a difference when figuring out what your house is really worth. Here’s an example. A real estate agent will also factor in:
The Home’s Condition: Online tools can’t tell whether your home has been well-maintained or if it needs significant repairs. The condition of your house plays a huge role in its value, and only an in-person walk-through can account for that. The Latest Neighborhood Trends: Is your neighborhood up-and-coming? Are there new developments or amenities nearby that make your home more desirable? Automated tools often overlook local trends that can significantly affect the value of your home. Accurate Comparable Sales: While online estimates may use past sales data as a baseline, they don’t always reflect the most recent or most relevant comparable sales, or comps. Real estate agents, on the other hand, have access to up-to-date market data and can give you a much more accurate estimate based on real-time sales in your area. Agents have a deep understanding of the local market, and they can provide insights that automated tools simply can’t match. As Bankrate explains:
“Online estimation tools determine pricing using algorithms that rely on publicly available information. These algorithms can vary widely from one tool to the next and typically don’t account for a home’s current condition or any upgrades or renovations that are not reflected in public records. So they are not as accurate as in-person methods, like a real estate agent’s comparative market analysis . . .”
Bottom Line While online home value estimates can be a helpful tool to get a rough idea of what your home is worth, they aren’t foolproof. The true value of your home depends on a range of factors that automated tools just can’t account for.
To get the most accurate estimate, work with a local real estate agent. That way you have expert guidance and up-to-date market insights to set the best possible price for your home.
by Denise Franklin | Nov 28, 2024 | For Sellers, Selling Tips
As the holidays draw near, homeowners who are thinking about selling their house face an important decision: should they sell now, or wait until next spring? Some may even contemplate taking their property off the market entirely during the festive season. But could waiting be the best choice? In fact, selling during the holiday season can actually give your home a competitive edge.
Here’s why: during this time of year, there are fewer homes on the market, which allows your house to stand out more. While there may be fewer buyers, those who are actively searching are often highly motivated and ready to make a serious offer. As Redfin points out:
“. . . there is typically less inventory in the housing market this time of year, allowing your home to easily stand out among the available inventory. And though there are technically fewer buyers overall, the homebuyers that are looking are far more serious about finding a home within a specific timeframe. . . selling your home during the holidays might be your best present this year.”
Still not convinced? Here are four key reasons why you may want to sell your house during the holidays:
1. Serious Buyers Are Looking Right Now
While some buyers may postpone their search until after the new year, others are in urgent need of a home before the holidays. Whether it’s a job transfer, a growing family, or a desire to settle in before the new year, these buyers are motivated and ready to act. According to Investopedia:
“Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer. Putting your home on the market at this time of year and attracting a serious buyer can often result in a quicker sale.”
This means that if you list your house now, you’ll likely attract more committed, ready-to-move buyers.
2. You Have an Inventory Edge
Although the market typically sees fewer listings during the winter months, this can actually work in your favor. With less competition from other homes for sale, your property will stand out more. And if you work with a skilled real estate agent who helps you price your home correctly, you can increase the chances of a quick sale. Today’s buyers are often looking for quality options, and your home could be exactly what they’ve been waiting for.
3. You Have Control Over Your Showings
Selling during the holiday season doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your time with family and friends. With fewer listings, you have more control over when and how you schedule showings. You can pick times that work best for you and your family, reducing disruption during this busy season.
Many buyers also have more flexible schedules around the holidays, thanks to time off from work, so you might find it easier to accommodate showings. Additionally, having an experienced agent will help you streamline the process, ensuring a smooth sale while minimizing inconvenience.
4. Holiday Décor Can Make Your Home Shine
For many buyers, a home decorated for the holidays can evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, helping them envision their own celebrations in the space. A tastefully decorated home can enhance your property’s appeal, creating an inviting atmosphere that might make buyers feel more connected to your space. However, it’s important to keep the decorations simple and subtle. According to holiday home-selling advice:
“If you’re selling around a holiday and have decorations up, make sure they accent—not overpower—a room. Less is more.”
This way, your home’s natural charm can shine through, while adding a touch of seasonal spirit.
Bottom Line
Selling your home during the holidays offers several advantages, from attracting motivated buyers to taking advantage of a less crowded market. With fewer listings and more serious buyers, now might be the perfect time to make a move. If you’re considering selling this holiday season, connect with a local real estate agent who can help you navigate the process and ensure you get the best deal.
Whether you decide to sell now or wait, make sure to weigh the benefits and consider how your home fits into the market’s current trends. If you’re ready to sell, your home could be the best present for a lucky buyer this holiday season!
by Denise Franklin | Sep 26, 2024 | Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, For Sellers, Selling Tips
When it’s time to buy or sell a home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who you’ll work with as your agent. That choice will have an impact on your entire experience and how smoothly it goes.
As you figure out who you’ll partner with, it’s important to know what to expect and what to look for. Unfortunately, there may be some myths holding you back from making the best decision possible. So, let’s take some time to address those, and make sure you have the information you need to find the right agent for you.
Myth #1: All Real Estate Agents Are the Same
You might think all agents are the same – so it doesn’t matter who you work with. But, in reality, agents have varying levels of experience, specialties, and market knowledge, which can have a big impact on your results. For example: you’ll get much better service and advice from someone who is a true expert in their field. As Business Insider explains:
“If you were planning to get your hair done for a special event, you’d want to visit a stylist who specifically has experience doing that type of work — you wouldn’t make an appointment with someone who primarily does kids’ hair. The same concept applies to finding a real estate agent. If you have a smaller budget, you probably don’t want to work with an agent who exclusively sells multimillion-dollar properties.”
Take some time to talk with each agent you’re considering. Ask about their experience level and what they specialize in. This will help you find the one that’s the best fit for your search.
Myth #2: You Can Save Money by Not Using an Agent
As a seller, you may think you can save money by not working with a pro. However, the expertise, negotiation skills, and market knowledge an agent provides generally saves you money and helps you avoid making costly mistakes. Without that guidance, you could find yourself doing something like overpricing your house. And that’s a misstep that’ll cost you when it sits on the market for far too long. That’s why U.S. News Real Estate says:
“When it comes to buying or selling your home, hiring a professional to guide you through the process can save you money and headaches. It pays to have someone on your side who’s well-versed in the nuances of the market and can help ensure you get the best possible deal.”
Myth #3: Agents Will Push You To Spend More
You may also be worried an agent will push you to buy a more expensive house in order to increase their commission. But that’s not how that should go. A good agent will respect your budget and work hard to find a home that truly fits your financial situation and needs. With their market know-how, they’ll point you toward the best option for you, rather than try to pad their own pockets on your dime. As NerdWallet explains:
“Among other things, a good buyer’s agent will find homes for sale. A buyer’s agent will help you understand the type of home you can afford in the current market, find listed homes that match your needs and price range, and then help you narrow the options to the properties worth considering.”
Myth #4: Market Conditions Are the Same Everywhere, So Why Do I Need a Pro?
Maybe you believe housing market conditions are the same no matter where you are. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Real estate markets are highly localized, and conditions can vary widely from one area to another. This is why you can’t pick just anyone you find online. You should choose an agent who’s an expert on your specific local market. As a recent article from Bankrate says:
“Real estate is very localized, and you want someone who’s extremely knowledgeable about the market in your specific area.”
You’ll know you’ve found the right person when they can explain the national trends and how your area stacks up too. That way you’re guaranteed to get the full picture when you ask: “how’s the market?”
Bottom Line
Don’t let myths keep you from the expert guidance you deserve. With market knowledge and top resources, a trusted local real estate agent isn’t just helpful, they’re invaluable.
In what could be one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, having the right pro by your side is a game changer. Connect with an agent to make sure you get the best outcome possible.
