As a real estate agent, it’s important to help homebuyers see beyond the current residents of a home they are viewing. It’s easy to get caught up in the décor of the home you are looking at, and decide on a home based on those factors alone. It’s my job to help you see beyond the décor to see yourself in the home.
Think about any and all exciting changes you can make to the home you are viewing. Bathroom remodeling, as well as room expansion (through some simple wall tear downs) are easy fixes to make once you purchase your home. You can paint the walls, and purchase your own furniture, making the home your own. Envision your family using each room, and how your life will fit into the home. Don’t get caught up on the specific décor of the home you are viewing, and truly place yourself and your family into the home. Simple remodeling and painting can do wonders for a home so don’t be afraid to anticipate changes when thinking about your new home.
As a homeowner, you have a responsibility to maintain the integrity of your home for your family. It is equally important to maintain your home so as not so devalue it when you choose to resell it. When decorating and remodeling, heed a certain set of standards and make sure the value of your home increases for when you are ready to sell.
Avoid painting your house outrageous colors, unless you are planning on staying there for many years. Bold and bright colors can be a deterrent to many homebuyers, so save the zany colors for accents and throw pillows. The adage, “you get what you pay for,” is especially true when installing new light fixtures. Be sure to invest in high quality, safe light fixtures to appreciate the value of your home. Always finish do it yourself projects once they are started. Paint cans, bare walls, and dry wall dust are all unsightly and can turn off potential homebuyers. Be conscientious when fixing and remodeling your home, so when you are ready to sell, your home is too.
After a very good December in regard to home sales there was an expectation that January and February would follow suit. However, no one expected the type of weather that paralyzed much of the nation. When people cannot move around freely, home sales normally fall. This is just the way it is. Fortunately for the Middle Tennessee Area, the weather wasn’t near as distracting as it was in other parts of the country. This is one reason that real estate is always considered local.
For those that are selling, this is a great time to have your house on the market as the last of the first time homebuyers look to get a house under contract before the end of April. At the same time, it is a good time to buy because of the tax credits for most buyers as well as interest rates that are still well below normal. There are good buys in almost every price range but it won’t always be that way. If you are ready, start looking. You will be glad you did.
