One of the most difficult rooms to stage is the kitchen, because it’s one of the most used. You can’t just set it up to look nice for a viewing and then never go back in! Yet, an effectively staged kitchen can help sell your home, because it’s the room that buyers often scrutinize and remember the most. Here are some basic kitchen staging tips: Be relentless when decluttering your kitchen. Stow or get rid of any unnecessary items. Clear the countertops. Leave no more than two appliances in view. This will give the impression that there’s a lot of counter space available. Make sure the sink sh ..read more

Your neighborhood has a lot of features that can help you sell your home faster. Unfortunately, buyers don’t usually notice those features just by driving around. So, you need to make sure they get all the information they need about your neighborhood. For example, say homes don’t go on the market often in your area. That’s an indication that the quality of life in the neighborhood is so good that no one wants to leave! In real estate, we measure the area’s “turnover rate”, and it’s a handy piece of data to have when listing your home. Demographic data can also be helpful when selling your pro ..read more

When considering which of two or more competing offers to accept for your home, there is no doubt price will play a huge role. After all, if Offer #1 is $10,000 higher than Offer #2, that’s an enticing difference that puts thousands of extra dollars in your pocket. However, price isn’t the only thing you should think about when comparing multiple offers. There are other factors you need to consider too. For example, you’ll need to think about the impact of any conditions that are in the offer. If Offer #1 is conditional on the buyer selling their current property, then what happens if they don ..read more

If you’ve just sent your last kid off to college, then the term “empty nester” may have more meaning to you now than ever before. Perhaps a downsize is in your future. This time can be an emotional roller coaster. As you look around your home you may become overwhelmed with memories. First steps, first falls, holidays and get togethers and all the fun times you shared between four walls. After all, this is where your family started or grew. But you know what’s great about memories? You can take them with you no matter where you go. Newly-minted empty nesters often embrace the “freedom” aspect ..read more

Your housing needs of today may not be your housing needs of tomorrow. Of course, by “tomorrow” I mean three, five, or even seven years from now. If you can plan a path ahead and account for any personal, career, or lifestyle changes, then you’ll reap the benefits of home ownership. To begin the process, start by asking yourself the following questions: What will my family look like in three to five years? Will there be a new addition (or two) to your family? Will you have kids that are grown up and about to move out? What is the possibility that an elderly relative (Mom, Dad or grandparent ..read more

The right home is the one that’s right for you. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You’re the one living in it day to day, the one maintaining it and improving upon it. Most importantly, you’re the one paying for it. So really, don’t you want to treat it as a labor of love, and not just “another job”? You’ll know THE home when you see it. Rarely does a home check off ALL boxes, but hopefully it checks off enough that you don’t have to think twice about seeing yourself living there. When it comes to budgeting, ask yourself: “What am I comfortable spending on a monthly basis for a home ..read more

Your best bet to keeping your home heated during the winter months is to set your comfort level temperature. What is that number? 72? 75? 80?? Hey, I won’t judge. OK, maybe a little bit. Especially if you’re leaning toward that 80. Ugh. I’m sweating just thinking about it. Hopefully by now you know the benefits of keeping your thermostat set to programs that rotate around your days. At work between 9 and 5? Well then, you can save some money and energy by setting the temperature to a reasonable level while you’re not home. Then, assuming you’ll want to lounge around after work in comfort, set ..read more

Unless you already own another home, most sellers become active buyers, regardless of the market. I know that may sound like common sense, but the biggest trap that sellers don’t consider as they wait, as they wait for “perfect” market conditions, is that a seller’s market can benefit them in a sale, and then hit them as a buyer. While it’s unlikely this trade-off is a perfect 1:1, the real question you need to ask is: are we upgrading, or downsizing? One of those will impact your negotiation options, while the other may cost you even more as a result of timing.  For example: You h ..read more

Santa may be coming down the chimney later this month, but you can’t rely on Old Saint Nick for an honest chimney inspection on his way down. No, chimney inspections aren’t required for new home buyers, but I always recommend one just in case. Home inspectors aren’t required to inspect chimneys, so you’ll either want to find someone who does, or go ahead and book a specialist in chimney inspections. Even if you’re thinking you might not use your fireplace, it couldn’t hurt to get an inspection done to determine its condition. My wife and I have a fireplace in our living room. When we first mov ..read more

Let’s face it: Our pets are just as much a part of the holiday celebrations as our friends and family. As such, you’ll want to consider a few of these friendly reminders for their personal safety during the winter months. As far as interior concerns go, pets may develop a keen interest in things like Christmas trees, wrapped gifts, or decorations. I particularly remember my cat eating through a box once just because it was there. It’s almost as if he relished in the personal challenge. All things considered, my biggest worries are on the hooked ornaments, and I specifically make sure all are f ..read more