Let’s start with the first photo. As stylish and modern as it may appear, the problem is that you simply don’t see the room. You see everything IN the room but NOT the room itself. Though the wall images are nice pieces of art, the way they square in the room gives the impression that the room is a lot smaller than it possibly is in reality. The bed styling looks like a magazine photo BUT it creates a messiness that extends beyond the bed and again impedes the space itself. Add the plants and the rug and this room appears to be about 8 x 8 at the most…not very desirable. Removing the prints from the side walls, making the bed in a tighter finish (pillows are fine) and getting rid of the planters would expand the eye’s vision of this room to it being stylish and spacious.

Now, photo number two. Green plants add life to a room but the way they are spread all around in spikey manners again overloads the space with eye distractions. Add to that all the “stuff” on the refrigerator, towels on the stove handle, pans, dishes and again “stuff” on the counters and stove and this room appears to have no counter or cabinet space.  The biggest problem though, is the appearance of the pets. Even if your home has no odor whatsoever from your pets, if someone has been looking at homes and been in a few that do smell like animals, they most likely will just skip looking at this home altogether. When photographing your home, remember kitchens are all about counters and cabinet space. By removing all the eye distractions, this room, with its abundant natural light, would be a draw instead of a detriment. Even if you have pets, remove anything that gives the appearance that an animal has lived in your home when taking your pictures. If they see them when they walk through, it won’t be an issue because there will be no odor. BUT have someone you trust to be honest with you walk through your home and tell you where they might smell your pets and then focus on cleaning and deodorizing that area before prospective buyers come through.

You may think none of this matters. But simple little issues as we see in these photos can cause your home to be the one that just sits and sits while others around you are selling like crazy. Don’t personalize constructive criticism when it comes to preparing your home for photos and in person viewings. Be smart and savvy…..be honest with yourself or listen to that friend and get your home SOLD!

QUICK FIXES:

• Power wash all the winter weather mildew off your deck, porch or patio. If necessary, put a fresh coat of paint on areas that may have become scraped or chipped while shoveling snow. Home may need a good power washing as well but be careful so you don’t strip paint from exterior.

• If it’s too early to plant due to weather fluctuations, prepare your yard, garden and flower boxes so they are clean and ready for planting as soon as weather permits. In the interim, use container plants already available at the garden center that can be brought inside in case of a sudden spring snowstorm. Once the weather is constant, you can either continue showcasing your containers or add those plants to your landscaping.
• Wash windows inside and out…not just the glass….the outside frames may show a lot of dirt…shine up the glass and frames for a sleek, clean appearance as your prospects show up and so the sun shines through your interiors as they view your home.
• Take a walk around your home and see if any deck boards, siding, trim, etc. need to be repaired or replaced and then get them looking fresh and new! Clear all debris from your yard, driveway, walkways, patios or deck due to branches down in storms.
• Check your roof for shingle or gutter damage from storms. Speaking of gutters, get then cleaned out and refreshed either with your power washer or by putting on a fresh coat of paint.

Take a new, objective (have a trusted friend stroll around your home with you) look at your home. Drive away and then return, this time taking in your home as your prospective buyers will be doing as they drive by or arrive for a viewing. Then fix what needs fixing and showcase what looks great. Then you’ll feel confident when buyers come by and be able to enjoy this part of your journey!

If you’re a buyer in a hot market like those mentioned above, one of the smartest moves you can make right now is to get pre-approved (not pre-qualified which is a lesser guarantee that you’ll get the mortgage you need) so when you present an offer to a seller, you can also offer them a copy of your pre-approval letter from your lender giving them confidence that your offer is legitimate and solid.

If you’re a seller, one of the smartest moves you can make is to price your home a bit below the market value to incite multiple offers which will typically bring your final price well above what you’re asking. This is a typical strategy of home flippers as it encourages more activity immediately which in turn brings about multiple offers generating a best end price.

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, being smart and strategic will give you your best opportunity to achieve your marketing goals!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon McCormick® Paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Rosemary Leaves
• 1 teaspoon McCormick® Sea Salt Grinder
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Coarse Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
• 6 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed (about 2 pounds)
• 1 1/2 pounds small red potatoes, halved

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Mix oil, paprika, rosemary, sea salt, pepper and garlic powder in large bowl. Add chicken and potatoes; toss to coat well. Arrange chicken and potatoes in single layer on foil-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan sprayed with no stick cooking spray. (For easier clean-up, try lining pan with foil.)
• Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender, turning potatoes occasionally.

Take time to relax and enjoy a lovely Valentine’s Day dinner. Selling your home can resume the next day!!

It’s true that when you’re paying rent you’re not gaining any equity in that home so for some that means you’re just flushing your money down the toilet, BUT there can be an upside to this decision too.  Perhaps you’re new to an area and you’re not sure if your job is going to be permanent…or you’re not sure if this is the area your want to live in long term…or you aren’t financially in a position to put down a decent down payment that would give you a best mortgage rate….or perhaps you can only afford so much a month and by renting a property where the rent includes utilities, HOA fees and all maintenance you don’t have those added expenses. Plus, remember,  you’re not paying real estate taxes on top of your monthly payment. This may allow you to live in an area you desire but as a homeowner could not afford. Perhaps you’re downsizing or retiring and don’t want all the stress and upkeep of home ownership.

Perhaps, you have your own reasons for choosing to rent instead of own at this moment in time. Don’t let other’s shaming you for choosing to rent instead of own cause you to make the wrong decision

The interest on a 15 year fixed rate mortgage can be had for below 2%! With rates like this, we are in one of the rare times when it is just as advantageous to be a buyer as it is a seller. In many areas, the market has been so vibrant that inventory is low while demand is still high making it a perfect time to sell. At the same time, if you diligently shop the market and take the time to get pre-approved for your mortgage prior to finding your dream home, you can enjoy paying next to no interest on your mortgage!

So whether you’re wanting to buy or sell, it’s your time!!

And all through the house

Every creature was stirring

Even the notorious mouse

Boxes were piled as high as could be

Folks yelling to each other

Because none could be seen

Feelings of stress

Were compounded by tears

Walking room by room

Remembering the years

Kids measurements on the door trim

Will be a photo from here on out

And the laughter that was rampant

Fills the air all about

Memories come flooding

As you roam room to room

And again the tears flow

Knowing you’re leaving it all soon

But as strong as the memories

Fill your head and your heart

Step with joy and anticipation

Into your brand new start

The journey continues

As this last one began

And with blind excitement

In your new home you’ll soon stand

The tears may still fall

From time to time

But gatherings of laughter

Will help leave the sadness behind.

So go fill your truck

From bottom to top

Say your final goodbye

Then move on and don’t stop

When you reach your new home

Don’t just open the door

Open your heart and your mind

And enjoy what’s in store!!

(Mary Witkowski 12/18/20)

Moving can dredge up a lot of emotions. Allow yourself to feel them all so that your journey will never lack any chapters.

Copyrighted poem may not be used or duplicated without permission of author.

The holiday seasons are upon us and inevitably, whether selling or buying, you may be asking yourself; “Should I continue to market my home/search for my new home from post-Thanksgiving until post-New Years. Review the pros and cons of both.

SELLING PROS:

• Many other sellers remove their homes from the marketplace during this time which reduces your competition. Lower inventory means that you can stand out to those that are shopping and possibly be rewarded with a higher price.
• The fact is that regardless of the season, there are always buyers in the market to purchase due to job transfers, divorces, end of leases, seasonal closing on their own home that they’ve sold and people who want to take advantage of the current low interest rate before it goes up.
• As long as you don’t go overboard, the sights, sounds and aromas of the season cause buyers to imagine what it will be like to enjoy their own holiday gatherings in front of your roaring fire and beautifully displayed Dining Room table.

SELLING CONS:

• The number of buyers shopping during the holidays is smaller than in the more active spring season.
• If you live in an area that experiences extremes of cold, snow and ice, you have the added task of making sure your exterior areas are clear and safe to travel. You also need to prepare yourself for the frustration of no shows and reschedules in the event of inclement weather.
• If you do a lot of entertaining, you might have to be more diligent with regard to keeping your home “show ready”.
• In many areas affected by the time change, it gets dark a lot earlier making evening appointments more challenging thus you should prepare yourself to be doing more weekend showings.

BUYING PROS:

• The reason someone may have their home on the market during the holidays is because they have a “need to be sold by” deadline ie: starting a new job, moving to help out with a family situation, downsizing due to a job loss or reduction in income, etc. This may provide a great opportunity to purchase your dream home at a reduced price.
• Due to less homes being sold during the holiday season, title companies may have a more open schedule to ensure the closing date you prefer.
• Like the “Greek restaurant dilemma” of a menu that is so large it’s hard to make a decision, by having fewer homes to choose from, your shopping process may be far less stressful and more effective.

BUYING CONS:

• Since many people take their homes off the market at this time, you will have less inventory from with to choose.
• Due to holiday entertaining, viewing appointments may be more difficult to schedule BUT keep in mind if someone is choosing to sell during this season, they will most likely work with you to find a convenient time.
• If you live in an area with inclement weather, getting to and from appointments might be more challenging.
• In many regions, with the time change, it gets dark a lot earlier making evening appointments more difficult (hard to see addresses, hard to see exterior negatives about the home) which means you will most likely want to schedule viewings for the weekend, which can be more difficult. That said, if the seller is motivated, they will understand the local weather impediments and most likely be willing to be accommodating.

Whether you’re selling or buying, you can take advantage of the holiday season to achieve your desired result and toast in your Happiest New Year!!

“It will be one of the best winter sales years ever.”

The typical winter slowdown in the housing market is simply not on the radar. Here’s why.

While today’s historically low mortgage rates are expected to remain low, they won’t be this low for much longer. This could be the last chance for homebuyers to secure such low rates, and they’re ready to take action. In a recent article, Bankrate explained:

“If you’re looking to buy a home…expect mortgage rates to remain low into 2021. However, the possibility of rates falling to 2.5 percent or lower has faded as the U.S. economy has rebounded.”

As long as we continue to see low interest rates, we’ll see hopeful buyers on the hunt for their dream homes. Yun confirmed:

“The demand for home buying remains super strong…And we’re still likely to end the year with more homes sold overall in 2020 than in 2019…With persistent low mortgage rates and some degree of a continuing jobs recovery, more contract signings are expected in the near future.”

The challenge, however, is the lack of homes available for sale. With that in mind, all eyes are on homeowners to see if they’ll sell this winter or wait until spring. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for realtor.com, says it’s best for sellers to capitalize on this moment sooner rather than later:

“We currently see buyers sticking around in the housing market much later than we usually do this fall. If that trend continues, we will see more buyers in the market this winter, too. So, this winter is likely to be a good time to sell.”

With buyers ready to stay active this winter, sellers who want to close a deal on the best possible terms should not wait until spring to put their homes on the market.

Bottom Line

Experts agree the winter housing market could potentially be bigger than ever. Whether you’re ready to buy or sell, contact a local real estate professional today so you can be in your dream home by the new year.