At the heart of real estate lies the captivating tale of properties that quickly capture the imagination and hearts of eager buyers. This narrative often intertwines with exceptional marketing efforts, sparking a swift and exciting journey toward a successful sale. At the Leisa Erickson Group, we recently witnessed such a vibrant story unfold with the remarkable property located at 255 Dolphin Way. Our approach to showcasing this property was dynamic and innovative, fueled by a meticulous marketing strategy designed to highlight its unique charm. Through the orchestration of two exclusive private showings and two bustling open houses, our team unleashed a wave of interest that saw the property attract an astounding four offers in a mere four days. What set this sale apart was not just the speed but the seamless fusion of our unparalleled marketing initiatives with the inherent appeal of the property itself. Our comprehensive promotional efforts, tailored to accentuate its finest features, paved the way for a swift and exhilarating journey toward a successful contract. This triumph at 255 Dolphin Way stands as a testament to the power of strategic marketing in the real estate landscape. The synergy between our dedicated team and the distinctive allure of the property created an atmosphere of excitement that reverberated within the industry. Yet, as exhilarating as this success is, it also serves as an inspiration to those contemplating their own real estate endeavors. If you find yourself hesitating to take that pivotal step toward listing your home for sale, consider the thrilling journey of 255 Dolphin Way as a beacon guiding you toward your next chapter. To assist you in embarking on this journey, we invite you to explore our home value tool below. Let it serve as a compass, providing insights and guidance as you navigate through your own unique real estate landscape. Don't let uncertainty hold you back; let the success of 255 Dolphin Way inspire your confidence in embracing change and seizing new opportunities in the world of real estate. The Leisa Erickson Group is committed to crafting success stories like these and guiding our clients toward their real estate aspirations. Join us on this exciting journey as we turn dreams into reality, one property at a time.

Whether you're a buyer looking for your first home or a seller preparing to put your property on the market, you’ve probably heard the term “concessions” in real estate. But what exactly does that refer to?   Seller concessions, which are also called seller assist or seller contributions, are the costs a seller agrees to pay to help the buyer when closing on the home. It's essentially a gift that a seller can offer to reduce the amount future homeowners have to pay out of pocket.    While both the buyer and seller have closing costs they’re responsible for, a buyer’s closing costs are usually 3% to 6% of the home’s purchase price. This is aside from the down payment, which means buyers need to have a good amount of money saved up just to get the keys to their dream home.   To sweeten the deal and close quickly, sellers can either pay a flat percentage of the buyer’s closing costs, or buyers can ask them to cover a specific expense, such as the home inspection or home appraisal. Either way, seller concessions are typically negotiated as part of the buyer’s offer on the home purchase. But while they’re relatively common in real estate transactions, they’re far more likely to occur in a buyer’s market. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 20 percent of sellers offered incentives to attract buyers.   Seller concessions can be received on all types of home loans, including conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loans. However, some rules set limits on the maximum amount that a seller can hand over, depending on the loan type. We’ll discuss more about this later on.   For home buyers, your closing costs will vary depending on your situation. In general, however, you should expect to pay 3% to 6% of the home's value in closing costs, aside from your down payment. This means you need to have a good amount of money saved up just to get the keys to your dream home. Here are some examples of closing costs and fees that a seller might be willing to cover: Property taxes Attorney fees Home appraisal Mortgage origination fees Real estate tax service fees Title insurance Mortgage discount points Inspection fees Homeowners insurance Homeowners association fees Purchase of a home warranty for the buyer Likewise, a seller concession does not always have to be monetary. It can be other things connected to a home that a buyer may put value into, or anything that can sweeten the deal for the buyer. For instance, a buyer may ask for any existing furniture, appliances, or other loose home items, and the seller agrees to leave them even though they’re not initially included in the sale.   Asking for seller concessions is a part of the negotiation process involved in a real estate transaction. But it's important to know when sellers may be more likely to offer concessions, and it can be in any of these situations:   It’s a buyer’s market In this circumstance, sellers have less negotiating power. And since fewer buyers looking for homes than there are houses for sale, sellers can better entice a fair offer by giving a concession.   When the house is overpriced Instead of having to lower the asking price, a seller may be willing to offer concessions.   When the home has been on the market for too long or it’s been a slow season. A home that has been on the market for more than a few weeks may raise a red flag to potential buyers. To help sell their home, a seller may be willing to make concessions. The same thing if a seller needs to move during a slow season, especially during the winter months when there may be fewer home buyers.   When a seller needs to move quickly It may be worth it for some sellers to agree to concessions if they feel it will help expedite the sale of their home, especially if they need to relocate as soon as possible or have already bought a new home, hence paying for two mortgages at the same time.    Seller concessions can benefit both the buyer and the seller. But just the same, it does have possible disadvantages on both sides.   For Buyers Pros You could save money on closing costs, which may lighten the financial burden of purchasing a home. Seller concessions can significantly reduce the capital you need upfront, which could allow you to close the deal. It can be a good alternative to repairs. If the home inspection report reveals something wrong with the home, and the seller refuses to fix it, providing seller concessions can be a good compensation.   Cons It could weaken your offer, especially if you're in a competitive market. If the seller might not be willing to pay some of the buyer’s fees, they might reject your offer quickly. If you include seller concessions into your loans, the loan balance goes up, which means you could end up paying more over the life of the loan. Since it can be tricky to determine whether it’s worth it to ask for seller concessions on your own, it’s best to hire an experienced real estate agent who understands the local market and can help you get the best deal.   For Sellers Pros Concessions can help sell your property faster, especially if you’re in a hurry to close. It opens up opportunities for a larger pool of potential buyers.   Cons You are decreasing their net profit gain from selling the property. Depending on what you’ll provide as a concession, it can be an added cost you need to consider, which can be a financial burden especially if you’re also in the market to purchase a different home and have closing costs of your own.   Mortgage lenders set limits to the amount a seller can cover for the buyer mainly for two reasons. The first one is to ensure that the market isn't being artificially inflated, and the second is to help ensure the buyer isn’t being influenced to purchase a home they otherwise shouldn’t afford with the low closing costs.    For conventional loans, which are loans issued by private mortgage lenders, the value of seller concessions is limited to a percentage of the purchase price of the home, based on the size of the buyer’s down payment. Sellers may contribute up to 3% for a down payment of less than 10%. Sellers may contribute up to 6% for a down payment between 10% to 25%. Sellers may contribute up to 9% for a down payment of 25% or more.   For government-backed loans, there are hard limits on the amount of seller concessions based on the purchase price instead of the down payment amount. For FHA and USDA loans, sellers may contribute up to 6%. For VA loans, sellers may contribute up to 4%.

Sure, the spring season is the peak time to put a house on the market. But with the cooler weather, vibrant-colored trees and falling leaves, picking apples, carving pumpkins, and enjoying turkey dinners, there's plenty to look forward to when fall comes. One of them could be a successful home sale if you plan to put your home on the market this season.  Housing inventory during fall tends to be lower than it is in the spring and summer months, so sellers might be more likely to attract serious autumn buyers. But to successfully sell your home, you might as well need to consider a few different approaches. Keep on reading to get a list of worthy tips that take your house from “For Sale” to “Sold” before the last leaf falls.   Boost your home's curb appeal.   Nothing screams autumn more than the gorgeous leaves falling, spreading warm colors in your backyard. However, keeping on top of yard cleanup is also one of the biggest challenges home sellers face in the fall. Because no matter how beautiful fall leaves are, they can make your whole house look untidy if not cleaned up regularly. So don’t forget to cross off these items on your to-do list: Rake up dead leaves and plants, tree branches, and other debris from your lawn daily. Trim hedges and tree limbs that could pose hazards to guests. Likewise, give special attention to any overgrown vegetation that could block the windows or any paths.   Clean the gutters. The last thing you'd want is for dead leaves to cause a bunch of damage to your home’s gutter system. If there are piles of leaves in the gutters, it is time to clean them out.   Add some popular fall flowers, such as chrysanthemums and marigolds. You can also add other colorful, seasonal planters on the steps and along the sidewalk.   Other simple projects, such as washing the driveway and sidewalks, or giving your front door a fresh coat of paint, can go a long way in boosting curb appeal so buyers will be drawn the second they see your home.     Embrace the season, but don't go overboard with the decor.   Feel free to incorporate the colors and spirit of fall in your living spaces. Add a quilt or throw pillows in bright red, orange, and/or golden yellow hues over your sofa or an entry bench. Use seasonal decor — think apples, pumpkins, wreaths of fall leaves and pine cones, cinnamon, and unscented candles — to create a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere The one thing you should never do: is overdoing your decor. Skip the scary Halloween decorations if you're having an open house or showing around that time since they can appear messy and distracting. The last thing you want is for a potential buyer to walk in your front door to be greeted by a bloody skeleton or sticky cobwebs hanging from your entryway ceiling fan. Try to be tactful and subtle with your decorations to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible.   Let there be more light.   Fall months mean shorter days, which means you can't depend on natural lighting to showcase your home’s best features. Plenty of potential buyers will want to look at homes when they get out from work, and nobody wants to walk into a dark and gloomy home when it’s already dark and chilly outside. The key is to maximize light to make your home look warmer and more inviting. It's also important to brighten up your house so that buyers can see your home’s best features. To accomplish this, consider bringing in extra tables and floor lamps to rooms with dark corners. You can also place spotlights throughout your home behind your furniture. You may also install under cabinet lights in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as additional lighting around staircases and walkways. Another popular tip is to refresh interior paint with warm neutral tones, which will reflect more light.   If your home’s exterior lighting currently feels lackluster, consider these creative but inexpensive lighting solutions to amplify your home’s appeal: Add solar lights along walkways Illuminate outdoor lounge spaces, including your porch or deck, with cafe or bistro lights to create a cozy ambiance.   Aim for spotless and well-maintained windows.   Summer thunderstorms can make your windows dusty and streaked, with layers of dirt covering the exterior window trim, by the time fall rolls around. You might not give it much attention, but buyers will definitely spot any smudges. Before you start showing your house, your windows have to sparkle to make a good impression. This will also help let in as much light as possible. Wash your windows and any glass panels in your doors inside and out. Remove the screens and spray them down to get rid of any accumulated dust and dirt. Don't forget to clean the exterior window frames. While you’re at it, check window seals and doors for drafts, and make extra efforts to insulate when needed since drafts are more noticeable in the fall.   Give your HVAC some TLC.   Depending on the region, fall months might feel damp and cold. When potential buyers walk through your home, it should feel warm and welcoming. This is why it's more important than ever to ensure that your HVAC systems are in good shape. Having your furnace inspected and cleaned by an HVAC specialist before selling your home can be beneficial as you can provide the receipt as proof it has already been completed. Also, remember to replace the furnace filter to help reduce any odors or fall allergens in the home and keep it smelling fresh.

The process of moving into a new house, even when you've done it a couple of times already, will always be stressful and difficult. It’s much more than relocating to a new place, especially when you have to leave a home you’ve lived in for years. It’s where you’ve made thousands of memories with your loved ones and shared countless meals and meaningful conversations with friends. Maybe this was your first home with your spouse or the house where you had your firstborn. If you’re moving to a different neighborhood or state, it might be even more difficult to part ways with the people you love and care about in your neighborhood. Saying goodbye is never easy, even to a place you've loved and called home. However, moving is an inevitable part of life, so we’re here to make it a little bit easier for you. If you happen to find yourself feeling lonely about this huge transition, especially for families with children, here are sweet ways to say farewell forever to a place that was so much more than four walls and a roof.   Go through each room, either by yourself or as a family, and take the time to reminisce about your favorite memories from each specific space. Let everyone bid their own special farewell by sharing a fun or interesting story that happened in that particular room.    Think back on the happy times you spent with your kids in their bedrooms, reading their favorite books or telling them stories. Or the renovated bathroom where you enjoy relaxing bubble baths at night. Your dining room must have a treasure of memories of awesome family meals and get-togethers. After each family member has given their goodbyes, leave the room together and close the door behind you as a symbolic gesture of moving on.   Of course, one of the best ways to help you remember your old home is to make sure you have plenty of photos. Once you've decided to sell and before packing all of your belongings into moving boxes, snap pictures of each room, even when they’re messy. Or if you’re someone who already likes taking photos, collect those you’ve already taken, especially when you’re enjoying the little moments with your loved ones—chilling in front of the TV on a weekend night, your kids playing in the garden, you and your spouse lounging on the patio with your favorite drinks, and so on. Anything special to you around the house and the neighborhood, snap a photo of it to help you remember.   You could print the photos out and arrange all of them in an album, with the address and the dates you lived there on the front cover. For those with younger kids, you can encourage them to help you make a scrapbook. If you want to go all out, grab a camcorder and film everything. All of these will serve as a lovely and realistic record of your time at your old home. And if you’re having mixed feelings about moving, these honest images showing the good and bad elements of your house might help you become more excited about your new abode.   Another way to help you remember the time of your life at your beloved house is to commission a painting or a professional photograph. This could be your departing gift to yourself that will always remind you of your old house and the memories you had there, and which you can put up in your soon-to-be home.   If a tangible keepsake is what you're looking for, check around your property and see what you can bring as a souvenir. One common suggestion from moving experts is repotting your favorite small plant, shrub, or young tree that you can bring to the new house. Even seeds from fruit trees, which you can grow at your new property, can be a meaningful souvenir as a symbol of uprooting and replanting.   You've probably had a housewarming party when you got the keys to your home. Now, it’s the time for the opposite: a house cooling party. Even though moving is stressful and busy, it’s an amazing way to share memories and say goodbye to your house. It doesn’t need to be fancy, and never mind if you’ve already started to pack. Besides, it’s a great way to empty your pantry and fridge before your move.    Your immediate family members and long-time friends, as well as your trusted neighbors and other local acquaintances, should be in attendance. And for sure, they won’t mind a few boxes when it’s time to share a final good meal together and reflect on the happy times you’ve had as you lived in the home. Of course, don’t forget to raise a glass to your home and take lots of pictures.

When you put up your home for sale, keep in mind that last-minute notices to show it to prospective buyers are always a possibility. But we trust that you've done all the huge and critical tasks even before listing, including deep cleaning, depersonalizing, and making little but necessary repairs.    Now, all you need is a simple checklist just in case you get a call from your agent that a buyer wants to see your house in an hour… or less. Here are a couple of tasks you can do to further make a good impression and lessen the stress of every single home showing.   Bottom line Remember that any home showing has the potential to lead to a sale. And while it's better for buyers to see a messy home than no home at all, that extra charm of keeping it clean and tidy might just seal the deal. The key is to maintain a good cleaning and organizing habit so every home showing will go a bit smoother even if you are still living in the home.

Completing the sale of a home is a significant accomplishment for any homeowner. After what could be months of preparing, staging, home showings, and negotiating, it can feel like a significant weight is finally off your shoulders. It's finally time to move on and celebrate, right?  However, even after you close on your home sale, there are important steps that sellers still need to take. In this blog, we discuss some of the crucial things sellers should accomplish post-sale — a checklist to help you avoid potential legal or financial issues and ensure a successful transition so you can move on to the next chapter of your life with ease.   1. Organize your paperwork. Although this isn't a fun task, keep your paperwork in order. Save every single piece of paperwork relating to the sale of your home because you’ll need the documentation when it comes time to do your taxes. Your post-sale paperwork typically includes home maintenance receipts and warranties, seller disclosures, listing agreements, and purchase offer, among others. And remember that even after your tax return is filed, you will still want to keep these records in case you’re audited.   2. Know the tax laws. Since tax laws constantly change, you may want to stay on top of your tax laws to avoid losing money. And hire a trustworthy accountant if you haven't got one yet. You’re definitely going to need their services come tax time.  An example of a tax benefit is if the house is your primary residence and you have lived in it for two out of the last five years, you’re eligible for a $250,000 exemption on capital gains tax if you’re single, or $500,000 for married people.   3. If you aren't purchasing a new home right away, consider putting your proceeds in a money market fund. If you sell your house and don't immediately buy a new one, you’ll need a safe place to put your money. Consider investing your proceeds in a money market mutual fund, which offers safety and gives a reasonable rate of return. It also allows access to your money if you need it, such as when you’re buying your next home. Money market mutual funds are an attractive option for many people who sold their homes.   4. Consider carefully whether you'll hire your listing agent when buying your next home. Buying and selling a home requires a different set of skills and approaches, which is why most agents prefer to specialize as either a buyer's or seller’s agent. Your agent who helped sell your home may have done an excellent job, so you may be tempted to save yourself some stress and just rehire them to help you with buying. But if you’re relocating to an entirely new neighborhood and looking for a different type of property, you may want to find an agent who is knowledgeable in that area. If you think your listing agent can also be a good buying agent and you’re moving within the community and in a similar type of property, you may interview your trusted listing agent as one of the three agents you’re considering hiring to help buy your next home.   5. Send change-of-address notices. Changing your address is a critical task once you're confident that your home sale will close.  To have your address changed, simply go to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) website. It is recommended that you do this 30 days before you move to ensure timely forwarding of mail after the date of the move. Moreover, don’t forget to also alert the following parties about your change of address: IRS Social Security Administration State Motor Vehicle Office State Election Offices Billing companies (credit and charge cards, cell phones, loans, among others) Places of employment Magazines or publications subscriptions Family and friends   6. Cancel and transfer all of your utilities. You do need to allot some time to cancel or transfer your utilities, but make sure you do this the day after your home has closed. Turning off utilities on the day the buyers do their final walk-through may cause your closing to be delayed and could even mess up the sale. So wait until a date after closing to call all of your utility companies and request that all services be turned off and transferred out of your name so the buyer can take them over.

Selling a home can be a daunting task, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the intricacies of a real estate transaction. Even if you're more than prepared to get your property on the market with a trusted real estate agent, you probably just can’t get down to business without doing this critical step: signing a listing agreement. Signing any contract can be nerve-wracking and intimidating. But it doesn't have to be if you understand what the document means. Your agent should also walk you through each part of the service agreement. In this blog post, we’re giving you a headstart to help you understand what a listing agreement entails, and how it plays into selling your property.   A listing agreement is a legally binding contract between a homeowner and the real estate agent or broker who will be listing the property for sale. The agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which the agent or broker will market and sell the home, lays out a framework of duties and expectations between the seller and the agent, and includes several essential details about the upcoming sale. Only home sellers need to sign a listing agreement. For potential buyers, they will have to sign a buyer's agency agreement before an agent will represent them. You’ll only sign the listing agreement after you and the agent have agreed on all the details of the home sale. You can think of it as an employment contract, as you are officially hiring the agent for the job of selling your house. No money should be required upfront when you sign, as agents are paid with commission fees at closing. The listing agreement is meant to protect both parties. It protects the seller by defining the agent’s responsibilities and what to do if he or she doesn't meet them, preventing you from being tied to an agent that is not fulfilling their end of the service agreement. Meanwhile, it also ensures that the real estate agent is fairly compensated with a guaranteed commission once they execute a successful home sale.   Before we explore the necessary details usually included in a listing agreement, here are the most common types of listing agreements. Your agreement type is often listed at the top of the document itself. The terms can also vary based on the area where you live, so it's a must to read the agreement closely to understand the specific contract you have with your broker or agent. Exclusive right-to-sell This is the most common type of listing agreement. As defined by the National Association of REALTORS®, an exclusive right-to-sell listing agreement is a contractual agreement under which the listing broker acts as the agent or as the legally recognized non-agency representative of the seller, and the seller agrees to pay a commission to the listing broker, regardless of whether the property is sold through the efforts of the listing broker, the seller, or anyone else.  To put it simply, you’ll be working exclusively with one agent to sell your house within a definite period of time. The broker is entitled to their commission regardless of who sells the property, as long as the listing agreement is in effect. Exclusive agency listing This type of listing agreement, it’s similar to an exclusive right-to-sell listing where the broker acts as the agent and any agent in the agency may sell the property and collect the commission. But in this case, the seller still reserves the right to sell the home on their own if they choose. And if the property is sold solely through the efforts of the seller, he or she is not obligated to pay a commission to the listing broker. Open listing This is a non-exclusive agreement that allows the seller to use multiple real estate agents to sell their home, but the agent who sells the home is the only one who gets a commission. If the homeowner succeeds in selling the home themselves, the agents walk away empty-handed, which is why these kinds of agreements are less common and are generally less favored by agents.   Here are the main components of a listing agreement: Contact information - includes names, phone numbers, addresses, and other information for the seller and the real estate broker or agent. Property description - the listing agreement will include a complete and accurate description of the property. The property description also specifies any fixtures that will be left behind after the property is sold, and which items will not be included in the sale and you'll be taking with you when you move. List price - You and your agent will discuss the listing price ahead of time, which is based on market data, comparable homes that have sold in the area, and the condition of the home. The price should be written in the agreement to match your earlier discussions. Agreement duration - a listing agreement usually covers a duration of between three and six months, although it can last for any amount of time you and your agent agree on.  Agent duties - the agent’s responsibilities and detailed plan of action will be specified in this section, together with the activities the listing agent is authorized to conduct on your behalf. This may include holding open houses, listing your home on the MLS, posting a yard sign, etc. Understanding the agent’s responsibilities will give you a clear idea of what they will (and will not) do during the selling process. Agent commissions - the commissions, fees, and other compensation need to be added to the agreement. Agent commissions are usually between 5 percent and 6 percent of the proceeds of the sale, and are usually split halfway with the buyer’s agent. Mediation and conflict resolution details - this part of the document states how any potential disputes between the property owner and agent will be resolved. It will specify whether conflicts will be settled using mediation or arbitration, lowering the risk of escalating conflict into a legal dispute. Protection clause - when the agent shows the house to a potential buyer during the listing agreement period, but that person doesn’t buy the property until after the listing agreement has expired, the protection period clause in the agreement will protect the real estate agent from losing their commission.   While the listing agreement is legally binding, you can make changes to it as needed, which means everything is negotiable. The most common points of negotiation are the listing type, agreement duration, agent duties and commission, and list price, among others. When you make changes to the document, your listing agent will send an addendum highlighting which sections are changed. Both parties will need to sign the addendum for it to be valid. It will then be attached to the original document. Take the time to review the listing agreement to ensure that all provisions of the contract are correct and include things you and your agent agreed on earlier. Also, make sure that you understand all your agent's obligations to you, as well as your duties and responsibilities as a seller.   The decision to sell your home is one of the most significant decisions you have to make — both financially and emotionally. The worst-case scenario is that the relationship between you and your agent didn't work out. Before signing a listing agreement, make sure you are clear on your rights to get out of it if you need to.  You can terminate the listing agreement if you decide that you no longer want to sell your property. Likewise, you can also end the agreement if you do not want to work with your agent or broker anymore and they haven’t found a buyer for your home. Most agents will agree to cancel a listing agreement if the client is unhappy, as long as they don’t have an existing buyer yet.  This is why it’s important to choose a top and trusted real estate agent to help you sell your home. Do your research, interview at least three agents before hiring, and review the fine print before signing a listing agreement with them.

If you're looking to sell your home, an extra step you can take to make a good first impression and get more potential buyers to fall in love with your property is through home staging.  Here's our guide if you want to explore what home staging is and how it works, whether it’s worth doing to boost your home sale, what options you have when it comes to staging your home, and loads more! We’ll walk you through it all.   Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale with the intent to showcase it to potential buyers. It involves rearranging or adding furniture and decor, upgrading curb appeal, clearing out clutter, and depersonalizing the home to make it look its best, especially for listing photos, showings, and walkthroughs. It's also considered a marketing strategy as it can transform even the most outdated and drab space into one that’s cleaner, more relaxing, and homey. Visualization is a key concept in staging. In fact, according to the 2021 Profile of Home Staging by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), 82 percent of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.  By creating a neutral yet stylish space, particularly in living rooms, primary bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms, buyers can imagine themselves living in the home. If they have an idea of how they can make use of the space, it’ll help them to develop an emotional attachment to the house, which hopefully leads to them submitting a generous offer. Why does home staging matter? Let's look at the different ways sellers can benefit from home staging: It makes it easier for buyers to envision themselves in the home. No matter how much you love your home, once you decide to list it for sale, you’ll want to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and see your space through their eyes. You’ll find that your favorite gallery wall, or those purple walls in the primary bedroom, may not seem so appealing. By taking away those personal photos and repainting your walls in neutral colors, you’re removing any sign of your lifestyle from the home, making it neutral and full of possibility for prospective buyers. By observing how the rooms are staged and arranged, buyers can draw inspiration for their future setup, especially when it comes to the strategic arrangements of furniture and decor. A well-staged room can make a small space look bigger, or a dated room look modern. If you’re selling an otherwise dark and empty property, staging creates a more spacious and inviting atmosphere that will entice buyers.   Staging can increase the amount of the offer. The NAR report revealed that 23 percent of buyer’s agents said that staging a home increased the dollar value offered between one and five percent, compared to other similar homes on the market that are not staged. Once the home has made a memorable impression with the buyers, they are more likely to be more committed and possibly willing to increase their offer. It improves buyers’ first impressions. Nearly all buyers start their search online nowadays, which means your listing photos need to look stunning to make a good first impression. A well-staged home looks better and more eye-catching when shared on social media and property websites. The home spends less time on the market. A staged home typically sells faster. According to NAR, 31 percent reported that staging a home greatly decreased the amount of time the home was on the market. Staging can turn around a sale that wasn’t moving. Especially for homes that are difficult to sell, staging is necessary to draw more buyers in. The home will appeal to a larger audience, making it easier to market.   Although home staging and interior design both intend to show the home in its best possible light, they differ when it comes to their purpose and target audience.  Home staging aims for the property to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible so it can be sold faster and for more money. To achieve this, the tweaks must be kept impersonal and generic. The current homeowner's preferences don’t matter so as to create a neutral space that looks inviting to a broader audience. Interior design, on the other hand, caters to the specific aesthetics of an individual or family. It aims to create a comfortable space for the client, so there’s a lot more creative control to make sure the design meets their needs. Whether you're just getting ready to sell your home or are trying to add new life to a stagnant listing, know that you have three options when going about home staging. You can also do a combination of all three to help your home sell faster, depending on your specific situation and your budget. Do it yourselfThis is your go-to option if you have the time, you want to save some cash, and you’re confident that you can present your property in the best way possible. Tasks you might need to perform include: decluttering and a whole lot of cleaning on the interior and exterior parts of the home, rearranging furniture and decor, removing personal photos and other items, repainting and touching up the walls, adding new curtains and throw pillows, among other things. You can also bring some warm touches like fresh flowers and plants, and decor items such as candles and a diffuser, that will also make sure your house smells amazing.One caveat is that most homeowners are personally connected to their properties so they may feel overwhelmed to rearrange their homes. But once you decide to sell, remember that it’s no longer your “home” but a product on the market that needs a new owner. You need to see objectively, from the perspective of a buyer, so ask for honest opinions from your agent, family, and friends, about what needs to be changed. Get your real estate agent to help youWhile it isn’t your real estate agent’s job to professionally stage your home, they might provide recommendations or be more hands-on in the process, especially if they strongly believe in staging’s ability to boost a home sale. With their extensive experience and industry knowledge, they will be able to look at your property with an objective eye so you’ll know what needs to be done to spruce it up. Hire a professional staging companyIf you have the budget for it, your agent can help you find a professional home staging company, also known as Accredited Staging Professionals (ASPs), to either do a consultation or a staging service. In most cases, they have an inventory of decor, furniture, and artwork that they can use to stage your home. They will assess your home and provide suggestions on what should be done to increase the home’s appeal or showcase more efficient use of the space. Their services can also extend to the exterior and outdoor spaces to help improve your home’s curb appeal.   The numbers show that home staging can be a considerable advantage when selling your home. However, whether it's worth it or not still depends on several factors, including: Your timeline Your budget The total cost of staging (either professionally or DIY) The value it could add to your property How quickly you’re hoping to sell  What the local market is like for sellers If you’re still wondering whether staging is in your best interest, talk to your real estate agent. They know the market and can tell you if you need to show off your home in the best possible way. They’d want you to get the most out of selling your home, which means a quick closing at a good price.

Whether you're embarking on your first house-hunting journey or it’s time to sell your beloved home, one thing is certain: you’re likely to encounter the term MLS, which stands for Multiple Listing Service. But exactly is it? Even though the real estate industry is highly competitive, the business is unique in such a way that competitors need to cooperate with each other to ensure a successful transaction. And MLS is just the tool to facilitate that cooperation.   A multiple listing service or MLS is a database of all properties currently for sale in a particular geographic region. While it's usually being referred to as “the MLS,” making it look like one large national database, the MLS is actually a network of local databases for areas around the country. Meaning, there isn’t one single, overarching MLS. Each MLS is created, maintained and paid for by participating real estate professionals in that local area. It’s where brokers and agents share their listings, upload pictures and detailed information of each property, and update them on a regular basis with the goal of connecting home buyers to sellers.  Brokers and real estate agents pay dues or a membership fee for access to each MLS. If a broker wants to list or view homes in an area that isn’t covered by the MLS they’re currently part of, they’ll need to join the MLS for that area as well. So, it’s possible and sometimes necessary for brokers to participate in multiple MLS databases. Each database has its own prices, fee schedules and rules.   According to the National Association of Realtors®, the concept of a multiple listing service dates back to the late 1800s. In those times, real estate agents regularly met at their offices to share information about properties they were trying to sell. They agreed to compensate other brokers who helped sell those properties. The first MLS was born based on this fundamental concept: Help me sell my inventory and I'll help you sell yours.  Essentially, the multiple listing service was created to foster better cooperation among real estate agents when they realized each brokerage could sell their houses more effectively and serve their clients better by going outside their own brokerages' listings. In 1908, the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges (now the NAR®) endorsed the use of this system by all agents. This information sharing first took place via books, index cards, and catalogs, but has quickly evolved into the modern system in use today—online and fully searchable by price, neighborhood, and home features.   How many MLSs are there? As of 2020, there are about 600 MLSs throughout the United States, according to the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO). However, the number rises and falls year-to-year “due to regional consolidation,” or when neighboring databases come together to form larger, regional ones. There are also rare markets that do not have an MLS, such as New York City.   When a homeowner decides to sell their home, they'll typically enlist the help of a local and experienced real estate agent. The agent will gather some information about the property. They’ll use real estate comps to compare the home to other similar properties that have recently sold to come up with a list price. Once they have all this information, they’ll upload it into the MLS as a listing. MLS listings include photos of the home, information such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as additional home features (garage, community features, etc.) But aside from this basic information, MLS listings will also typically include private remarks meant only for other agents. This is to protect the privacy and safety of the seller. These notes can include things like seller contact information, showing instructions (such as the best time for showings, information about pets in the home, gate codes, etc.), and even seller disclosures and homeowners association (HOA) regulations. Each property is assigned an MLS number, a serial number created to make it easier to differentiate properties and find properties quickly.   For sellers Once a seller has their home listed on the MLS, it will be visible to all other agents and brokers who use that MLS, significantly increasing their chances of finding a buyer. In fact, access to the MLS is one of the main benefits for homeowners who hire an agent to help sell their home, compared to going the For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) route.   For buyers Similarly, prospective home buyers gain access to numerous listings through the MLS. When a buyer works with an agent to purchase a home, an agent will ask where they'd like to live and what type of home they’re looking for. They’ll also discuss with the buyer their ideal price range, what size home they need, their needs vs wants, which features are important to them, and so on. The agent will then use these criteria to search for homes in the MLS that suit the buyer’s preference. When the buyer eventually finds homes they are interested in, they can use the information in the MLS to schedule showings or inform the buyer of upcoming open houses.   For agents and brokers Multiple listing services provide increased exposure to the selling broker and numerous options to the broker representing the buyer.  In most cases, the MLS listing also contains private contact information and details about showing times. MLSs level the playing field by allowing small and large brokerages to compete with one another. With the help of these services, property information is consolidated rather than fragmented, and there's no need for brokers to create their own separate systems of cooperation. An MLS allows competing brokers to work together toward a common goal of helping buyers find their desired properties and helping sellers sell their homes. In return, both brokers receive a commission on the sale.   Only brokers can be a part of the MLS, while agents cannot unless their broker does so first. Homeowners who are selling their property can work with agents or brokers to have their home added to the MLS, but cannot add homes to the MLS on their own. Only a licensed real estate professional can list and view homes directly on the MLS. Some regional MLS databases may have a ‘public-facing side', which means anyone can view MLS listings without professional assistance. However, the agent side contains a little more information about showings, property access, how to submit offers, agency and commission cooperation and the ability to run a market analysis, among others. Many real estate firms also feature MLS feeds on their websites to advertise the homes they’re selling.   Exceptions While the vast majority of homes available for sale are included on the MLS, there are definitely exceptions. Firstly, strictly FSBO homes won't be found on the MLS database. Likewise, off-market listings, also known as quiet or pocket listings, which are homes that are not marketed in the typical ways, will not be included on the MLS since the seller keeps the property quietly “in their pocket”, hence the name. It’s when sellers desire to test the waters, maintain privacy, or create a sense of exclusivity that could drive up a home's selling price.

If you're thinking of selling your home this year, one of the many things you might be considering is whether or not you should hire a real estate agent. You think you know a few potential buyers, so you’re being tempted to try to sell your home yourself and just pocket the cash you would otherwise pay an agent. But at the end of the day, will it be worth it? Knowing a few buyers isn’t the end of a real estate transaction. There are other rigorous steps and processes involved, many of which can be stressful and costly especially when not handled properly. A good real estate professional does much more than just show your home to people. They’ll do everything from paperwork to networking, and make sure they are looking out for your best interests. In order for you to save time and effort, we've listed down five major reasons why you should hire a local and trusted real estate agent to guide you in your home selling journey.   Part of your due diligence before putting your home for sale is to at least have a good understanding of your local housing market. Such insight will help you in many ways, including knowing what buyers are looking for in a home, whether your area is a buyer's market or a seller’s market, recent sale prices in your neighborhood, listing prices vs selling prices, and so on.  Since the housing market conditions are constantly changing, you need all the help you can get. This is where you can tap into the knowledge of a local real estate agent. Aside from having the latest information about national housing trends and your local market conditions, they can explain what all of this means for you as a seller, so you can make better decisions that maximize your profits through the sale. You know your primary goal is to sell your home for the best price, in the shortest time possible. But the question is, do you have any idea how you are going to price your property? Since it's one of your biggest investments, you’re more likely to think that your home is worth more and thus, overprice. Such a move is risky because it can deter buyers from checking your property seeing that it is out of their price range. This could lead to your house sitting on the market for longer, losing you precious time and money. An experienced real estate agent can provide an unbiased eye when they help you determine the right listing price for your house. They conduct a so-called comparative market analysis to study what similar homes in the area sold for. This also includes checking the condition of your home and any upgrades you’ve made, and comparing it to recently sold homes in your area to find the best price. Since pricing can make or break the sale of your home, your agent can help you come up with a number that’s fair but also appealing to prospective buyers. A good real estate agent has a large variety of tools at their disposal, including but not limited to their social media followers, agency connections and resources, and best of all, access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a database used by real estate agents and brokers where they can share information about properties for sale. This ensures that your property gets in front of people looking to make a purchase. Without access to these tools, your buyer pool and your home's selling potential will be limited. Before putting your house on the market, there are things you need to do to get it ready for sale. Among those include decluttering, deep cleaning, and even making necessary updates, to make it more appealing to prospective buyers, especially for listing photos and during showings.  If you are overwhelmed or wondering what home improvements you're supposed to make, you can count on your real estate agent to give you insightful suggestions. They can point out which parts of your house need sprucing, and which ones are fine just the way they are. You’ll be more informed about which home improvement projects don’t cost much, but will deliver the best return on your investment. Moreover, a reliable agent will also highlight any upgrades on your listing to make it stand out in your market. Selling a home means you will have to deal with a ton of paperwork, including real estate documents, reports, and contracts laden with industry jargon that can be overwhelming. Not to mention that each state has its own requirements when it comes to things like seller forms, disclosures, appraisals, among others.  A reliable real estate agent will take the time to explain the purpose of each document before you fill them out, clarify the terms before you agree and sign on them, and answer any questions you may have. By reviewing all the necessary documents with the help of your agent, you can avoid any costly missteps that could occur if you try to handle them on your own. Aside from thinking about the asking price you want for your house, you also need to address other terms of the sale, such as contingencies, closing costs and other fees, as well as moving date. You'd be going head-to-head with not only the buyer, but also other parties involved, including the buyer’s agent, real estate attorney (if the buyer has any), home inspector, and appraiser. Even if you’re a skilled negotiator yourself, having a real estate agent who will protect your best interests is critical. Since they have studied your property with all its details and features, and know what buyers are looking for in your area, it’ll be a lot easier to sell your house on your terms knowing that you’ve got a trusted real estate agent representing you at the negotiating table.

When you decide to put your home on the market, you want to put your best foot forward in preparing it to look its best for prospective buyers. Besides, the better your home shows, the more offers you'll likely get, right? Next, you make a to-do list of what things to fix and update around your home, only to realize that the list could go on forever. That’s when you realize: Do I have to do everything? For starters, all those projects could cost money. Unfortunately, not everything is going to pay off at the closing table. Knowing what to fix – and what not to do when selling a home – can be tricky. Fixes are critical for any issues or defects that affect the intended significant function of a house system. To break it down, you should take care of any leaks, cracks in the foundation, minor electrical or plumbing issues, pest infestations, and other safety issues that could hurt your home's value and pose imminent risks. But beyond those, especially when it comes to cosmetic repairs, it's actually up to you.  The last thing you want is to get carried away and pour money, time, and effort into any project that won’t get a return on your investment. So here are some of those fixes or updates you can skip without too many repercussions.   Having state-of-the-art appliances such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, or oven can be appealing and is a nice bonus. But not having them is seldom a deal breaker. Especially in hot seller's markets, old but working appliances may not need replacing or upgrading. All that you need is to give the appliances a good cleaning. If your older model appliances are worn, broken, or missing some parts, that's the time to think about replacing them. However, brand-new appliances can cost a fortune and are not worth buying only to get your home sold. So instead of splurging on top-of-the-line models (that you won’t be able to use much, anyway), consider buying used or floor models that can still add a lot of value to your home without draining your bank account.    Should you renovate the kitchen and bathrooms? That's probably one of the biggest questions sellers have when they decide to sell.  It’s important to note that a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project can be costly and time-consuming. A kitchen remodel (midrange) will only recoup about 56 percent of the value, while remodeling a bathroom will only recoup about 59 percent, according to the 2022 Cost vs Value Report by Remodeling Magazine. First, you should consider several factors, especially time and budget, before spending thousands of dollars on these projects. Likewise, your vision of a perfect kitchen or bath may differ from those of a potential buyer. And given all the home decor styles to choose from, trying to second-guess what they want and giving it to them when they visit your home is just plain unrealistic. It’s a risk when renovating these areas because they’re some of the things buyers look forward to when they can finally call it home. If your kitchen or bathroom looks dated but functional, you only need to ensure it’s clean and clutter-free. Present it as a space with potential that is easily customizable to the buyer’s preferences.    If your home already has hardwood floors, there's no need to tear out the existing flooring and replace it for the market. What’s important is to have your floors shined and polished before the staging or showing. The next homeowner may rip it out anyway and replace it with their choice of flooring, which could be wood, laminate, vinyl, or even carpet. If you have older carpets, you only need to spend a few bucks and hire a professional cleaning company rather than investing money into replacing them. The only time to consider ripping it all out is if there is a terrible odor from pets or if there are impossible stains that would deter a buyer from submitting an offer.   While improving your home's curb appeal is crucial in enticing buyers to knock on your door, your home's exterior needs not be perfect. Do not worry about fixing every small, minor, or insignificant crack in driveways and walkways that do not present any safety risks. They are common, and re-doing the paving of the entire section will cost more than it is worth. Only spend the money on fixing them if the cracks are hazardous for driving or walking.   Trends come and go, even for home colors and fixtures. What looks “cool” now can become dated in a heartbeat, or what may be trendy for a specific slice of the population may be off-putting for others. When you decide to sell, your goal is for a wider pool of potential buyers to come to your showings. By providing them with a blank slate, it'll be easier for them to envision themselves in your home. If you’re repainting a room, door, trim, or cabinetry to provide a quick face-lift, pick neutral colors, such as whites, beiges, and light grays. Should you choose to fix any broken or damaged things like light fixtures, faucets, and cabinet hardware, never replace them with something too obnoxious or trendy. Always choose common fixture styles that can appeal to almost all buyers. They’d be happy to do their renovations once the house belongs to them!   Show off your home's potential Don't get overwhelmed by the idea that you need to fix everything you think is wrong with your house to get more offers. You’ll only waste valuable time and money on unnecessary upgrades that you could use to cover closing costs. You aren’t going to get a return on your investment if your house becomes “too much for the neighborhood” and yours is the only one that stands out. Aim to show your home's potential instead of trying to achieve perfection. And if you’re still in doubt about what kind of repairs to make before listing your home, consult with your real estate agent so you’re guaranteed to make the most out of your home sale. 

If you're planning to sell your home, just thinking about the preparations you need for your property can easily become overwhelming. Because of this, many sellers tend to overspend on repairs and updates that won’t help sell their homes for more. They feel like they have to fix everything and over-improve, to the point of losing money if the return doesn’t match the investment. So before you hit the hardware stores or call your trusted contractor, let's look at these three crucial things that will help you determine how to approach repairs as you plan to list your home.   With an experienced real estate agent by your side, you don't have to figure it out alone. Since they are knowledgeable about the neighborhood and the market conditions, they should be able to provide insight into which repairs and upgrades are necessary. Likewise, they can advise if some projects should be left undone to save money, especially those that won’t make a difference to your home’s value or won’t be a deal-breaker to potential buyers. So make sure you hire a trusted listing agent who will keep your best interests in mind. Allowing them to do a quick walkthrough before you put your home on the market will save you from undertaking any project that will only waste your time and money.   Further, you can determine what repairs, renovations, or improvements will add value and bring a good return on investment (ROI) with the help of your agent. Sometimes a major renovation makes sense, and sometimes it does not. It depends on the market, neighborhood, and your time and budget. Your real estate agent can help you by doing a comparative market analysis, which is an in-depth report on your home's current value and how it compares to other homes. It will help you calculate the ROI to see if updating makes financial sense. Remember that in the end, any cosmetic repairs or projects you complete should ultimately be to your benefit. If sizable ticket upgrades are impossible and won’t recoup their cost, consider other things that will help improve your home. It’s usually the small things, such as deep cleaning, decluttering, and enhancing your curb appeal, that has a significant impact on your home’s sale.   Lastly, it is not advisable to begin an upgrade or start a remodel that you can't finish in time before you sell. Home repairs are usually expensive and time-consuming, so carefully consider the time and your budget before committing. Some buyers will also find it hard to visualize the final effect of such partial fixes, which could be a considerable disadvantage on your end. Once you have decided to renovate an area in your home that has the potential of yielding the best ROI, go all the way and make it shine. For example, there’s no point in replacing your worn-out countertops in your kitchen and making it look brand new if you’ll simply leave the old kitchen cabinets and hardware the way they are.

If you're considering selling your home, you might have encountered the term “all-cash offer.” Or maybe as you’re driving around town or scrolling online, you’ve seen advertisements from businesses that say they “buy homes for cash.” What does it mean? Here we will detail the basics of cash offers and the pros and cons of such deals to help you decide whether to sell your house for cash or stick with a traditional offer.    A cash offer is when a potential buyer offers to pay for the entire cost of the house without using a mortgage loan or other financing. According to research by ATTOM Data Solutions, all-cash purchases accounted for 21.6 percent of single-family home and condo sales nationwide in the third quarter of 2020.  The number of cash offers you may receive can depend on many factors, including your local housing market, your home's condition, or if you seek a cash offer online.   Here are some of the typical cash home buyers you might encounter when selling your home: Potential buyers - More and more average home buyers are bidding with a cash offer to stand out amongst the competition. This can be more common in a seller's market, where inventory is tight, buyer demand remains high, and bidding wars are more likely.  “We Buy Houses” companies - These are companies advertising that they’ll buy your house for cash. Common claims include phrases like “we buy any home” and “we buy ugly houses.” These companies aim to make cash offers on homes that might be in poor condition. They buy them on the cheap, fix them up, and sell them again for a profit. House flippers - House flipping, according to Bankrate, is when someone buys a property, holds onto it for a short time, and then sells it (the flip part) for a higher price. A house flipper may also take a fixer-upper and renovate it to make it market-ready. Either way, their goal is to buy low and sell high, earning a profit in a relatively short amount of time. Often flippers will make offers on homes before they get listed for sale to get a jump on the competition. If your home is more of a fixer-upper and you’d like to sell as is, you may receive a cash offer from house flippers. iBuyers - An iBuyer, short for instant buyer, is a real estate company or real estate tech business that uses software to determine the value of homes and make instant cash offers on them. The programs and algorithms they use estimate your home’s value based on the information you provide and recently sold properties in the area. iBuyers often charge a fee for the convenience of selling your home fast, which is typically a percentage of the sale price. It’s also important to note they have strict purchase criteria, and may only be available in select markets. Real estate investors - Those looking to turn houses into investment or rental properties may also bid with cash.    1. Fewer contingencies There are usually fewer contingencies with a cash offer. Specifically, buyers won't need a financing contingency, which could derail the sale if they don’t qualify for a mortgage loan. There also won’t be a need for an appraisal that lenders require to make sure the home’s value matches its sale price. Still, remember that every situation is unique. Some cash buyers may still ask for other contingencies, especially an inspection contingency, to protect their investment. 2. No need to do repairs or home staging Selling the traditional way requires deep cleaning, decluttering, repairing, and even renovating, as well as staging your home. Not to mention that you have to keep your home clean throughout showings and open houses. This can be the most time-consuming, expensive, and stressful process of selling.  Accepting a cash offer means you can sell your home as-is since these buyers typically won’t require any repairs or updates to be made. Most of them are planning on doing the renovation themselves, saving you from putting money into a property you’re just trying to sell. 3. Shorter closing process Since there isn’t a mortgage application and underwriting process to wait for, which can take up to 60 days, a cash transaction cuts down on the timeline. You may be able to close in as little as two weeks. However, this timeline can vary since you still need the buyer’s proof of funds and time to complete other closing requirements. But with a faster closing period, you’ll be able to get moving quickly and easily, especially if it’s because of a new job or any other commitment.   1. You will likely get less money from the sale Whether from an iBuyer, investor, house flipper, or even a traditional home buyer, the flip side of a cash offer is it may be lower than what you'd expect. It can also be hard to negotiate on price since their offers are typically take-it-or-leave deals. Many of these businesses follow the 70 percent rule in real estate, meaning that they may not offer you more than 70% of your home’s after-repair value. But if you’re looking for a faster and easier transaction, this may not be too much of a negative. 2. Lack of competition The reality is that there are more traditional home buyers on the market than all-cash buyers or companies. You’ll still have a better chance of getting multiple competing offers, especially in a seller’s market, when you go through the traditional listing process. Dozens of other potential buyers are likely to come in with their best offer if you sell your home the old-fashioned way. 3. There’s a risk of fraud or scam, and the offer isn’t finalized until you’ve signed the contract Lastly, use careful judgment and do your due diligence when selling your home for cash to any company or investor. The cash home buying industry can be a magnet for real estate scams. Scammers might try to take advantage of sellers experiencing financial difficulties and are looking for a quick cash sale. While not all of these companies are fraudulent, make sure you’re selling to someone reputable.  Another point to consider in an all-cash transaction is that despite the promise of a relatively quick and less stressful process, there is still no hard guarantee of closing until the deal is signed and you have the money in your hand.   You think it's the best offer for your situation. You’ve inherited a home and don’t have the resources to either maintain it or turn it into a rental property.  You need to relocate quickly and need the money or your home’s equity to make a down payment.  Many of these cash buyers or investors are also targeting homes that are challenging to sell, especially those that could turn off other buyers in which no lenders will loan a buyer money to purchase the house, such as: Homes with title flaws Homes with large amounts of past due taxes and fees Burned-out or storm-damaged homes Properties with illegal conversions or code violations Homes requiring major repairs   Real estate agents are licensed professionals who can guide you through the complicated process of selling your home. If you're trying to sell for cash and want to work with a large real estate business, hiring an agent isn’t strictly necessary. But it doesn’t mean you should forgo having their expertise. You can ask for their cash buyer recommendation, especially if they’re experienced with cash sales. They can also offer valuable advice and assistance during negotiations and help you avoid scams, which is the last thing you’d want when trying to sell your home. 

Aside from a home's features and visual aspects, the odor is another critical consideration for many potential buyers. If you are a homeowner who frequently smokes cigarettes indoors or lives with a smoker, it is important to understand that tobacco odor lingers.  Before deciding to put your property on the market, it may take lots of work to remove the smoke smell from your home. Read on to learn more about its impact on your home's value, and a few guides to minimize or eliminate unpleasant smoke odors from your home.   According to a report by Realtor Magazine, studies indicate that smoking inside a house can reduce resale value by up to 29 percent. The so-called “thirdhand smoke,” or the chemicals and compounds released into the air by cigarettes, coat walls, ceilings, and other home surfaces. Researchers that measured thirdhand smoke pollutant levels in smoker homes after they moved out found that pollutants remained two months later, even after the homes had been deep cleaned and ventilated. Just the experience of walking into a house that reeks of cigarette smoke can be a deal-breaker to many buyers, and they may perceive the property as worth less. Likewise, should they consider the home, they'll soon realize the scope of the project that awaits them in removing the smell. Even in a competitive market, sellers of a smoker's house can have a hard time getting buyers to make an offer.    Now that you understand the impact smoke smell can have on your property sale, you are probably wondering what is the best way to remove smoke odor from your home. Unfortunately, a quick swipe with wet wipes, sprays of air freshener, or even lighting incense or scented candles, won't be enough. Adding another smell to the mix can make things worse and turn off potential buyers.  First, here are the best natural products for your smoke-removing arsenal Vinegar is one of the most effective household treatments for removing the smell of smoke, mainly because of its deodorizing properties. Vinegar cuts through odors naturally and can also be mixed with essential oils to cut the tangy smell. One popular cleaning mix includes one part water and one part white vinegar, which can be used for almost all surfaces and items. Meanwhile, baking soda is an inexpensive and handy household cleaner great for making simple cleaning pastes and also for soaking up odors.    To get you started, here is a list of three expert-recommended tips for removing the smell of smoke from your house. 1. Tackle hard surfaces Before starting the cleaning process open all windows and doors and turn on fans to improve ventilation. Once you have good air circulation, you can begin to wipe down every hard surface in the home. The recommended solution of half white vinegar and half water can be used to clean many surfaces, including: Walls Ceilings Floors Kitchen counters Doors, knobs, and handles Windows and frames Light fixtures, including the bulbs Appliances Furniture  Aside from vinegar, you may also place bowls of coffee grounds in affected rooms to help neutralize the cigarette smell. For wood or tile, usual cleaning with the recommended cleaner should suffice.  Will repainting the walls help reduce the smoke smell? Because paint is porous, it may be difficult to remove the smoke smell completely from a wall. A fresh coat of paint may seem like an easy solution, but the pre-existing smoke smell will still permeate through.  After ensuring the walls are thoroughly cleaned and dry, you first need to seal the smell with an odor-neutralizing primer as your base coat to prevent it from eventually seeping back through the paint. Then apply two coats of a new color, preferably a neutral, for a better chance of resale. Repeat for trim work and doors if needed as well. 2. Wash and deodorize soft items Tobacco smoke permeates fabrics and lingers, so take a thorough inventory of all soft goods in the home. Here are a few tricks to remove the cigarette smell on some of the most common soft items and fabrics.   Carpets, rugs, upholstery, and other items that are not machine washable - Any deodorizing powder, such as baking soda, is your best friend when cleaning these items. Grab a big bag of baking soda and sprinkle it on, and let the soda sit and absorb odors overnight or even after a few days before vacuuming.  Wall-to-wall carpet, on the other hand, can be much more difficult to deal with than area rugs and upholstery. You may need to get a professional cleaner's opinion or replace the carpet altogether. Just wait to install a new carpet until you have completed the cleanup so it stays fresh. Window treatments such as curtains, draperies, and upholstery covers - Take down curtains and draperies and remove upholstery covers. If the fabric can be washed in the washing machine, give it a spin by using a half cup of vinegar instead of detergent, then wash again with detergent and let the items air-dry. If the fabric has to be steam cleaned, you may rent a steamer or hire a professional to take care of it. Mattress, bedding, and cushions - The cigarette smell within a mattress is usually difficult to mask and rarely disappears on its own. Placing your mattress outside in the sun will help with ventilating and killing odor-causing bacteria in mattress fibers. To neutralize the scent, spray it with a vinegar-water solution twice a day for at least a week. You can also try sprinkling some baking soda over the mattress. After around three days, vacuum the excess powder off and repeat the cycle if the smoke smell persists. Meanwhile, toss any washer-safe cushion covers, pillow covers, sofa covers, and linens into the machine, similar to the laundry process of the curtains, then let them air dry outside.   3. Clean the air While all the aforementioned cleaning measures will help reduce the smell of cigarette smoke in a home, they will not eliminate it. Cleaning the air is usually the last step to getting smoke out of a house. Invest in new filters for your HVAC system, specifically those special odor-removing filters that contain neutralizing charcoal, making sure to change them regularly. Do not forget to check all air ducts and remove any blockages or dust that might have smoke residue. You may also purchase an industrial-grade air purifier with HEPA filters, which will improve the overall air quality in your home. Moreover, go natural and fill your home with indoor plants to help clean the air. Get professional help A professional cleaning service may yield better results if you are not satisfied with your DIY efforts or your attempts at cleaning and washing are still unsuccessful. You can take the soft items to a local dry cleaner, especially for larger stuff. You may also hire a home restoration company to thoroughly clean surfaces and fabrics and eliminate smoke smell more efficiently and effectively. They have the capacity and knowledge to use some big guns or specialist equipment, such as steam deodorizers or ozone generators. Bottom line Sellers, do not go at it alone. As you start the process of preparing your home for sale, hire an experienced real estate agent. You can ask them to do a “nose check” to help you detect any lingering smells. Aside from guiding you through the ins and outs of selling a home with a smoke smell, they will advise you on how to disclose or confront a smoke odor during closing negotiation and refer you to a reliable home restoration company if needed.

A photograph can be worth more than a thousand words. This is especially true in real estate. You might have the most desirable house in the neighborhood, but if you do not take and post the right pictures, your home will not appeal to as many buyers.  In the 2021 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 84 percent of home buyers find photos very useful. Furthermore, 41 percent of recent buyers said the first step they took in the home buying process was to look online at properties for sale. This is why it is important for your online listing to make a good impression. You want to show that your home is worth considering setting up in-person showings. Since you might not get a second chance to make a first impression, you cannot afford to mess up your listing photos. Here are some of the most common real estate photo mistakes you need to steer clear of and some tips on how you can avoid them.    Blurry or out-of-focus images can leave an impression that the seller is hiding certain house features, while grainy photos can make a house look menacing due to deep shadows. With today's camera technology, there is no excuse for having such images anymore, especially when selling a product such as a home. Listing photos need to look professional. If you do not want to hire a professional who specializes in residential photography, at least use a quality camera or smartphone that can give you high-resolution images. More so, use a tripod to enhance the stability of the camera and prevent blurred photos.    Lighting is a critical aspect that can make or break a photo. Good lighting can make a property look more spacious, fresh, and inviting, especially if you highlight the natural light it provides. This is why interior photos are best taken during the day, with windows and blinds opened, curtains drawn back, and lights turned on to produce bright and illuminated spaces. Similar principles apply to exterior images to best feature your home's curb appeal.   One of the worst kinds of listing photos features a cluttered house. Papers on the side of the refrigerator, groceries and food items on the kitchen counter, unmade beds, clothing on chairs, personal belongings like diplomas and other memorabilia still on display—you name it. While it does not directly affect the quality of the photos, a clean and organized house is critical to a successful photo shoot. If you cannot stage your home or hire a professional stager, do your best to clean, declutter, and organize beforehand. Remember that the goal is to photograph your home to look like a model home to entice potential buyers without being misleading. Any clutter and personal items will only distract them from seeing the most attractive aspects of each room and might hinder them from scheduling a showing.   The main goal of prospective buyers is to focus on your property, not to check who or what resides in it. Although you love your pets and they are adorable, keep them out of your pictures. Not everyone loves pets or may be allergic, so including your pet in listing photos can negatively impact house hunters. They might worry about fur on the carpet, scratched floors, or nasty pet smells and stains.  Similarly, listing photos should never be photobombed by you, your cute kid, or anyone living in the home or taking the photographs, which often happens when there is a mirror in the room. Remember that it is your home that should take center stage, so skip the selfies or family shots so buyers can easily envision themselves living in there.   Pictures of your property's exterior should not include a close-up of a patch of grass. Or a tree in the backyard. Or a random plant. Interior photographs, on the other hand, should never include close-ups of everyday home items—from not-so-fancy ceiling fans, and water heaters to every appliance you have that would not qualify as sought-after amenities. While the intention is likely to show the condition and age of these items, in reality, dull close-up shots make rooms look small and repetitive. So take a step back and photograph your property's look and flow, focusing on spaces such as the kitchen, bathroom, closets, outdoor living space, and unique home features, so buyers can have the feel of the home just by looking at photos. The brand of the refrigerator can wait until they schedule a showing.   Another mistake sellers often make is featuring pictures taken several months ago that are outdated, maybe in an attempt to save time and effort. But listing photos should always be up-to-date and show the current state of the house and how it would look to a potential buyer in person. Additionally, it is important not to post seasonal photos, especially with decorations from a holiday one celebrated months ago. For example, if you are listing your home for sale in February or March, you do not want buyers to see photos of your Christmas tree and twinkly lights. So take down all holiday decorations before taking pictures for your listing, unless you want people to think that your property has been on the market since December. Your listing photos should feature a neutral home and reflect the current season to attract more buyers.   Aside from having good quality listing photos, buyers would want to see as many photos as possible to help them make an educated decision on whether to schedule a showing of the property. If the listing has limited photographs, buyers might wonder what the seller is hiding. For instance, only featuring photos of the exterior could mean the interior is outdated, and vice versa. If your listing says your home has two bathrooms, you would want to show both of them. Make sure to include images of every part of the home, highlighting the rooms and spaces you want to. Each Multiple Listing Service and real estate websites have different limits on the number of photos a home seller can include. Whatever website you and your real estate agent choose to use, it's a good idea to upload the maximum photo limit. 

If you're planning to put your house on the market anytime soon, the biggest task isn’t to address repairs or start renovations, as these require lengthy planning since they can be time-consuming and costly.  The main task you should prioritize as a potential home seller is decluttering. It’s actually free, and you can do it way ahead of time. It’s best to do it in advance even if you’re not much of a hoarder, as you must have accumulated too much stuff after living in your house for years.  Not only can paring down your belongings help you when it's time for your move, but it can also save you money and potential headaches. Still not convinced? Here are five huge reasons why decluttering is crucial in your home selling journey.   The greatest benefit of decluttering, even if you're still deciding whether or not to list your home for sale, is that your home instantly looks more spacious and appealing. It all boils down to perception. No matter how big your home’s actual footage is, excessive furniture, decor, and clutter can make your place cramped and untidy. All of these elements also make the home unattractive to potential buyers.  So if your house already feels smaller than it really is, it’s time to get serious about decluttering and organizing. Keep only the necessary furniture and decor that will define your space and highlight your home’s best features without being distracting. If you have too much furniture, you can put it in storage for the time being. Think of the phrase “less is more,” especially if you’re thinking of hiring a staging company to show your home. It makes a difference in your buyers’ perception of how big your house feels. Likewise, it is easier to clean a decluttered home. Air circulation is also improved, so it smells cleaner. And because the smell is one of the first things potential buyers will notice when entering your home, it’s a huge deal breaker.   It may be tempting to store everything away in your closets and cupboards but resist doing this. Too much stuff in your cabinets makes it seem as though your house doesn't have enough storage space.  And storage is a top concern for serious buyers. They will want to open up closets, cabinets, and drawers to see how much storage the home has. You might have hidden your items from plain sight, but when buyers see cabinets full of stuff like miscellaneous food containers, it will give them the impression that there’s not a lot of storage in your home. Show off your storage space by emptying them or leaving them two-thirds empty. You may throw away, donate, or sell things you don’t want to take with you when you move. You can also rent a storage unit and put everything in there temporarily as you’re sorting through your belongings.   Decluttering can also help you identify potential problems in your home that can be deal breakers for many potential buyers. Where there is clutter, it's likely that pests are also around, such as ants, spiders, and rodents. By decluttering ahead of time, you can easily spot these pests and get rid of them. Moreover, you can deal with issues like cracks in the wall, mold growth, bad paint jobs, leaky pipelines, and other minor repairs when you start to lessen your stuff. By removing bulky furniture, you can locate where many of these problems could be potentially hiding. Decluttering before listing your home for sale will give you plenty of time to address these issues, so you can improve your home’s value and ask for a competitive selling price from buyers.   When you start your decluttering process with the goal of selling, you must see your home through the eyes of potential buyers. When a buyer views your property, they can easily get distracted if there's too much clutter. Instead of focusing on the home’s features and selling points (and even its flaws and potential problems which could affect the sale), they may pay more attention to items such as your furniture and personal belongings. You want buyers to fall in love with the house, not with your stuff that could be going with you when you move. Aiming to make your home a neutral space by removing most of your personalized items will make it easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves and their things in the home. Since there are fewer distractions, buyers can easily visualize themselves living there without being reminded that it’s someone else’s home.    Taking the time to organize and declutter before listing your home will aid in simplifying your move. Sorting through your stuff ahead of time will prepare you to finish packing when the time comes. Doing this will make your future move much less stressful and overwhelming. Especially if you have called your property your home for a while, it can be emotionally difficult to move out when the time comes. Dealing with your clutter beforehand will help you reevaluate your items, so you won't spend the extra money or energy to move things you don’t even use or want anymore.  And when you start to see your home changing after packing and throwing away items, it becomes less and less your home and more of a place where you’re getting ready for your next adventure. After all, the memories will always stay with you, and you can cherish them forever. And you’ll be thankful you put in the work beforehand because aside from becoming emotionally prepared for the complicated moving process, your home will also be more attractive to buyers.

n theory, there's no rule about how quickly a seller has to respond to purchase offers. You can take as long as you want before responding since there is no official time frame. However, the industry standard is to get back to interested buyers within 24 to 72 hours. This is a common courtesy observed by many professionals in the industry. The exception is for certain states, such as California, where an offer will be considered revoked if it's not signed by the seller and delivered back to the buyer by 5 P.M. on the third day after the buyer signs it. A buyer can enter a specific date into the agreement or keep the default of the third day. In this case, all money paid by the buyer, such as earnest money, would be promptly refunded. In states that don’t have specific rules and guidelines, sellers usually respond within one to three business days.   When an offer from a qualified buyer comes in, you can respond in one of three main ways: 1. Accept the offer as-is - This is the best case scenario for any buyer making an offer. Should you receive a spectacular offer where you agree to all the terms, conditions, and contingencies in the purchase contract, it could be worth signing on the spot. Accepting an offer sans any changes means the buyer can now move to the home inspection. 2. Send a counteroffer - While some offers may be close to what you were looking for, some may still contain a few deal breakers on your end. This is when you can make a counteroffer, which lets you come back with a proposed price or change of terms to meet your needs and keep the conversation going.  When you respond to an offer with a counteroffer, it may include different things, such as: A higher price. A lower price but with a proposal to take out appliances or furniture initially included in the price. A different split of the closing costs. Different contingencies or the conditions to be met to complete the deal. A change in the closing date. Once you send a counteroffer, the buyer will have a deadline for them to respond. They will only have a chance to accept or deny the offer. 3. Reject the buyer's offer in writing - Especially in a seller’s market, it isn’t uncommon to receive multiple offers on your property. While you’re not obligated to send a written rejection to an offer, it is considered the polite thing to do. This signals to the buyer that it’s time to move on to another property. However, once you’ve rejected an offer in writing, it is difficult to extend that buyer a counteroffer should your original accepted offer fall through.   While you or your listing agent may acknowledge receipt of a buyer's offer, that’s not the same thing as responding to it. Here are several reasons why you may not respond: Offer is too high or too low A lowball offer or an offer that is significantly below the asking price could be insulting and may signify that the buyer isn’t serious. Meanwhile, an offer that is too high may not be realistic, especially if the buyer will need financing. The lender will only approve a loan after an appraisal is completed and within the home’s market value. You want to review all offers at once If you want to review all offers at once, it’s a good idea to wait until all offers are in before responding to buyers. The only downside is that other qualified buyers who are hoping for a quick reply may simply withdraw their offers.  You’re waiting to hold a public open house If you have an open house scheduled soon, it may be wise to hold off on reviewing offers until after the event to increase your chances of receiving the best offer.   Work with a top and experienced real estate agent Entertaining and reviewing purchase offers will be a lot less stressful when you have a real estate professional by your side. They will help you pick the “best” offer for your circumstances and not just automatically the one with the highest offer price. Working with an experienced realtor will also ensure that you are well educated on the process. Create a pros and cons list With the help of your agent, you can create a spreadsheet to clearly see the benefits and drawbacks of all offers on the table. Will you choose a higher offer price but with a shorter closing period, or a slightly lower offer price but with a flexible closing date? Working through the pros and cons will help you settle these considerations depending on your current situation, and hopefully will help you make the best decision.

The coronavirus pandemic turned the real estate market into a frenzied rollercoaster ride for both buyers and sellers. Especially because of the historically low mortgage rates coupled with the inventory shortage.  But with the pandemic subsiding, the burning question is, what will happen in real estate in 2022? Housing experts forecast the market could calm down this year and ease up a little, especially for many first-time buyers. While no one knows what the future has in store, here we have compiled a list of five real estate trends that home buyers and sellers should be aware of as they navigate the market this year.   Due to the surge of buyers during the pandemic, both existing and new home inventory has been extremely low throughout 2021. According to experts, inventory will remain scarce this year and we will continue to be in a seller's market. The February 2022 Monthly Housing Market Trends Report by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) revealed that the national inventory of active listings declined by 24.5 percent over last year, while the total inventory of unsold homes, including pending listings, declined by more than 15 percent. Newly listed homes were also down 0.5% nationally compared to a year ago. One of the main catalysts for the low inventory is that homeowners have been hesitant to list their homes for sale, as there is no guarantee they will be able to find an affordable home to purchase or a rental to lease. Builders are trying to ramp up production, but new home construction isn’t keeping up with the surge in demand. There have been huge issues with the supply chain, which made construction materials more expensive and difficult to come by. Tips for buyers: To find a good home in this tight market, do as much legwork as possible. Make sure you get pre-approved for a mortgage before you even start house-hunting. Sacrifice some of your nice-to-haves for your must-haves. If the neighborhood you have been eyeing is too competitive, try to expand your search. Lastly, do not hesitate to work with a local and experienced realtor who can help you navigate the complicated process of buying a home, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. Your agent knows what is happening on the market and can give you the best advice to find the perfect home that fits your budget and lifestyle. Tips for sellers: Low inventory, where homes are being snatched up fast, means less competition! Even if your home isn’t quite as appealing to many other buyers, or you intend to sell as-is without renovations, you still stand a better chance in the current real estate market. Just make sure you plan for your next home before you decide to sell.   Over the past year, mortgage rates have stayed extremely low, but that will likely change in 2022. New projections by the Federal Reserve show seven rate hikes this year, up from three projected rate hikes in December 2021, which means mortgage rates will likely rise. Both Redfin and Realtor.com predict a 30-year-fixed mortgage rate will reach 3.60 percent, while the Mortgage Bankers Association expects the average rate on a 30-year loan to reach 4 percent, by the end of 2022. The combination of lingering inflation, consumer spending, and the pandemic subsiding is what's driving mortgage rates higher.   Just like groceries, gas, and everything else, house prices are going up. And while historically low mortgage rates helped offset the higher listing prices in 2021, experts forecast both home prices and mortgage rates to go up this year. According to a recent report by the NAR, the national median sales price of single-family existing homes increased to $363,700 by the end of 2021, mainly due to strong home buyer demand and limited housing supply. In 2022, existing home sales prices will continue to increase, rising 2.9 percent. Tips for home buyers: Know how much house you can really afford and commit to staying within that budget no matter what. Likewise, take the time to research lenders who have a good combination of low rates and low fees, then apply for a mortgage pre-approval. Tips for home sellers: Higher home prices mean a nice profit is on the horizon! But to get more money from your biggest investment, work with an experienced and local real estate agent to help you get the best offer for your home.   Home appreciation refers to a home or investment property that increases in value over time. Throughout 2021, homes appreciated at rapid rates, mainly because the market has been so hot across the country. Housing experts suggest it may change in 2022, they expect the rapid appreciation rate to slow down and will be lower than last year. According to the NAR, home sales will take a breather after what has been a spectacular housing market in 2020 and 2021. Thus, home price appreciation is expected to be at 2.8 percent this year, down from 14.7 percent in 2021. Tips for home buyers: The slowdown provides a better environment for buyers because the homes they purchase may not skyrocket in value as quickly as they would have in 2021, and may help avoid bidding wars. But at the same time, prices won't seem to be going down. Many Americans will also no longer face the prospect of home values far outpacing their pay raises.   In 2022, renovations will continue to come in all shapes and sizes. More people will gravitate towards using nature-inspired colors to give a calming vibe to their homes, including greens, blues, taupes, and browns. Many potential and recent buyers are drawn to colors associated with water and sky, as demonstrated in Zillow's interior paint color analysis. Research has found that homes with light blue bathrooms could sell for 1.6 percent more than expected or nearly $5,000 on a typical U.S. home. Meanwhile, dark, moody blues in the bedroom could sell for a $1,500 premium. Aside from matching the colors of Mother Earth, sustainability is also a top priority, especially for younger homeowners. Home listings with descriptions mentioning eco, energy-efficient, or similar terms have sold more than two days faster than expected. Listings that mention drought-resistant features sold 13 days faster, and smart sprinkler systems and double pane windows installed for energy conservation were associated with homes selling more than a week quicker than expected. After the tough two years, one thing that almost everyone learned is to prioritize their mental health. We see this reflected in thoughtful wellness home designs, including retreat features such as meditation rooms, reading nooks, and even spa-inspired bathrooms. According to Zillow, a freestanding bathtub can lead to a 2.6 percent premium on a home’s sale price. Even features such as a “she shed” can help a home sell for 2 percent more than expected. Natural light will also be a priority, especially in home offices and common spaces.

Selling a home is a serious venture for any homeowner. The process could be both time-consuming and emotionally challenging, more so if you've never done it before. You’d get anxious just thinking about all the steps it takes to list and sell your home. Or be overwhelmed by the fact that you have to remove most of your personal belongings to make your home ready for showings. The process is unlike any other financial transaction in your lifetime, which is why it’s easier to make risky decisions that could sabotage your home sale. Remember that many of these blunders are easily avoidable with little know-how and the right mindset and attitude. Hopefully, after reading this article, you'll be able to avoid them so you can be well on your way to a smooth sale.   Even with the wealth of knowledge and resources available out there and the current high demand for homes, there's still no substitute for the experience of a local real estate agent.  While it’s tempting to sell on your own, For Sale by Owner (FSBO), you’ll miss out on an agent’s professional insight and guidance. This is key to a successful and less stressful home sale. According to the National Association of Realtors 2021 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, FSBOs sold at a median price of $260,000 last year, which is significantly lower than the median of agent-assisted homes at $318,000.  A good agent has your best interests at heart, especially in setting a competitive selling price and negotiating offers so you can get more money on the table. If you decide to skip an agent, be prepared to do more legwork yourself, including handling all the paperwork and pitfalls involved in the real estate deal.   Better-looking properties undoubtedly attract more buyer interest. This is why many home sellers fall into the trap of over-improving their homes. They make improvements that have little return on their investment, especially only cosmetic ones.   Before you spend a lot of money renovating your house, consult your real estate agent to make sure you are spending your money wisely. Remember that the amount you'll make from your renovating efforts isn’t always more than the amount you invest. Aside from the price of improvements, you need to consider the disruption to the household, unexpected costs, and the general headache of dealing with the remodeling process. Furthermore, buyer preferences and needs vary, so a feature that might look good to one buyer may seem superficial to another.  Your agent should be able to provide a list of repairs or suggestions to better prepare your home for sale, including easy but low-cost improvements like adding a fresh coat of paint and improving your home’s curb appeal.   You may think your home is worth more after you made significant repairs and improvements. This is why setting a high list price sounds like a great plan for a successful sale. After all, you can bring down the price later on or when the situation calls for it, right? But this type of strategy involves a lot of risks. For starters, setting your list price too high may cause you to lose a ton of money on potential buyers who cannot afford such a property. And since most buyers are well educated in today's market, they might steer clear of your home knowing that it’s overvalued. Once a home has sat on the market for too long, depending on average days on the local market, buyers and agents will start to assume there are problems with the house. And these assumptions will continue even after the price has been reduced.  With the help of your agent, you can set a reasonable list price by looking at the value and selling price of comparable homes in and around your area, called a comparative market analysis. Underpricing your home has more potential to attract multiple queries and offers, which will make room for you to increase the asking price. As a result, you might end up making a greater profit than you initially anticipated.   While many closing costs are the buyer's responsibility, there are closing costs sellers need to cover as well. Some of these costs may include homeowners association fees, property taxes, attorney fees, transfer taxes, and title insurance. You also may be asked to pay an escrow fee, a brokerage fee, and a courier fee. You may also need to budget for a title policy, which ensures that the title is free and clear.  Your potential buyer may use closing costs as a bargaining ticket. Especially if you’re eager to sell or in a hurry to move and don’t want to risk losing the buyer. Many of these fees are negotiable but still, it pays to be prepared. So don’t forget to inquire about these costs so you’ll have a clear idea of how much money you’ll get after the sale.   When it comes time to say goodbye, keeping your emotions in check is always the hardest part. Especially when it's time to sell your first house, where you’ve spent time and effort turning it into a home filled with memories.  But when you decide to sell, you need to start thinking of yourself as a businessperson rather than a homeowner so you can look at the transaction from a purely financial perspective. Your home is a product that needs to be sold, and the market isn’t a place that is reflective of your circumstances, but a place where you as a seller and the buyer agree upon terms to successfully sell the product.  Understanding this will help you distance yourself from the emotional aspects of selling the property. So that when you get a low offer, you won’t see it as an insult to your home’s condition and value. Instead, you see it as a good start for negotiations and something you can easily decline. If there’ve been comments about parts of the home that buyers want to renovate or remodel, don’t take it as a personal attack to your taste, but rather a difference in preferences.

The home buying and selling journey is a massive undertaking for anyone. It takes plenty of time, expertise, negotiation, patience, and sometimes, even a little bit of luck. And as far as luck goes, many follow these superstitions still, even when it comes to real estate. And since it's the season of holidays and festivities, we thought we’d touch on a lighter but equally interesting topic around the subject.  Let's take a look at these ten most common beliefs and traditions that anyone might be curious about, even those who aren’t superstitious. Are you familiar with any of these?   Here's a moving day tradition that’s been important in many countries. New homeowners bring a carb or starch (either bread or rice; whatever is a staple in their place) together with salt when entering their house for the first time and before bringing anything else into it. Bread or rice represents the idea of prosperity so that the homeowners will never know hunger. Meanwhile, salt is believed to keep their lives filled with flavor and brings luxury.  Other homeowners further this tradition by sprinkling some salt at the doorway to prevent evil spirits from entering. But since this means you need to sweep it after, it’ll bring us to the next superstition.   According to popular belief, you shouldn't bring an old broom into your new home. The old broom sweeps all negative energy and experiences from your previous home into your next home, including all of the bad luck you want to leave behind. Even if you aren’t superstitious, a nice, new broom signifies a fresh start, and you won’t be bringing all the dirt and dust to your next home.   Are you moving soon? You may want to pay attention to the day you move. According to Indian tradition, it's important to choose an ‘auspicious day’ to move into your new house. Rainy days, as well as a Friday and a Saturday, are considered unlucky and may prevent you from settling into your new home. On the other hand, Thursday is considered the luckiest day to move. This belief even applies to those who want to put their house on the market. Other Western culture superstitions claim that April, July, and November are the most unlucky months to move.   Smudging is a Native American ceremony where a sacred plant (often sage) is lit, allowing it to smolder and release its aromatic smoke throughout the new dwelling. Smudging cleanses the home and drives away evil spirits and negative energy lingering. The ritual ends with a blessing, mantra, or prayer to bring in new energy. Some sellers also do this to bring good luck and sell their homes quickly.   Another popular superstition is scattering coins around the living room to ensure prosperity. Some homeowners even place coins in the corner of every room, believing it will bring financial good fortune.    The most popular superstition held to help home sellers sell faster is burying a statue of St. Joseph. St. Joseph is considered the patron saint of families, working people, and house sellers and buyers. He was a working man and a skilled carpenter, which may account for him being the patron saint of workers and things to do with houses and real estate.  Although selling your home quickly at top dollar is achieved through the expertise of an experienced real estate agent with professional marketing strategies, some sellers believe they will have a quick sale after burying a statue of St. Joseph. This statue is buried upside down (this way he will want to get out faster) near the sale sign, facing the house. Prayers are said to him for a speedy and favorable sale. Once the home has sold with his aid, dig him up and place him in a position of honor in the new home.   Have a friend who recently got the keys to their new home or a new neighbor just moved next door? If you're thinking of what to give them as a housewarming gift, you can cross knives off your list. Bringing a gift of knives is a no-no as it is believed that their sharp edges will sever your friendship or could cause a bad relationship between neighbors.   As strange as it sounds, a southern legend claims that painting your front porch blue will ward off ghosts and spirits. The reason for this was the belief that ghosts were unable to cross water. Since they mistake the blue porch for water, they stay away.   If you don't want Thor to accidentally burn your house down with a streak of lightning, it is believed that placing an acorn on a windowsill would protect it.   Whether you're already a homeowner or you’re soon-to-be, at some point, you’re likely to do a renovation project that will require you to use a ladder to reach high areas. Did you know that many people avoid walking under ladders for fear of the bad luck it will bring? Another popular superstition dating back to the medieval period involves ladders. Walking under a ladder is unlucky because of its connection to the symbol of the gallows. The gallows were where the hangings took place, so people wanted to avoid that fate, and superstition was born.