Spring into Action to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

 

To sell your home this spring, it may need more preparation than it would have a year or two ago. Today’s housing market has a different feel. There are more homes for sale than there were at this time last year, but inventory is still historically low. So, if a house has been sitting on the market for a while, that’s a sign it may not be hitting the mark for potential buyers. But here’s the thing. Right now, homes that are updated and priced at market value are still selling fast. Today, homes with curb appeal that are presented well are still selling quickly, and sometimes over asking price. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com:


“In a market where costs are still high and buyers can be a little choosier, it makes sense they’re going to really zero in on the homes that are the most appealing.”


With the spring buying season just around the corner, now’s the time to start getting your house ready to sell. In other words, it is time to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. The best way to determine where to spend your time and money is to work with a trusted real estate professional who can help you understand which improvements are most valuable in your local market.


Curb Appeal Wins

One way to prioritize updates that could bring a good return on your investment is to find smaller projects you can do yourself. Little updates that boost your curb appeal usually work well. Investopedia puts it this way:


“Curb-appeal projects make the property look good as soon as prospective buyers arrive. While these projects may not add a considerable amount of monetary value, they will help your home sell faster—and you can do a lot of the work yourself to save money and time.”


Small cosmetic updates, like refreshing some paint and power washing the exterior of your home, create a great first impression for buyers and help it stand out. Work with a real estate professional to find the low-cost projects you can tackle around your house that will appeal to buyers in your area.


Not All Updates Are Created Equal

When deciding what you need to do to your house before selling it, remember you’re making these repairs and updates for someone else. Prioritize projects that will help you sell faster or for more money over things that appeal to you as a homeowner.


The 2022 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights popular home improvements and what sort of return they bring for the investment (see graph below):

Remember to lean on our team for the best advice on the updates you should invest in. We know what local buyers are looking for and have the latest insights of what your house needs to sell quickly this spring.


Bottom Line

As we approach the spring season, now’s the time to get your house ready to sell. Connect with us today so you can find out which updates make the most sense for your home.

Exploring the Dynamic Landscape of the Housing Market in Pierce County, WA

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How Often Do Closings Fall Through?

By Suzzy Wilder-Poe • February 22, 2023
How often do closings fall through? Closing on a new home is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful, especially if there is a possibility that the closing might fall through. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a closing might not go as planned, and it can be difficult to predict when and why it might happen. A common reason for a closing to fall through is because of a problem with the property This can include issues with the title, zoning, or a lack of necessary permits. Even something as simple as a lack of proper documentation can lead to a closing falling through. This is why, before buying a property, it’s important to have a thorough home inspection and title search done, to ensure that there are no major issues that can cause delays or complications during the closing process. Another reason for a closing to fall through is because of a problem with the financing This can happen when the buyers are not able to obtain the necessary financing to purchase the property. This can be due to a lack of credit, a change in interest rates, or a problem with the buyer’s income or employment status. It is important to work with a lender early in the process to ensure that you are aware of any potential issues that could arise during the closing process. Another common reason why closings fall through is because of a change in the buyer’s circumstances This can happen when the buyer’s employment changes, they get a better job offer, they change their mind about the property, or they experience a change in their personal circumstances, such as a divorce or the birth of a child. Another reason for a fall through is when the parties are unable to agree to terms on the purchase contract This can happen when the seller and the buyer disagree on certain terms or conditions of the sale, such as the closing date, the purchase price, or the contingencies included in the contract. It’s important to have a good real estate agent who can help facilitate a smooth negotiation process that can prevent this kind of scenario. The good news is that, despite these potential obstacles, the majority of closings do not fall through. On average, most experts estimate that about 5-10% of closings fall through due to various factors However, these numbers can vary depending on the market conditions, the region, and the specific circumstances of the sale. To prevent a closing from falling through, it is essential to work with a qualified and experienced real estate agent, lender, and attorney, who can help you navigate the process and identify any potential issues that may arise. It is also important to be transparent and communicate clearly with all parties involved in the transaction, including the seller and the lender. By doing so, you can increase the chances of a smooth closing process.  In conclusion, while closings can fall through due to a variety of reasons, it is not as common as people might think. However, it is essential to be prepared for any potential obstacles and work with the right professionals to ensure that the closing process goes as smoothly as possible. Good communication and transparency can also help prevent closing falling through. By following these guidelines, you can feel more confident and secure in your home buying process, and increase the chances of a successful closing.
The Benefits of Downsizing to a Smaller Home

The Benefits of Downsizing to a Smaller Home

By Suzzy • February 21, 2023
The benefits of downsizing to a smaller home Downsizing to a smaller home can be a major life decision, but it can also come with a variety of benefits. As people get older, they may start to consider downsizing in order to reduce costs, simplify their lives, and increase their mobility. Here are just a few of the benefits of downsizing to a smaller home: Lower costs One of the biggest benefits of downsizing is the potential for lower costs. A smaller home typically means lower monthly mortgage payments, lower property taxes, and lower utility bills. This can be a major financial advantage, especially for those on a fixed income. In addition to the ongoing costs of homeownership, downsizing can also help to reduce the upfront costs of moving. With a smaller home, there is typically less stuff to pack and move, which can save money on things like movers and storage. Reduced maintenance Along with lower costs, a smaller home means less space to maintain. This can be a major advantage for those who are unable or