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Ten Mistakes That Will Keep Your Home From Selling

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You need to get every advantage possible when you are selling your house. There are very few homes that can be magically market-ready without some help. It’s time to focus if your home requires more than just a little assistance. Listing your home in a bad condition will only lead to frustration. In this case, frustration is: Your home being on the market without any offers for months or an offensive, lowball offer.

Avoid listing your home with:

1. Excessive damage

You may have neglected to maintain the property, either because it was rented out and abused by frat boys or you simply didn’t care for it as much as you should. The buyers will not be interested in those holes that make it look like the room was used for a boxing workout, or the wood floors that have been scratched up by dinosaurs. They also won’t want a yard with only weeds that are two feet tall. If you don’t want to sell your home at a price where buyers will only focus on the positives and ignore all the negatives, then it needs some work.

2. Bathroom carpet

It’s gross. Everyone who enters that bathroom thinks one of two thoughts: 1) there’s got to be mold underneath; 2) there’s got to be pee all over the floor. You’ll want this update done before listing your home. If you already have your home listed but it’s not selling, this is something to consider.

3. Big, nasty stains

Buyers shouldn’t be able to tell where your dog marks or where you kids spilled a bowl of holiday punch. Potential buyers won’t even enter your home if the carpet stains are so bad. Nobody wants to purchase a pigsty. Invest in a new carpet. You won’t need to lower your price, so you’ll get the money back.

4. Pet smells

They smell. Since you are surrounded by them every day, you may not notice, but potential buyers might. Spend money on air fresheners and deep clean your carpets and upholstery. Remove cat boxes before showings. You don’t want a buyer to refer to your home as “the smelly one.”

5. Loud dogs that bark every time anyone approaches the house

Last word about pets. Barking is inevitable, whether your dog barks or the neighbor’s. You don’t want that to happen on the day of an open house. Offer to pay for the doggie daycare of a neighbor’s pet. This can help eliminate the problem and create the peaceful setting that buyers desire.

6. Your dead lawn

A lack of curb appeal will not necessarily ruin a deal. You may not even be able to convince potential buyers to leave their car. Buyers will assume that if the yard in front is messy, the same mess is inside.

7. The bad agent

Face it. Some of them will be winners. Get a new agent if your current one is rude, uninformed or uncommunicative. A client who doesn’t receive the attention they deserve is unlikely to be satisfied.

8. You’re sloppiness

The drawers and cabinets that you stuffed everything in when you cleaned out your kitchen and bath cabinets may be a deal-breaker for buyers who are picky. Buyers are known to open things. Buyers open drawers, cabinets and closets. They may think that there is not enough space if these areas are cluttered and overcrowded.

9. Unreasonable Sellers

If you’re reasonable, big problems can kill a deal, but can also seal it if they aren’t too serious. Your inspection may reveal plumbing, roofing, or electrical problems (or even all three!) If you refuse to negotiate and the seller is unwilling to make a deal, that sale will be lost.

10. Bad Taste

When it comes time to sell, your poor decorating choices or failure to stay up to date with the latest trends could haunt you. You can see this on House Hunters, where buyers get hung up over paint colors. Simple updates will make it look new and fresh, giving buyers something to fall for.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1017958-20180614-ten-mistakes-that-will-keep-your-home-from-selling?rtmpage=

How is a Home’s Fair Market Value Determined?

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Fair market value is a real estate term that both buyers and sellers should be familiar with. The fair market value is the amount a house would sell for if logic were to be the only factor. The fair market value is what a seller could get if he or she waited to receive the best offer.

Both buyers and sellers will negotiate until they reach a price that they both agree upon.

While negotiation is a big part of buying a home, understanding fair market value is also relevant.

Fair market value is not everything. Fair market value is not just what the appraised price is or what the parties think the value is. Tax value is not included in the fair market value. Fair market value can include these factors.

Calculating fair market value

Home values are affected by the fluctuations of the market. There is no specific formula for determining fair market value. The value of a house is primarily determined by supply and demand.

When calculating the fair market value, some elements can be taken into consideration.

* Current market trends
* Comparative market analysis of similar properties in the same area
* Having an appraiser determine the value
* Calculating fair market value using price per square foot

You can use any of these factors in combination to arrive at a fair value.

Real estate agents excel at determining the fair market value, and this is why people hire them instead of trying to sell their home independently. You should know the facts about the property, but also the market in your area and the overall economy.

What is fair market value?

The fair market value will be used to determine a home’s sale price. However, there are caveats. If the fair market value of a home is $250,000, but the house is in a popular area, then the asking price could be as high as $300,000.

Fair market value can be applied in other contexts besides real estate, as well as other real estate-related applications.

The property tax you owe your municipality will likely be based on your home’s fair market value. The longer you own your home, the higher your FMV will be. This means that your property tax will also increase.

Your home’s value can also impact your tax credits, gift tax and estate tax.

If you give your home as a gift or include it in an inheritance, the recipient may be required to pay tax based on its fair market value.

If the person sells their home for more than it was appraised at when they received it, then they will have to pay capital gain tax on the difference.

The term fair market value can also be used in the insurance industry. Fair market value can be used to determine the amount of money you will receive for repairing your damaged property.

If your home is affected by a natural disaster and it’s evaluated below FMV, you might not get as much compensation.

Fair market value is not a formula that can be applied in all cases. The formula is often based on a combination of key metrics to determine the value of a house at any time.

Original Blog: How is a Home’s Fair Market Value Determined? – Realty Times

Simple Ways To Make Your Rental Property More Homely

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You may not have a lot of control over the way you decorate a rental property. You will usually need to obtain written permission from your landlord before making any changes. There is no guarantee that they will be approved! We will show you a few easy ways to make your rental home more comfortable without making any changes. These are affordable options that can help you feel more at home.

Choose Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is the first thing that you can do to make a rental home more comfortable. Simply go through your rental home or apartment and replace the bright white bulbs with softer, warmer tones. You can also change the light shades, if you have them. This will allow the room to be lit differently.

Speak to your landlord and ask if they would like to keep any lightbulbs or light shades that you have removed. If not, you can keep them in a container so you won’t be charged later.

Add Lots of Greenery

Add plenty of greenery to the rental property. Houseplants can be beneficial to your home in many ways. They reduce stress levels, clean the air, increase productivity, and improve mood. They also bring a beautiful new life to any space! You’d be amazed at the difference houseplants can make if you don’t have them already.

If you’re a beginner, snake plants, spiders, peace lilies, and jade are great options. Water them every two weeks during the summer and every three weeks in winter. If you can, give them indirect sun. They are resilient, but they all need watering every 2 weeks in the summer and every 3 weeks in winter.

Hang Wall Art Prints

In rental properties the walls are often quite bare and you’re not allowed to install anything to hang artwork. We have the solution for you! As they are lightweight, you can use them to hang wall art throughout your house. Use removable hanging strips to ensure that there will be no damage (if you follow the instructions correctly).

You can create a gallery with a variety of prints or use typography prints that bring your favorite quotes into your home. Or you can choose botanical wall art for your houseplants. It’s a simple, affordable and quick way to make a rental home or apartment feel like your own.

Soft Furnishings

Soft furnishings are the last but not least. Soft furnishings are a great alternative if you don’t have control over the decor of your rental property. You can add personality to a space by using unique textures and colors. This option can be adapted to any budget.

Soft furnishings can give a new look to furniture that is otherwise plain. Soft furnishings can also make a space more comfortable and relaxing. Soft furnishings can transform any space. From pillows to bean bags and blankets, they will make it more relaxing and cozy. 

Final Thoughts

Even if you are only planning on staying in your rental property temporarily, it is so important that you make it feel like home. We all deserve to come back to our home and feel completely relaxed and comfortable, even if you will only be there for a couple of months! All of these ideas are affordable and accessible, so you are sure to find the right choices to make you feel at home.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice/item/1043638-simple-ways-to-make-your-rental-property-more-homely?rtmpage=null

Hunting for Haunts: A Guide to America’s Top Haunted Houses

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Have you ever wondered which haunted houses are the best in America or your state? Look no further! We’ve researched haunted houses from coast to coast. This guide will help you choose the perfect haunted experience, whether you’re a Halloween fanatic or a thrill seeker looking for the ultimate rush.

What makes an haunted house so great?

There are a few things that make haunted homes great. First, a well-crafted storyline that is immersive and engaging. A great haunted home should transport you to a different world where you can feel fear and anticipation growing with each step. Attention to detail is also important. Every aspect of the production, from the props to costumes to the set design should be carefully considered to create an atmosphere that is full of suspense and horror.

Eastern U.S.

The Eastern U.S. has some of the most frightening haunted houses. From the historic streets in Salem, Massachusetts, to the haunted plantations of the deep South, this region is home to some the most terrifying haunted house experiences. As we travel through this region, prepare to be terrified by the spine-chilling attractions.

The Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses in New York offers a truly immersive, hair-raising experience. This attraction will leave you in a state of fear with its haunted hayride and multiple haunted house.

Eastern State Penitentiary in Pennsylvania is not for the faint-hearted. This haunted prison is known for its intense scares, and creepy atmosphere. Prepare to walk through the dark corridors, and meet the ghosts of the past.

Let’s not forget the haunted houses of New Orleans. The Eastern U.S. has some of the most haunted places in the country, thanks to its rich history and supernatural legends. Step into these haunted houses to experience macabre stories and paranormal activity.

If you are looking for a thrill, or just want to be scared, the Eastern U.S. offers a wide range of haunted attractions. Gather your courage, prepare yourself for the unknown and embark on a journey through the haunted houses of the Eastern U.S.

Southern U.S.

The Southern U.S. has a plethora of haunted houses, from the swamps of Louisiana and Georgia to the abandoned plantations. They will send chills down your spine. The Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana is a must for paranormal enthusiasts. It is known as one of America’s haunted homes, and has a history of ghostly experiences and unexplained phenomenon. Netherworld Haunted House is a great place to experience a truly immersive atmosphere. This haunted house will make you wonder what is real. It has elaborate sets and cutting-edge special effects. In Tennessee, the Bell Witch Cave gives a chilling look at the legend of the Bell Witch – a malevolent ghost that haunted Bell family members in the 19th century. Prepare yourself for an eerie journey through the haunted homes of the Southern U.S.

Midwest U.S.

The Midwest U.S. has some of the most terrifying haunted houses that you will ever see. Haunted Hoochie is a haunted house in Ohio that pushes boundaries of fear. This is not for the faint-hearted. It’s full of intense scares and extreme haunts. Statesville Haunted Prison in Illinois will transport you to a world filled with horror.

This haunted house will keep you on the edge with its interactive storyline, terrifying characters and spooky atmosphere. In Missouri, the Lemp Mansion is a unique mix of history and hauntings. This haunted home is said to be one of America’s most haunted locations, with its eerie ambience and ghostly encounters. Prepare yourself for an eerie journey through the haunted homes of the Midwest U.S., which will leave you with newfound appreciation for terror.

Western U.S.

The Western U.S. is home to a variety of haunted houses, from the ghost towns of Arizona and the haunted hotel in California. The Stanley Hotel in Colorado is famous for its paranormal activities, which inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining.” Explore this haunted landmark to experience ghostly encounters and eerie visions.

In Oregon, the Shanghai Tunnels offer a chilling journey into the dark past of the city, where kidnapped people were sold to forced labor. This haunted house, with its dimly-lit tunnels and whispers about lost souls is not for those who are weak of heart. Let’s not forget the haunted Nevada mines, where the spirits of dead miners still roam. As you descend into the haunted houses in the Western U.S., you will experience the eerie quiet and ominous presence.

Original Blog: https://www.landhub.com/land-news/hunting-for-haunts-a-guide-to-americas-top-haunted-houses?inf_contact_key=e8f5dfe98edb535eb9cff40ad968f1ff680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1

6 Things That Happen When You Become a Homeowner

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Being a homeowner means more than just having a set keys and your name written on the deed. You may feel a rush when you finally take possession of your home and realize that you have a place in the world, literally. That’s only the beginning. Here are some more things to expect.

You learn what pride of ownership is

Nothing compares to being a proud homeowner. You may be proud of your car, your clothes and other small possessions. Buying your first place is an accomplishment, and you get to come home to that accomplishment every day.

You’ll enjoy greater peace of mind

After you have moved in, unpacked and taken a deep breath, you will have that moment. That moment when you realize “This is mine.” Fortunately, this moment occurs often. You’ll know when you see your countertops and realize that you can change them in any way you like. You can also get a pet without asking permission. You can paint your walls any color you like.

You’ll be obsessed with paint colors

Spend hours at Home Depot collecting paint chips. Even if all you want to do is paint the walls white, it’s not easy. “There are hundreds and hundreds of white paints available, and most of them are considered white,” said The Spruce. “This makes choosing a plain white paint color nearly impossible.”

You’ll learn skills that you never imagined

You may soon be able refinish your floor, tile a backsplash and snake a toilet. You can hire people to do these tasks and any other you may need in your home, but doing it yourself can be more satisfying and cost-effective.

If you have a limited budget after purchasing your first home, it’s likely you’ll also need to learn how to maintain your lawn. Get your edging skills down.

Prioritize your tasks differently

Oooh! That skirt is so cute. But if you buy it, you’ll want the shirt and the jacket and the boots, and the jewelry, and, before you know it, you’ve spent half the money it would take to update your fireplace.

Invest in yourself

When you invest in your home with money and sweat equity, you impact its value. This is an investment not only in your home but also in you and your family’s future.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1035879-6-things-that-happen-when-you-become-a-homeowner?rtmpage=

Rules for Holiday Decor When Selling Your House

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We start the month of October by pulling out all of the ghosts, goblins, bats, skeletons and other Halloween decorations from storage. Then we stock up on gourds and pumpkins. Are you with us?

The arrival of autumn and the candy-hoarding holidays is always a welcomed gift after a hot, long summer.

If you are preparing to sell, your decor may distract buyers and not be an asset. These tips can help you take a measured approach.

Don’t overdo it

It’s Halloween time! We get it. You’re not the only one. Last year, Americans spent $9 billion on Halloween, of which $2.7 billion was spent on decorations. “You don’t want the decorations to detract from features of the house,” Kevin Lawton, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schiavone & Associates in Bordentown, New Jersey, told Homelight.

Color story and decor styles are important to consider

Be careful with the colors that you choose if you plan to bring your Halloween decorations into your interior. Yes, you could load up on orange pumpkins, or you can purchase faux pumpkins in navy blue and emerald green velvet to match what you already have going on.

Safety is important

You want to ensure that there are no hazards in the path of people walking to and from your house. Safety comes first. Always. Make an effort to keep the walkway in front and leading to your house clean. To avoid any accidents, make sure that the walk is properly lit.

Limit inflatables

Your giant Halloween Snoopy inflatable looks adorable. It might be better to store it in your garage for this Halloween. Unless you live in a neighborhood where most or all of the houses go all out for Halloween and your place will stand out for all the wrong reasons if you DON’T cover the lawn with blow-up stuff, it’s probably best to go a little tamer this year. (And if you do happen to live in that exuberant neighborhood that warrants a parade of inflatables, be sure to keep them inflated all day. You don’t want people driving by or coming for showings with a limp Snoopy spread out on the lawn.) You also want to make sure that your “For Sale” sign is still easily visible no matter what kind of decorations you use.

Do a day-after check

That perfect curb appeal may take a hit on Halloween, so be sure to take a few minutes to look around the perimeter of your home before you leave for work on November 1.

Revival Property Group said, “The day after the decorations go down, check your property for trash, trampled flowers and stray candy”. “Freshen your landscape again by trimming bushes, raking leaves, washing the driveway and adding a beautiful autumn wreath on your front door.”

Watch out for those pumpkins

Like we said, there are so many ways to decorate with faux pumpkins these days. But if you insist on the real deal, make sure you check them every couple of days to make sure they aren’t going bad and haven’t turned into critter food.’

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice/item/1032705-rules-for-halloween-decor-when-selling-your-house?rtmpage=

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