HGTV has changed the Home Buying and Home Selling Experience for nearly all of us. Now buyers walk into a home for sale and expect more vivid colors--a Latte-hued kitchen or Saffron-inspired Great Room. Buyers are more willing to voice their opinions as they walk through a home --just as if they were being featured on Property Virgins or House Hunters. Buyers are more knowledgeable and expect more of the homes they visit. A home must not only be neat and clean but properly staged. An exercise room is ideal if it has not just equipment but also the small touches that create a tableau-- a basket filled with white towels rolled spa style. Bottles of water and free weights also help to set the scene. What are your favorite HGTV shows and how have they changed your perspective on Home Buying or Home Selling?

 

photo courtesy of HGTV

Wow! The last two months have taught me some important lessons for today's home buyers. First, lending guidelines have tightened significantly. * Be aware that lenders can recheck your credit just a few days prior to closing. Don't make any major purchases prior to closing--cars, boats, furniture or even decor for your home. Also be sure in the excitement of moving that you don't fail to pay all bills on time. One late payment can affect your credit score and make you ineligible for your mortgage. *One of my closings was brought to a screeching halt one day before closing when the buyers learned that a new requirement stipulated that they have 6 months of home payments in reserve if they had not sold their existing home. Even though these buyers qualified easily to buy their new home without first selling their existing home, they did not have the necessary reserve. (Few people would!) The money for the reserve could be from a retirement account or from a relative. The necessary reserve is lowered to 2 months if the buyers have 30% equity in their existing home. *Loans are taking longer to complete. We now need to build in more time in the event there is a delay in the closing date. *Both sellers and buyers need to be aware that appraisers are not only being tougher on determining home value, but are also calling for more repairs. An appraiser commented to me that it is rare when a home does not have any repair issues raised during the appraisal. These changes are frustrating, yes, but we will have to adjust and plan to prepare as fully as we can. I expect the pendulum will move back from this very restrictive environment to a point that is more balanced. For now we will all have to learn to operate within this new reality. Have you experienced hurdles that might apply to others? Feel free to share them here. Thanks!

Discover exquisite elegance in this Bridlebourne Beauty.  Over 9,000 square feet of fine craftsmanship - fully remodeled & updated!  1st floor library with fireplace.  A Dream kitchen has European appeal in custom cabinets, thick slab granite and fine mouldings.  The Dining Room offers picture molding, chair rail & romantic lighted ceiling.  The Sunroom provides an airy retreat.  Luxe Master Bedroom has a fireplace and private sunny balcony.  Children's special lounge leads to 2 separate suites.  Amazing lower level includes home theater and pub style bar.

Rare opportunity to get into Merrimac under 250K! Live in a beautiful cul-de-sac setting at an affordable price in this lovely 2 story hm in popular Merrimac.The .43 acre yd is fenced & bordered by tall evergreens.Bright & open flrplan has striking columns & multiple art niches.Savor private time in the upstairs study w/walkin closet & french drs.The MSTR ST offers vaulted ceiling & luxury bath.A corner soaking tub,sep shower & walkin closet make dressing a pleasure.Great neighborhood amenities.

14631 Linn Ct., Westfield

A winding drive leads to this Cape Cod home on 3 private acres.  Enjoy the beauty of nature, peace and quiet in your own retreat.  The home has space for everyone including a large company-size kitchen with brick hearth and fireplace.  Hardwood floors add a warm glow throughout most of the first floor.  A two story Great Room is light-filled with windows on 3 walls offering views of the woods beyond.  A first floor den provides a cozy space for smaller gatherings.  The master suite is indeed special with a private balcony, fireplace and furniture-look double sinks.  The basement is finished and a walkout with a raised hearth fireplace, space for exercise and a study. There is also unfinished space for storage.

8925 Sargent Road, Indianapolis

 

Outstanding setting on prestigious Crooked Stick Golf course. Gorgeous tree lined 1.10 acre lot offers wooded privacy + golf course views. Remove existing home to build your dream home or remodel to reflect your style. Dutch Colonial has 4000+sq feet--4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths & unfinished bsmnt. Quality trim incl. chair railing, picture molding, custom niches & builtins. Pretty masonry fireplace w/marble surround graces spacious living room. Being sold "as is". Take advantage of this premier lot!

11231 St. Andrews Lane, Carmel IN

Remarkable new home in popular West Carmel with over 6000 square feet.  Stone and Hardiplank exterior, charming front porch & finished side load garage with carriage doors.  Gourmet kitchen has granite counters 42 in glass cabinets & tumbled marble backsplash.  Main floor Master is luxurious with a long walk in closet & pedestal tub. Special touches include rounded corners, extensive moldings, upstairs bonus room, 4 oversized bedrooms, professionally finished basement with 5th bedroom/Study. 11465 Mears Drive, Carmel IN.

Popular Briar Creek!  Enjoy neighborhood swimming, tennis and a 7 acre lake. Spacious 2 story home with a finished basement has new roof and durable hardiplank siding. Large rooms and a flexible floor plan. Enjoy a private cul de sac setting graced by mature trees. Take advantage of a bargain price and add your own special touches. Interior needs updating and is priced accordingly.

Low maintenance home & lawn care included! Walk to Monon Center and nearby restaurants.  Custom built 1 story with 10foot ceiling in Family Room.  Enjoy coffee on the covered porch with a view of tall evergreens just steps from the spacious kitchen with breakfast bar & eat in area.  Master Suite offers garden tub, separate shower & walk in closet.  Lots of quality touches include large Family Room with pretty fireplace, Pella casement windows, tile entry, upgraded vinyl, whole house surge protection.  Excellent condition, neutral and ready for you!

Live in a beautiful cul-de-sac setting at an affordable price in this lovely 2 story home in popular Merrimac.  The .43 acre yard is fenced & bordered by tall evergreens.  Bright & open floor plan has striking columns and multiple art niches, enjoy cooking on new stainless appliances.  Savor private time in the upstairs study with walk in closet & French doors.  The Master suite offers vaulted ceiling and luxury bath.  A corner soaking tub, separate shower and walk in closet make dressing a pleasure.  Great neighborhood amenities.

14631 Linn Ct, Westfield IN