home selling: Increase Property Value by Avoiding These Landscape Blunders - 08/15/18 07:10 PM
Everyone knows the importance of making a good first impression. It's no different when it comes to your home’s curb appeal, which refers to your property’s overall appearance from the street.
To make your home's "frosting" as appealing as possible, you’ll definitely want to think about planting stunning blooms and making sure your landscaping is well manicured and maintained. Implementing a long-term landscaping plan can help increase your property value when it comes time to sell.
When you go to plant, make sure to avoid the below common landscaping mistakes that homeowners make when planting trees and shrubs.
First, avoid planting invasive tree species. … (0 comments)

home selling: Are You Overestimating Your Home's Value? - 08/17/15 09:47 AM
Seventy-seven percent of home sellers think their homes are worth more than the agent's recommended selling price.A recent study published in the Journal of Housing Economics and quoted in RISMedia found that homeowners are overestimating the value of their properties by 8% on average.The study harkens back to an earlier survey of real estate agents, the vast majority of whom felt their clients were overestimating the worth of their homes - some by as much as 20%.These incorrect assumptions on the part of homeowners often have unfortunate results in terms of initially overpricing their properties, then dropping prices by too much when offers … (0 comments)

home selling: What can I do now to prepare for spring buying season? - 01/17/15 05:00 AM
Spring is arguably one of the best times to sell a home. After a dark winter season, spring is a breath of fresh air - literally. Here are some tips on readying your home to prepare for the upcoming spring buying season.
Conduct an early home inspection. Check inside for places where leaks, insects, and rodents can get in. Walk around your home and look for cracks, peeling, and chipped bricks.
Prepare for rain - spring is the wettest season. Ensure your entrance or mudroom is ready for wet shoes.
Paint. Nicer days are coming. Open the windows and enjoy an … (0 comments)

home selling: Three Easy Ways to Create Great Winter Curb Appeal - 10/15/14 09:12 AM
Selling a home during winter can be difficult. Wherever you live, the usual curb appeal tactics - a lush garden and water features - may not feel right as the holiday season approaches. But there still are ways to spruce up your exterior with seasonal flair. Here are a few:
Work with the green around you: Thanks to evergreens, your front yard can look beautiful no matter what the season. These versatile plants come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors, and complement every exterior house style.
For example, plant mature cedar hedges or boxwood around the perimeter, and add … (1 comments)

home selling: School Districts Matter to Buyers and Sellers - 10/15/14 08:52 AM
It's axiomatic in the real estate industry that homes in good school districts are more desirable and fetch higher prices than similar homes in lower-tiered school districts. Indeed, buyers are willing to sacrifice or compromise on many attributes and amenities to own a property in a good school district.
It does matter
These findings in a recent Realtor.com survey of nearly 1,000 prospective home buyers bear this out:
More than 90 percent of respondents said school district boundaries were important in their search for a new home. One out of five stated that they would give up a bedroom or a garage to live … (1 comments)

home selling: What are some curb appeal mistakes to avoid? - 09/15/14 08:03 AM
When it comes to your home, curb appeal can make or break buyers' interest in your property. Scan the list below to see if you're guilty of these four curb appeal mistakes:
Clutter mania - a cluttered driveway may mean there's not enough room to store everything in the garage. Tidy up. The less a buyer can see, the better.
Painter's plight - you may love the new shade of Bahama Mama for the garage doors, but not everyone is as bold as you are. When you're selling your home, think tame.
Personal possessions - potential buyers will want to see themselves on your … (2 comments)

home selling: What basic factors go into a CMA? - 08/16/14 04:36 AM
Real estate agents use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to value a property and establish the correct selling price. This is important whether you are selling or buying. Here are some factors we look at:
Active Listings: These are listings for homes for sale in your neighborhood. It's important that the asking price not stray too far from them, unless there’s very good reason.
Pending Listings: These listings have received an offer, but the transaction isn't complete. They can show local market trends.
Sold Listings: This all-important factor shows what properties in your area actually sold for.
Cancelled Listings: These are the prices of expired … (0 comments)

home selling: Big Data's Changing the Way Your Home is Priced - 08/15/14 06:04 AM
Big data is changing real estate pricing models. And that's bringing the future right into our living rooms.Big data is derived from a myriad of data sources and can help you answer with some degree of certainty a question that's been hard to answer definitively in the past. Marketing professionals, in particular, look to big data for the kinds of statistical information that will help them identify, categorize, and target customers.In the past, the real estate industry has been accustomed to data crunching. Want a snapshot of the market? There are stats for that. What's the value of your home? A … (0 comments)

home selling: What Factors Make a Great Location Great? - 07/15/14 10:36 AM
What constitutes a "good location," and why are some areas particularly attractive to buyers and/or investors?
Inherent in the concept of a "good location" is the idea of a place where people want to live. This is probably close to shopping, top schools, recreational facilities, cultural amenities, restaurants, and transportation. In addition, it's likely safe and will have well-run public services. But while good locations may be more convenient or more attractive than others, this isn't always the case. They're not always newer (or older) either.
Following are some factors that contribute to the value of homes in a particular area. … (1 comments)

home selling: Should I sell my home "as is"? - 02/01/14 09:34 AM

If you're not in a hurry to sell, or out of money, energy and patience, renovating to sell may not be right for you. So, while it isn't for everyone, selling your home "as is" may be the answer.
 
Pros
If you've already bought another home and don't want to carry two mortgages, you'll be more likely to sell quickly by listing your home for sale at a reduced price - as is. No need to make cosmetic repairs or live in a construction zone. Buyers of as-is properties effectively sign off on problems that may be discovered after … (1 comments)

home selling: Hiring a Licensed Appraiser Can Benefit Sellers - 01/20/14 09:37 AM
 
The most important step in listing your home is establishing the price. That doesn't necessarily mean what you need or even want for your property; it means a realistic price that reflects its true value. An unbiased perspective is vital - as the homeowner you're proud of the upgrades you've made. But can you be realistic about whether the upgrades are still in good shape and on trend?
Unfortunately, most sellers don't have the time or energy to compare their home to similar properties in the area. Your real estate agent can give you a good estimate of your home's … (0 comments)

home selling: In The Internet Age Has the Open House Become Irrelevant? - 11/18/13 10:31 AM
In the old days, sellers could rely on open houses to give their properties wide exposure to potential buyers.But now, thanks to the Internet, the traditional open house is starting to feel old hat.The vast majority of buyers now dip their toes into the housing market online. They can easily narrow their choices through websites with vast databases of local properties for sale.From there, most buyers turn to real estate agents with the expertise, local knowledge, and access to statistics, to hone in on a few special properties. They might attend an open house, but most prefer individual tours from their … (0 comments)

home selling: Taking the Right Steps to Sell Your Home - 10/17/13 10:43 PM
Even though making the decision to sell your home isn't easy, the real work - actually selling it - has just begun. Fortunately, expert help is available from your local real estate agent.You need to become familiar with your competition and establish a selling price that's consistent with comparable homes in your area. You can do online research and visit open houses yourself, but at this stage, consider hiring an experienced agent.Your agent can provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) which details what other homes like yours have sold for. When you visit open houses, notice features that make … (0 comments)

home selling: Opt for Roof Repairs, Not Granite, When Renovating - 07/15/13 10:10 AM
When homeowners hear the words "renovate" or "remodel", most will have visions of granite countertops and hardwood floors dancing in their heads.But, according to experts, you should be thinking structure over style; the outside of your home provides protection from the elements and should be your top priority when you're deciding where to invest your renovation dollar. Ask yourself these questions. If you answer "yes," it's time to consider making some repairs.Is your roof sagging? Tackle your roof first: Look for sagging areas, cracked or worn shingles, mold or rot, and dangling gutters and downspouts. Unless you're experienced, don't walk on an … (0 comments)

home selling: What are some easy ways to enhance curb appeal? - 06/15/13 04:19 AM
The exterior of your home can give prospective buyers a thumbs-up first impression of your home. This first impression is critical; research shows landscaping increases your home's value, so the more your outside is designed to appeal to buyers, the better.

However, it's still important to budget when renovating to sell: It won't be your home much longer, so don't overdo it. Buyers appreciate an exterior that looks cared-for and well-maintained, not flashy.

As always, paint is a good place to splurge; highlight your home's architectural features and make it clean and welcoming with an exterior paint job. Avoid … (0 comments)

home selling: Which Comes First … the Buy or the Sell? - 04/14/13 09:36 PM
When a hermit crab decides it's time for a new home, it scopes out a new shell before vacating its current accommodation.
But for homeowners, the process is not so easy.
Whether you buy a new home before selling your current one - or the other way around - the choice of what to do first comes down to which option makes you the most comfortable.
Both have pros and cons, and here are some to consider:

Sell first
When you know what your current home has sold for you can zero in on exactly what you can afford in your next one. Because … (0 comments)

home selling: What do I need to do to sell my home this spring? - 04/08/13 09:37 PM
Putting your house on the market this spring? Here are some simple tips:
Be ready to grab a vacuum and basic toolkit.

Keeping your home well-maintained and clean may be more effective - and economical - than attempting costly renovations.

So, mow the lawn; trim the bushes; Weed the garden. Bring the spring weather inside with quality flower arrangements at the front entrance.

Paint your walls in neutral colors; it will make rooms look brighter, and it will be easier for new owners to paint over if they choose.

Keep your home clutter-free. Some people hire professional … (1 comments)

home selling: What things concern sellers most about the selling process? - 11/15/12 09:29 AM
As a seller you are often reccommended to consider buyers' concerns when placing your home on the market. And that makes sense. But you also have concerns as a seller, and they're not usually about renovations.
A recent survey found many sellers are more concerned about understanding the legal documents and processes involved in selling their homes than they are with their homes' physical appearance. Unlike the quick-fix decorating solutions offered on TV shows, legalese can be confusing and overwhelming.
Your listing agent will likely recommend an experienced real estate lawyer to provide these answers.
Real estate agents can help address … (0 comments)

home selling: Five Design Trends That Will Help Sell Your Home - 09/20/12 11:33 AM
Getting your home ready to sell? These 2012 design faves will give you that updated look buyers want...without the updated cost. Best of all, most of these ideas can go with you to your new home. Colors Paint is the least expensive and most effective way to update your home. And this year, it's all about bright colors. But use them with care. Painting your family room tangerine is a spot-on trend, but it may alienate buyers who can't imagine living with it. Instead go for neutrals - soft grays are very current - and add punches of color. Cushions, art … (2 comments)

home selling: How can I make my home look spectacular in photos? - 07/16/12 09:23 AM
Research shows professional photos and videos can increase the amount you receive for your house.
Here are some tips on readying your home for the camera:
Your home's curb appeal will tempt buyers to view it. Stand across the street from your home. Is it welcoming or unkempt? Tidy, de-clutter and fluff your front yard. Add seasonal planters. Highlight your home's "story" with photos and videos. Ensure that the pictures capture special architectural features. Photos should feature key rooms such as the kitchen and bathrooms. If you have lots of natural light, let the sun shine in. Most important, depersonalize and … (1 comments)

 
Dave Hill PhD,ePro,SFR,CIAS,BPOR,CNE,CSC Chicago Area Real Estate Agent (Midwest Premier Realty, Gurnee IL 224-321-0699)

Dave Hill PhD,ePro,SFR,CIAS,BPOR,CNE,CSC Chicago Area Real Estate Agent

Gurnee, IL

More about me…

Midwest Premier Realty, Gurnee IL 224-321-0699

Address: Gurnee, IL, 60031

Office: (224) 321-0699

Mobile: (224) 321-0699



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