Spring 2015: Are You Hoping to Become
a Successful Home Buyer or Seller?
In the Chicago-area, February typically means Spring ... and warmer weather ... is still a couple months away ...
Brrrrr ...
But that doesn't mean that you can't dream and plan for Spring or warm weather activities.
If presently a Chicago-area home owner and dreaming of selling your home ... and buying a new one ... there is good news. Most present indicators point to 2015 being a good year to do that.
It's predicted that move-up Sellers, as well as Boomerang Buyers and Millenials, are going to take advantage of low interest rates and a bettering economy and return to the housing market. New construction starts are also supposed to rise.
There are also reports of Sellers returning to the market, as well. Which means there'll be a larger inventory of homes from which interested Buyers can select. All great news!
Increased competition for a home's sale is obviously good news for Sellers. But it also brings some fears. Sellers must question ...
- Will their home stand-up to increased competition?
- Will Buyers remember their home in a positive way?
- How can they improve the appeal of their home inside and out?
- How do they choose a real estate professional to represent them?
- How do they price their home competitively?
- More ...
There are steps that a hopeful Home Seller can take now, even if located within colder climates. Steps that will help them increase the "sale-ability" of their home.
Below you'll find some easy, fun, pro-active, and positive steps you can take even on the coldest days. All from the comforts of your couch:
Plan! Grab your computer or some home decorating magazines. Investigate and educate yourself about the latest trends in color, furniture placement, lighting, fixtures, decor, organization, and more.
Little changes and updates can reap you big results! Faster sale results too. (Don't Overlook Resources! A professional real estate agent is a wealth of knowledge, great ideas, information, and assistance.)
Take Notes! Clip and Paste your favorite new ideas into a folder, either online or on paper. That way you can refer back to them or regain inspiration when you need it.
Magazines and Websites to Check-out: HGTV, Better Homes & Gardens, www.Houzz.com, Realtor.com's Home Staging Guide, and others. Pinterest, and the many home-related/real estate topic boards found there, are a fantastic resource to be mined. You can learn valuable info there and have fun while doing it.
Find home staging websites for current trends and inspiration. Two of my very favorite Home Stagers are: Maureen Bray - "Room Solutions Staging" ... and "Cecilia Cannon Staging and Interiors" located right here in Chicagoland.
The before and after photos contained in their blogs made me a firm believer in the magic that staging a home can deliver. I think they'll make you a believer too and serve to inspire you even on the coldest day.
My last suggestion? Whether a hopeful Chicago-area Buyer ... or a Seller dreaming of moving on or moving up ... contact me to have a conversation about your future financing needs. Do it as early in the process as possible. That way we have plenty of time to prepare you for the success you seek ...
* Let's put the winter months to your use and benefit. Contact me now and together we'll begin preparing for your new Chicago-area home purchase or refinance.
You can find me at:
Direct: 815.524.2280
Cell/Text: 708.921.6331
eFax: 815.524.2281
While you are waiting for it to warm up come and visit sunny Scottsdale. 
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