Jeff Cook Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts in the category - Selling a Homehttps://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/Copyright JeffCookRealEstate.com2024-03-27T13:23:18-07:00tag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:18983Advantages of Selling with Jeff Cook Real Estate LPT Realty<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/Advantages_of_Selling_with_Jeff_Cook_Real_Estate_LPT_Realty_.jpg" width="940" height="788" />
Is it time to <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/">sell your Carolina home</a>? The new partnership between the Jeff Cook Real Estate team and LPT Realty provides more advantages to home sellers. List your home with us and sell faster and for more money than ever before! Here’s why!
Advanced Technology
Jeff Cook Real Estate LPT Realty uses its own proprietary software to identify the top areas where buyers wish to purchase homes. This accurate technology allows us to locate families who are already seeking a home like yours! Then, we invest heavily in marketing to these wannabe buyers to create an exceptionally high demand for your home. You get the most money from your home in the fastest time.
Stellar Marketing
Our marketing team knows how to present homes that look their best. We highlight all the significant features and amenities while helping you prepare your home for shows and marketing. Your home is listed for maximum exposure and showcased to impress buyers. Jeff Cook Real Estate LPT Realty now has even greater quality resources for marketing your Carolina home, including:
Listing software
Impressive print media
Digital media resources (web, social media, more)
Direct mail services
More!
Seller Programs
Effective real estate sales depend on creating solutions for individual buyers and sellers. Jeff Cook Real Estate LPT Realty has great programs to meet the needs of various home sellers.
Trade-In Program - Buy a home with us, and <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/trade-in-program/">we’ll buy yours</a>. Make confident offers, knowing you have the cash already in hand.
Guaranteed Sold Program - Qualified sellers <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/guaranteed-sold/">are guaranteed</a> that if Jeff Cook Real Estate LPT Realty doesn't sell your home for the agreed-upon price and time period, we will buy it from you!
Day-by-Day Listing Agreement - <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/day-by-day-listing-agreement/">NO long-term contracts!</a> Cancel your contract agreement before accepting a buyer's contract if you feel our service doesn't live up to our promise.
Buyers Actively Searching for Homes - Our huge database of <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/buyers-in-waiting/">qualified buyers</a> is ready to purchase a home like yours. Get a localized map showing you where they are!
Jeff Cook Offers - Don’t want to list your home for sale? <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/jeff-cook-offers/">We’ll buy it from you</a> on your timeline with no showings, listings, or hassles.
The Best Agents in the Business
Jeff Cook Real Estate is already well-known for its top-tier apprenticeship program for new agents, seasoned mentoring for growing agents, assistance with Real Estate School, and creation of a positive, exciting culture that facilitates success. Our new partnership with LPT Realty positions us to take this steller agent support to the <a href="https://www.realestate-redefined.com/">next several levels</a>.
What does our redefining real estate mean to area home sellers? Our agents are now better equipped with even more training, tools, and resources to help sell homes faster and for more money. They stay in the industry with us longer and can provide even more knowledge and experience to help buyers and sellers. Your agent’s growing success means they are even more dedicated to your success.
Sell Your Home in North and South Carolina!
Now is the best time to sell your home in North or South Carolina with Jeff Cook Real Estate LPT Realty. Come discover why we are the top-rated Realtor in the Carolinas and how our new partnership makes us an even better choice when selling your home!
<br /><br />2024-03-26T06:44:42-07:002024-03-27T13:23:18-07:00Patricia Utseytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:17046You Sold Your Home, Now Who Do You Need to Tell?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/Sold_Home.jpg" width="3454" height="2297" />
Congratulations on selling your home! Now what do you do? The first time selling a home and moving to a new address can seem daunting, and there are a million details to cover. Among some of the most important are notifying the appropriate people and entities of your address change. Doing this as soon as you have a new address nailed down will smooth the transition and help avoid any interruptions in vital services and relationships.
Here’s a handy checklist of whom you should notify when you are changing your address and some recommendations for how to do it properly.
Friends and Family
Of course, you’ll want to celebrate your big news with family, friends, and those close relationships in your neighborhood. These important people should be informed as soon as possible to erase any surprises or hard feelings. They may also offer to help with moving or other details.
A great way to communicate your address change after personal notifications is by sending each person a formal change of address card. Handwritten notes with your new address and a personal word would be greatly appreciated.
Employers
Even if you’re not changing jobs, your employer needs to know of any address changes for employee records, taxes, and insurance purposes. Ask your employer if there is a form you can fill out to make this easier for them to make the necessary changes in their records.
The Post Office
The United States Postal Service allows you to change your address with them online so they can forward your mail to your new place. <a href="https://moversguide.usps.com/mgo/disclaimer">Follow this link to get started now</a>.
Utility Services
These providers should be informed as soon as possible to help ensure a smooth transition of services from your old location to the new one. Be sure to contact each provider and arrange to switch your electricity, gas, water, telephone, cable, internet, garbage, and other municipal services you may need.
State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Moving to another state will require you to obtain a new driver’s license and registrations for each vehicle. You typically have 30 days to do this, but don’t put it off. Most DMVs have a way to do this online, including paying any necessary fees. Even if you remain in the same state, you need to update your new address and obtain a new license reflecting this information. Access your new state’s DMV website and look for change of address instructions.
Government Entities
Any government agencies should be provided with your new address, including the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc157">IRS</a> and <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">Social Security Administration</a>. You should also apply for new voter registration in your new location. Often, even local moves can place you in a different voting district. Every government entity has ways to change your address online.
Banks and Other Financial Institutions
Every bank and financial institution where you do business should be notified of your new address. Be sure to contact every place where you keep bank accounts, brokerage accounts, investments, credit card accounts, and online payment or investment apps. Each of these will have an online option or a simple form to complete for their records.
Insurance Companies
All your insurance companies will need your new address. This includes health, life, auto, homeowners, and other insurance policies. Contact your local insurance agent or visit their website to find instructions for changing your address.
Schools
If you have children still in school, the existing or new school will need your new address. This often requires a personal visit to fill out the proper forms at the school your child will attend. Ask your real estate agent about the schools zoned for where you will live now.
Subscription Services
Providing these organizations with your new address can keep your materials and subscription services flowing smoothly without a break or delay. The Post Office may do this automatically when forwarding your mail, but handling it yourself ensures a better outcome in most cases.
Professional Services
Any professional relationships you have should be updated with your new address. This includes attorneys, general physicians, and any specialists you see regularly. Contact their offices and ask how to submit a change of address for their records.
Selling your home and moving to a new location can be exciting and lots of work, but some organization and a focused investment of time can help the transition go smoothly. Contact your real estate agent from <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/">Jeff Cook Real Estate</a> for more help and suggestions for making the new move successfully.
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2023-06-20T13:12:00-07:002023-07-10T17:30:09-07:00Patricia Utseytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:13419Sell Your Home To A HeroSelling a home is an exciting time in your life. <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/should-you-break-up-with-your-house/">Changing needs and life factors</a> propel you into the real estate market in South Carolina to sell your home. Have you considered the adding excitement that could be yours if you sell to a hero? Jeff Cook Real Estate sponsors a program where you can <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/buyers/palmetto-hero-program/">sell your home to a South Carolina hero</a>.
What does that mean for you? It comes with several benefits for those selling a home, including:
Aiding important members of SC society with owning a home
Higher chances of finding a buyer quickly
Higher chances of the buyer having secure financing
Working with the top real estate firm in SC
Does selling your home and helping out a hard-working member of our local society at the same time appeal to you? Then sell to a hero with Jeff Cook Real Estate while the opportunity exists. This is a limited time offer for SC heroes, so get in on it while you can.
What Does it Mean to Sell to a Hero?
Jeff Cook Real Estate offers a special opportunity through the South Carolina Palmetto Heroes Program for down payment assistance and special interest rates for first time buyers in South Carolina who enjoy a career in designated hero roles. These careers include:
Law Enforcement Officers
Fire Fighters, EMTs and Paramedics
Teachers
Nurses
Certified Nurse Aides (CNA)
Veterans
Each hero must meet eligibility requirements specific to each career category. Some forgivable down payment assistance may be available. Funds for this program are limited, so if you wish to sell to a hero in SC, you need to contact Jeff Cook Real Estate today.
Serving Those Who Selflessly Serve Us
Those who pursue careers in the above paths are some of the most at-risk persons in our society. All these roles require some level of specialized training, and all pose some level of personal risk to the worker. They are literally on the front lines of difficult situations and make life-altering decisions on a daily basis. And yet, a general search of the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#31-0000">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a> website reveals that these careers are among the lowest-paid workers in any industry. Those of whom we ask much, we remunerate little. Here’s a few examples from 2020 Census data:
<a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm">SC police and sheriff’s deputies</a> average salary: $45,160
<a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm">SC nursing assistants</a> average salary: $27,760
<a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252022.htm">SC middle school teachers</a> average salary: $54,020
The Palmetto Heroes Program seeks to help these and other everyday heroes own their own home and participate in this vital pillar of the American Dream.
Down payment assistance allows heroes the chance to own a home of substantial value. Many homes are completely out of reach of persons in the above income brackets without a significant down payment.
Lower fixed interest rates make it easier for heroes to enjoy that home for the long term. Lower interest rates contribute to more affordable payments that can fit into a hero’s budget.
Down payment assistance allows heroes the chance to own a home of substantial value. Many homes are completely out of reach of persons in the above income brackets without a significant down payment.
Lower fixed interest rates make it easier for heroes to enjoy that home for the long term. Lower interest rates contribute to more affordable payments that can fit into a hero’s budget.
Interested in <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/">selling a home in South Carolina</a>? Sell to a hero through Jeff Cook Real Estate and do something positive for our community. Contact us today for more information. Do you know of a hero who may qualify for this program? <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/buyers/palmetto-hero-program/">Refer them here</a> to complete the form for more information.
2023-04-10T10:45:00-07:002023-04-24T12:38:24-07:00Patricia Utseytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:15740How Do I Know When it's Time to Sell My Home?Many factors are in play when you determine if it’s time to <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/why-sell-with-jeff-cook/">sell your home</a>. You may even be wondering if right now is a good time. Whether you feel a pressing need to sell or are just considering your options, the team at Jeff Cook Real Estate can help you make the best decision. Here are some major considerations for when you should or should not sell your home.
When To Sell Your Home
It’s easy to get caught up in market conditions, news reports, and many other issues that can impact a decision to sell your home. The following factors all make it a good time for you to consider selling your home in the Carolinas.
When Interest Rates Are Low
<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/interest-rates-and-buying-a-home/">Low interest rates</a> means that buyers seeking a new home will pay less interest on a mortgage loan. This means their dollars will go further, allowing them to purchase more home for their budget. This also creates more demand, as many people want to buy when interest rates are low. You can benefit because greater demand and buyers with more money to spend can allow you to sell at a higher profit.
When the Supply of Available Homes Is Low
In a “<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/faq-what-is-a-sellers-market/">seller’s market</a>,” there are fewer houses for sale and more buyers looking to find a home. This gives you, the seller, appreciable leverage, or negotiating power. You can set a higher price and give away less on negotiated terms because your home is in greater demand and available options are few.
When It’s Time to Relocate
Whether you have the itch to <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/should-you-break-up-with-your-house/">break up and start over with a new home</a>, or you need to relocate for your career, you may be looking to <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/buying-and-selling-a-house-at-the-same-time/">sell your current home and buy a new one</a> elsewhere. You may need to downsize, upgrade to a home with more space, or just change locations. A voluntary or involuntary move can place equal pressure on you to sell your Carolina home.
When You Have Lots of Equity
<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/what-is-equity/">Equity</a> is your property’s actual value after subtracting any liens or other debt attached to the property. As your home’s value increases, you stand to earn a significant profit from selling. This happens as you pay down the mortgage over time, make improvements that raise the home’s value and attractiveness, and other market conditions make your property of greater value.
When NOT to Sell Your Home
Every issue has pros and cons, and selling your home is no different. Here are some circumstances that make it better to hang on to your existing home.
You Have Little Equity
Just as lots of equity creates desirable circumstances for selling your home, not having much equity makes it a poor time to sell. With much of the mortgage left (or even a second mortgage) and closing costs, you may only break even with a sale at the wrong time, or even have to pay some out of pocket just to get rid of it. If you have missed a few mortgage payments or market conditions have actually caused area property values to fall, you may want to hang on to your home for now and wait for better conditions.
There Are Too Many Homes Available
If your local South Carolina housing market is flooded with more homes than buyers — a “buyer’s market” — you should hang on to your home for now. Competing for buyers’ attention and being forced to make expensive compromises places you in a poor selling condition. It is not an impossible situation, but it is definitely one that should give you pause.
You Can’t Afford to Buy Another Home
Of course, if you’re considering selling your home, you will need another place to live. Can you afford to sell your existing home and make a reasonable down payment on a new one where you wish to live? Will your profit from selling cover your remaining mortgage and closing costs, plus leave a respectable profit? If there is any doubt about having enough finances to sell and buy another home, you should wait.
Your Home Needs Work
What will your home look like to potential buyers? Could the kitchen use a <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/new-years-resolution-home-edition/">modernization or remodel</a>? Are the bathrooms outdated and worn? These and other issues not only make a home less desirable, but they could force you to lower your asking price so a potential buyer will see the home as a good deal/fixer-upper.
Are you wondering if now is the best time to sell your home in South Carolina? Jeff Cook Real Estate can help! <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/">Call or message us online today</a> to speak with a skilled and experienced agent.
<br /><br />2023-02-17T12:00:00-07:002023-02-28T14:39:31-07:00Patricia Utseytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:15461What is Equity?For many who are buying or selling a home for the first time, the terminology used throughout the process can be confusing. One word that may come up frequently is “equity.”
What is Equity?
How Does Equity Work?
How Important is Equity?
Can You Build Equity?
Can You Lose Equity?
<a href="https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-home-equity-315663">Equity</a> is the amount of interest an owner has in their home. If you were to sell your home today, it is the amount of money you would receive after paying off any outstanding mortgage debt on the home. Here’s a simple example:
If the fair market value of your home is $400,000 and you owe $150,000 on the mortgage, your equity in the home is $250,000.
But equity can be fluid depending on several factors. Keeping an eye on your equity and learning more about it is important. While losing equity is possible, you can take actions to build your equity and see a better return on your investment when you decide to sell your home.
How Does Home Equity Work?
<a href="https://myhome.freddiemac.com/owning/equity-and-appreciation">Your home equity</a> is basically what you would earn if you were to sell the home and repay your mortgage. Of course, you would also have to pay off any second mortgage. When you own the home completely with no debt, you have 100% equity, or full ownership.
The costs of selling your home reduce your equity somewhat. For example, you sell your home for $400,000. Certain obligations are subtracted from that amount, such as:
Remaining mortgage debt
Property taxes
Agent commissions
Title charges
Taxes
Closing costs
The basic transaction would like something like this:
$400,000 -
$100,000 remaining mortgage
$14,000 taxes
$14,000 agent fees
$8,000 title, sales tax, closing costs, etc.
__________________________________________
$264,000 total net equity
Can You Build Equity?
Homeowners can build equity by reducing the amount of debt owed toward the property and increasing the home’s value. While it’s true that real estate mostly appreciates in value over time, this isn’t always the case. You should be proactive in raising your home equity as much as possible. Here’s how.
Pay the Mortgage
Every mortgage payment you make reduces your debt and increases your equity. There is typically a balance of how much of your mortgage payment goes toward interest and how much goes toward principal debt; more is applied to interest early in the mortgage. But every bit of extra you pay goes directly to reducing the principal, depending on your loan type, allowing you to <a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/how-to-pay-off-mortgage-early">pay off the loan early and save on interest</a>.
Consider this: as little as one extra mortgage payment per year can reduce a 30-year mortgage term by five or six years and save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest.
Make Improvements
Upgrades and improvements you make to your home can increase its market value, and therefore, your equity. Some improvements are worth more than others. For example, if you invest $20,000 into kitchen renovations (especially without a home equity loan) you can increase your home’s market value by as much as $50,000.
Other <a href="https://www.opendoor.com/articles/improvements-that-increase-home-value">improvements that can raise your home equity</a> include:
Adding a pool
Finish the basement
Add a room
Add a bathroom
Remodel bathrooms
Install hardwood flooring
Add an attached garage
Can You Lose Equity?
Your home equity can also fall. Taking out a second mortgage or refinancing your existing home loan will decrease your equity. Failing to keep up on home maintenance and allowing your home’s condition to decline can also lower its value and your equity. Even market conditions can change, or the value of your home’s neighborhood, and lower your home equity.
Want to know more about the equity in your home? <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/contact/">Contact Jeff Cook Real Estate</a> and talk with a real estate professional about equity and other matters relating to your home. 2023-01-23T09:25:00-07:002023-02-28T14:31:48-07:00Patricia Utseytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:13862Buyers Losing Purchase PowerIf you’re considering <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/">selling your home in South Carolina</a>, it’s important to keep abreast of how the current real estate market is trending. Jeff Cook Real Estate pays close attention to markers that reveal the health of our local real estate market, and one of the most significant involves Buyer Purchase Power.
According to Investopedia, <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/purchasingpower.asp">Buyer Purchase Power</a> is basically how much consumers can buy with a given amount of money. Consumers lose purchasing power when prices increase. They gain purchasing power when prices decrease.
When dealing with buying and selling real estate, each state has a Buyer Purchase Power Index (BPPI) that is calculated using the state’s average income and the mortgage interest rate. This number fluctuates because average income generally changes very slowly, while interest rates change constantly.
How Does Buyer Purchasing Power Affect Home Prices?
Buyer purchasing power is a major driver for home prices. As purchasing power increases, buyers are able to pay more for a home, and home prices rise. When buyer purchase power falls, home prices will generally decrease. The money is simply not available in many buyer’s budgets to pay top dollar for a home; they have to settle for less. In order to sell a home, a homeowner may have to lower their asking price.
The overall BPPI increased throughout 2019-2020 and into 2021 because mortgage rates declined. This raised buyer purchasing power, or a buyer’s ability to get more for their money. Accordingly, home sales increased and sellers enjoyed the freedom to demand higher prices. Indeed, some price wars were witnessed in the South Carolina housing market as prospective buyers attempted to outbid competitors for desired properties.
Why Are Buyers Currently Losing Purchase Power?
Many factors impact buyer purchase power. <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/whats-the-deal-with-interest-rates/">The Fed</a> has indicated that the <a href="https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/federal-reserve-interest-rates/">benchmark interest rate</a> will remain near zero through at least 2023, but some mortgage interest rates are climbing. There is trouble with sustaining a real jobs recovery. As of early 2022, the federal foreclosure suspension and the vast majority of state foreclosure moratoriums <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/08/03/faq-foreclosure-moratorium-ending/">have expired</a>. All these factors have a negative impact on purchase power.
In the current real estate market, although it’s relatively easy to get your home under contract, not just any agent can get your home closed. Low inventory, high demand, and rising interest rates have made it challenging and stressful for sellers to sell their existing home and purchase another. An average of two out of every three homes make it to the closing table.
This is extremely important if you are a homeowner looking to sell your home. For every percent the interest rates rise, buyers lose 10 percent of their purchasing power. This means buyers who could have afforded a $300,000 home can now only afford the $270,000 home. But add this truth to the mix: low housing inventory and rising home prices make the $300,000 home worth $350,000.
In short, the buyer has now lost 30%-35% of their buying power due to the shifting market and interest rates.
Is Now a Good Time to Sell My Home?
Now is not only a good time to sell your home in South Carolina, but to be sure you close the deal. Jeff Cook Real Estate has the team with professional skills and knowledge to help buyers and sellers get the deals they need for their homes and property. <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/">Contact us today</a> and ask to speak with an agent about listing and selling your home in South Carolina. 2022-06-21T06:02:00-07:002022-06-21T04:11:33-07:00Lee Willeytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:13154Budget-Friendly Kitchen Upgrades to Help Sell Your House<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/">Prepping your home for sale</a> can be a headache. You want to make it more attractive to potential buyers, but you don’t want to break the bank. Plus, upgrading your home pre-sale is meant to make it more attractive, and therefore worth a higher asking price. If you spend too much on upgrades, you lose a substantial amount of that extra money.
Any real estate professional will tell you — kitchens sell homes. It is the single room with the highest potential for making or breaking a sale, and for getting you the price you want. But what should you do to enhance your kitchen? Here are some budget-friendly kitchen upgrades you should consider when <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/preparing-your-home-for-the-market/">prepping your home for sale</a>.
Scrub and Organize Your Kitchen
If your budget is tight, you can still make your kitchen as impressive as possible by simply giving it a good scrub down from ceiling to floor. Cooking and use causes grease and dirt to build up on every surface, leaving a dingy appearance. Scrub walls, cabinets, appliances, and floors to remove dirt and grime and leave behind a clean gleam and odor.
Clutter is a killer when selling a home, and the kitchen is often a room that collects more than its fair share. A quick trip to the local dollar store for some inexpensive bins and organizers for your drawers and cabinets can make cluttered spaces neat and attractive. Choose colors that match your existing kitchen color, or neutral colors that blend in.
Add New Cabinet and Drawer Hardware
New cabinetry can cost a fortune, but new drawer and cabinet hardware is an affordable kitchen upgrade that makes older cabinets look new. Modern designs abound and can usually be found at a local big box home store in a variety of styles and colors. Ask a store professional or other cabinet expert about the latest styles and their recommendations.
Add an Inexpensive Backsplash
A decorative and functional backsplash above counters and below upper cabinets adds a “wow” factor to any kitchen. Many backsplash options can be found, including stick-on varieties that look like tile, stone, or other materials. These protect your walls from moisture and other substances while adding a nice dash of color or style to your kitchen.
Add a New Faucet
An older, outdated, or leaking faucet is a quick, affordable upgrade to improve the appearance and function of your kitchen. Again, many models and styles are usually available at a local big box home store, and a store representative can usually answer your questions. Choose a model that is affordable, but elegant, easy to use, and that blends in with your sink and other appliances.
Update Lighting
Updating your kitchen lighting can be more affordable than you may think. Older light fixtures stand out and make potential buyers look closer for other dated parts of your kitchen. Replace overhead lighting with something clear and understated, and consider adding under-cabinet lighting. This can not only be impressive and make work spaces brighter, many varieties are available that can be easily installed and plugged into a nearby outlet, saving you the expense of hiring an electrician.
More Help with Prepping Your Home for Sale
There are many other affordable options to consider when prepping your home for sale. Jeff Cook Real Estate can offer many helpful suggestions for your kitchen, other rooms, and outdoor spaces. Contact us today for more help with <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/">selling your home in the Carolinas</a>. We can provide experienced guidance and advice to help sell your home faster for the best price.
2022-03-30T17:29:00-07:002023-04-28T11:59:50-07:00Lee Willeytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:13153Should You Break Up with Your House?Breakups can be tough — especially with your home. Similar to breaking up in a romantic relationship, emotions can cloud sound judgment. However, just like in human relationships, there can be some clear signs that it’s time to part with your home and seek a better housing solution. Choosing when is often a huge decision. <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/">What is the best time to sell my home?</a> What are the factors that indicate it’s time to sell? Where can I find some selling tips to provide guidance?
Jeff Cook Real Estate is your seasoned real estate firm that helps clients <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/communities/">throughout the Carolinas</a> buy and sell homes. When it’s time for the dreaded breakup, we can make the process as painless as possible. In fact, searching for a new home with Jeff Cook can be absolutely exciting!
What is the Best Time to Sell My Home?
Only you can decide when it’s time to sell your home. Various factors can come into play as you consider this decision, including family changes, health changes, career changes, retirement, and more. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we are often asked, “What is the best time to sell my home?” Here are the most common factors that move individuals and families to sell their home and purchase another one.
When You Need More Space
Families can grow and their needs can grow, too. Even a standard family of four with two parents and two children can find a home growing small as the members grow in size and develop new habits. That toddler that stayed close to mom’s feet can become an energetic teenage boy with a huge gaming setup. The small girl that sat for hours playing with dolls on her bed now needs a virtual studio for her musical talents.
Adding to the family or growing needs are not the only reasons to need more space. Sometimes health needs dictate a need for more space, or a need for special spaces. A loved one can become disabled and need room for wheelchair access or more room for a specific type of bed. “What is the best time to sell my home?” When you need more space.
When You Need Less Space
Of course, just the opposite can be true. As your family grows and most or all the chicks fly the coop to build their own nests, you can find yourself with too much space. Growing older can make it more difficult to care for all that extra room. The passing of a spouse can make it even more difficult to fill a space that once cared for a busy family.
Retirement can bring about a change in your focus or lifestyle. You and your spouse may wish to travel and not spend as much time at home. A smaller house just makes better sense, with less to care for and worry about. Plus, the equity you’ve built up in your existing home could possibly cover the cost of a smaller space while partly funding your retirement ambitions.
When You Need a Change
Sometimes looking at those same walls for decades can just become too much to bear. You need a change. Perhaps a more modern, open layout would suit your new tastes better. Maybe growing older means you need to be closer to medical facilities, <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/moving-to-charleston-top-gyms-to-start-the-new-year/">workout facilities</a>, or relatives. Or maybe you want to be able to walk downtown and catch the <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/top-5-food-trucks-in-columbia-sc/">different food trucks</a> that set up shop daily!
“What is the best time to sell my home?” When the itch or drive compels you to move and start afresh and you need a change.
When Interest Rates are Favorable
Low interest rates can greatly influence your decision of what is the best time to sell your home. In fact, many realtors include selling when rates are low in their top selling tips. While rates always fluctuate to some degree, the past few years have seen a pattern of low interest rates that favor both selling and buying.
<a href="https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/why-you-should-sell-your-home">Reliable real estate predictions</a> indicate that 2022 will see a slight rise in interest rates, but they will still remain fairly low. High demand and high home prices are also predicted to remain. In this type of market, here are some evergreen selling tips to remember:
Low interest rates drive up buyer demand. This means you can expect to sell your home much faster.
Low interest rates help keep home prices high, and this benefits sellers. You can expect to receive more for your home, as borrowers will spend more for the home they desire, taking advantage of lower interest rates.
Lower interest rates give you, the seller, more negotiating power. More demand means you can ask a favorable price and even receive more, if potential buyers fight over your home.
If you are considering selling your home in North Carolina or South Carolina, <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/contact/">contact us</a> for more selling tips and advice at Jeff Cook Real Estate.
<br /><br />2022-03-20T08:22:00-07:002022-08-26T07:22:36-07:00Patricia Utseytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:13152What is the MLS? MLS is an acronym for <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/multiple-listing-service-mls.asp">Multiple Listing Service</a>, also used in the plural form, Multiple Listing Services. This is perhaps one of the most important tools when working with a Realtor® for <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/">selling a home</a> or <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/buyers/">seeking a home to buy</a>. The first MLS was created in the 1800s and for many decades, Realtors circulated printed catalogs of available real estate listings. Now the MLS is largely online, facilitating a much simpler understanding of the market, as well as easier and faster searches and sales.
Understanding the Market in a Modern Real Estate World
Our modern digital world has vastly improved a widespread sense of understanding the market. <a href="https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/what-is-the-mls-multiple-listing-service/">Approximately 580 regional MLS databases</a> are accessible instantly to cooperating real estate brokers, allowing them to obtain data about available properties and make real-time updates. Brokers that both list properties for sale and who are seeking available properties for clients to purchase can easily share information and financial arrangements.
These digital MLS databases contain all the available houses for sale by the affiliated brokers, including but not limited to:
Pricing information
Contact information
Photos
<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/home-spring-refresh-top-storage-organization-tips/">Square footage</a>
Layout diagrams
Property history
Seller disclosures
<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/buying-a-home-what-is-an-hoa/">HOA regulations</a>
Property details
Current property tax rate
Easements
Brokers that subscribe to their local MLS service can also subscribe to gain access to MLS databases in other regions. This allows them to help clients that wish to move into different regions. The data provided contributes to the realtor’s understanding of the market, allowing them to offer better advice to their clients.
MLS listings do more than show who is selling a home and where. They provide valuable pricing information, trends in homes that sell quickly and do not sell easily, and more. Plus, this information is quickly available with just a few clicks, instead of flipping through dozens of pages in a catalog, or searching many different websites for online listings.
Can the MLS Help Me with Selling a Home?
The MLS service is a vital tool in your realtor’s toolbox to help you when selling a home. <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/nar-doj-settlement/multiple-listing-service-mls-what-is-it">MLS effectively levels the playing field</a>, regardless of where you live or the local real estate market. Small brokerages have equal access for listing homes for sale just like multi-state firms. Everyone has equal access to the largest listing of properties for sale in the marketplace.
This places your home before hundreds or even thousands of realtors that represent many thousands of clients who are seeking a new home. Real estate professionals in other areas gain a better understanding of the market where your home is located, which helps them provide the best counsel to their clients about making a purchase. Selling a home has never been easier, especially with MLS databases being available online.
Jeff Cook Real Estate <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/communities/">handles MLS listings in the real estate markets</a> of Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Rock Hill, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina, along with dozens of surrounding communities. Selling a home does not have to be the headache many believe it to be — Jeff Cook sees to that! His integrity and intensity result in most listings only spending 27 days on the market before selling. AND, Jeff’s clients receive 99.7% of their original asking price.
Call us today at 855-HEY-JEFF or <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/contact/">contact us online</a> and ask about help with selling a home in the Carolinas. If you are seeking to buy a home in our area, no one has a better understanding of the market than Jeff. Call today and let us help you buy the perfect home! 2022-03-15T15:45:00-07:002022-08-26T10:04:03-07:00Patricia Utseytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:12880What is Seller Financing? - Real Estate Tips Investopedia defines <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/seller-financing.asp">Seller Financing</a> as, “... a real estate agreement in which the seller handles the mortgage process instead of a financial institution. Instead of applying for a conventional bank mortgage, the buyer signs a mortgage with the seller.”
It is also sometimes called owner financing or a purchase-money mortgage agreement. Should you consider seller financing when buying or selling a home? What is involved in seller financing? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Should I Consider Seller Financing?
Seller financing can be a viable option for both buyers and sellers for a number of reasons. Primarily, in markets where financing is difficult, this alternative form of credit can be helpful. Both parties can avoid certain extra costs at closing and other related expenses. Some benefits and drawbacks are listed below.
Seller Benefits
Seller benefits from owner financing can include:
Saving considerable closing costs
Possibility of significant savings on capital gains tax
Faster sale turnaround
The option to sell property as-is without needing repairs
Freedom from property tax and homeowners insurance
Freedom from maintenance expenses
Option to sell the owner-financed mortgage to another investor
Buyer Benefits
Sellers aren’t the only ones who can benefit from owner/seller financing. Buyers can enjoy some benefits, too, including:
Greater access to financing for low-income buyers
Lower closing costs
More flexible agreement terms
Possibility of no private mortgage insurance costs
More accessible if a buyer has poor credit
Seller Financing Disadvantages
Of course, seller financing has some disadvantages as well as benefits for both the buyer and seller. These can include:
Few regulations to protect buyers and sellers
Buyers can still lose the home to foreclosure if the seller doesn’t make their own mortgage payments on the property
The buyer can end up paying too much for the property
In most cases, higher interest rates and a bigger down payment are required
The seller assumes certain risks if the buyer defaults on payment
What is Involved in Seller Financing?
Since a bank or other financial institution isn’t involved in the seller financing transaction, things can be simpler. However, both parties should be fully aware of the possible risks they are undertaking, and do everything possible to mitigate those risks. Written and notarized contracts are a minimum requirement. You are still making a purchase agreement for thousands of dollars.
Both parties should agree on the terms and conditions of a contract, spelling out everything possible about the transaction. This should include:
Total purchase price
Monthly payment amounts and due dates
Provisions for late payments and fees
Interest rate
Any related tax provisions/agreements
Required down payment amount and method of payment
Any as-is agreement or repair-before-sale stipulations
If the seller owes a mortgage on the property and the written permission from the mortgage holder for the transaction, if required.
Conditions that incur loan default and provisions for handling it
Once these and any other conditions are agreed upon, both parties and a notary witness can draw up the documents and execute the sale. Transfers of funds should happen as agreed as soon as possible.
Do I Need a Realtor If I’m Involved in Seller Financing a Home?
It is recommended that both buyer and seller consult with a seasoned real estate professional like a Jeff Cook Real Estate local expert who is experienced in seller financing and home transactions. They can provide valuable advice to protect each party and to help ensure that the deal meets everyone’s needs and any legal requirements in your state and/or area. You may also want an experienced real estate attorney to actually create the seller financing contract and any other related paperwork.
<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/contact/">Contact Jeff Cook Real Estate</a> today to learn more about the possibilities of seller financing your home in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Rock Hill, Charlotte, and Myrtle Beach.
2022-02-18T14:03:00-07:002022-02-16T12:05:35-07:00Lee Willeytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:10839These Landscaping Tips Can Increase Your Home Value<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/Outdoor_Patio.png" width="2717" height="1811" alt="Outdoor Patio" />
When buying or selling a property, landscaping can be a competitive advantage in the market, making houses attract even more attention from homebuyers.
We have collected some landscaping features to increase your <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/increase-the-value-of-your-property-with-these-design-ideas/">home value</a>.
1. Put your land in the spotlight with a lighting system.
A tailor-made and well-designed lighting system can offer a return on investment of up to 50%. You can use several techniques, such as illuminating a passage or casting a soft light on hedges and plants.
Take advantage of upward lighting, which involves projecting the light on the walls to create light and shadow play. Well-positioned lighting creates points of interest on your land and your home, improving their visual impact.
Low lighting can highlight structural details and create a feeling of coziness and warmth.
2. Planting trees.
Trees contribute to more than just aesthetics, they can increase a property's value. Additionally, when trees are properly positioned, they increase in value as they grow and mature.
Another plus: planting trees that provide just enough shade on your home will help reduce your air conditioning bill in the summer.
3. Add a patio and enjoy a return on investment.
Patios are a great way to extend your living space outdoors while adding value to your home. The patio also gives you a view of other <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/best-plants-for-your-garden-in-south-carolina/">features of your yard</a>, in addition to being the ideal place to eat and sunbathe.
Have you opted for the patio? Make sure to light it up enough and take every precaution to protect your patio from premature wear and tear.
4. Add a complete terrace.
A beautiful terrace allows you to take advantage of the extra space for pleasant outdoor activities such as family reunions, parties, and dining. In addition to allowing you to spend quality time with your friends and relatives, it increases the resale value of your home thanks to its <a href="https://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/story/seven-ways-to-boost-your-homes-curb-appeal?oid=32088848">visual appeal</a>.
When buyers are asked to name the top 10 attractions they look for when buying a home, many mention terraces. A complete terrace can generate a return on investment of up to 67% when selling a home.
5. An outdoor kitchen.
How about being able to prepare, cook and eat your meals outdoors? Making this luxury accessible is one of the distinctive advantages of outdoor kitchens.
These can include a BBQ, counters and even kitchen islands, a wet bar, and some comfortable furniture to relax in when the day or party continues outside in the summer.
Materials that are weather-resistant wood or stainless steel are often preferred. An outdoor kitchen will significantly increase the value of your property by a large margin.
In conclusion,
Properties with spaces dedicated to landscaping draw the attention of buyers that value a private space and are looking for a better quality of life. Landscaping is important since it increases the home value, but <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/">Jeff Cook Real Estate</a> can get you more money for your home when you are ready to sell.2021-06-07T08:00:00-07:002021-06-07T05:34:12-07:00Lee Willeytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6068Smart Home Features to Add to Your Home
Especially when buying or selling a home, a smart home can be a true differentiating factor that sets the home above the rest. Since home automation systems are quite new, an updated system will add to your home’s comfort and it is one of many strategies to increase your <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/increase-the-value-of-your-property-with-these-design-ideas/">home value</a>.
Smart Appliances
One of the most prominent places in your home to implement the most up-to-date smart features is your kitchen. There has never been a better time to be more connected to your <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/gallery/the-best-of-lowcountry-southern-cooking/">cooking</a>. From smart dishwashers and refrigerators to a smart range hood, there are smart kitchen appliances for every home’s needs. (Some of them we didn’t know we needed until we learned of their existence!)
Smart Plugs
These little guys are the perfect way to add smart features to any room of the house. If there is an ordinary device that you plug in, you can upgrade it to a smart feature by utilizing smart plugs that automate and control whatever you connect to it. Smart plugs are a convenient and affordable way to enhance your space.
Smart Smoke Detector
You can rest assured that your home and loved ones are safe with smart features like the smart smoke detector. Compatible with your wifi and an app, these devices can quickly and calmly alert you whether you are home or away to any dangers of smoke or carbon monoxide.
Smart Routers and Home Devices
To take your smart home features to the next level, you can take advantage of smart routers and home devices. Widen the range of your wifi and smart features with a smart router that extends the reach of your wifi to enable your smart devices from one end of your house to the other and boosts your wifi signal. Pair this with a home device and you can essentially have a home where you can find out the weather or news from any room, use voice commands to turn on or off your lights or play music.
As home automation systems become more popular, they are becoming more affordable. As a result, your home will be more valuable, not only to potential <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/process-of-buying-a-home/">buyers</a> but also to you and your family. 2021-05-24T08:00:00-07:002022-06-17T13:05:35-07:00Lee Willeytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:9671Size Matters<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/SizeMattersBillboard.png" width="600" height="400" alt="Size Matters Campaign" />
Let’s address the elephant in the room: you need a bigger home. After a year filled with makeshift home offices, virtual learning from the kitchen table, and spending the majority of your time indoors, you may have realized it’s time to upsize. Understand your space with these helpful tips.
Assess Your Space
Make a checklist of each room in your home to determine where you actually do the majority of your ‘living’ in. If you notice you’re filling your space with as many items as possible, it means you’re ready to upsize into a larger home. By figuring out where you need the additional space, you’ll have an easier time shopping for a new home that matches your checklist!
What’s Most Important to You?
Most people have a central reason they are moving: upsizing or downsizing. Are you new empty nesters with more bedrooms than you need? Are you needing a separate space for a home-office or virtual learning area for your kids? Do you plan to expand your family within the next few years and need additional bedrooms or kitchen storage? Take a moment to think through what your motive for moving is to narrow down your home search.
Understand Your Local Area
Once you determine what’s most important to you in a home, it’s time to connect with a Jeff Cook Real Estate agent. Our agents are trained experts in your local area. As a client, you’ll simply review your must-haves such as neighborhood, number of bedrooms, garage storage, etc., and your Jeff Cook Real Estate agent will be able to begin searching for your dream home. The transition between homes is easier for the client because Jeff Cook Real Estate is able to handle both transactions simultaneously. The process is simple, Jeff Cook Real Estate guides you through the <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/step-by-step-guide-to-selling/" target="_blank">home selling and buying process</a> with expertise unmatched in the local real estate scene.
So far this year, we are proud to have helped over 1,600 families buy and sell their homes! Now more than ever, it’s important that our company continues to put clients first and make the process as seamless as possible. Give us a call today at 855-HEY-JEFF to speak with a <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/about/" target="_blank">real estate expert</a> in your area.
If you're interested in upsizing or downsizing, fill out the form below! 2021-01-04T06:08:00-07:002021-01-07T09:19:47-07:00Lauren Browntag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:8934How to Show Your Home Last Minute<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/cleanpicture.png" width="750" height="502" alt="Cleaning for a Last Minute Home Showing" />
Let's say your real estate agent just called for a last-minute showing. Although major changes are going to require some advanced notice, it's not uncommon for a potential buyer to want to schedule a showing within a few hours. How can you possibly get ready for a showing with such short notice? Thankfully, there are a few organizational tips when selling your home that will keep you ready and in good shape for a showing at any time.
You might think you can't clean your home in an hour and get ready for a showing, but you'd be surprised! These quick-fix chores work to target the most visible parts of your home and the places that tend to attract the most mess. You can tidy up the spots that prospective buyers will see and then save the rest for another day.
Sweep the front steps and clean the glass on your front door. Setting a good first impression makes a difference so you want to give them a good first impression when they walk towards the house
Carry a laundry basket through the house to pick up any clutter. Stash the basket in a closet or somewhere out of sight where a buyer won't look at it.
Clean up trash and throw it out. Line any trash baskets with clean liners to put your house in the best appearance possible.
Put your pets away. While you may love your dogs, seeing a place with pets may not be ideal. Consider putting dogs or cats in an empty room during the showing.
Hide cords out of sight. Collect all the chargers that don't have to be plugged in and then stash them in a drawer until the showing is over.
Hang fresh towels and put out new soap. Hide your used towels and soap. New fluffy towels give a bathroom a great appearance so it's well worth doing. Get a small bin and put any makeup or other countertop items in it and stash them away.
Allow natural light to shine through the house. Open up curtains and raise the blinds during daylight hours. Place lamps in low-natural light areas so that your place looks bigger and brighter to prospective owners.
Wipe down kitchen counters. Remove any excess items to give them a clean look and wipe them down so they look great
Straighten pillows and make the beds. The bedding in both the living room and the bedrooms should look fresh and put together for a guest.
Use mild-scented candles to give your house a fresh and clean aroma without giving the potential buys a headache.
If you're just getting started in the selling process, you can check out our tips for <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/">simplifying your home selling process</a> and read <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/real-estate/10-ways-to-prep-your-home-for-sale">10 Ways to Prep Your Home for Sale</a> to stay stress-free for home showings.
Now that you have the basics down, you're ready to start welcoming potential buyers in an hour or so. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, our agents are experts in selling homes! They know exactly what buyers come to see in a home showing. Working with them will allow you to show your home in the best light possible. Still feeling stressed? Meet the <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/meet-the-sell-squad/">Sell Squad</a> for more information on how to get your home show-ready.
2020-09-09T08:25:00-07:002021-12-20T07:37:56-07:00Matt Serratotag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:8712How to Sell Your Home Without a Real Estate Agent <img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/how-to-sell-a-fsbo-home-without-a-real-estate-agent.jpg" alt="How to Sell Your Home Without a Real Estate Agent" width="475" />Are you in the position to sell your home, but want to see if you can handle the process on your own? You may be asking yourself, "What exactly does a real estate agent do, anyway?". If you think you may be able to tackle the real estate scene solo and sell your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), here are some important things to keep in mind.
To successfully sell your home on your own, here's what you'll need to do:
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Set a Price for Your Home
In order to set a realistic price for your home, you'll need to do some extensive research on the current state of the real estate market in your area. This could potentially take weeks or months to accurately track and predict the current market. Without extensive research, you could set the wrong price for your home, and the listing may last too long and expire. The financial loss of an expired listing can often exceed the mortgage payment. A professional real estate agent would easily be able to find the appropriate price for the local area.
Prepare Your Home for Sale
Now that you've set a sale price, it's time to get your home in tip-top shape for when you list it! First impressions are everything so take the time to evaluate your home's curb appeal and exterior condition. It takes an intense observation of your home to decide what tasks need to be done in time for the home to officially go on the market.
Stage Your Home
When staging your home, you'll need to <a href="https://www.anagomb.ca/deep-cleaning-is-big-during-covid-19-heres-what-it-means-for-your-office.html" target="_blank">endure a deep cleaning</a> and decluttering of your entire home. When buyers begin walking through your door, you want them to see your home as their dream home. At the first sight of clutter or filth, a qualified buyer may just turn around and walk out.
List & Market Your Home
Now you're ready to list your home on the MLS! MLS stands for multiple listing service and it serves as a database for other agents to find your home and bring in prospective buyers. In order to list your home on the MLS without a licensed real estate agent to guide you, you have to pay a fee just to get access to the site. In order for your home to stand out among the rest, you'll want to ensure that you're using keywords and quality images to catch the buyers eye. Once you drain your wallet and upload those iPhone photos you'll surely attract the best buyers in your area in no time!
Coordinate Home Showings
Find some potential buyers? Now it's time to let them come by and check out your home! Usually, a professional real estate agent would handle communicating and interacting with any interested buyers, but since you're flying solo, be prepared to field a lot of questions from strangers as they tour your home at any time of the day. You wouldn't want a thing like your personal schedule to get in the way of a potential buyer viewing your home, right? If another seller is available for showings 24/7, it's more likely for them to get a better offer.
Handle Tough Negotiations
When it comes to negotiating the final price, it's important to be a savvy salesperson. This is the step in the home selling process where professional sales experience and local market expertise come in handy. How do you handle a stubborn buyer? Or a low ball offer? The average individual will find it difficult to decipher the quality of the offers presented at the closing table.
Complete the Closing Process
In order to complete the closing process on your home, you'll be required to meet with a real estate attorney. Make sure you're well versed in mitigating any last-minute disputes or hefty legal issues.
If you think selling your home will be a breeze, think again! A professional real estate agent can prove to be priceless throughout the process. If you're ready to receive top dollar for your home and sell it FAST, give us a call at 855-HEY-JEFF to get started today!
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.2020-07-31T08:55:00-07:002021-11-01T12:17:59-07:00Megan Garrelltag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:8302Next Steps with Jeff Cook Real Estate<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/Upsize2020_v2.jpg" width="3600" height="2400" />
We’ve all been spending A LOT of time at home lately and if you’re anything like us, you’ve found time for those projects you usually put off. If you’ve been curious about the home selling process, Jeff Cook Real Estate has your next steps easily laid out for you.
Step 1: Meet with an Agent
It’s best to meet with a knowledgeable real estate agent as soon as possible to ensure you’re handling the process efficiently. Our agents at Jeff Cook Real Estate are experts in your local area will guide you through the home selling to-do list. A real estate agent will be able to assess your home so you can set the best possible price when your home is listed.
Step 2: Consider Valuable Upgrades
Most homeowners don’t realize the upgrades their home needs until it’s time to sell. But those of you who’ve already completed a couple of ‘quarantine projects’ are ahead of the game! Making upgrades in your home is a great way to increase the value for potential buyers, but it’s important to note that upgrades that are poorly done or unattractive to buyers will leave you in a worse position than before. Before making the decision to put money into your home, call Jeff Cook Real Estate to meet with a professional so they can assess what upgrades will add the most value to your home.
Step 3: Impress Buyers
Our agents will ensure that your home is properly staged for showings and will coordinate with a professional photographer to come in and take gorgeous photos of your home to attract buyers. Once your home is listed with Jeff Cook Real Estate, your home will be seen by hundreds of potential buyers thanks to our next-level marketing.
Step 4: Rely on Your Agent to Negotiate
When a buyer puts an offer on your home, your Jeff Cook Real Estate agent will begin negotiations and walk you through contracts and necessary paperwork. This is the moment your agent shows their true worth in getting you the best possible price for your home!
Step 5: Close the Deal!
There is an average of 52 people involved in the sale of your home, from listed to closed. Imagine juggling all those contacts on your own while trying to sell your home. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, a knowledgable, professional real estate agent with a team of experienced closing coordinators will take care of this for you! We’re the local experts and have the resources to get your home SOLD quickly and efficiently. 2020-06-01T05:11:00-07:002020-06-01T05:16:34-07:00Megan Garrelltag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:8115Top 5 Ways to Stay Connected During Quarantine<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/Top_5_Ways_to_Stay_Connected_During_Quarantine.jpg" width="1600" height="482" alt="Top 5 Ways to Stay Connected During Quarantine" />
At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we value family. Our JCRE family has been staying safe and healthy while practicing social distancing and working remotely. We commend the first responders who are working the front lines to keep us all safe and are thankful to be able to still support our clients remotely.
Family and friends all over the world are finding new ways to connect with one another as we all learn to adapt and overcome. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we’re learning that we can still serve our clients in the best way possible; even while completely remote. Here are a few ways we’ve found we can stay connected while keeping our social distance:
Video Calls
Almost everyone is using Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Facetime to tackle work while at home or to simply connect with their loved ones. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, our agents and employees are hosting Zoom Meetings to catch up with clients and collaborate with one another. Our against are conducting virtual open houses via zoom to help clients with their home buying or selling needs. Our Paint Party, featuring Wine & Design’s virtual services, allowed the entire company to come together for a few hours of creativity!
Learn Together
Ever wondered what your favorite animals at the zoo are up to all hours of the day? If you’ve got kids at home and want to take this opportunity to broaden their horizons, consider streaming a zoo’s webcam. Another idea is to host a virtual trivia night with friends and neighbors to cultivate learning in a fun way. Our agents are also conducting virtual home buying and selling webinars bi-weekly to help educate potential buyers and sellers on the real estate market.
Decorate the Outside of Your Home
Do you have a neighborhood Facebook Group? If so, you may have seen some of the encouraging messages children are writing along sidewalks and driveways to connect with those around them. If you want to leave your own message or simply destress with creating art, grab some sidewalk chalk and join in on the fun from afar.
Group Chat
You may already have a busy group chat with family members or close friends, but the more the merrier! Consider creating group chats for old friends you want to reconnect with or just friends you haven’t been able to see since the pandemic began. This is a great way to stay connected with friends from work, the gym, or school. Some suggested apps are Whatsapp, Groupme, or even House Party, where you can video chat and play interactive games with a group of friends!
Help a Neighbor in Need
Take this extra time as an opportunity to help out a neighbor in need who may not be able to get their own groceries or necessities. If you’re unsure of who may be in need of help nearby, post on your neighborhood Facebook group and offer to assist anyone who may need it. Expressing gratitude and appreciation for your neighbors is an encouraging way to stay connected while also social distancing.
Throughout a time of isolation and confusion, we can find hope by reaching out to our neighbors. Neighborhoods all over the country are leaving encouraging notes to be found by others out walking. Toilet paper, groceries, and other necessities are being delivered to at-risk neighbors who aren’t able to leave their homes. While it can be difficult at times to see a silver lining, remember to practice gratitude. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we are available to help families stay safe in a new home and continue serving the community as we navigate the effects of the coronavirus.
When considering selling your home or even buying a new one during times of uncertainty, it’s important to rely on the experts that will get the job done. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we understand that our clients need an expert to guide them through the home selling/buying process. An agent who knows the local area and can accurately determine your real estate needs is key when it comes to selling fast and receiving top dollar for your home. Although we are putting the health and safety needs of our clients, agents, and employees first, Jeff Cook Real Estate is still able to serve you virtually! 2020-05-04T08:40:00-07:002020-10-21T12:48:19-07:00Megan Garrelltag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7928Hands-Free Real Estate Just because it’s virtual, doesn’t mean it’s impersonal.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/Hands-Free_Real_Estate.png" width="1275" height="586" alt="Hands-Free Real Estate" />
In the past few months, unforeseeable events have required most aspects of our lives to become reliant on technology. As we transition more and more into the virtual world of communicating through technology, Jeff Cook Real Estate has been proactively adapting to serve our clients. Jeff Cook Real Estate has made it easier than ever before to serve our clients virtually. If you’ve recently decided that now is the time to buy or sell your house, but are unsure of how to go about it from home, we’ve created a system that can work for you.
Here’s How:
Remote Consultation
When you team up with Jeff Cook Real Estate, you will have the opportunity to consult with one of our local real estate experts virtually. During your virtual consultation, you will gain the knowledge needed to help you determine your home buying and selling needs and your next steps. You will be able to communicate with your agent through a wide variety of channels (i.e. video conferencing, <a href="https://www.text-em-all.com" target="_blank">text messaging</a>, and emailing). If you have questions on your next steps, set up a remote consultation with an agent today!
The Jeff Cook Real Estate Online Marketing System
Our online home search tool has made finding homes easier than ever before. Jeff Cook Real Estate’s online home search tool, combined with our state of the art home selling techniques, allow thousands of qualified buyers to view Jeff Cook Real Estate listings online.
Online Home Tours
Buyers can view homes virtually or schedule an individual, private showing. The high-quality 3D virtual home tours help buyers walk-through their future homes without being physically present, limiting the number of in-person showings to qualified and serious buyers!
Listing Booster Program<br />
It is our mission to make sure that your home stands out in the market to ensure that it sells fast and for top dollar. Our listing booster program is a combination of 3D tours, virtual open houses, home highlights, MLS listing alerts/price improvement, and a buyer agent bonus, which can help ensure that your listing stands out in today’s real estate market.
Traditional Sale or Immediate Buyout Program<br />
At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we strive to help families sell and receive top dollar for their home, but we realize this traditional method isn’t the best fit for everyone. Our Immediate Buyout program helps families maximize convenience and move on their own terms, without the hassles of buyers coming inside your home.
Virtual Tools<br />
Almost every transaction in your daily life can now be completed online (ie. paying rent, depositing checks, placing food delivery orders, etc.). Jeff Cook Real Estate provides access to all the necessary applications and tools that are needed to make real estate possible with the convenience of staying indoors! Some tools include electronic signatures, money wiring through our proprietary Earnnest app, online home inspection reports, and private, attorney-only closings.
Virtual Support Team
Selling or buying a home virtually can seem intimidating, but our real estate experts are ready to guide you through the details. Working alongside our agents, our closing and listing teams are available to you via phone and email as you navigate the home buying and selling process.
Our new hands-free program has made the buying and selling process hassle-free. From remotely consulting with an agent, to listing and viewing homes online, to completing transactions, we can successfully serve our clients virtually. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Jeff Cook Real Estate is the expert in all things real estate. Give us a call at 855-HEY-JEFF today to schedule a remote consultation with an agent! 2020-04-03T12:51:00-07:002020-09-21T08:19:34-07:00Megan Garrelltag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7859Why Now is the Best Time to Sell Your Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/Why_Now_is_the_Best_Time_to_Sell_Your_Home.jpg" width="1600" height="1093" alt="Why Now is the Best Time to Sell Your Home" />
Have you been considering putting your home on the real estate market, but haven’t felt confident that it’s the right time? Selling your home is a big decision and it’s important to understand the importance of timing when selling your home. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we understand the importance of making this decision at the right time. Here are a few updates on the current state of the housing market to consider before selling your home.
National housing inventory has declined in 2020, meaning there are fewer homes currently on the market with a steady flow of motivated buyers.
Why is this important and how can this be a good thing?
Placing your home on the market during a time of fewer homes for sale, you, as the seller, have the upper hand. With a shortage of homes for sale and an increase of buyers in the area, you can drive the sale of your home more efficiently.
Buyer Demand is stronger than ever!
By understanding the lack of other homes for sale, you can use this leverage when negotiating a price with interested buyers. You can expect to see a better price for your home since there are only a limited number of homes available to buy! Jeff Cook Real Estate can connect you with motivated buyers in your area who are looking for their dream home.
There has been an overabundance of licensed agents in our market, but in times of uncertainty, it is in your best interest to partner with a real estate professional. We sell on average 4 homes a day equalling 1,500 homes a year! The local experts at Jeff Cook Real Estate are knowledgeable about the constant shift in the real estate market. It changes constantly, but by knowing how to take advantage of the current state of the market, Jeff Cook Real Estate can help you sell your home fast and for top dollar. Give us a call today at 855-HEY-JEFF to receive answers to any of your real estate questions. 2020-03-25T10:40:00-07:002021-11-01T14:48:58-07:00Megan Garrelltag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7433Scrambling to Sell?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/scramblingtosell.jpg" width="3600" height="2400" alt="Scrambling to Sell" />
JCRE Doesn’t play real estate games, we win!
When selling your home begins to feel chaotic, you can count on the experts with JCRE to be there for you. Our agents are dependable, knowledgeable, and ready to help unscramble your situation. Selling your home may seem like a puzzle you can’t seem to solve, but we have some tips to help make the process much simpler.
Here are some of our top tips for simplifying your home selling process:
After calling JCRE, take the steps to begin assessing your home as if you’re a future buyer. Your front yard and the doorway is the best place to start since buyers will be intrigued by curb appeal.
Keep Important Documents On Hand
The next steps are to gather the important documents that you’ll need to sell your home. This could include the house deed, title report, final purchase and sale agreement, homeowners’ insurance information, and any document that relates to your property. By making sure to have your important documents on hand, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Create a Clean Slate
Consider the look of the inside of your house. Declutter each room and attempt to neutralize the color tones within the home. By minimalizing space and color, the potential buyers walking through the home can visualize themselves living there. Aside from making sure your home is pristinely clean, creating a welcoming atmosphere when showing your home is incredibly essential.
Local Experts
When you list your home with Jeff Cook Real Estate, we offer professional staging, photography/videography, and are guaranteed a sale in just 30 days! Each step of the process can be simplified when you choose to list your home with us so you won’t have to worry about the rules of the game.
At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we consider ourselves the local experts because we know the area better than the competition. You and your family can count on our agents to decipher the real estate game in your neighborhood. No more scrambling! Call 855-HEY-JEFF now.2020-01-21T10:25:00-07:002020-10-07T10:15:49-07:00Thomas "Jeff" Cooktag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7399Top 5 Property Problems That May Leave Your Home Unsellable<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/Top_5_Property_Problems_That_May_Leave_Your_Home_Unsellable.jpg" width="1600" height="1067" alt="Top 5 Property Problems That May Leave Your Home Unsellable" />
Selling a run-down home can be not only a challenging task but also time-consuming. Can you picture how discouraging it could be if you apply for a home seller agency to sell your home, but unfortunately, the request is declined with an excuse that your home isn’t up to mark rendering it unsaleable? However, there is no need to worry since such home complications are currently reflected as home instabilities and market changes in the entire housing market in, industry. For instance, age can contribute to the value of the property. The longer you postpone selling your home, the lower it’s liquidity value in the housing market.
1. Location
Remember, as a homeowner; you want a surrounding with comfortable features and low living conditions. For instance, a home that is adjacently located to a gas station, airport, and bus stop, or even within a crime-prone area, the house becomes automatically unsaleable. Although a poor strategic location is considered a relative concept since what is the wrong position can be an excellent location for someone else. That means the purchase preferences and needs much determine who is the right buyer you should approach. For instance, a family with school-going kids wants a home near a school while an old couple would prefer a home far away from the noise and with several recreation facilities.
2. Weather
Although humidity doesn’t cause significant distress inside a house, it significantly contributes to low visibility. First, humidity plays a vital role in damaging electronic devices as well as to furniture and causing condensation of water moisture on windows. Additionally, dampness provokes growth and development of mold and other fungal growth, which may cause illness and allergies. These factors, among others, are more likely to lower the overall liquidity value of your home. Keeping the humidity level balanced in your house is a better way of increasing your property liquidity value.
3. Natural Light
Most people prefer houses in which natural light can penetrate inside naturally. It means that dark rooms have more chances of scaring away potential buyers since they might think dark rooms have been designed to hide imperfect interior design in addition to creating a depressive environment. Dark places can even make a perfectly fashionable interior to lose their beauty, thus to look outdated. Here’s how to deal with dark rooms when looking to sell your home.
Ensure your house furniture comprise of glass panels
Ensure furniture doesn’t block natural light sources.
Install more mirrors
Window curtains should be transparent to let light inside.
4. Problems with the Major House Systems
For instance, faulty power connections, electrical wiring problems, or water issues are major threats that almost everyone will look into before buying the home. The house becomes automatically unsellable since the new homeowners understand the cost of hiring plumbers and electrical appliance installations. To turn your unsellable home into a highly liquid asset, ensure you fix all these critical systems from a qualified specialist.
5. In Need of Updates
You can confirm from almost all real estate agents that low quality and messy house decor and design can play a significant role in making a house unsellable. For instance, installing your house with eye-catching kitchen furniture, clean, and spacious bathrooms are major home decor promotional packages that can make your house increase in its liquidity value. Make sure your house meets modern standards and regulations.2020-01-15T09:41:00-07:002020-09-23T13:54:45-07:00Thomas "Jeff" Cooktag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7398How To Improve Your Credit Score<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/How_To_Improve_Your_Credit_Score.jpg" width="1600" height="1067" alt="How To Improve Your Credit Score" />
If you are thinking of buying a home, then learning how to improve your credit score can help you to buy the home you have always wanted. It will also help you to get a favorable interest rate that will save you a lot of money over the life of your mortgage. A better credit score means a lower interest rate. This is important because it will do more than just save you money over the life of your mortgage, it will also save you money each month because you'll have a lower payment.
How is your credit score calculated?
The first factor that is looked at when determining your credit score is your debt. If you have too much debt your score will suffer. Oddly enough, if you have too little debt your credit score will suffer as well. The ideal range is to have several credit cards and keep the amount that you owe on them in the 10% to 30% range.
The age of your credit is another important factor when figuring out your credit score. The longer your credit history the longer period of time that lenders will be able to look at when determining whether or not you are financially responsible.
Having different types of credit is also important. You should have a mix of credit cards and fixed-rate loans to help bring your credit score up.
Your history of applying for credit also comes into play. If you have a history of applying for a lot of credit then your score is going to suffer. This is true even if you are approved for the credit you are applying for.
Your payment history. Making payments late is one of the worst things that you can do in regards to hurting your credit score.
How Can You Improve Your Credit Score?
If you want to improve your credit score start paying down your debt. You don't want to pay down your debt and close your accounts, this will actually hurt your credit score. Instead, pay down on the balances that you have. Instead, try to keep the amount of money that you owe on credit cards and other types of loans to about 10% of your maximum limit.
Make your payments on time. Every time a late payment is reported to the credit bureaus your credit score takes a hit. Making late payment means one of two things to creditors. It means that you are either irresponsible and can't remember to make your payments on time. Or, it means that you are having trouble keeping up with your payments. In either case, your credit score is going to take a hit.
Don't apply for credit too frequently. You want to use credit, but you don't want to apply for a lot of different accounts. This will show would-be lenders that you are starting to increase your spending habits and that makes you a bigger risk to lend money to. This will result in your credit score dropping.
2020-01-15T09:24:00-07:002020-09-23T13:55:27-07:00Thomas "Jeff" Cooktag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7024A Seller’s Guide: How to Attract a Millennial Home BuyerGuest Blogger: Lilly Miller
As the National Association of Realtors revealed, Millennials are currently target buyers for any property. This generation is a strong advocate of green movements but also an avid consumer of technological advancements. This is why they will never go for huge ostentatious houses with bad insulation.
With a few carefully planned adaptations to your house, you will not only cater to their needs but you could also raise the price in accordance with your additional investment. Millennials are not spendthrifts but they are willing to pay the price for something which is a perfect fit for their needs. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions about potential changes to turn your home into a perfect abode for Millennials.
Update your home with technology
Smart home technologies have been around for some years now so there are a plethora of solutions available for different purposes. For instance, modern thermostats use Wi-Fi technology and sensors so you can control the temperature in your home and even adjust it to when you are not home which makes this an eco-friendly solution any millennial would love.
Some smart door locks offer keyed and keyless entry systems, with keyless prompting you to enter a random code each time or unlock it with your smartphone. Millennial buyers would also appreciate the efficacy of smart garage door openers which allow you to control the door from anywhere with just a touch of the screen that also come with light control capabilities. Read more about <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/smart-home-features-to-add-to-your-home/">smart home features here</a>!
Provide open spaces
Millennials care less about the size of the space and more about the way it is arranged. They dislike the feeling of being stifled by items so even the biggest of houses with too many things would probably not be appealing to them. This is why the first task you need to take care of is to declutter everything so when they come to see the house for the first time, they can feel inspired to check it in detail.
They dislike barriers between rooms in which they socialize so if you have joined the kitchen and dining room, or a kitchen and the living room, those arrangements will definitely pique their interest because these social butterflies will be able to fluctuate about the rooms freely. If you don’t have such a room arrangement and you are not up for major renovations, then getting rid of clunky furniture would change the setting greatly.
Opt for sustainable solutions
Just as with technology, millennials have a deep connection with nature and they care greatly for the environment. This is why sustainable home solutions are not just a manner to decrease the bills for them but also a passionate cause.
To comply with these needs, you can start by upgrading the front door. A sturdy door will not only boost the curb appeal but improve insulation and overall security. Windows are also a crucial point when it comes to insulation so <a href="https://ecolinewindows.com.au/double-glazing/">thermally efficient double-glazed windows</a> would be the perfect fit even for sound insulation. Doors and windows of a good quality combined with a smart lock or a quality deadbolt system would greatly improve the security of the home.
Give some life to the walls
Dark and gloomy spaces are not favorite dwelling places for a typical millennial. They like the outdoors and the light so a project that wouldn’t be detrimental to your budget would be to repaint the walls. This would freshen up the place and add some life to it. Just be careful not to overdo it so you can think in terms of painting most walls white and then having one statement wall in some bold color such as turquoise. Follow these <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/2020-home-design-trends/">home design trends</a> to freshen up your space for the millennial buyer.
Regarding the choice of paint, although they would be able to tell just by looking at it, if you want to win over some millennial hearts, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/feb/09/eco-natural-paints-guide-best">use eco paints</a> and don’t forget to mention that you did so. They are free of toxic ingredients that typical paints contain and they are neither complicated for usage nor is their longevity questionable.
Tend to your backyard
As mentioned, your target buyers are social butterflies who like spending time with their friends and family so acquiring a house that has space that was already designed for that would increase their interest in it manifold.
To combine their love of nature and socializing, make your backyard into a place of leisure. For starters, get rid of all the things you don’t need so as not to give out the impression of a messy claustrophobic backyard. Then tend to any plants you have there and if necessary, add some new to enrich the place. Also, if your budget allows you, to win over their hearts completely, acquire some sustainable furniture, such as a table and chairs made of bamboo, which is one of the eco-friendliest materials.
Millennials are not demanding buyers but just like any generation, they have their own ideas and tastes. They will not be impressed by lavish decorations, fragile figurines but with an eco-friendly home and recycled furniture where each piece has a story to tell. If you add some space where they can socialize with their friends and family and show your appreciation for nature with some plants, you will have them signing the dotted line in a matter of days.
At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we are here to serve YOU! If you still feel like you are <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/">scrambling to sell your home</a>, get in touch with <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/meet-the-sell-squad/">our team of experts</a> today.2019-11-12T07:20:00-07:002021-01-22T12:43:52-07:00Thomas "Jeff" Cooktag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6071Should I Fix or Sell: Benefits to Selling a House As-IsGuest Blogger: Talia Spero
When you have decided to move on – whether you are upsizing or downsizing, accepting a spectacular job in a different city, or are craving a fresh start – think about what you really need to do to get your home market-ready. Although you may be tempted to go into renovation mode, you might be better off selling your house as-is. This decision is even easier to make when you follow our tips on <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/">simplifying your home selling process</a>.
Anything that affects the home’s operation such as a leaky roof, a broken furnace, plumbing, and electrical fixes, needs to be repaired. These are all things sellers are legally obligated to disclose.
Here are some things to consider before making a decision.
Renovation ROI may not be there
Most home renovations don’t pay off instantly. Complete kitchen and bathroom renovations add the most value to your home but also can be very expensive and cause the most disruption. If these renovations haven’t been done already, don’t start now. Focus on making sure your existing selling features of the home are in great shape.
Clean is more important than new
There’s nothing more cringe-worthy than the sight of someone else’s dirt or evidence of hard usage. Smudged walls, torn carpet, ratty towels, and appliances with handprints all over are small things that unpleasantly remind potential buyers that other people use this home. This is why <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/real-estate/the-ultimate-staging-guide-checklist">cleaning and staging your home</a> can be so beneficial. You want buyers to be able to picture themselves living in your home.
Keep up with the Joneses, but don’t be the Joneses
While it may be your dream to own a home with a pool or hot tub, it may not be someone else’s. The same goes for other “over the top” features/rooms. Those renovations may have no appeal to a family with an opposite lifestyle from yours. Don’t be the house that is too expensive for the neighborhood. This may cause your house to be overpriced compared to the other houses in the neighborhood. You could end up taking a huge loss as a result.
Curb appeal starts on the outside, not the inside
All the energy you spend on your interior renovations will be pointless if you forget about the exterior of your home. Now is the time to get rid of all the bikes your kids have outgrown, re-seed those patches of lawn where the grass is dead, and create a welcoming image. Check out our <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/4-things-to-do-to-freshen-up-your-curb-appeal/">4 tips on how to freshen up your curb appeal</a>!
Living in a renovation zone is stressful
If you’re fortunate enough to own a large home with a spare bedroom and multiple bathrooms, renovating may not be quite as challenging as it is for those in smaller spaces. Living in a home with a major kitchen or bathroom renovations can be hectic, loud, and messy, especially when you won’t be the one benefiting in the end. Before you put in thousands of dollars on a brand new kitchen transformation, consider painting or replacing cabinets.
2019-10-24T06:20:00-07:002021-01-22T12:14:50-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:60677 Things You Can Do When Your House is Not SellingGuest Blogger: Irina Sidorenko
It is very frustrating when you have done everything by the book in order to get a good price for selling your home, but unfortunately, your property is still just not getting any offers at all. You have already spent a lot of time, effort, and even financial resources to get a real estate to sell your house, but buyers just aren’t willing to cut a deal. There may be <a href="https://www.homelight.com/blog/why-isnt-my-home-selling/">several reasons for the lack of offers</a> such as selling in the wrong season with fewer buyers because of the cold, being stuck in a market slump, or just having plain bad luck. Aside from literally waiting for the house to sell, see how you can <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/">simplify the selling process</a> and read these helpful tips you can follow when your home is not selling.
Rent Out Your Property
If you are already struggling to pay your mortgage because you’re having a financial crisis or your could have moved to a new location because of a job and paying for two homes is not feasible, then offering your house up for rent may be a viable temporary solution if it is not selling. You just may be able to find renters who can pay rent that can cover your mortgage. If paying the entire mortgage cost is impossible because it is too high, at least finding someone to rent to cover a certain portion of the mortgage will make things more bearable for you.
Consider a Lease to Own Option
Closely related to the aforementioned category, consider putting up the property in a Rent to Own Scheme. This is a favorable option that can attract quite a few buyers. Often, people aren’t sure about the area where they want to settle down. This gives them a good chance to get the feel of the place. They can rent your home with the option to buy it later for a specified price. The nice part about this option is that you can ask for a slightly higher price than the market standard rent because this is favor or special privilege you are awarding your tenant/ future home buyer. In addition, rent to home tenants is most likely to take better care of the house in terms of maintenance and repairs when compared to the average renter.
Find a Better Real Estate Agent
The problem with getting your house to sell sometimes does not even rest on your home quality. Instead, it has everything to do with the real estate agent you have hired to sell the property on your behalf. The real estate industry is a business and there really are just some agents who are better than the others out there. Any professional real estate agent who has not managed to sell your home for a long period of time has to right to get angry or offended should he or she be replaced. In fact, if your incompetent agent had any modicum of self-respect and decency, the said agent won’t have any complaints about your desire for a replacement. In the first place, this agent has been unable to perform the job well.
Opting to change your agent when your home is not selling is a simple yet very effective way to gain ideas to different tactics and fresher perspectives. Some agents really don’t do much other than post your listings in high traffic areas while hoping for the best. You will definitely need a more proactive agent. Searching a well-known top producing agent with a solid reputation for bagging great deals is a critical component to selling your property. We have plenty of expert agents at Jeff Cook Real Estate that are ready to help you sell your home. <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/meet-the-sell-squad/">Meet the team</a>!
Look at a Guaranteed Purchase Program
If you are moving because of work, do inquire about a guaranteed purchase program your company provides, which you may be unaware of. Big companies that want you to make a lateral transfer by uprooting your life often have business arrangements with relocation professionals. These relocation companies do all the worrying, so employees can move with ease and not have to worry about paying for two residences. The only way to find out if you are eligible is to ask. You may be worrying for nothing, so inquire with HR if they offer this incentive, especially since you shall be moving for the company. Often enough, some big corporations do go as far as to doing home buyouts to entice their most competent employee to move. You can be sitting on a gold mine and not even know about.
Consider a Second Mortgage
Sometimes, getting a second mortgage is a great way to generate quick cash if you really need it. Something like a home equity loan or refinancing your existing mortgage can help tide you over the hard times. You can renegotiate better loan terms or ask for a lower interest rate. You'd be surprised that some lenders are actually willing to work with you. You can even inquire about extending the loan term payments, especially if you have paid a lot, so that it can lower your monthly payment.
If your home is not selling as fast as it should be, going this route can help you immensely. It can help you tide things over, so you can wait longer to sell your house when the real estate market improves. Sometimes, waiting a couple of months or even a year will be beneficial for you. With real estate, timing is everything. Selling during the holidays and winter is also a bad idea. Analyze your situation and make the necessary adjustments.
Sell for Less than the Market Value
When everything seems to not be working, offering the home for sale a deeply reduced price is a last resort. There are investors and buyers out there who are always in search of Fire Sales, the technical term for desperate and quick selling, in the real estate industry. The moment they see a good deal, these people will be ready to pounce to snatch it up before it is gone.
On top of that, you can opt to do a short sale. This means you owe more than what your home is worth because of a market downturn. You need to get the permission of the lender to allow you to sell the property at the lower price the house is now worth.
Reducing the price is always attractive to the equity purchasers and cash investors, who are always on the lookout for a steal. Anything will sell for if the price is right. You may be able to earn less than what you want, or even suffer a loss, but at least you will be able to finally sell the property.
Once again, choosing to sell your home for less than its market value is the last option to take. It must only be done if you have exhausted all the other means. Often, changing your real estate agent, waiting for a better time to sell, or temporarily renting are enough to tide you over to help you sell your house for a better price. The most important thing here is to do your research and weigh your pros and cons before making your final decision. 2019-10-07T07:57:00-07:002021-01-22T11:13:46-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:5947Increase the Value of Your Property with These Design IdeasAre you planning to <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/">sell your home</a>? If that’s the case, you probably want to get your money’s worth or even more. This is a perfectly logical idea that’s more than possible – if you take the time to do a little design makeover. Certain features and design elements may seem costly upfront, but they can pay off considerably once you put your home on the market. In case you’re interested in boosting your home’s resale value, consider the following projects.
Update Your Kitchen
Kitchens are one of the most important rooms in one’s home, especially when it comes to selling it. After all, no one wants to deal with small or outdated kitchens when they move in. In that respect, repainting or replacing the cabinets and other elements as well as creating some functionality in the layout is the best way to go. It’s essential that you don’t go overboard, though. Keep in mind that your kitchen should match the overall look and feel of the rest of the home. An open floor plan or a kitchen island are proper investments but turning this area into a huge restaurant kitchen is not.
Go with Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you want a big and proper change for your kitchen, focus your attention and investment to energy-efficient appliances. Of course, there are appliances outside the kitchen and these should be considered, too, but most of the appliances are located in the kitchen and can waste a lot of energy if not star-rated. In that respect, you should replace your old appliances with new ones that actually contribute to the sustainability of the home.
Remodel Your Bathroom
Every bit as important as your kitchen, the bathroom should be next on your redesign list. In general, <a data-cke-saved-href="https://betterthathome.com/spa-like-bathroom-designs/" href="https://betterthathome.com/spa-like-bathroom-designs/" rel="nofollow">spa-like design</a> is very popular at the moment, with no tub showers and free-standing tubs. However, if you don’t have the room or the means for such a redesign project, you can make a difference with other projects. Replace broken tiles with new ones. Repaint your bathroom as well. Light blue and green shades, white, grey as well as some earthy tones are very effective for a clean bathroom look. Replace the toilet and the shower battery. Also, add storage room. If there’s no space for cabinets, consider installing floating shelves.
Reinvent a Room
In order to differentiate your property from the rest on the market, you need something interesting. Since it’s important to provide all the essentials in a home and remain relatively neutral, the best way to spruce up your place is to reinvent a room. After all, adding a new room is not the best investment to turn to. Instead, unused space such as basement, attic or any extra room in your home can be transformed into something new and more attractive to potential buyers. If your property is on the smaller side, this can be an extra bedroom. But it can also be a library, an entertainment room, kids’ playground, etc.
Paint and Decorations
It’s true that you should stick to the neutral look when selling your property. In that respect, it would be best to opt for neutral paint when giving a fresh coat to your interior. However, it always fares better when there’s something more unique to the whole environment without the actual clutter or vibrant shades. In that respect, don’t hesitate to check your options when it comes to decorative moldings, skirtings, mantelpieces, shelf fronts, etc.
Add a Deck
Interior is very important for increasing your home’s value but don’t forget the exterior either. Specifically, the yard area where the future owners will be able to rest and enjoy themselves. A proper deck area can boost the resale value of the property considerably and for a good reason. After all, what’s the point of having a yard, your own natural oasis, if you can’t enjoy it properly? If you’re handy and have some skills in this department, you can earn plenty by adding a deck on your own. Still, even if you hire a professional to build a deck for you, you can expect a great return of investment.
Replace Doors and Windows
This isn’t always necessary, but don’t disregard this particular project just yet. Even though your doors and windows may be perfectly fine, consider whether new, fancier alternatives could drastically change the overall look of your home. The truth is this often is the case. Better quality wood and more intricate design of the doors feel luxurious. Furthermore, <a data-cke-saved-href="https://maghulldoubleglazing.com/10-benefits-of-double-glazing/" href="https://maghulldoubleglazing.com/10-benefits-of-double-glazing/" rel="nofollow">double-glazed windows</a> are a must if you don’t already have these installed. These improve the insulation properties of your home thus upping its price.
Keep in mind that design practices meant for boosting your home’s resale value should never be personal – or at least not too personal. You never know what the potential buyer might like, which is precisely why you should stick to the timeless trends like <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/mid-century-modern-dcor-ideas-for-your-home/">Mid-Century Modern Design</a>. 2019-09-16T11:28:00-07:002021-01-22T10:56:57-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:59995 Tips for Homeowners for Choosing the Ideal Roofing ContractorWe all need a roof over our heads, quite literally. Walls protect us from the elements, but it’s the roof that bears the brunt of harsh direct sunlight and heavy rainfall or snow. Ensuring that your roof is repaired and functioning to the best of its ability is just one way you can <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/save-money-on-your-summer-energy-bill-with-these-hvac-tips-and-tricks/">save money on your energy bill</a> and help you have a smooth <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/">home selling journey</a>!
Unsurprisingly, it’s also the roof that sustains a fair amount of damage, and at a much earlier time than walls or any other major part of the house. And since it's extremely important, we must do everything we can to repair or if need be, replace the roof. Thanks to <a data-cke-saved-href="https://affordablecontractorsinsurance.com/roofing-insurance/" href="https://affordablecontractorsinsurance.com/roofing-insurance/" rel="nofollow">roofing insurance</a>, we can get repairs and replacements done straight away whenever we need it.
Of course, you can’t just hire any handyman insight to get up there and fix your roof. You will need a skilled and experienced roofing contractor to repair or replace the most important part of your house.
So how do you choose the ideal roofing contractor? Here are some tips that just might help you out.
Go for local roofing contractors
Getting roofers from out of state is fine, but going local has certain advantages. For one, local roofing contractors are familiar with the weather where your house is located and are therefore more knowledgeable in dealing with the challenges it presents. Local roofers can also attend to your roof immediately whenever an emergency strikes. They are also more likely to honor any warranty they might offer for their jobs.
Never hire “Storm Chasers.”
Sometimes, there will be people knocking at your door and introducing themselves as local roofers right after severe weather such as storms. They’ll offer to check your roof, then fix anything they say is wrong with it at very low rates.
These people are storm chasers, and you would do well to refuse their offer, no matter how cheap and tempting it sounds. In all likelihood, they’re not very good roofers and will deliver substandard results. They will even say that there’s something wrong with your roof when there is none. Storm chasers are scammers, so be wary of them. Red flags include vehicles with no business name and address and contact details, and these individuals asking for payment in advance.
Check for experience
Experienced roofing contractors—or any contractor, for that matter—tend to be better at what they do than those who are just starting out. More often than not, experienced roofers have already handled many different roofing scenarios and therefore know what to do. It’s also possible for experienced roofing contractors to have access to suppliers who provide materials at much lower prices.
Look at previous work
Ask for a portfolio of roofing jobs they have done in the past and see if you like their workmanship. Better yet, do your research online and take a look at the contractor’s website. Surely, there will be work samples there. You can also check for reviews from previews clients, who will likely express their satisfaction or dismay with the roofer who’s trying to win your business.
Check for insurance
Roofing is often listed as one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Roofers are always in danger of falling from a certain height and possibly hurting not only themselves but also other people on the ground. Tools could also fall and hit someone or damage property.
These risks stress the importance of hiring roofing contractors with general liability insurance and workers' compensation. Ask candidates if they have insurance, and don’t just take their word for it if they say yes. Always ask for documentary proof that they are, indeed, insured.
Don’t hire a roofer without insurance, because if something happens and the contractor is not insured, you, the client, will technically become the contractor, and will, therefore, be liable for any personal injury or property damage that may occur at the worksite.
These tips are in no way the only things you can do to ensure you’ll be hiring the right roofing contractor to repair or replace your roof, but they’re a good enough place to start.2019-08-19T07:13:00-07:002022-03-29T18:44:44-07:00Jeff Cooktag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:5291Why You Should Consider Selling in the Winter<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/selling-in-the-winter-attracts-serious-buyers.jpg" alt="Selling In Winter Attracts Serious Buyers" title="Selling In Winter Attracts Serious Buyers" height="410" width="750" />
The season you <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/">sell your home</a> can have an impact on how much you get for your home and how quickly it sells. The season that has the most success in selling homes is spring. This is a good time of year for families moving to new school districts and is also more convenient weather for moving. Because of this trend, most people will recommend waiting to list your home until after the winter is over. Avoiding the winter is a <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/8-mistakes-to-avoid-when-selling-your-home/">huge misconception in the housing industry</a> and can cause homeowners to miss out on opportunities.
Selling in the winter can give you <a href="https://www.zillow.com/sellers-guide/selling-house-during-winter-holidays/?109802732800dsa-735002237472459688491282">a few advantages</a>. There will be fewer houses on the market since most people assume winter is a bad time to sell. This gives your home more attention. Potential buyers are always looking no matter the time of year. Keeping your house on the market in the winter might bring the right buyer to your door. Real estate agents also tend to be less busy during these months and commit more time to get your home sold.
Studies have shown winter buyers are buying because they need to move right away either for a relocation or personal situation. They will want to close quickly and allow for a much smoother sale.
Bottom Line
If you need to sell your home right away, or have some time but want to see what is out there, consider listing in the winter. Most homeowners who are going to sell will list their home in the spring, making for a competitive market. The winter allows buyers who are in a hurry to move consider your home and sell for more money than you would have in the spring.2019-07-18T11:33:00-07:002021-01-21T14:23:26-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:59536 Simple House Renovations That Will Attract BuyersEverybody wants to sell their house for the best price possible and under the best possible conditions. But it's also important for the house to be well-preserved when you sell so that avoid any potential problems with the buyers later on. Last but not least - you also need to find a way to attract buyers in the first place. So, which simple house renovations will do all of that?
1. Improve the entryway
This is the first thing a buyer sees when they approach the house. It says a lot about what they will see inside. So, simple tricks will definitely make a good impression, including repainting the front door and mowing the lawn. A nice welcome mat and a couple of carefully placed light fixtures will make the front porch inviting. Add a couple of potted plants around and you'll have a simple, yet <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/entryway-inspiration-fresh-new-ideas/">sweet-looking entryway</a>. Optionally, you can always decorate the whole front yard to really create a wow-effect.
2. Replace the floors
The floors are one of the first things that a buyer notices when they enter a house. Replacing them would be a great investment as it will instantly raise the value of the house. You could opt for hardwood flooring or tile. On the other hand, high-quality carpeting will also do the trick.
You don't have to spend a lot of money on this improvement. Some materials look really attractive even though they were really cheap to buy. Also, if you tear out the old flooring by yourself, that will save you some extra money.
3. The roof
A quality roof is something that a well-trained eye will spot in a second. So, make sure all the broken tiles and shingles are repaired or replaced, and the rest of them are put back into their places. The roof needs to be thoroughly inspected for any leaks. Otherwise, the leaks could cause serious damage up in the attic. The gutters need to be secured and cleaned.
Be careful - many homeowners forget about their own safety when doing roof maintenance. They don't consult companies like Universal Mobile Tower Hire, which provides them with a mobile platform that prevents you from falling down while cleaning the gutters.
4. The kitchen
Being the heart of every home, a kitchen leaves a big impression on any buyer. If possible, the kitchen should be positioned in the center of the home so that everybody can easily gather around it.
Enough storage space is very important, so make sure you have room for oddly-shaped objects like serving platter and chopping boards. The look of cupboards and drawers is important - you don't have to replace them completely, but a fresh coat of paint, a new handle or a knob will update the whole item. Also, make sure that they are all functional. If possible, install the overhead cabinets to the ceiling so that there's no need to dust the upper surface. In case you want to add an additional surface, a butler's pantry would amaze the buyers.
5. The bathroom
Another important room in your home. It needs to look clean, well-maintained, and modern. Fix the leaks and add a new layer of paint, making sure there are <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.health.com/allergy/mold-test-smell-signs" href="https://www.health.com/allergy/mold-test-smell-signs" rel="nofollow">no signs of mold</a>. A big and well-lit mirror will come in handy, as well as high-level storage for towels and hygiene products. Another smart investment would be heated towel rails, especially if it's a family home. They will prevent damp towels from becoming smelly, especially when there are a couple of family members.
6. The inner walls
Walls are what make a room, so make sure they are not outdated and dirty. A fresh layer of paint doesn't cost a lot but it does wonders for a room. You don't know what kind of buyer you'll come across, so don't go for bold colors. Instead, stick with the neutral ones, like beige, light grey or egg white. They open up space and are easily combined with everything else in the room.
Final comment
A couple of these home improvements will definitely make sure your home is safe and modern. The more time you invest in the improvements, the easier you will <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/">sell your house</a>, and at the better price as well.2019-06-24T11:53:00-07:002022-02-09T06:47:48-07:00Jeff Cooktag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:59554 Major Cons to For Sale By OwnerThe real estate market can be a tricky place. As the economy is always changing, going through highs and lows, the real estate market feels a direct effect of these changes. Licensed real estate agents are educated on the real estate market and have experience understanding the market through both the highs and the lows. This is why using a real estate agent when looking to sell a property is better than trying to sell by owner. For sale by owner (FSBO) can have its benefits in theory, such as not having to split commission with a real estate agent, and having more command of the selling process, but it definitely has cons to outweigh those pros. The difficulties that you may face in an FSBO situation can make it so that you aren’t as successful as you hoped you’d be with your sale.
A major downfall of for sale by owner is the sheer fact that you will not have any assistance from a professional. Professional, licensed real estate agents, such as those you’d find with a company like <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/" href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/" rel="nofollow">Jeff Cook Real Estate</a>, offer knowledge, experience, and the comfort of knowing that someone is there assisting you with this sometimes physically, mentally, and emotionally draining process. Many people are hesitant to use a real estate agent because they do not want to share the profit by giving commission. However, most real estate agents will typically only charge 4%-6% of the profit from the sale. In 2017, the national average of home sales was $265,000 when a realtor was selling, and $200,000 when sold on an FSBO basis.
Another con of selling by owner is a lack of knowledge of the real estate market. Sure, you can look online for tips on how to FSBO, but having an actual professional with an education of the market can drastically help your sale. Real estate business requires a lot of negotiation and transactional skills that come with training and experience. Without having a real estate agent, it is very possible that a seller can lose out on a negotiation or not receive the proper price for the home’s worth. Real estate agents possess the knowledge to properly assess a home, provide a fair price on what to sell for, and manage the negotiations that come along, to ensure that the home sells for what it should, and not just what the buyer deems appropriate.
Often times, real estate agents will avoid showing their clients FSBO homes, just because they prefer to only work with other licensed professionals. This can make it tricky to market your home effectively in an FSBO situation. Real estate agents offer the beauty of networking and contacts, which can be exactly what you need when selling your home. Licensed real estate agents also have access to top marketing technology like, the Multiple Listing Services platform, which provides them a place to list and browse properties. This is not offered to the general public, which can make it difficult to spread awareness of your home’s sale.
Additionally, selling a home FSBO can be extremely time-consuming. Without the assistance of a real estate agent to manage the paperwork, open house showings, inspections, marketing, etc that are involved with the process of selling, the seller will be responsible for doing all of this themselves. A real estate agent can help ease your mind by handling all of the technical aspects of the sale. Furthermore, a major difficulty in the FSBO process is the emotional aspect of selling. Many people feel attached to their home, a place where they have created so many memories, so it can sometimes become tricky to remove this attachment during the selling process. For example, when showing your home, you have to be ready to have strangers enter your home and critique every area of it. You also need to be prepared for them to low-ball your offer, which in some cases, may even be insulting to you. A real estate agent manages the showing of your home, allowing you to be removed from the situation. Mixing emotions and finances when selling a home can sometimes lead to a roadblock in the development of the sale, which is why using a real estate agent can alleviate this from happening.
Overall, the cons definitely outweigh the pros when it comes to selling your home. Save yourself time, money, and stress during the taxing time of selling your home, find yourself a real estate agent to help. List your home with Jeff Cook Real Estate, to ensure that your home is sold reliably and efficiently! 2019-06-13T12:00:00-07:002020-12-18T09:25:18-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:59568 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your HomeIf you are like most people in the United States, your home is your most important asset. The importance of your residence stems from its financial and personal value. If you reach a point in time that you have made the decision to sell your home you need to prepare properly for that endeavor. There are eight mistakes to avoid when you put your home on the market.
Putting Your Home Up for Sale Before You Personally are Ready
As mentioned a moment ago, your home is likely your most important asset, both financially and personally. As a result, putting your home on the market for sale can prove to be a personally challenging decision. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.bintheredumpthatusa.com/article/5-reasons-why-renting-a-dumpster-will-help-you-sell-your-house" href="https://www.bintheredumpthatusa.com/article/5-reasons-why-renting-a-dumpster-will-help-you-sell-your-house" rel="nofollow">Selling your home</a> can prove to a physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging endeavor. As a result, you must be absolutely certain that you are fully personally prepared to sell your home.
You need to make a full, comprehensive evaluation of your situation to make sure you are fully prepared to sell your home and move. As a practical matter, you might want to take a traditional approach to this analysis. You might want to consider making a list of pros and cons associated with selling your home as part of this process.
Blindly Entering onto the Housing Market
Another mistake homeowners sometimes make when putting a residence up for sale is to enter the housing market in a blind manner. In other words, some homeowners fail to do appropriate due diligence.
As part of the effort to do appropriate due diligence, a homeowner needs to closely examine the local housing market, particularly the state of the market in a person's very neighborhood. In the grand scheme of things, most homeowners are best served during the due diligence process by engaging the services of a professional or professionals to assist in amassing data associated with the idea of entering into the housing market at this juncture in time.
Uninformed Decision to Sell Home "By Owner"
More than a few homeowners believe that selling their homes by owner is far and away from the best strategy for selling a residence. They typically make this decision based on the assumption that they will make more money on a home sale by going by the owner course.
In fact, that is not always the case. Some research suggests that even with Realtor fees, homeowners walk away with on a home sale when they have a Realtor that is the case when they go it alone. The reason for this situation is the reality that a Realtor knows everything from how to properly price a home to how to appropriately market a property. You may also need to access other home sales-related professionals as well.
Not Trusting Your Instincts When Considering a Realtor
A common mistake made by a homeowner interested in putting his or her home on the market is failing to trust his or her instincts when it comes to retaining the services of a real estate professional or Realtor. The bottom line is a homeowner needs to confident in his or her ability to make a wise judgment about a Realtor.
Relying on a person's instincts to engage a Realtor cuts two ways. First, your instincts might tell you to hire a particular person. Second and conversely, your instincts might be suggesting you avoid a certain real estate professional. The bottom line in seeking professional assistance in selling your home is that you do yourself a disservice by not going with your gut in many instances.
Hiring a Friend to Sell Your Home
Time and again when a person makes the decision to sell his or her home an individual reaches out to a friend in the real estate business to assist in selling the property. Although on the surface, oftentimes when a friend is hired to be part of this process, the combination of a business and professional relationship proves problematic. In the final analysis, you can end up at professional loggerheads with your Realtor. If you've retained a friend for this service, you are also at risk for professional disputes or disagreements bleeding over and negatively and even permanently impacting the preexisting friendship.
On the flip side, if you hire a friend to be your Realtor, your friend may face dilemmas as well. For example, if bad news needs to be conveyed to you, your friend serving as your real estate professional will be reluctant to do so. A friend as your Realtor may sugarcoat what is conveyed to you. In other words, you won't be getting the most accurate information you need to evaluate matters related to your home whilst it is on the market for sale.
Pricing Your Home on the Profit You Want to Realize
Home sellers err when the determine an initial sales price based on a calculation of how much profit they would like to realize from a sale. In reality, the factors that must come into play when determining the initial sales price for a home include:
comparable sales prices in the neighborhood
period of time since a comparable home sold in the neighborhood
condition of residence
amenities of residence
appraisal
Letting Emotions Govern Your Decisions
Homebuyers make a significant mistake when they permit their emotions to run amok when negotiating with a prospective buyer. Despite the immense sentimental value understandably attached to your home, when he put your residence on the market for sale you must maintain the focus that you are dealing with an asset or commodity.
Not Disclosing History or Residence of Material Problems
A major mistake a homeowner can make when putting a residence on the market is to fail to disclose the <a data-cke-saved-href="https://ecobear.co/unattended-death-cleaning/disclose-unattended-death/" href="https://ecobear.co/unattended-death-cleaning/disclose-unattended-death/" rel="nofollow">history</a> of the property or problems at the premises. Keep in mind that there are certain types of disclosures that are required to be made by law. In addition, there are other problems that can exist at a property that is better disclosed than hidden even if there exists no legal requirement to do so.2019-05-05T12:03:00-07:002020-12-18T09:30:26-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:5960Prepping Your Home for an Open HouseA home rarely sells itself. It usually requires you to invest some of your time and effort to present it properly and make it more appealing to potential buyers. The way you prep your home for an open house can increase or decrease the probability of selling it sooner and at a better price. Although there are professionals you can hire to help you with this process, there are some things you can do yourself to turn your home into a place any future homeowner will gladly consider.
De-clutter your home
One thing you should start with when you want to prepare your home for an open house is the clutter. All those little souvenirs, decorative and personal items, such as your family photos, your children’s drawings, toys and things like half-spent toiletries in your bathroom, should go before first buyers start appearing. Even the clothes that you don’t need this season should be packed and moved somewhere else. Not only will this simplify staging your home, but it will also make things a lot easier when you actually sell it and have to pack everything and move. Be especially careful with removing the personal items, since those can make buyers feel like they’re in somebody else’s home, which will then make it more difficult for them to see themselves and their family living there. In case you don’t want to take some of your belongings with you to your next home, instead of keeping them in a box in your garage, where they will only take up precious space, you can sell them online and actually make some money.
Don’t be too bold with colors
Bright red, orange and yellow accent walls might work great when you’re decorating your home for yourself and your family, but when you’re trying to sell it and want everybody to like it, you should take fewer risks with colors. When staging a home, instead of choosing bold colors, you should <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.thespruce.com/best-neutral-paint-colors-797921" href="https://www.thespruce.com/best-neutral-paint-colors-797921" rel="nofollow">opt for neutral tones</a>. Neutral hues of gray, cream, white and beige will look pleasant to any eye and they will make it more likely for potential buyers to imagine what they will do with space, how they will decorate it and what style of furniture they will bring into the place once they own it. Plus, while bright colors introduce a certain hippy and cheerful feel to any space, neutral ones make it more subtle and elegant, which is exactly what you want people to see when they view your home.
Make your home a welcoming place
Once you remove the unnecessary and personal items from your home, you should consider how to make it less sterile and more inviting to the buyers. Your goal should be to create a feeling of coziness for them so that they wish they didn’t have to leave and instead they could stay in your master bedroom and have a nap on the beautiful, soft linens on your king-size bed. You want them to have to fight the urge to get snug among all those thick cushions and blankets on your living room sofa or to wrap themselves in the big plush towels you left at the edge of your bathtub. These are all tricks to make people fall in love with the comfort of your home. Every accessory should be placed carefully and should breathe with luxury, which includes quality curtains on your windows and if you really want your home to look picture perfect, <a data-cke-saved-href="https://nazmiyalantiquerugs.com/" href="https://nazmiyalantiquerugs.com/" rel="nofollow">beautiful antique rugs</a>. They are a smart way to cover any damage to your flooring, but also a great aesthetic addition to attract high-end buyers.
Make sure your home is bright and airy
When your lighting fixtures and your windows aren’t doing a good job providing your home with sufficient lighting, it can turn into a dark and gloomy place that nobody will really like. So, before showing your home, make sure you open all your blinds and replace dark and thick drapes with light-material transparent curtains, so that you let plenty of natural light in. Also, don’t hesitate to turn your lights on when potential customers arrive, to light up even the darkest corners of your rooms. Strategically placed lighting fixtures can also accentuate the best features of your home, so use them to your advantage. Other than bright, your home should be fresh, airy, and odor-free. If you know you’re presenting your home, don’t cook spicy food that day. In case you have problems with odors from cigarette smoke or pets, deep-clean all the upholstery and carpets in your home, paint the walls, and open the windows for a few hours before the showing starts. It might also help to light a naturally scented candle or to put some fresh flowers in several vases around the house.
Presenting your property in the best light can speed up its sale and get it off the market sooner than you hope. Use these tips to efficiently prep your home for an open house and make every person who steps inside wish that they could live there.
About the author: Mike Johnston is a lifestyle blogger and DIY enthusiast from Sydney. He is a regular writer at <a data-cke-saved-href="https://smoothdecorator.com/" href="https://smoothdecorator.com/" rel="nofollow">Smooth Decorator</a>. He has also contributed to numerous lifestyles, real estate, and green living blogs. Mike’s goal is to create and share meaningful content that helps and inspires people.2019-04-08T12:19:00-07:002022-09-27T05:17:30-07:00Jeff Cooktag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:5962How Do We Get the Right Price For Your Home?Another month, another billboard! This month we are focusing on getting your home sold for the right price, GUARANTEED!
Here at Jeff Cook Real Estate, we have a proven system to get the right price for your home, sell it fast, and for more money than our competitors. Don’t want to guess what your home would be worth? Once we get you paired with the best local expert for you, they will come out and assess the value of your home. They will start by taking the basic information like square footage and amount of rooms into consideration but also take note of important details like granite countertops, new hardwood flooring, and farmhouse sink that really make your home more valuable to potential buyers! We know that this system helps create a more accurate price for your home because on average we are able to get 98% of asking price for our clients!
Wanting to sell your home fast? Come on down! On average, our listings are on the market for ONLY 32 days. Our marketing brings in over 5,000 clients a month so that means we’re connected to lots of people looking to buy homes RIGHT NOW! Selling their home fast is important to many of our clients, especially if they are moving out of the state or paying for 2 mortgages! Fast does not mean poor quality here at Jeff Cook Real Estate either. We know that this is one of your biggest investments and we take it very seriously!
We can’t wait to help you make your home selling process smooth, fast, and simple while also getting you top dollar for your most important investment.
So, are you ready to sell your home? COME ON DOWN to Jeff Cook Real Estate today! 2019-04-02T12:49:00-07:002020-12-18T09:50:41-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:5966Tips You Must Know When Staging Your HomeOnce the decision has been made that you will be putting your home on the market to sell, it’s time to stage. Staging is a very important part of the home selling process, as it warrants you to put your beloved home on display for others to picture it as their own. Like selling anything in life, it’s important to pitch your most polished product to the public, to convey its full value. Think of potential buyers as consumers on the market for their next best purchase. They will be examining every crevice of your home, in an attempt to envision it as the place where they’d like to invest the next stage of their life. A major caveat of selling your home is that some buyers may not like your style, or may not prefer an element of your home that you love. Don’t take it personally. In most cases it’s better for the seller to not be present during the open house, to avoid any uncomfortable situations. As a seller, you want your home to look the best it can during open houses. Here are some helpful home staging tips that can assist you during the process of staging your home!
First and foremost, remove your home’s clutter! Nobody wants to walk into a house that has another family’s items scattered all about. Remove all miscellaneous items from your home’s openly visible areas. Make sure that clothes are put away in all bedrooms and that beds are nicely made as well. Just doing this alone can make your home look tidier, but it’s definitely not all you should do.
Next, clean, clean, clean! You want to make sure that your home looks spotless when a potential buyer enters it. First impressions are lasting impressions, so if a buyer walks into a dirty home, he or she will likely have a negative first impression, that may impact their entire perception of your house. Walking into a clean house, that smells fresh can give your home bonus points, showing the buyer that you’re a seller who is truly motivated to sell.
Third, make an open concept feel. Regardless of the structural layout of your home, arranging your furniture in an open layout design can work wonders on the aesthetic of your home. Make room for buyers to freely walk throughout your home, without having any blockades of furniture. This can allow buyers to visualize the space with their own twist, allowing it to feel more like their own. If you have any furniture that doesn’t fit well in your home, it is probably best to remove it during the staging process, so that the area looks larger.
Depending on your home’s color scheme, it can be a good idea to consider painting over any bright colored walls that may throw off the potential buyer’s perception of your home. Creating a neutral coloring throughout your home is best for staging, as buyers can then choose to visualize their own color scheme, rather than having to imagine the home without yours.
Make repairs! If there are any minor updates or repairs you can make to create a more visually pleasing setting, you should do so. Although your home’s impurities may not stand out to you so much, they will stand out to a buyer. Any quick updates you can make will serve you better and will show the buyer that you keep up with your home’s maintenance.
Before the open house, it is important to create a light and airy setting in your home. This can be done by opening your blinds and leaving all lights on in your home on for the showing. You can also purchase a few potted plants or flower arrangements to display throughout the home to create the perfect welcoming atmosphere. The best way to prepare your home is to act as a buyer yourself. Once you have taken the previously stated measures to stage your home, allow yourself to take a walk through the home, acting as a critical buyer. This can help you make any other adjustments that may assist a buyer in viewing your home as their perfect new home!2019-02-28T14:02:00-07:002020-12-18T11:25:01-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:5967Jeffstimate: A Home Selling Strategy Tool That's Accurate and LocalEver wondered what your home is actually worth? When thinking about selling your home, you want to know if you have any equity in your current home to put towards your new home, right? Knowing the exact amount your home is worth is important because it could change your budget for a new home or give you an idea of when you would make the most out of your home sale. There are some tools out there that can generate what your home might be worth, but do they know if your countertops are granite? Or if your floors are original hardwood? This is the difference that the Jeffstimate brings.
What’s a Jeffstimate?! I’m glad you asked! Jeffistmate is a tool that we’ve created to design a home selling strategy for you!
First, you will get an initial value of your home. This takes your location, amount of bedrooms/bathrooms, square footage, and comparable properties into consideration. Next, you will set up a time for a local real estate expert to come and assess any additional value your home may have. This is where your granite countertops and original hardwood flooring can shine!
Next, your local real estate expert will help create your home selling strategy. They will support you in seeing the value in your home, help you with properly pricing and placing your home on the market, and give you expertise on best home selling practices. These agents can be as near or as distant as you like! We understand that you might just be gathering information to list your home later this year so communicate that to your agent! What’s great about going through this process is that you’ve already created a relationship with an agent before listing your home so you can take action quickly when you’re ready to sell!
So why get your Jeffstimate with Jeff Cook Real Estate? What sets us apart from the rest? Our agents are hand-selected and live in your community, making them local experts in your area! Our marketing gathers leads of potential buyers every day which means we have hundreds of buyers ready to buy your home before you even list it! This will help you sell your home fast and for the highest amount! In other words, relationship plus marketing brings you results!!
Ready to get your Jeffstimate and work with a local expert? Visit JeffSellMineToo.com today!2019-02-25T14:06:00-07:002020-12-18T09:52:37-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:5969Selling Homes is Awesome - Join the JCRE Team!Have you been wanting to change <a data-cke-saved-href="http://joinjcre.com" href="http://joinjcre.com" rel="nofollow">careers</a>? Do you have your real estate license but haven’t put it to good use? Tired of being a lead generator for yourself? The good news is, whether you are new to real estate or an experienced agent, we have opportunities for you!
Here at Jeff Cook Real Estate, we know a thing or two about working as a team. With over 100 agents on our team, it’s clear that we’ve taken real estate to the next level. If you’re ready to put your real estate license to use or join another real estate team, let us tell you why Jeff Cook Real Estate is awesome.
When you first join Jeff Cook Real Estate, you will go through an onboarding process that will help you become armed with the skills to book appointments with qualified buyers and sellers. We generate 4,800 buyer and seller leads a month for you to utilize! That's a lot of opportunities to close a sale and you didn’t even have to lift a finger to receive them.
Once you’ve closed your first deal with us, you’ll realize how much time is saved when you don’t have to file your own paperwork. We have an awesome operations center that helps take your deal from contract to close, allowing you time to find more families to serve. Less time doing paperwork and more time helping your clients find their dream home!
We do a lot for our agents, but the most important thing to us is the culture within our offices. We promote working from abundance and all agents are invested in each others success. We don’t like competing with each other because when one of us succeeds, we all succeed. We do numerous team events throughout the year because we know how to have fun and get things done!
If you don’t have your real estate license yet but are READY to get it, we can help you too! Through <a data-cke-saved-href="http://charlestonrealestateschool.com" href="http://charlestonrealestateschool.com" rel="nofollow">Charleston Real Estate School</a>, you can get your license in 12 days!! No need to go back to college to switch careers. Charleston Real Estate School will get you prepped and invigorated for the real estate world either online or in class. We would love to have you take this course, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://joinjcre.com" href="http://joinjcre.com" rel="nofollow">join our team</a>, and start a new career that brings you success and confidence!
Everything is awesome, everything is cool when you’re part of a team
Everything is awesome when you're living out a dream - as a real estate agent!
Ready to join the team yet?! Go to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://joinjcre.com" href="http://joinjcre.com" rel="nofollow">JoinJCRE.com</a> to learn more and apply online.
Ready to get your real estate license? Go to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://charlestonrealestateschool.com" href="http://charlestonrealestateschool.com" rel="nofollow">CharlestonRealEstateSchool.com</a> to sign up for the next session. 2019-02-04T14:11:00-07:002020-12-18T11:29:43-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:5975Do We Really Sell A Home Every 7 Hours?As a local of the Charleston area, you’re definitely used to seeing Jeff Cook Real Estate billboards on your daily commute. You’ve most likely laughed at a few, but you might’ve questioned if some of the statistics you see are even true! The latest billboards we’ve produced claims that Jeff Cook Real Estate sells a home every 7 hours. Let’s dive deep into who JCRE is to see if this is factual and why does it matter to you!
How is JCRE able to sell a home every 7 hours?
Here at JCRE, we have a lot of moving parts so to explain how we are able to sell these many homes we must look at it from all of the parts. The first part is that we have expert agents that go through tons of training when they become a part of the team. Our agents work hard for each individual client to ensure that they are getting the most for their house, sold faster than the competition. In 2018 alone we sold 1,300 homes!!
The second part is our cutting-edge marketing system. Although we can’t give you all the tricks of the trade, we can tell you that our marketing (billboards and other ads that you see on social media) bring in 4,800 leads per month! That means more people are looking for homes to buy, so we are able to sell your home faster!
Why Does This Matter?
If you want to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://843value.com" href="http://843value.com" rel="nofollow">sell</a> your home, the numbers should matter to you! We can <a data-cke-saved-href="http://843value.com" href="http://843value.com" rel="nofollow">sell</a> your home 30 days faster than the competition. This means we’ve just saved you a month’s worry, waiting, and a month's mortgage payment! We also help you get more for your listing! We get 98.5% of your asking price while the competitors only get 96.6%. We want to get your home sold fast and sold for more money!
So now that you know the facts, it’s time to throw some truth at you. We <a data-cke-saved-href="http://jeffcookcares.com" href="http://jeffcookcares.com" rel="nofollow">serve</a> a lot of families every year but that doesn’t mean you will get lost in these numbers. We live by this motto “Every client has a name, and every name has a story”, meaning each family we work with, we focus on them individually. No two transactions will be the same because no two families are the same. We make sure to serve based on the family’s needs and wants. With any Jeff Cook agent, you come first!
We want the chance to work with you! If you’re ready to hire a professional, go to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://843value.com" href="http://843value.com" rel="nofollow">843value.com</a>!2019-01-10T14:29:00-07:002020-12-18T09:43:28-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:5903Top Mistakes New Real Estate Agents Makeguest blogger: Talia Spero
Driven and determined, with your newly minted real estate license in hand, you’re finally ready to step foot into the real estate world. Before you make your first step, make sure you have a firm grip on the reality of your new role as a business owner rather than an employee. Yes, your job now is to sell real estate, but standing between you and a successful career is your ability to sell yourself as the ideal partner to your clients.
Despite having the ambition, concentration, and vision, even the best-intentioned agent can be his or her worst enemy. In some cases, beginner real estate agent mistakes can jeopardize your professional credibility when clients come aboard. New Real Estate Agents can benefit from knowing how to prevent common rookie mistakes.
Lack of a business plan
The key to an endeavor is to identify your objectives, and in business – especially that of a self-employed real estate agent – knowing what you need to achieve is crucial to success. Set goals and make them smart: specific, measurable, achievable, and time-based. You can’t know where to start or how to proceed if you don’t know where you’re going.
Your business plan should also include a strategy for self-improvement and training. Learning new skills is a differentiator. Build on what you were born with – or have since acquired – and fine-tune your experience and expertise to stay sharp, focuses, and ahead of the competition.
Ignoring your brand
While it’s important to build your contacts, resources, and your business overall, you also need to learn to sell yourself as a real estate expert. This means defining your personal brand. This can, and should, take many forms of marketing.
Social media is an ideal space to create your brand, engage with your audience, and generate leads and ultimately grow your business. The more active you are on social media, the easier it is for buyers and sellers to find you. It’s also a great way to highlight your experience and unique listings.
How we present ourselves is important as well. Make sure you dress in a way that embodies your brand and your message. Think about the ideal real estate agent dress code. What kind of clients do you want to attract and what kind of properties do you want to represent? Then, dress accordingly.
Lack of funding
Speaking of your budget, you also need to figure out how to finance it. You should establish and follow a financial plan for both professional and personal expenses; at this new stage in your career, everything counts toward promoting it. Jot down every current expense you have, such as office supplies, and then note every new expense you add as you start selling real estate, including client entertainment, marketing, etc. Before you even print new business cards, nail down your funding sources so you can pay the bills while you build your business. Anticipating for no income for the first 30 to 90 days is ideal.
Not staying in touch with clients
Everyone wants to feel special in some way, and when you enter someone’s life at a time when they are considering using your services — or perhaps they already have signed the papers — you have a golden opportunity to make a significant, lasting connection with them. Your continued focus should be on making regular and meaningful contact with clients. Cultivate relationships today that will pay off tomorrow.
Don’t make the rookie real estate agent mistake of ignoring past clients (even though there might not be many as you start out). There are several ways to reach out: Email and personal notes are the quickest and easiest. You can also stay in contact by taking clients to lunch, sending out a newsletter, or by throwing a client appreciation party. Keeping connected doesn’t have to be expensive, labor-intensive, or time-consuming. The point is to simply stay on your clients’ radar and create a mutually beneficial relationship.
Poor time management
Let’s face it, the majority of us are too often guilty of allowing time to slip through our fingers. We run ourselves ragged, but at the end of the day, we feel as though we accomplished little to nothing. Shift your thinking and make it a priority to organize your time. Your daily to-do list should include tasks such as prospecting, updating your database, and marketing yourself.
There are many resources to help you save time, labor, and costs in completing all the tasks you face to successfully run, market and grow your business.
Here are a few ideas:
Just when you think the coursework and exams are behind you, continuing education crops up as necessary to stay relevant and, in many states, mandatory to maintain your license. Maximize your time and minimize cost by using webinars, podcasts, and other online resources to keep up with your education and skills.<br />Don’t overlook social media as a quick and free (or nearly free) way to both inform and engage. Posting an Instagram photo or Facebook update only takes a few minutes, and insightful blog entry can be concise.
As exhilarating as it is to begin a new step in your career path, there are some best practices beginner real estate agents should always follow to keep you grounded and focused. Don’t think for a moment that your competition — newcomers and veterans combined — isn’t using these tools to their best advantage. Take the time to increase your knowledge of your industry, your goals, your strategy for success, your available resources, and your most effective work style. Like any good habit, it may take some time to change your mindset from how you do things now to possibly a new way of seeing your career, your role, and your leadership of both.2018-09-10T11:55:00-07:002020-06-15T08:07:39-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6012Deciding If and When to List Your HomePutting a home on the market is one of the most significant life decisions many of us will ever make. It has all kinds of implications—financial, social, geographic, and more—and it can often require months (sometimes years) of planning, prep, and consideration. It’s no wonder, so many homeowners hesitate to list their property.
There is a multitude of reasons why you might want to sell—upsizing, downsizing, relocating, liquidating a vacation or investment property asset, avoiding future financial or foreclosure issues. The more pressing the reason, the more motivated you’ll be. But the majority of us teeter between the desire to sell, and the uncertainty of what’s in store when we do.
What if your home sells quickly, and you don’t have a plan for your next purchase or rental? Will you be able to afford the repairs required to get your current house in selling shape? What about the closing costs—are you prepared to handle any unforeseen, additional costs that may come your way?
There is plenty of good news that can assuage some of those concerns. Here are several, straight from the experts at Jeff Cook:
We’re currently cruising through the<a href="https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/real-estate/adapt-your-home-to-its-selling-season"> best home-selling season</a>. Hello, spring!
Based on data analysis, Zillow concluded that early- to mid-May is the absolute<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/"> best period to sell</a>.
Why?... Because those who sell during the first half of May can statistically expect a higher price ($2,400 on average) and a quicker sale than they would have gotten listing at another time of year.
With so many people moving to the Lowcountry and buying property, housing inventory is low. There aren’t enough homes on the market. Yep, that’s right—Charleston-area community members NEED you to sell (and they’re likely to sweeten the deal when you do as a result).
So if your anxiety reaches all-time high thinking about whether or not to sell (and when), consider these helpful facts. They could be the motivators you need to fix your place up, then list, show, and sell it quickly for the top asking price... And our agents make up the <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/meet-the-sell-squad/">perfect team of experts</a> to guide you along that journey. Call us today to see how we can help.2018-06-04T07:34:00-07:002021-01-25T12:32:33-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6020Home Selling JittersChoosing to <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/">sell your house</a> can be an exhilarating moment in your life, whether you are upgrading for a growing family, downsizing to your retirement dream home, or relocating for a new opportunity. However, <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/overcome-the-fear-selling-your-home">selling your house can also be pretty scary</a>. There are a lot more decisions now than there were when you bought that home, mainly if you were a <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/5-tips-for-first-time-home-buyers/">first time home buyer</a>.
As you prepare to sell your house, you have to be thinking about your next step. Are you able to buy your next home before you have to sell your current home? Are you going to rent a short time until you find your dream home? Or are you going to hope that you can close on your old house and a new home on the same day?
Seeing the “For Sale” placed in front of your house is a pretty exciting day. But what is even more exciting is the day you accept an offer. That means no more cleaning in between showings, relocating your pets for a few hours, or making your home inviting for open houses. However, you are not done yet. Now it’s time for the buyer to bring in home inspectors and also appraisers if they are financing.
Now is where those pre-inspections and pre-appraisals (that we hope you opted for) come in handy. You don’t have to worry about any surprises when the second set of inspectors come through. Occasionally, you don’t even have to worry about the buyer ordering their reports because they may accept the pre-reports. But you should always be prepared for hiccups and the chance that the contract may fall through.
Most contracts do get all the way to the closing table, however, according to Trulia, 3.9% written in 2016 failed. Why is that? Contingencies. The home can be contingent on financing, home inspections, or the buyer’s home also selling. When it comes to money, the buyer may not have gone through a pre-approval or jinxed their credit with any recent purchases. (Note: Require that pre-approvals must be submitted with any offers.) The home may not appraise at the sale price, you may be unable to lower the cost nor the buyer, or they will not fork out the difference. The home inspection could reveal a massive problem, usually structural, which often scares off the buyer. It will be necessary to fix significant issues if you want to continue with the sale of your home, but that initial buyer may not wait around for the completed repairs.
We want to think positive, but let’s say the contract on the sale of your house falls through. What do you do? Step back and take a breather. Ask your agent to temporarily withdraw your home from the market until you can sit down with them and put together a game plan. If you didn’t get a pre-listing inspection the first go-round, here’s your second chance! If your home didn’t appraise at asking price, now you know where you need to be. If the buyer’s financing fell through, consider our previous suggestion of requiring pre-approval letters with all offers. Get all your ducks back in a row before you have your agent relist your house. Then ask them to host a few open houses to give your listing a big marketing push.
Have you been tossing around the idea of putting your house up for sale? Let us guide you every step of the way. Give us a call today at 855-HEY-JEFF!2018-05-07T07:54:00-07:002021-01-20T14:37:16-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6025What the Million Dollar Home Buyer Looks ForThere are many things that categorize Signature Homes as "<a href="https://www.homedit.com/million-dollar-house-ideas-makes-house-expensive-days/">luxurious</a>." However, what really determines this since Signature Homes come in all shapes and sizes? One could be a six-bedroom house in the country, while another can be a two-bedroom townhome located right on King Street. Since no two Signature Homes are the same, here are some added bonuses that a million-dollar homebuyer looks for when purchasing a home:
A Pool:
Although pools are a lot of upkeep and might not seem worth it because you can't use it for a quarter of the year, the luxury home buyer would rather have a private pool instead of a public community pool. Their own pool gives them privacy and the ability to swim and layout whenever they want.
A Beautiful View:
In the Charleston area, there are so many different options for views. Think about it: the million-dollar buyer wants a million-dollar view. something beautiful to look at through their windows while cooking or even out their back patio to help relax and unwind after work. Homes with views of the ocean, downtown, or of the Ravenel Bridge are going to be worth the price.
Elevators:
Although elevators are not as common these days, they do add a touch of luxury and convenience. Although I could not see the use of an elevator, mainly because I have not physically seen an elevator in someone's home, what's a couple of extra bucks when it comes to saving yourself the time and energy to walk up four floors of your home every day?
Country Club Amenities:
A lot of luxury home buyers partake in luxury events, such as golf tournaments, private events at country clubs, tennis lessons, and swim classes that take place in private pools. Country Clubs are usually exclusive and the opportunity to be a part of one just by the location of the home is something that the luxury home buyer is looking for.
Acres:
Although acres are irrelevant to those who live in the city, land is a huge factor for homes that are further out. This is important for areas such as Lexington, Chapin, Saluda, St. Matthews, etc. In small towns like these, land, privacy, and seclusion is what will sell. Most of these areas do not have beachy views, country clubs, or even proximity to a town, so land is what the million-dollar home buyer wants in these areas.
Proximity to Beaches/Downtown:
The <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/6-great-reasons-to-buy-a-home-in-charleston-south-carolina/">historical city of Charleston</a>, along with beaches like Sullivan's Island, is what attracts people to move here. When selling your luxury home that is right on the beach, you're more likely to sell faster if you're a block away from the beach instead of having to take a twenty-minute drive. Although a half an hour drive to see downtown Charleston isn't so bad, for luxury homebuyers who want to see downtown every day, they will spend big bucks to own and be a part of one of the historic homes.
If you're thinking about <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/">selling your home</a> and it falls in the Signature Home range, check to see if your house or property has any of these qualities. This will help you figure out how high you can actually list for, what the million-dollar home buyer is looking for, and qualities that will make your home sell faster and for more money. 2018-04-12T08:03:00-07:002021-01-20T14:10:37-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6040We Can Get Your Home Sold Fast And For Top Dollar!Our bottom line has always been that we will <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/">sell your house fast</a> and for top dollar. That’s the truth and we have the statistics to prove it! According to data accumulated from the Charleston Trident MLS, we sell homes, on average, for 98% of the asking price and within 30 days or less! In August alone, the average days on market for the Tri-County was 51, while ours was 26. Because we sell homes 30 days faster than the average agent, our clients make one less mortgage payment. Plus, while the <a href="https://www.charlestonrealtors.com/marketreports/">Tri-County</a> sells homes for an average of 96.5% of the asking price, we are able to get our sellers 98.3% of the asking price. This means you could walk away with an extra <a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/file/download_3.jpeg">$3,000 in your pocket</a> when you list with us versus the other guys. If the statistics aren’t enough for you, we’ve compiled a few stories from our most successful listing agents.
A home seller on Thomaston Avenue listed his home with another company and had it under contract for $192,000 but walked away from the closing table due to dissatisfaction. He then met with Brad Williams out of our Mount Pleasant office who listed the home for $202,900. Within TWO DAYS the home was in a multiple offer situation and went under contract for $205,000. Our seller got to closing in 27 days and left with $13,000 more in his pocket than he would have if he stayed with his previous agent!
A Bridges of Summerville home seller had their home on the market with another agency for 142 days. Unhappy, they decided to make the switch to Jeff Cook Real Estate and met with Jessica Lloyd in our Oakbrook office. Jessica listed their home and got a contract on it within 3 weeks of the new listing being on the market, for full asking price thanks to the Jeff Cook Marketing System!
A home in Carillon at The Ponds was listed for 10 months with two different agencies before coming to Jeff Cook Real Estate. Holly Carder, Sales Manager at our Downtown Summerville office, met with the homeowner and listed his house at $10,000 more than it was previously listed for. The home was under contract within 12 days with a CASH buyer and closed 16 days later. The entire transaction from listing to closing lasted 28 days, after 288 days listed with other companies. Not only that, the seller left with $5,000 more in his pocket than he would have with those other companies!
Listing manager Mike McDonagh, of the West Ashley office, listed a home on Iron Road last month and found himself in a multiple offer situation the very same day! The house was under contract the next morning for $5,000 over asking price!
If the stats can’t sway you, we hope our agents’ testimonies will! If you need more encouragement, check out some of our<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/jeff-cook-real-estate-your-neighborhood-expert/"> past client testimonies</a> too. If you’re considering selling your home, let us get top dollar for your home in the fastest amount of time! Call 855-HEY-JEFF today!2017-09-25T10:32:00-07:002021-01-20T13:33:12-07:00Cory Towler