When it comes to selling your home, you need to know some important tips to make it sell quicker than even you anticipated. This is ‘go-time’ in the selling process, so make sure to dot all of the ‘I’s’ and cross all the ‘T’s’ and get your house sold in no time!

You don’t need any real estate investing training to understand these simple ways to sell your house. All you need is a little guidance from your realtor and some dedication and hard work on your part and these simple tips will get potential buyers through your home before you know it.

Here are a few ideas that you can do to stage your home in order to sell it quickly:

Curb Appeal Might Be Your Golden Ticket

Even before potential buyers come to your open house, the outside front of your house is always the first thing they look at, whether it is a quick drive-by or whether it is the pictures they see online. There are many ways to prepare the front entry and the front yard for the open house, including the following:

• Always cut your grass before any open house (or any showing at that). Make it look fresh so that it shows off how much you have done to keep the entire property neat and tidy.
• It never hurts to power wash the sidings and the walkways so that all of the excess leaves or grass are not cluttering the beautiful entrance to your home.
• Make sure that your house numbers are new and they are easy to identify. Make it easy for the buyers to find your home.
• Plant new flowers before just before the house goes on the market. Bright, colorful flowers and new mulching gives the home a great look for potential buyers.
• Make sure that your entrance mat is new so get rid of the old one that is probably faded and ragged on all corners.

This Is Now THEIR home, No YOURS

Make sure that when you are preparing to sell the home, depersonalize the house and get rid of all of your personal belongings. The buyers want to see themselves in the home, make it their own. Pack up all of the family photos on the end tables and on the fridge, and replace any photos on the walls with generic, plain pictures that you could easily get at a local store. Even having knickknacks that are special to you are probably not what the next home owner wants to see. Let them walk into the house and envision their own belongings around each room, not how you made the house. Buyers want to see a clean, well-kept home so they believe that your home is clean and that there is enough space (storage as well) to make it their next dream home. Pack up as many items as possible – clothes, toys, decorations, etc. – and utilize a storage unit to make the home look that much better.

Touch-Up Work Is A Key Factor

Whether it is painting the bedrooms or touching up a few holes in the wall, touch-up work goes a long way when potential buyers enter your home. The last thing they want to see is little holes in the wall from banging a couch against it or a scratch in the bedroom from moving furniture. Take the little extra time to fix these things so that the buyer knows the house has been well-maintained. Granted, they will probably still want to paint the rooms their own colors when they move it, but they sure don’t want to see a lack of execution on maintaining the overall appearance of the home.

Focus On The Bathrooms

Whether anyone will openly admit it or not, bathrooms can be the end-all, be-all in closing the deal on selling your home. Every person that walks into the house, one of the first things they will look at is the bathroom to make sure it will be appropriate for their living habits. Since the potential buyers will thoroughly look at these rooms the most, make sure to wipe it down from top to bottom. I would suggest buying a new toilet seat, but if you don’t want to, then make sure you clean it and leave the seat down. Make sure to get the mirrors sparkly clean and wash the faucets meticulously so they can see themselves no matter what part of the counters they look into! Use shower cleaner to wash the walls and make sure that the shower curtain is new and doesn’t have any residual dirt or stains on them.

Author:  Doug Chapman is a staff writer for HomeDaddys, a stay at home dad blog.  He specializes in diapers and sippy cups, but is a successful real estate investor on the side. 

Get Your Home Ready For Summer Picnics Now

Honey-do lists. Chores. Nagging projects. No matter what you call them, they are the projects that you know you have to accomplish, but when is the right time to knock them out?

With summer quickly coming now is the time to get going on those projects before the weather breaks in the North and before it gets too hot in the South.

Here are a few weekend projects that you could knock out before the start of summer is upon us:

Plant Grass Seed

Depending on what part of the country you live in, it all depends on when you start planting the grass seed. Whether it is cool-season grasses or warm-season grasses, you definitely want to start preparing to plant your grass seed in mid-to-late Spring. The grass will become established and allow for the best growth during this time of the year, and it isn’t a long process. Make sure that you rake up the bad parts of the yard so that the seeds will be able to get into the roots of the ground and grow the grass. After the seeds are spread over the entire yard, even though Spring may bring showers, it is best to use your personal sprinkler system or make sure to water the seeding nearly every day. It may seem like you are adding too much water, but the water will make the grass grow exponentially. Before the summer even gets here, you will already have the best yard on the block. Take the time to do the raking and planting the seeds, and it will make for an extra special summer.

Stain The Deck

This is one of the projects that you might not want to even think about, but it is one that has to be done whether you like it or not. Since the deck will be one of the most highly trafficked part of the house during the summer months, you need to make sure that you take the time to stain it and stain it properly. This is a project that you can’t do half-heartedly because you need to make sure that the edges and cracks get the proper staining as well. The last thing you want is to put in the time and effort to staining the deck over the weekend and then have people see that you didn’t take the extra couple of minutes to get all of the deck done right. A lot of newer decks today have composite decking so the stain may not be as important as a good power washing, especially after a weekend of cooking out leads to BBQ and hot sauce stains on your favorite deck spot.

Power Wash Siding Of House

This is a great project that you can turn your house into a gem on the block in the matter of a weekend. You could possibly have someone power wash your house for you, but as long as you get the right machine and use it properly, you can get rid of the excess dirt and mildew in no time. I would suggest renting a good power washer from a local store and then make sure that your ladder is sturdy and functional. It is imperative that you get the right cleaning units that will do your entire home so that you are cutting corners in the process. Start at the top of the house and work down, and this will allow for the dirt and grime to wash off the house most effectively, leaving your home as clean as it was when it was built!

Author:  Doug Chapman is a staff writer for HomeDaddys, a stay at home dad blog.  He specializes in diapers and sippy cups, but is a successful real estate investor on the side. 

MARKET UPDATE MEMO

New Listings in March rose 31% from February, and is still 13.9% behind March ’12.  Happy to see the significant upswing, however, we are still running behind levels of previous 9 years.

Pending Sales are up 20% from February, and ahead of March 2012 by 7.3%.  The trend line seems to be slowing as measured by percentages.  While 7.3% is a positive number it is less than 10 out of the previous 12 months and therefore a meager number.  It does show a positive trend over the last 3 years.

Closed Sales ahead of last month 31%, and running 3.1% ahead of last year.  Showing modest and stable growth when viewed over the last 3 years and with New Listings and Pending Sales in view.  Average Days on Market holding steady month over month, at 109, about even with March 2012 and 23% ahead of 2011.

Inventory experienced an uptick of 3% over February; while I’m glad to see the downward trend halted, we are still at historically low levels as far back as 2004, and March 2013 is 16% behind March 2012.  Months Supply MLS-wide also halted the downward trend and ticked up from 4.9 to 5.0 months, maintaining a stable market edging toward seller’s market.  Under $100k last month at 4.3 is not 4.1; $100k - $200k continues a 3 month trend moving from 3.3 months to 3.0 – a robust seller’s market. Greater than $200k dove into a seller’s market, down from 5.9 (balanced market) to 4.1 months supply.

Median Sales Price rose 12% from February, dead even with 2012 but of the previous 8 years for the month.  Many forecasters look for sales to stay strong.  If you know of family, friends, co-workers or neighbors thinking of selling, give us a call – NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO SELL.  Looking forward to 2013!

March 19, 2013

MARKET UPDATE MEMO

New Listings in February decreased 11% from January, and is 18% behind February ’12.  We are still running behind levels of previous 9 years – we NEED to replenish the inventory after that many years of decline, or we will not have adequate housing to attract new businesses.

Pending Sales are up 9% from January, and ahead of February 2012 by 11%.  We’re running ahead of 7 out of the previous 9 years; buyers are still buying, another reason we need new listings (inventory).

Closed Sales about even with last month, and running 4% ahead of last year. Ahead of 4 previous years, however, behind 2004 - 2008.  Average Days on Market experienced a 12% improvement month over month, at 104. About even with 2012 and 13% better than 2011.

Inventory continues at SIGNIFICANTLY low levels measured as far back as 2004 and continues the downward trend.  February slipped only 2% behind January, but 15% behind February ‘12.  Months Supply MLS-wide down again to 4.9 months, which is 23% behind February ’12, the lowest since 2005. Price ranges diverge from that slightly.  Under $100k is fairly even with last month at 4.3, however $100k - $200k are down to 3.3 months continuing the seller’s market – no surprise given the numbers above. Greater than $200k range bumped down slightly again, from 6.0 to 5.9 months supply, balanced market, but trending toward a seller’s market.

Median Sales Price slipped 2% from January, which is still 2% ahead of 2012 and even with 2011.  Many forecasters look for sales to stay strong.  If you know of family, friends, co-workers or neighbors thinking of selling, give us a call – NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO SELL.  Looking forward to 2013!

MARKET UPDATE MEMO

New Listings increased robustly 75% from December ’12 to January ‘13, however, that is still 3.1% behind January ’12.  We are still running behind levels of previous 9 years – we NEED to replenish the inventory after that many years of decline, or we will not have adequate housing to attract new businesses.

Pending Sales thankfully increased 25% from December ’12 to January ‘13, which is an 18% increase over January ’12.  We’re running ahead of 7 out of the previous 9 years; buyers are still buying, another reason we need new listings (inventory).

Closed Sales January ’13 declined 20% from December ‘12, in line with the low pending numbers in Oct. & Nov. ’12. That is 16.7% ahead of January ‘12, ahead of or break-even with 8 out of the last 9 years.  Average Days on Market experienced a modest 2% improvement month over month, 4% better than January ’12 & 6% better than ‘11.

Inventory continues at SIGNIFICANTLY low levels measured as far back as 2004 and is trending downward.  January ‘13 is only 3% behind December, but 10.2% behind January ‘12.  Months Supply MLS-wide dropped again to 5%, 19.4% behind January ’12, the lowest since 2008. Price ranges diverge from that slightly.  Under $100k and $100k - $200k are neck & neck at 4.4 months creating a huge seller’s market – no surprise given the numbers above. Greater than $200k range bumped down slightly again, from 6.1 to 6.0 months supply, a balanced market.

Median Sales Price declined 12% from December, astoundingly, we are still ahead of every month over the previous 8 years except for June & July in 2007.  Many forecasters look for sales to stay strong.  Now if the lenders would pull back from the insanity of an extreme, tedious & overly regulated financing process frustrating the buyers, we would see a real estate market that would have a significant impact on our dreary economy.  Looking forward to 2013!

MARKET UPDATE MEMO

New Listings dramatically declined 29% from November to December, which is a bit more than a typical seasonal adjustment; and 4.7% less than December 2011.

Pending Sales experienced a modest decline November to December of 11%.  The seasonal pattern year over year remains strong, 9.2% ahead of last year.

Closed Sales also declined softly at 8%, and is a small 3.1% behind last December, almost break-even with 2012 and ahead of 3 out of the last 5 years.  Average Days on Market continues to increase from a low of 89 in August and is now at 121, similar to December of the previous 2 years.

Inventory continues at unusually low levels measured as far back as 2004 and is trending downward as typical seasonally.  December 2012 is 10% less than November & 7.6% behind December 2011.  Months Supply in the aggregate is 5.1, the lowest since 2008. Price ranges diverge from that slightly.  Under $100k at 6.0 months = balanced.  $100k - $200k has increased to 5.9 creating a balanced market. Greater than $200k range bumped down slightly, from 7 to 6.1 months supply.

Median Sales Price rebounded a slight 3% over November, still stronger than previous 8 years except for June & July in 2007.  Many forecasters look for sales to stay strong.  Now if the lenders would pull back from the insanity of an extreme, tedious & overly regulated financing process frustrating the buyers, we would see a real estate market that would have a significant impact on our dreary economy.  Looking forward to 2013!

New Listings ticked up nicely in October (863) over September, but down from there 21% in November (682). November 2012 is also down a bit (-3%) at 682 compared to November last year at 703. Seems to be on par for 2010 & 2011 typical seasonal pattern, but still behind historic levels.

Pending Sales slowed 19% compared to October numbers, but remain stronger than most of the proceeding 4 years in November.  The seasonal pattern year over year remains strong, 4.6% ahead of last year.

Closed Sales are 13% behind October, which was 12% ahead of September. November 2012 Closed Sales are stronger than 2008, 2010 & 2011; safe to say recovery is happening, just not robust.  Average Days on Market continues at 3-year lows even though November is at 105, up 7% from October.

Inventory continues at unusually low levels measured as far back as 2004 and is trending downward as typical seasonally.  November 2012 is -12.9% behind November 2011.  Months Supply also remaining at lowest levels since 2008. Under $100k at 6.1 months = balanced.  $100k - $200k more of a Seller’s market with 4.5 months supply. Greater than $200k range bumped up again, from 6.4 to 7 months supply.

Median Sales Price is still ahead of previous 8 years except 2005.  It seemed to peak in October at $113,000 and declined significantly in November to $100,400.  Sales will stay strong if buyers feel confident about purchasing – greatest challenge is still the tedious & overly regulated financing process frustrating the buyers.  Could be this is still keeping many on the sidelines.

MARKET UPDATE MEMO

Wow! New listings in September down significantly (-22%) at 792 compared to August at 1014, or September last year at 936 (-15%). Inventory levels are following typical seasonal patterns, but are still way behind historic levels.

Pending Sales slipped about 19% compared to August numbers, but remain stronger than most of the proceeding 5 years in September.  The seasonal pattern remains a bit stronger and more stable than 2010 & 2011, portending a good finish to 2012.

Closed Sales are tracking similar seasonal pattern as Pending Sales but are ahead of the last 2 years.  Good indicators that 2012 continues a slow, steady & solid recovery.  Average Days on Market has slid a tiny bit from 103 to 97.9, however, it remains at 3 year lows, meaning houses are consistently on the market fewer days.

Inventory continues at unusually low levels measured as far back as 2004 and is trending downward as typical seasonally.  Months Supply also remaining at lowest levels since 2008. Under $100k dipped below 6 months = balanced.  $100k - $200k continues to be balanced with just less than 5 months supply. Greater than $200k range bumped up a bit, from 6 to 6.4 months supply.

Median Sales Price is sustaining unprecedented high levels staying put at $109,000.  Prices will stay strong if buyers feel confident about purchasing – greatest challenge is still the tedious & overly regulated financing process frustrating the buyers.  Could be this is keeping many on the sidelines. 

MARKET UPDATE MEMO

August new listings in at 1009 compared to July at 904; interestingly, 1009 was the same number in August 2011.  Inventory levels are following typical seasonal patterns, but that is still weak influx.  Buyer demand may remain thin because of frustration with new lender protocols so the market may remain balanced in spite of low inventory. 

Pending Sales also rebounded slightly over July’s numbers. The trend remains ahead of August numbers for ’08, ’09, ’10 & ’11, and behind ’04, ’05, ’06, & ‘07.  The seasonal pattern has been a bit stronger and certainly more stable than 2010 & 2011, but it appears to be softening in September and line up barely ahead of those two years.

Closed Sales are tracking similar seasonal pattern as Pending Sales but are ahead of the last 4 years.  Good indicators that 2012 is continuing a slow, steady & solid recovery.  Average Days on Market has increased from 89 to 103, however, it remains at 3 year lows, meaning houses are consistently on the market for fewer days.

Months Supply data for all of 2012, inclusive of all price ranges, shows 2012 is less than all previous years dating back to 2005; more indication of a continuing recovery.  When broken down by price, the under $100k may have sustained most of the new listings, it remains 6+ months.  $100k - $200k slid into a balanced market with 5 months supply. Greater than $200k range popped back up to 6 months supply.

Median Sales Price is still the newsmaker; it is not following the typical seasonal pattern. While it slipped back to $109,000 from $112,000 in June & July, it is still 6 – 10% ahead of all years dating back to 2004.  Prices will stay strong if buyers feel confident about purchasing – trouble we’re seeing now is a laborious financing process frustrating the buyers.  Could be this is keeping many on the sidelines. 

New listings in July continue a 4-month decline at 904, 8.6% behind last year same month.  Compare to 994 in June, 1,048 in May & 1,108 in April. Looks like many of them were in the less than $100k price range because Months of Supply is up to December 2011 levels at 6 months – a balanced market, not favoring a buyer or seller.

Pending Sales added a 3^rd month of slowing, makes me wonder if buyers are frustrated they don’t have the abundant selection they are used to from the last couple years. We are ahead of 2010 & 2011 and almost even with 2008 & 2009, showing stability.

Months Supply of Inventory for the under $100k is at 6 months as reported in the 1^st paragraph. $100k - $200k continues at 4 months indicating a strong seller’s market in that range. Greater than $200k range continues to be a strong market hanging in there at 5 months supply. Encouraging news as that may indicate upper income jobs are returning to the Fort Wayne area.

Closed Sales are tracking similarly to Pending Sales ahead of 2010 & 2011 and almost even with 2009, showing stability.  Good indicators that 2012 is continuing a slow, steady & solid recovery.

Median Sales Price is the newsmaker, after 5 months of significant increases we seem to have stabilized around $111,000. The graph goes back to 2004; we’ve not been this high during that time. Prices will stay strong if buyers feel confident about purchasing – we’ve seen a few multiple offer scenarios.  Average Days on Market remains at 3 year lows, meaning houses are consistently on the market for fewer days.