Articles Tagged "selling a house"
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9
Impress Buyers With These Outdoor Staging Tips
Your home's exterior is your best chance to make a good first impression on home shoppers. Your exterior has a huge impact on your ability to sell quickly and drive clicks to your listing online. Taking the time to ensure your garden, lawn, and patio area are all in tip-top shape before listing your home is essential for success.
Home staging is the process of dressing up your home in such a way that it is attractive to home shoppers. It's a process that can help your property sell fast, and it can also help you earn a higher sale price. When it comes to home staging, many sellers are quick to prioritize the interior; however, our real estate agents always tell clients to not forget about the outdoor space. Here are a few tips to keep your home's exterior looking great:
14
Features People are Willing to Move for in 2022
As life changes, people naturally seek new homes that are better suited for that next stage of life. Whether it's starting a new family or starting to downsize, our needs are constantly changing.
Understanding what buyers are looking for can really pay off when it comes time to sell. Our real estate agents always recommend you put yourself in the shoes of your target buyer, so you can market features of your home that are most desirable. Here are some of the top home features we believe consumers are willing to move for in 2022:
28
Spring Cleaning Tasks That Will Get Your Home Ready to List
Spring naturally brings out the desire to clean, and if you're interested in selling your home, it couldn't come at a better time. Before your home is listed for sale with one of our real estate agents, make sure it will look its best. Spring cleaning can make your home shine and look fresh and clean! This is sure to make it more appealing to prospective buyers and help it stand out from other Rockingham County homes for sale.
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New Year's Resolution: Real Estate Tips for 2022
If your plans for 2022 involve selling your home and purchasing a different property, now is the perfect time to start your planning. Accomplish your New Year's resolution of selling your home! Here are some tips our real estate agents recommend in 2022 to help you streamline the selling process.
22
How to Sell Your Home During the Holiday Season
You're ready to put your home on the market, but the holiday season is near. Should you wait to sell your home, or is there a way to find a buyer during the holidays?
Our real estate agents know that with a few adjustments, it's entirely possible (and even profitable!) to sell a home during the holiday season. Buyers tend to have more flexible schedules around the holidays, which gives them more opportunities to look for a home. Here's what you need to know about selling your home during the holidays.
1
Top 10 Things To Get Your House Ready for The Spring Market
Spring is just around the corner, and if you're thinking about putting your home on the market, now is the time to start getting ready. The real estate market heats up every spring, and with interest at historic lows, there couldn't be a better time to take advantage of the seller's market.
Preparing to list your home can be a lengthy process, especially if it's your first time. From cleaning to staging, you may not know where to even start. If you want to make sure your home stands out among these beautiful Virginia homes for sale, be sure to follow these tips below:
28
Last-Minute Staging Suggestions for Sellers
As you prepare to show your home, our real estate agents suggest that you and your agent take an afternoon to evaluate the entire house once more to ensure that everything is as presentable as possible. Unless you've hired a professional staging company, you may want to consider these easy last-minute staging suggestions that will showcase your home.
18
How to Stage Your Home for that Holiday Appeal
Believe it or not, the holiday season is a fantastic time of the year to sell your home. Although many home sellers may think that weather or festivities will interfere with their viewing potential, there are plenty of potential homebuyers that are highly motivated to purchase a home between November and January. Our REALTORS® have created this list of helpful tips on how to stage your home for the holidays without hurting its sale potential.
- Festive Yet Functional
Before you plan any interior or exterior holiday decorating, always remember that your goal is to present your home in the best manner possible. Too much holiday décor — especially if your everyday décor is quite prevalent — may create a feeling of clutter in your home. You don't want your viewers to feel cramped or to cover prominent features of your home with temporary decorations. Keep the festive decorations to a minimum.
17
Why Are You Selling Your Home
Selling your home is a big decision and one that you likely won't make without a good reason. Whether you want to upgrade to a larger home, relocate for work, cash out on a home in a favorable market, or move to a community that better suits your needs, the reason why you sell your home will have an impact on the sales process. It's essential to understand why and to work with a real estate agent who understands your needs. Our real estate agents are here with a checklist to common reasons why owners decide to sell their homes.
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Moving for a New Job
Even if you love everything about your current home, sometimes a job offer is too good to pass up. If that job is far away – or far enough that a commute from your existing home is unmanageable – then you may need to start shopping for a new home closer to your new job.
16
Why Hire a Professional to Sell Your Home
There is a reason most sellers--roughly 90 percent--use a professional real estate to sell their homes. Professionals have the real estate "know how" to sell your home quickly and for the right price. If you're still considering a FSBO to save the price of a commission, think again. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® reports people who choose to "go it alone" and sell without a REALTOR® often make less money than they would hiring a REALTOR®.
Selling a house quickly and for the most money takes time, marketing skills, knowledge of the local neighborhood, and negotiation skills--to name a few. Using a real estate agent can be the difference between a successful sale and months of frustration.
If that's not enough cause to hire a professional, here are four more reasons why hiring a REALTOR® like those on our team at Old Dominion Realty is the right choice for you.
28
Home Inspection Tips for Sellers
When selling your home, you may teeter between having a professional home inspector evaluate your home prior to listing or not.
Something you need to know ... A report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed that nearly four out of every five homes sold in the United States are evaluated by a professional home inspector before they are sold. In addition, realtors recommend buyers get a home inspection nearly 99 percent of the time. Most buyers heed their agent's advice and request a home inspection in 84 percent of all transactions.
Understanding the home inspection process and getting your home ready for the inspection only helps to ensure that your home sale goes through reaping the best selling price possible.
26
Old Dominion Realty Open Houses | October 29
Don't forget to grab your umbrella when you head out to visit our open houses on Sunday. The weatherman is predicting a 70 percent chance of precipitation with a high of 48 degrees; no better time to be inside getting an up-close look at what could possibly be your new home.
Our local real estate agents know the local Virginia and West Virginia real estate markets inside and out and are ready to show you homes in the area and to answer the questions you may have. Visit our open houses this weekend to find the home you've been dreaming of.
Featured Open Houses
158 Fairfield Dr, Staunton, VA 24401
Spring Lakes Subdivision
$445,000
Sq Ft: 2,250 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full)
Open House: Sunday, October 29 from 2PM - 4PM
166 Fairfield Dr, Staunton, VA 24401
$415,000
Sq Ft: 2,000 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full)
Open House: Sunday, October 29 from 2PM - 4PM
14 Spring View Dr, Staunton, VA 24401
$247,500
Sq Ft: 1,610 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) /1 (partial)
Open House: Sunday, October 29 from 2PM - 4PM
13
7 Tips to Protect Your Home From Fire
Smoke Alarms Save Lives
"Don't Wait: Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years" is this year's theme for Fire Prevention Week sponsored each year by the National Fire Protection Association. This year's choice of themes came from a recent survey conducted by NFPA, which revealed only a small percentage of homeowners know the age of their smoke alarms or how often they need to be replaced.
Whether you're a current homeowner or someone interested in buying a house, it's a good idea to review the age and location of smoke detectors in your current (or future) home.
22
6 Tips for Selling the House You Are Living In
Preparation is Key to Selling Your House
Selling a house that you are currently living in certainly adds a few extra challenges to the mix, as you balance keeping your home ready to show with keeping yourself comfortable while you live there. But it's nothing that you can't handle, especially if you start planning ahead of time. The key is to start preparing as soon as you know you'll be putting your home on the market, and if you have a family it really helps to get every family member involved in the preparation. With a bit of elbow grease and an eye for detail, you can keep your home in prime condition without sacrificing (too much) comfort.
Our team at Old Dominion Realty is here to help, with six tips for selling a house that you're currently living in and making it through with your nerves intact.
9
Get Your House Sold Faster Update Your Closets
Closets Are Key When Selling Your Home
Closets are one of the key features that buyers pay attention to when they look for a new home. Many potential home buyers are giving as much attention to spacious closets as they do other rooms in the house. In fact, in a survey by the National Association of Realtors, 60 percent of home buyers were willing to pay an extra $1,350 for just one walk-in closet in the master bedroom.
Unfortunately, sellers often do not pay much attention to their closets when preparing their home for sale. What many sellers do not realize is that closet organization plays a critical role in the perception of the overall maintenance of a home. Shoes thrown all over the place, mismatched hangers and a disorganized space can result in a lower sale price when it comes time to sell your home.
27
10 Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid These Pitfalls When Moving Into Your New Home
Moving can be chaotic and complicated. When clients share their experiences about moving into a new home, we often hear the same types of stories and answer similar questions. Consequently, our team at Old Dominion Realty has compiled this list of the top ten most common moving mistakes home buyers make when moving into a new home with tips on how to avoid them.
# 1 Procrastinating
Waiting until the last minute to pack and hire movers is a no-no. Save yourself stress by preparing in advance of your moving date. It might be helpful to complete one thing each day so that you are not overwhelmed.
1
Selling a House How to Draw Multiple Offers
5 Tips to Get Multiple Offers When Selling Your Home
It feels good to be popular; and when it comes to selling a house, you want to be the most popular person in the neighborhood. Having more offers to consider makes it possible for you to sort through your options to choose the one that will go through while putting the most money in your pocket. Our REALTORS® at Old Dominion Realty have created this list of tips to attract multiple offers from potential home buyers when listing your home for sale.
1. Price the Home Below the Market.
Everyone loves a bargain, and people will come out of the woodwork to take a look at a great deal. Increasing the number of people who look at your home will increase the number of offers you receive. As the offers roll in and they realize that they are competing for your home, this will create an auction environment that will encourage the bids to start climbing.
25
Selling Your House A Homeowners Checklist
Thinking of selling your house? You should know that the home-selling process involves far more than just calling a REALTOR® and listing it. Before jumping in head first, review the nine-step checklist our team of REALTORS® from Old Dominion Realty has created for you to help minimize the challenges and stress of selling your home.
18
8 Spring Cleaning Tips for Home Sellers
Polishing Your Home to Perfection
Spring arrives on Sunday. As we welcome warmer weather, you might be considering selling your home. If you are a newcomer to the real estate market, you might not know where to start. Not to worry…our team of REALTORS® at Old Dominion Realty is filled with real estate wisdom when it comes to selling and buying homes. We've created this simple, spring cleaning checklist that will add a little sparkle and shine to your home, helping it stand out from the crowd.
18
How to Tell the Kids We Are Moving
8 Can't-Miss Tips to Help Your Kids Cope with a Move
Moving is difficult for the majority of us, but for a child, it can be an overwhelming experience that creates a large sense of loss. Even well-adjusted, happy children can be extremely affected by a new setting. However, there are moving tips and ideas you can put in place to ease the transition. Depending on how far you're moving or the age of your children, you can use multiple approaches to deal with issues that may arise.
1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Children are amazingly adaptable and resilient. Even so, it helps to encourage those natural attributes by preparing them for a big change. For children, moving into the house next door is a big change. If the kids are young, read some age-appropriate books about moving. Describe the process, and what they'll see and experience. Even if the move isn't something you want to do, find ways to make it positive for your child. By being open and communicative about it, your child will start to prepare.
2. Keep Kids Involved
One way children work through tough situations is to be a part of them. Allow your kids to have their own responsibilities during the move. Once you have the date on the family calendar for all to see, assign some easy tasks. Have them pack a couple boxes and let them label and decorate their boxes. Also, start having them design their new space by writing or drawing ideas.
Another area to keep kids involved in is the house hunting process. A viewpoint from another perspective is always helpful, and it's a way for them to feel a part of the decision. Start your search by making a family wish list of attributes you'd like to see in your new home.
3. Create Lasting Memories
Letting your child say goodbye can be a crucial step in letting go of the old and moving onto the new. Give your kids a camera, journal, or scrapbook and let them document favorite memories or aspects of the home you're leaving. If you're making a longer-distance move, make an address book filled with friends and their information so they can keep in touch.
4. Throw a Party
Parties are an easy way to turn something into a celebration. Invite friends and family, and celebrate a wonderful big life event. Include everyone in your lives that matter most.
5. Have Special Options
Without help or childcare, getting everything done can become an impossible task. Provide kids some alternatives that will help them stay out from underfoot when you're scrambling to finish it all. This can include things like a bag of new toys, renting a couple movies they've never seen, or finding special activities that will keep them occupied.
6. Pack an Essentials Bag
There are certain items that should be kept out until the last moment and have a special spot in the car so they're easily retrieved. Include favorite books or toys, lovies, snacks, a favorite CD, a change of clothes, and bath and bedtime necessities.
7. Maintain Routines
In your new home, try and set up an area for your child that is filled with familiar things. Reassure them that they have access to you and that you're there to listen and help them work through their feelings. If you have a special pizza dinner on Friday nights, make sure to continue with that or any other regular routines you've instilled.
8. Take Time
Moving can be exciting. Take time to explore your new neighborhood and play with moving boxes. Don't rush to unpack too quickly, and work together to make your new place into a home.
If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Harrisonburg, VA, contact our team at Old Dominion Realty today. They'll use their experience and knowledge to help your family through the moving process.
14
What Home Buyers Really Want
10 Features Home Buyers Want In a Home
What are today's home buyers looking for in a home? If you're selling a house, you might be thinking ... That's a good question! Homes differ and features span a variety of tastes and needs. However, there are some aspects the majority of home buyers appreciate. We've listened to what our clients have told us. Here is our list of ten features home buyers want in a home.
1. Laundry Room
Laundry rooms have become a coveted space. Filled with cabinets for organization and Energy Star-rated washers and dryers, these rooms are convenient and helpful. According to home experts, counter space, a utility sink, and ample storage are key components for the laundry room. When creating yours, make sure each step of the laundry process is represented in the space.
2. Garage Storage
Reality home shows have shown the benefits of having excellent storage systems. An area that's often overlooked is the garage. Creating spaces to put tools, outdoor equipment, and other odds and ends helps leave room for cars. According to a few surveys floating around the internet, around 1 in 4 people have too much clutter to park in their garage.
3. Natural Light
The more research that's done, the more people are seeing the perks of natural lighting. Many older homes were built compartmentalized with small, ill-placed windows. Buyers love the airy openness of rooms with large windows, well-done skylights, and expansive doors that let the light in.
4. Heated Floors
They say once you've had heated floors you'll never go back. Gone are the winter mornings you have to swing out of bed and place your feet on ice-cold flooring. You don't have to invest in radiant heating throughout the whole house. Bathrooms are usually good enough for the average buyer.
5. Kitchen Eating Areas
Most families would rather walk a short distance to get dinner on the table. While dining rooms are a pleasant space to have if you entertain a lot, most people prefer to eat in the kitchen. A nicely done breakfast nook appeals to most buyers.
6. Landscaping and Hardscaping
The outdoor area doesn't have to be fancy, but a well-thought-out garden design with designated use areas are popular. If it's easy-care, it will be more attractive. Think of the outdoor area as an extension of the home. It's an additional living space people want to use.
7. Bathroom Linen Closet
It's helpful when towels, toiletries, and various paper goods are easily accessible. Bathroom linen closets are back on buyers' radars.
8. Green Features
As an environmentally-friendly nation, efficiency is a hot topic for many buyers. They look for Energy Star appliances, double-pane windows, and anything else that maximizes the efficiency of their home.
9. Exhaust Fans in the Bathroom
This may seem like a no-brainer, but what people are looking for are exhaust fans that do their job well. If there are dated fans (or worse, no fans) that increase the risk of excess moisture and mold-producing conditions in the bathroom, it's a definite turn-off for savvy consumers.
10. Smart Home Features
As a tech-obsessed culture, Smart Homes are becoming as desirable as Smart Phones. Some unique smart features that appeal to the masses are the Learning Thermostat, wired homes, automated lighting systems, and security systems controlled by your phone.
What features do you want in your next home? If you're in the market to buy a house in 2016, contact Old Dominion Realty for real estate help and advice.
22
6 Ways Not to Sell Your House in 2016
Avoid These 6 Deadly Home-Selling Sins
So you want to sell your house? Did you know while most home buyers make a list of features they want in a home, many also have a list of "pet peeves" that will send them running as soon as they see them?
If you want a home buyer's heart to go pitter patter, avoid these six deadly home-selling sins.
3
See the Shenandoah Valley from Skyline Drive
Shenandoah Valley Draws Local Attraction
The unparalleled beauty of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley attracts thousands each year. From rolling hills and mountain vistas to stunning wildflower meadows, the landscape throughout the Shenandoah National Park System offers sights that simply should not be missed. Include a drive along the area's picturesque Skyline Drive at the top of your list of things to do Virginia list this summer.
Not Your Typical Sunday Drive
Skyline Drive stretches for 105-miles through the Shenandoah National Park. A drive along the Skyline evokes a different time, when life moved at a slower pace, and people commonly took drives for sheer pleasure. Families trying to decide what to do in Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, should consider a cruise down the park's only public road. Running north and south through the park, Skyline Drive travels along a crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering unique views of the park and the surrounding region.
Explore Nature's Beauty
Animal lovers need to look no further for things to do in Virginia. Skyline Drive is frequently visited by the park's wildlife, especially during dawn and dusk. The Shenandoah National Park is home to one of the country's largest populations of black bears. In addition to bears, use Skyline Drive's vantage points to spot white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and gray fox, river otters, woodchucks and over 200 species of birds.
Bring Your Camera
For photographers and artists, the Shenandoah Valley's natural beauty brings new inspiration. Scattered along the drive are 75 scenic overlooks providing plenty of photo opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Of course, you do not need to be a professional artist to find inspiration along this drive. Skyline Drive varies greatly in width as it curves along the mountains, offering varied and stunning views.
Go For A Hike
Along Skyline Drive, you will find plenty of opportunities to get out of the car and stretch your legs. Hiking often tops the list of what to do in Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley National Park for many nature and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. The Appalachian Trail, one of the East Coast's most famed and challenging hiking trails, runs parallel to Skyline Drive. Overall, you have access to more than 500 miles of hiking trails from various points along the drive. Additionally, horseback riding and cycling are allowed along the Skyline.
Drive Safely
Keep in mind, animals frequently dart into the road, so please adhere to the posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour. A cruise along Skyline Drive is a ride meant to be savored; slow down, take your time and do not forget to stop and smell the wildflowers. You are welcome to tow campers and trailers along Skyline Drive. Just be prepared to shift into low gear. Make sure your trailer will clear Mary's Rock Tunnel, which features a 12'8" height limit.
Old Dominion Realty to Find Homes for sale in the Shenandoah Valley
Claim a piece of the Shenandoah Valley for yourself. Contact Old Dominion Realty to begin your home search today and discover the many, picturesque communities dotting the region.
10
Seven Secrets for Selling Your House
Best-kept Secrets for Selling a Home in Record Time
Rarely is selling a home a simple decision. Once you've determined an asking price, found a real estate agent, and listed your home, you may think the hard work is over. Taking a little more time to properly prepare your home can help you up the chances of selling a home quickly and for top dollar.
