Real Estate Posts

1. Overpricing and underpricing

Perhaps the most common mistake home sellers make is pricing the house too high because of an array of reasons: the house means so much to them, they’re looking to buy a more expensive home or trying to pay off debt, or they believe that interested buyers will ask for a discount anyway.

But this can’t be farther from the truth. In fact, a ridiculously overpriced house will perform poorly in the market because it will soon lose its appeal once it stays in the market for more than three weeks.

In pricing your home, it’s important to be as realistic and as conservative as possible. Seek out an experienced real estate agent and allow him or her to guide you in choosing the correct price of your house for sale. Don’t worry if you think the suggested price is a little low; homes that are priced below market value often receive numerous offers, which will then encourage a bidding war and drive up the price.

Keep in mind, though, that a house that is priced too low also has its dangers. Don’t assume that this strategy will work for you 100 percent since a lot of low-priced houses were purposely priced that way to drive activity. These homes are usually in great locations and at their best conditions. If your home isn’t exactly the best catch and isn’t located in a sought-after neighborhood, then you’ll have to be very careful in pricing your house too low as well. Again, it is best to seek the help of a professional appraiser and real estate agent.

2. Analyzing the competition

Reasonable home prices are set when a seller performs an accurate comparison of homes in the market.

Comparable sales, better known as “comps,” is a term that refers to homes that are similar to yours in terms of size, condition, and features, and are located in the same area. When setting a price for your home, appraisers will look at recently listed comps in the same neighborhood, and by recent, this means not older than three months. Unless your property is in a rural or very low-density area, you and your appraiser may have to check homes that are outside the usual mile radius.

Still, an experienced appraiser knows that not all homes with the same number and sizes of bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens will have the same price. Houses on the same street can vary immensely from each other, and it’s important to understand the nuances in the market and know how they can affect the price of your home.

For example, a house that is right down your street could actually be in a different school or tax district, which can either make it cheaper or more expensive than yours depending on which area is more desirable. A house that is the same size as yours that was listed at 10 percent more than your selling price could be because of specific features that address a particular need of the buyer. Modern additions such as “green updates” that allow homeowners to save on electricity can also affect the value of a house for sale. Remember, to “compare apples to apples,” you must dig deep into the reason why a particular house is priced as it is.

3. Hiring a real estate agent and appraiser

It might be a little difficult to decide on a selling price without bias, especially if this is the first time you’ll be selling a house which you’ve spent a good amount of time calling your “home.”

While it is ultimately up to you (the seller) to set the final price, a good real estate and appraiser will help you arrive at a suitable price range based on their expert assessments.

While there are no price restrictions in place that require you to price according to the market condition or current inventory levels, it will be to your benefit to discuss matters with your real estate agent and appraiser so that you can be sure to arrive at an informed decision. These professionals know that pricing is mainly about supply and demand, and that it is an art as much as it is a science. To find the perfect balance between important factors, it is crucial to seek advice from a expert who is experienced in dealing with all kinds of transactions.

Still, it is important to note that realtors and appraisers are not exactly the same. Realtors aren’t entirely unbiased since their main objective is to sell, while appraisers are state-credentialed valuation professionals who are required to follow a strict process in order to come up with an impartial opinion.

So how do you know if you priced your home just right?

Even if you follow all the important guidelines mentioned above, it may still be hard to know for sure if you arrived at the right price until all transactions have been completed.

If a home sells after just a few days on the market, chances are the price was too low. If it takes months before a potential buyer takes interest, then it’s probably overpriced. The best way to know whether the price is right is if your home gets steady action throughout the course of the listing period.

If your house is listed at the right price, be prepared for numerous negotiations and be sure that both you and your agent are always on the same page. If you hit the right mark, the rewards will surely be lucrative and your house will sell at its optimal price.

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Congratulations! You have a firm closing date on your new home — and now it’s time to prepare for your new adventures in it. But the excitement of signing on the dotted line can fade in the face of the final daunting task: The Big Move. Numerous surveys indicate that moving is deemed one of the most stressful moments in life — but it doesn’t have to be. 

The solution lies in planning because there is a lot to think about. Fortunately, we’ve done a lot of that thinking for you, based on the decades of collective experience that the agents of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty have in advising clients — not only about buying or selling a home but about so many things related to it. Follow our checklist and you’re almost guaranteed to be smiling when you land on your new doorstep.

1. Start with a comprehensive plan

Whether you use an app or a pen and paper, you need a well-constructed, detailed schedule to prepare for your move. Consider your timeframe and plot a course to the final day, incorporating all the milestones below.

2. Keep track of what you’re spending on the move

It’s vital that you keep track of all your documents and receipts. Choose a cloud service such as Dropbox or Google Drive and also create a file system for hard copies. Receipts will be required if you are eligible to deduct moving expenses from your taxes. Consult with your accountant to evaluate.

3. Find a reputable moving company

Protect yourself by searching for a registered company in your state. Obtain three written in-home quotes for comparison. Ensure that a packing service is included, along with an inventory report that details the items in each labeled box. Ask what kinds of items the carriers will not transport, to determine if you need any additional specialized services. 

Read the agreements carefully before committing. Don’t forget to hire a junk-removal service after you have decluttered.

4. Consider additional insurance

Moving companies insure your belongings based on a value per pound. You may want to purchase extra insurance to give you reassurance. The distance of the move, for example, may be one factor that influences your decision to add more insurance.

5. Plan for driving or transporting your vehicles

If you’re driving, service your car before you leave. Plan your route carefully. Reserve hotel rooms in advance should you require overnight stays. Keep an eye on weather forecasts. 

If you’re having your vehicle delivered, choose a respected service to guarantee it arrives on time and intact. Don’t leave any valuables or documents in your vehicle. Take time-stamped photos of the exterior and interior prior to transport.

6. Measurements are essential 

To ensure everything fits into your new home, accurate measurements of your largest items can help make the move worry-free. You don’t want to deal with stairs or doorways at the other end that won’t accommodate your furniture. If the new home has any seemingly narrow doorways or staircases, ask your agent if they could obtain those measurements, so you’ll know if any adjustments may be required.

7. Obtain parking permits to avoid aggravation 

Large moving trucks may require a parking permit during the move. Ask the local authorities in your current neighborhood and at your destination if one is needed. Notify any neighbors who may be impacted. This can prevent potential fines and disruptions.

8. Take precautions for your children and pets

For the day of your move, unencumbered movement for you will maximize efficiency for everyone. Consider scheduling a friend, sitter or daycare center that can entertain your children away from the premises. Keep pets in their cages on moving day, or reserve a spot at a care center for the big day, so that they won’t get underfoot, either.

9. Alert your employers of your new address

If you are starting a new position with a new company, ensure that your former company is aware of your new address. In the future, they will be able to send any records or tax slips to you directly. And, of course, make sure your new employer has your new address, too.

10. Notify financial and payment services

Notify all financial institutions of your move. These may include accountants, banks and investment companies, credit-card services (bank and retail) and loan institutions. If a credit-card company sees charges in a new destination and is not aware of your move, the charges may be flagged for security reasons. Payment services such as PayPal and Venmo also require current information. 

Insider tip: Don’t forget to empty your safety-deposit box if you plan to open one at a bank closer to your new home.

11. Contact government agencies

There are multiple agencies that require current details, such as your updated address. Changes can usually be made online. They include the DMV, IRS, Social Security, USPS and Voter Registration. Often, changes must be made in a timely manner. We buy houses in Hurst Tx

12. Update any insurance policies

You may have a number of insurance types — car, health, dental, vision, life and homeowners — and all of them will require updated details. Contact each provider to determine if your policies can be transferred to your new address or if you need to sign on with a new service.

13. Update all entertainment, retail and periodical providers

You don’t want to risk losing out on your favorite streaming or shopping services. Make a list of online providers that deliver movies or retail purchases. (Netflix, Hulu and Amazon are a few candidates.) Redirect any pending orders to your new address. Providers of magazines or newspapers that are delivered to your door will need updated addresses and billing information, which you can typically modify online.

14. Give utility services plenty of notice

We can’t emphasize strongly enough the importance of contacting utility companies well in advance of your move. These services always require a notice period to deactivate, activate and transfer accounts. You may be able to transfer your accounts if the same company operates in your new neighborhood. However, if they don’t, you may need to register with an alternative provider. Water, electric, internet, cable, phone (landlines, cellular service) and security systems all fall into this category. Some services may require you to return equipment, such as modems or cable boxes.

15. Cancel or transfer club memberships

Do you have social-club or gym memberships? If they can’t be transferred, then try to cancel in time to avoid any penalties. And don’t forget to clear out any lockers. (FYI, our team is standing by with fabulous suggestions about amenities in your new locale.)

16. Look after your household

Inform dentists, doctors and attorneys that you are moving. If you are switching to new professionals, this will ease document and record transfers when necessary. Fill any outstanding prescriptions before you leave. If you have a pet that is microchipped, contact your vet to update the data. Ask for a recommendation for another vet if you need one closer to your new home.

17. Have fun on moving day!

At last! Moving day has arrived. We’ve saved some final tips for how to prepare for your move. Back up your computer so you don’t lose any valuable photos or documents. Prepare one box labeled Open First and add any prescription and grooming essentials that you will need upon arrival. Empty your safe. Gather all personal documents such as birth certificates and passports and carry them with you. Finally, before the movers drive away, make sure you tip them with cash. They deserve it.

Now you’re ready for the new adventure

And that’s it! We hope you found this checklist helpful, and we wish you all the best in your new home. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. When moving is done right, it can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences.

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