Ways To Sell a Home in a Buyer's or Seller’s Market

 How to determine which type of home buying market you are in?

If there are more buyers than sellers then it is a seller's market. If there are more homes for sale than there are buyers, then it is a buyer's market.

If you are a seller, then being able to sell your home whether it's in a buyer's market or a seller's market is the goal. Selling your home is a big life-changing event that can be bother costly and time-consuming. This is why it is so important to know what kind of market you are in and approach the market accordingly.

The first step in the process is to figure out what type of market you are currently in. It can only be one of two types, a seller's market or a buyer's market. When you are in a buyer's market, it is a little bit harder to sell a home. This means that there are more listings than there are potential buyers. You have a lot more competition when it comes to selling. In a seller's market, it is less demanding on a seller. This means there are more potential buyers than there are listings. A seller can usually list for top prices and get multiple offers, selling their home more quickly.

A seller has to work hard in a buyer's market. That means a seller needs to do more to have their house stands out in an inundated market. Make sure your home is staged. You want a potential buyer to come into the house and be able to envision themselves in the home. Professional home stagers can work with your Realtor to stage your home. A big part of the process is cleaning, decluttering and removing personal artifacts.

Not only is the interior important but your home's curb appeal must be eye-catching. The yard and exterior are the first things that potential buyers see when they come to see your home in person. Make sure your yard is clean and tidy. You will also want to repaint outdoor fixtures and your front door.

Buyers have the upper hand so a seller needs to be prepared to make concessions. Keep in mind that in a buyer's market, you might need to negotiate on your asking price, be flexible with the closing date, pay for some of the repairs, and waive certain contingencies if requested.

In a seller's market, the demands are not as demanding. This doesn't mean that you should list your home for an inflated price, but you should price your home fairly. If you price your home too high, it can be skipped by potential buyers who are looking online within a certain budget. Remember some offers may sound too good to be true. You will want to weigh multiple offers very carefully. Sometimes choosing the highest offer is not always the best way to go.

No matter what the current market, it is important to use a Realtor when it comes to selling your home. A Realtor can help you navigate both markets and get you the best price for the best home.

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Blinds & Shutters Are Popular Window Treatments

What are some of the most popular window treatments?

These include blinds and shutters.

Blinds and shutters are perfect window treatments for both traditional and modern style homes. Many homeowners not only want something that is functional but also something that is stylish. Today on the market there are tons of different blinds. Here are some types of blinds that are currently in style today.

Wood Blinds

Wood blinds are sold, natural-looking blinds that add both style and value to a home. Wood blinds are custom and will last a long time. A wooden blind will add texture, depth and dimension to your windows.

Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds are more budget-friendly than real wood custom blinds. Don't be fooled, faux wood blinds are still high-quality treatments and look like real wood blinds. Faux wood blinds are great for areas that have more moisture such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Aluminum Mini Blinds

These types of blinds are solid and durable. They are an all-purpose window blind that is budget-friendly. The small slats give a modern, crisp, clean feel to your window. Again, these are perfect for bathrooms or kitchens where they will not get moldy or warped.

Shutters

Louvered shutters a great choice as they are a traditional framed blind with an exposed vertical tilt bar in the middle of the panel for opening and closing, are the peak of posh for window treatments.  These shutters can either be wood or faux wood.

Vertical Blinds

These are perfect for sliding glass doors or patio doors. They come in a huge variety of colors. They can also come in designer fabrics.

Panel Track Blinds

This recent trend is perfect for a nice smooth look on your glass doors. The custom sliding panel track blinds make a stunning statement on large windows are glass sliding doors.

Fabric Blinds

Fabric blinds are a perfect item to use to soften up a room. They are a softer version on the eyes than regular classic blinds. These blinds can be made with a custom farbic.

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Tips for Creating the Perfect Sunroom

 What are some ways to plan a sunroom addition to your house?

Choose a location
Define the purpose of the sunroom
Choose window types and placement
Decide if it will be climate controlled

A sunroom is a perfect place to enjoy the view of the outdoors during any season. A sunroom is not only a great space for a homeowner but also will add value to your home. Follow these four tips when planning the perfect sunroom addition.

1. Location

The first step is to determine where you want to add your sunroom. If you love sunlight and want to have the most sunlight in your sunroom, then it should be built along a south-facing wall. If you are a morning person and love to watch the sunrise, then place it along an east-facing wall.

2. Purpose

Next, you will want to define the purpose of your sunroom. A sunroom functions as many different rooms, it is all up to the homeowner. Many popular choices are a family room, a home office, or an entertaining guest space.

3. Window Size & Placement

You will want to now decide on windows and their placement. If you want to create a screened porch look you will need to use floor-to-ceiling windows. Other good options for a sunroom are awning windows or sliding windows. These allow fresh air into a home's sunroom.

4. Climate Control

The last thing to consider is whether the sunroom should be climate controlled. A four-season sunroom is climate controlled and can be both heated and cooled. This can range from a ceiling fan to extending the HVAC system in the sunroom. Other options can also include insulated glass and windows that can open.

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Facts All Agents Should Know When It Comes to the Green House Market

 What are simple ways to make sure my new home is cared for?

-Focus on home decor that pulls double-duty
-Make sure your insurance protects your needs
-While you have a blank slate, create an organized foundation
-Learn climate-specific maintenance tips
-Add or update safety monitors
-Assess landscaping and head-off concerns
-Get to know your neighbors
-Put household check-ups on the schedule

Buying a new home is a big step in life and is both an exciting and nerve-wracking time. Many new homeowners feel very overwhelmed not with just the buying process but owning their own home and caring for it. In order to feel peace of mind, there are several things you can do to maintain your new home from the start.

1. Focus on home decor that pulls double-duty

When you start to move your belongings into your new house becomes your home. Remember to prioritize multi-functional products. For example, a nice ottoman can also act as a storage space. You want to limit the clutter from the beginning. Studies show that limiting excess items can boost your mental health. Not only can some things boost your mental health but your physical health as well. House plants are natural air purifiers. The snake plant takes indoor air and filters it by taking up to four toxins out of the air plus it changes carbon dioxide into oxygen.

2. Make sure your insurance protects your needs

When you are shopping around for home insurance, make sure that you choose a plan that fits your unique home's needs. If you have an expensive piano, you will want to make sure this is covered. There are many insurance companies where you can get a quote and a new policy online. You can also save if you bundle things such as your car and home insurance.

3. While you have a blank slate, create an organized foundation

Remember to make a plan for each item when moving all your stuff into your new home. If you are moving from another home you will be tempted to put everything in the same room it went in in the new home. Add things such as closet organizers before moving all your items into the closet, and racks in the garage.

4. Learn climate-specific maintenance tips

If you are moving from New York to Miami, it might be a good idea to study the average tips and weather for each season. In New York, you have to winterize your home, whereas in Miami you do not. You will need to look into different pest maintenance in the South.

5. Add or update safety monitors

A fire can happen anytime day or night so having a smoke and carbon monoxide detector can save a homeowner's life. These should be in every home. When installing, be sure to follow the installation guidelines. You want to make sure they are strategically placed throughout your house and always make sure to test them monthly. Another safety measure is to install a home-monitoring system or a burglar alarm.

6. Assess landscaping and head-off concerns

Tree branches hanging over your roof can be a hazard. A heavy tree branch can fall on a roof during bad weather or make a great extension for pests to enter a home. Look around your home and assess what would cause a threat to the exterior of the house or your property if a storm were to occur. The leading cause of homeowners' insurance claims is weather-related incidents.

7. Get to know your neighbors

It is always nice to know your neighbors but it can also have an advantage when it comes to safety. When you are away it is nice to have your neighbors that will keep an eye out on your place. Neighbors can also help with taking out your trash or bringing in the mail when you are out of town.

8. Put household check-ups on the schedule

Just like we need an annual check-up with the doctor, your home needs one as well. Put a household check-up on your calendar. Go around and look at what needs to be done every season. Check the landscaping, test the smoke detectors, make sure your HVAC filters are good and even take a minute to declutter.

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Facts All Agents Should Know When It Comes to the Green House Market

 What should agents know about the Green House Market?

All an agent needs to know can be found at the National Association of Realtors Green Designation.

Preserving our environment is a very important factor in today's world. Going green is not just a choice but a way of life. When it comes to homes, there are green homes out there to be sold. Here are eight facts all agents should know when it comes to the green housing market.

Green Certified Homes

Green-certified homes are not just energy efficient but also official and governed. There are certifications that must be met in order for a house to be deemed green certified. The water, energy, site design, intelligent use of resources, quality of the indoor environment, and overall home operation and maintenance are reviewed to see if they meet certain criteria for environmental friendliness. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) sets LEED standards in order for a home to be LEED-certified.

Green Designation for Real Estate Agents

If agents want to learn more about green homes, the National Association of Realtors has created a Green Destination. This is where agents can learn more about sustainability and energy efficiency in real estate through classes or online. Once the agent has done this, they can take an exam to earn the Green Designation. Becoming Green Designation gives you access to marketing tools, market research, understanding of green homes and how to market them, and inclusion in the online Green directory.

The Green Standard

A home does not have to be necessarily certified but can have green home features that can be highlighted. Agents can use these green home characteristics to appeal to this niche market that loves sustainable living conditions. These features can include solar panels, installation of energy-efficient appliances, and construction using recyclable materials, such as flooring.

Energy Efficiency Saves Money

Energy efficient homes can save money on utilities. Energy Star-certified appliances can help add value to a home and reduce utility costs. A seller can get an energy audit on their home which will give buyers an idea of home much energy the home uses and how much that can save with a sustainable home.

Green Homes and Landlords

Renters can also benefit from a green home as well as landlords and investors. There are tons of tenants who are looking for a sustainable home. Green homes use less electricity and water so utility bills will be lower.

Preservation of the Environment

A green home will preserve our natural resources. This is a great way that homeowners are taking action to improve and preserve our world. Ways to do this are using recyclable materials and energy-saving components.

Safety and Peace of Mind

Green home standards are built with specifications in mind. These requirements will hold builders accountable for your peace of mind. Buyers can be reassured that the home they are purchasing is safe and efficient.

Saving Money and the World

Millennials who make up the largest growing niche in the real estate market love saving money and saving the planet. These homebuyers are looking for a sustainable and affordable home. Agents can push green homes and list all of the incentives that come with a green home.

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Ways To Update Your Dining Room

 What are some updates you can do to your dining room?

Add a modern or vintage chandelier
Add vintage chairs
Add a garden-inspired tablecloth
Add a built-in breakfast bench
Add a reclaimed wood table

A great easy and inexpensive way to create a new look in a room is to upcycle. Upcycling has become a popular trend where you use unwanted products and use them to create a new product for your space. Instagram shared five upcycling projects that are perfect for a dining room transformation.

1. Modern linear chandelier

A new light fixture is a perfect touch to brighten up the space. There are many DIY chandelier projects that are easy and inexpensive. “Midcentury modern design is back in a big way for furniture and lighting alike,” says Adriene Ged, lead interior designer for Edge Interiors. “This linear light fixture is no exception. The clear round globes and metal and wood make this one a definite throwback piece that dresses up a space.”

2. Vintage cantilever chairs

When you think of cantilever chairs, you think of the 70's and 80's but they can be a great recycled item for your current dining room. “These are Italian vintage dining chairs from the ’70s,” explains designer Amy Youngblood. “I love the retro look and use of the rattan back and aged brass frame. It’s a very fun look and great for small spaces, as seen in this small dining area. These chairs are vintage, so the best way to source them is through an online search or vintage furniture dealer.”

3. Garden-inspired tablecloth

An upcycled tablecloth can transform a dining room table and space. Instagram gives an example of a nice garden-inspired theme. "This tight, small floral-printed tablecloth is tipping its hat to the vintage vibe,” says Ged. “Tablecloths like these will come in handy at summer activities such as outdoor barbecue and pool parties.”

4. Built-in breakfast bench

“Built-in banquettes are a popular seating option because they provide ample room for guests and kids to sit, eat, play, read, etc.,” says Ged. “But the real benefit here is that they also serve as extra storage in many cases. Built-ins also provide a custom aesthetic that you wouldn’t achieve as easily if you opted for a free-standing dining table and chairs.”

5. Reclaimed wood table

Reclaimed wood furniture is a perfect addition to almost any space. “Custom-made wood slab tables are super popular right now,” says Youngblood. “They work with many different styles, including farmhouse to contemporary. These tables are made with interesting woods and various styles of bases. My team’s currently having one made for a client that will be 12 feet long in walnut with beautiful brass bases.”

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