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Dust off your vases, pitchers and mugs — your home will be overflowing with fresh-cut blooms in no time.
Have you ever ended up with a bed of dead flowers, mountains of mulch and a whopping garden center receipt? Let’s do something about that, shall we?
Get your gardening groove back with these nine tips.
1. Start with a clean slate
There are two kinds of flower beds: those that have been well-prepared and those that are covered in weeds.
Give your unplanted bed the once-over. Does it get enough sunlight? Does water tend to collect there? Have you removed all weeds, roots and rocks so your plants will thrive? It’s a lot easier to fix these problems now than it is once you’ve planted the flowers and laid the mulch.
2. Start seeds
Start a flower bed from seed to save money, raise unusual varieties and enjoy the satisfaction of having grown a whole garden from a handful of tiny seeds.
Since some seeds transplant poorly, check the packet and make sure you don’t have to sow directly in the ground. Start seeds in trays, pots or coir pots, using a seedling mixture, place them in a sunny spot, and transplant as soon as they have developed sturdy stems.
3. Prepare nursery plants
Nursery-grown bedding plants give you instant gratification, but the short time between purchase and planting is crucial to their survival.
Pack them closely in your car to avoid damage, and take them home immediately so that they don’t fry in your car during other errands.
Water nursery plants as soon as you get home, as often as necessary after that, and a few hours before planting to help their fragile roots survive the trauma of transplanting.
4. Get the winning edge
Even the most carefully planned border can look sloppy without a clearly defined edge. Avoid those inexpensive and quickly deteriorating edges made of plastic, and choose a more natural and long-lasting alternative.
The cheapest solution is to make a shallow trench around the bed with your spade and maintain it throughout the season. For something more refined and permanent, set an edge of brick, concrete or stone in leveling sand. The initial cost may be higher, but they will save you a lot of work and make mowing easier.
5. Plan for the seasons
Choose annuals if you plan on replacing them in a season or two, and plant perennials if you’d like them to last longer. Plant evergreen shrubs or ornamental grasses to provide structure and year-round interest.
Also consider the plant’s eventual height. Plant low-growing flowers (usually annuals) at the front of the bed where you can easily view them and replace them at the end of their season.
6. Give them space
Follow the guidelines on the seed packet or plant tag as closely as possible. An often overlooked factor is the amount of space to leave around each plant so they have room to grow. To cover a lot of ground quickly, choose spreading varieties like Superbells and climbing nasturtiums.
7. Dig the perfect hole
Dig each plant’s hole to be twice as wide as the original pot so the roots will have plenty of room to grow. To give them an even better head start, make a little trench around the inside of the hole so the roots will spread down and out.
This step isn’t necessary for annuals, since they won’t be around long enough to enjoy their strong root systems, but it is helpful if you have clay soil.
8. Plant it right
When planting transplants and nursery plants, always place them so that their crowns (where the plant meets the soil) are level with the soil in the bed. If the crown is above the soil level, the plant may dry out when soil washes away from the roots. If planted too low, soil will settle around the crown and rot the plant.
Push the soil around the transplant and firmly tamp it in place with a trowel so no gaps are left between the roots.
9. Mulch mindfully
Mulch is essential for conserving moisture and preventing weeds, but one inch is all you need. Established garden beds don’t even need mulch because the plants themselves are capable of protecting the soil.
Avoid landscaping fabric, since it actually keeps moisture from percolating into the soil. Instead, lay down sheets of newspaper before mulching.
Mulches vary by region, but whichever kind you use, follow this one rule: Don’t ever pile it up against the plants. They’ll rot in no time, and you’ll soon have nothing more than an ugly bed of mulch in their place.
https://www.zillow.com/blog/9-tips-planting-flower-bed-196266/
Think this house is some sort of joke? Think again, chief.
This house should only be purchased by the manliest of men. My friend, if a house could grow a five o’clock shadow, this bad boy would need to shave by noon… so lesser men need not apply. Here’s why.
Crafted from nature’s finest raw materials by 5th degree ninja warriors, it was built for the man who snatches victory from the jaws of defeat on a daily basis.
They didn’t bother with girlie features like a front door with beveled glass. Real men don’t even know what beveled means. All we know is square. Square jaw, square meal, and looking another man square in the eyes when squaring off in the parking lot.
Yeah it’s pink, but so what. This was never intended as the dream home of every six-year-old princess across the fruited plain. No, this hellcat from planet kickass just happened to be born in a Hello Kitty body.
Is it in turnkey condition? Hell no it’s not in turnkey condition. It’s got a leaky roof, saggy floor joists, and the AC unit only works when kicked in the just the right spot with a size 13 boot… what size boot are you workin’ with, big fella?
So yeah, this beastly box of badassery has been to hell and back and has the repair estimates to prove it. So if you’re too much of a pretty boy for this fire-breathing, dragon-slaying hero of a home just because it has a few purple hearts, then move along.
But I know you won’t. I know your type. You’re a doer. A fixer. The classic man’s man. And you’re smart enough to realize most swimsuit models would crawl through a mile of crushed glass just to watch a handyman in action through a pair of Fisher Price binoculars. And guess what, stud… that man could be you!
I don’t wanna hear you whining about this home’s lack of a security system. The only security system you’ll need is a stick to keep all the women at bay once they catch wind of your legendary address.
It comes equipped with all the things we testosterone-fueled adrenaline junkies need — like a woodworking shop. And guess what’s included in the sale, boss…
… yep, the finest assortment of hand tools you ever saw, along with a first aid kit in case you slice a finger doing the work of a real man. You know what the first aid kit contains? A pint of Jim Beam, a stitch-your-own-wound kit, and a chunk of leather to bite down on when you’re sewing yourself back up.
It’s priced to move at $179,000, or you can shell out twice as much for the home down the street (and get your man card revoked in the process).
My client will entertain all reasonable offers. And by reasonable I mean if you offer $100,000, that’s liable to earn you a trip to the ER, compliments of a thunder punch to the throat followed up by a two-fingered eye-jab. Would it hurt? Let’s just say you’d better get used to Popeye jokes, champ.
Make a full price offer and my client will even throw in the front doormat. You know what it says? “Man Cave Sweet Man Cave”. Hell, I’d buy it and make the repairs my damn self if my other career didn’t keep me away so much. You know what my other career is? Teaching Navy Seals to base jump. At night… blindfolded. Yeah.
So trust me, this helluva deal with sex appeal will outlast you and the offspring that carry your name. Rumor has it that Chuck Norris was bred here, Elvis was wed here, and John Wayne dropped dead here. Yeah. So what legacy are you gonna leave in this home, tough guy?
Now, go look in the mirror and tell me what’s staring back. If it’s a rugged, non candy-assed Dwayne Johnson stunt double, then call me. I might be out hang-gliding the Rockies or swimming laps in Lake Superior, but leave a message with my assistant and I’ll get back to you.
When we meet, we’ll get down to business over a glass of Johnnie Walker Black, right after we’ve small-talked the finer points of a proper roof truss installation.
https://lightersideofrealestate.com/real-estate-humor/manly-man-buys-pink-house
1. Rose gold loses its luster
Sorry, rose gold. You were lovely, but it’s over. This mauve metallic is out, and straight-up gold and brushed gold are back.
2. Goodbye, granite counters
Granite had a great run in the 1990s and 2000s, but this kitchen staple is being replaced by quartz, which is considered virtually indestructible. So, go ahead, set those hot plates down and don’t worry about a thing. Since granite is porous, it has the potential to trap bacteria if not cared for correctly. Removing that concern is a welcome relief in arguably the busiest room in the house.
3. Sunsetting nautical motifs
You’d think something as classic as navy and white could never go out of style, but when it comes to nautical-themed decor, that ship is sinking. Fast. Even when designing a beach house, experts are putting those sailboats, shells, and starfish out to sea and letting a mix of bold blues blend for a less-is-more aesthetic.
4. Bye-bye, Edison bulbs
Edison bulbs were a bright light on the decor scene from 2015 on, but their popularity is definitely dimming. Is it any wonder? It’s only so long you can stand to look at an exposed bulb. (Sorry, Edison.) Also, the trend was most often incorporated in industrial motifs, which are also on the way out, by the way.
5. See ya later, statement range hoods
Though some boast beautiful detail, many statement range hoods were swallowing up the room. Skinny hoods are on trend and slimming down the look of stovetops.
6. So long, all-white kitchens
All-white kitchens were all the rage. If there’s a room in the home that should appear as clean as can be, it’s definitely the kitchen. But as people spend more and more time in this space, often dubbed “the heart of the home,” they’re longing for a look that’s warmer and more reflective of their personalities. Prepare to see bright, bold kitchens, complete with colorful appliances, to be in vogue for the next few years.
7. Questioning the wisdom of word art
Designers suggest homeowners look beyond their walls for inspiration and motivation. If you want your walls to make a statement, decorators suggest the use of wallpaper or hand-painted murals.
8. Barn doors, you’re back out in the cold
There’s no debating it, barn doors had a moment. Adding them to bathrooms or closets brought the rustic charm of the country indoors, no matter your locale. But, as farmhouse-chic style wanes, barn doors are being put out to pasture.
9. Chevron prints are no longer on point
Chevron prints were all the rage for a while there, appearing on everything from clothing to wallpaper. But this pattern has been overdone. Replacing it are geometric shapes and tropical prints.
10. Shiplap gets docked
Wood on the walls peaked for a few years. It’s time to pack up that paneling and move on. As farmhouse decor loses its appeal, it’s no surprise this trend is starting to feel outdated.
If you’re hoping to make a home feel as current as possible, considering removing these decorating duds and replacing them with on-trend alternatives.
Open houses can be an interesting experience for first-time buyers and seasoned buyers alike — especially if the owners are still living in the home.
It can be a bit awkward walking through someone’s home, looking at their things, and judging whether their property is a place you can envision as a home for you and your family.
But it doesn’t have to be awkward! As long as you know what’s appropriate in terms of etiquette, open houses can be a breeze.
So, what are the rules for open houses? What’s proper etiquette? And how should you as a buyer behave when attending an open house?
Treat the host with respect
The first — and most important — rule of open house etiquette is to treat your host with respect. Whether you’re dealing with a real estate agent, an owner, or both, it’s important that you’re polite and respectful. If you fall in love with the property but made a bad impression at the open house, the owner or agent will likely be less inclined to work with you.
No need to go overboard, but make sure you say hello to the host and thank them for having you. Sign in and leave your contact information. Say goodbye when you leave.
Treat the host the way you’d like to be treated if you had a bunch of strangers walking through your house.
Don’t take a seat
The last thing you want to do when touring an open house is make yourself comfortable and take a seat on a chair, couch, bed or any other piece of furniture.
There are a few reasons for this. If the house is staged, the furniture might not even be real; professional stages are known to use fake furniture like cardboard couches to keep the budget down. And if you sit on one of these fake pieces of furniture, you’ll likely to fall straight through and end up on the floor.
If the house isn’t staged and the owners are still living in the house, it’s disrespectful to sit on their furniture without their invitation to do so. You don’t need to know if the couch is comfortable in order to make a decision about the property, so keep off.
Ask before snapping photos
If you like a property, you may want to take photos to share with your family or review after the open house. And while that’s usually fine, it’s important that you ask before you snap any photo or video.
Remember, if the owners are still living in the property, that’s their home. There might be things in their home they would rather not have photographed, so make sure to get permission before you get out your camera.
Be efficient
When attending an open house, it’s important that you’re efficient and get in and out in a reasonable amount of time. While open houses typically run for a few hours at a time, there’s no need to spend more than a few minutes walking through the house.
Tour the entire property, take notes, ask any questions, then leave. By using your time efficiently, you’re respecting the hosts and allowing them to show the property to other potential buyers.
Don’t overstep your boundaries
It’s important when touring an open house that you don’t overstep your boundaries.
It’s ok to look in the master closet to check for spaciousness; it’s not ok to rummage through the drawers. It’s ok to open the refrigerator to make sure it’s working properly; it’s not ok to grab a bottle of water out of it.
It’s ok to explore the property, but it’s not ok to treat it as if it was your own. Use your best judgement.
Don’t criticize the property while you’re still in it
Chances are, there are going to be a few open houses you attend where you absolutely hate the property. And that’s ok! Seeing properties that aren’t the right fit for you and your family is just part of the process of buying a home.
However, it’s important to remember that the open house you’re attending is a house that belongs to someone. And badmouthing the home while you’re still inside it is just bad form. Even if the owner isn’t in the house, you never know who might overhear you, like the real estate agent or a neighbor.
You wouldn’t want someone you invited into your home to criticize it. So don’t do the same at an open house. Wait until after you leave to share your criticisms with your partner, family, or agent.
Attending an open house can be a great way to find your dream home. And now that you know the proper etiquette, it’s time to get out there and start exploring some open houses!
You’ve decided to put your home on the market and have done everything in your power to make it as attractive as possible. But there’s one thing that’s beyond your control: the neighbors.
Whether they’re messy, loud, or just plain ruthless, their behavior can work against you when it comes time to sell. In fact, Appraisal Institute President Richard L. Borges II said he’s seen external factors, such as living beside bad neighbors, decrease home values by more than 5 to 10 percent. So, not only do they have the power to ruin your chances of making a sale, they can lower your property’s value.
The following are ways neighbors either purposely or inadvertently sabotage a home sale.
1. They’re noisy
From barking dogs to garage bands, if visitors find themselves covering their ears the moment they get out of the car, they’re probably not going to want to live there.
2. They’re junk collectors
Sure, it’s great to have a handy neighbor or even one who fancies himself an amateur mechanic. But when the yard is littered with tools and automotive supplies, it can give your block a junkyard feel, which drastically diminishes your curb appeal. Speaking of outdoor attractiveness…
3. They ignore the landscaping
Overgrown grass, dead shrubs, and weeds galore detract from not only your neighbor’s home but yours as well. If you’ve tried talking to your neighbor and your concerns have gone unheeded, look into your local department of code enforcement, environmental management, or zoning as they may be violating local ordinances.
4. They let it all hang out
While almost everyone can appreciate the desire to conserve energy and save a buck, leaving one’s unmentionables out on a clothesline from one end of the day to the next does nothing to enhance the scenery.
5. They allow pets to run wild
Even if your neighbor doesn’t have a dog that howls at the moon or barks ferociously without the slightest provocation, letting pets run amuck is a big turn-off. For real estate author Jeffrey Roark, the strangest thing he ever experienced during an open house occurred when the next door neighbors let their pet pig out for a romp.
“Not a pot belly pig, but a large, regular sized pig,” he explained. “People looking at the pool in the backyard of the open house could hear the thing snorting and groveling on the other side of the fence. This wasn’t in a residential area – it was in a regular, city subdivision!”
6. They badmouth the house
This one takes a lot of nerve, but some neighbors have been known to disparage the home or even the area to try to stop a potential sale. One Realtor®, representing a bank-owned property, shared that he once had a neighbor attempt to keep would-be buyers at bay so his mother-in-law could get the place for a lower price.
“He had a perch where he would see when someone came into the property,” the Realtor® explained. “He would go out greet the people, on the way in or out, tell them the home belonged to drug dealers and unsavory people were stopping by all hours of the day and night. That scared off many a buyer, but eventually it sold to someone else for more than his mother-in-law was willing to pay.”
7. They’re gone
Just because no one is living there, that doesn’t mean your neighbor troubles are over. Though foreclosures aren’t uncommon, they’re bad news for nearby homes. Across the country, foreclosures are responsible for an average $7,200 price decline for every nearby home, according to the Center of Responsible Lending. Homeowners living within 300 feet of a foreclosed residential property aren’t immune either. They’ve experienced a 1.3 percent decline in home value — while those 300 to 500 feet away see a drop of 0.6 percent.
When buyers are ready to purchase their first home, most are in the market for something relatively small and economical — in other words, a starter home. These diminutive dwellings are a smart first move for newbies because, ideally, they offer a chance to build equity without over-burdening the budget or requiring more maintenance than a novice homeowner is prepared to undertake.
But, as time passes, that once-sufficient space begins to feel a bit cramped and owners may find themselves pondering putting their starter home on the market.
If this feels like a scenario you can relate to, there’s no time like the present, as the old saying goes. “Why?” you ask. Read on!
1. Inventory is disappearing
Anyone who’s been shopping for a modest starter home lately knows, it’s slim pickings out there. It’s not just your area that is suffering a shortage either; it’s nationwide. In fact, according to Trulia Inventory and Price Watch, the number of starter homes has dropped 8.7 percent in the last year.
One reason inventories are limited is that senior citizens who previously sold their houses and moved to assisted living facilities or nursing homes are embracing the aging-in- place trend.
That decision is making it difficult for millennials and first-time homebuyers to find affordable houses for sale. According to Trulia, those 55 and older own 53 percent of U.S. owner-occupied houses, which is the largest percentage since the government started collecting data in 1900.
Investors, too, are responsible for the shortage of starter
homes available at attractive prices, as after the 2008 recession many swooped in and scooped up lower-priced houses to improve and flip, upping property values across the board.
2. Prices are soaring as bidding wars erupt
A decrease in supply means an increase in prices. New homebuyers are finding themselves forced to spend an average of 2.9 percent more of their annual income on a new home, particularly in popular markets.
With a limited number of properties available, being in possession of a starter home is a bit like owning Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps Baseball Card. In short, it’s more valuable than you might have initially realized.
In fact, starter-home owners might be shocked by the level of interest and the amount they could get for their abodes.
What starter homes lack in square footage they’re more than making up for in investment potential. According to Forbes.com, 55 percent of offers written by Redfin agents ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 faced competition earlier this year, while 60 percent of offers from $400,000 to $800,000 sparked bidding wars.
If you’d like to lock in a profit, this could be your chance.
3. Interest rates are low
According to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage are currently at 3.82 percent, which is near record lows in comparison to recent history.
Lower interest rates give buyers greater purchasing power. So, if you’ve been hoping to upsize, here’s your chance.
4. There’s no shortage of luxury homes
There appears to be a relative glut of premium homes available. While the market share of starter and trade-up homes both dropped to 22.1 percent, the share of premium homes rose 55.8 percent.
If you’ve got a starter home and a desire to spread your wings, it’s time to call Timea Harisova.
Buying your first place can be an exciting but often overwhelming experience. From finding “the one” to figuring out how you’ll pay for it, you’ll face many choices along the road to home ownership.
Before you box up your belongings and prepare to put your new welcome mat in place, you’ll have to do some serious soul searching. Let’s explore the most common decisions first-time homebuyers face.
1. Location vs. square footage?
When it comes to real estate, the first thought that flashes through most minds is the old “Location, location, location!” But if you want a home in a coveted spot, you may have to make certain sacrifices in order to afford it.
For example, if you’re seeking waterfront property, a swanky pad in the city, or a colonial in a top school district, you’ll quickly realize that you’ll get a lot less room than you would in an area that’s off the beaten path. It’s a tough decision to make, so put together a list of priorities and choose accordingly.
2. Turn-key vs. fixer-upper?
Buying a place that needs a little TLC can save you a bundle — if you’re handy and capable of working a little DIY magic, that is. Taking care of renovations yourself also gives you a chance to redecorate to your own specifications and taste.
On the flip side, if you select a home that’s in turn-key condition, all you have to do is put your feet up and enjoy. Of course, you’ll probably pay more for that, but you can entertain right away rather than waiting for the paint to dry and the new carpeting to arrive. Both sides have their pros and cons.
3. Big loan vs. big down payment?
Having a nest egg saved for a down payment is a blessing, but figuring out how to divvy it up can feel like a curse. While putting 20 percent down typically saves you from springing for mortgage insurance, it can feel like a heavy hit. Throwing as much toward a mortgage as possible also means you’ll pay less interest over the life of your loan, but it leaves you with less in your pockets to put toward any emergencies that may pop up. Still, deciding how to spend your money is never a bad problem to have.
4. Starter home vs. forever home?
Moving typically ranks high up there among the most stressful life changes a person can experience, so it makes sense that someone might not want to do it more than once.
Choosing between a starter home and forever home can be a real conundrum. If you’re hoping to live out the rest of your days in the same space, chances are you may have to save up a little (or a lot) longer to afford it, delaying your purchase by a few months or years. Once you’ve got that down payment ready, you’ll probably put a lot more time into your search. Starter homes can offer an affordable way to stop paying rent, just be sure to choose one you won’t outgrow too soon.
5. Condo vs. free-standing home?
If you love the idea of owning a home but dread the thought of doing all the not-so-little things that go with it, such as landscaping, snow removal, and other routine headaches, er, maintenance, you may be better off in a condo or townhome where, for a fee, those issues are handled for you.
Of course, there are times when you may see -— and hear — your neighbors more than you’d wish, making you feel like you’re back in your college dorm.
Also, if you want to make significant changes to your place, you’ll probably have to run everything past a condo board first.
6. Single family vs. duplex?
Do you treasure your privacy or would you rather play the role of landlord to defray the cost of your mortgage? This is a tough choice. Rents go up over time while your mortgage stays the same, making the thought of buying a duplex an attractive one.
But remember, if you live right next door and anything goes wrong, your tenant knows exactly where to find you the split second there’s an issue. But, there is good news for owner-occupants in that they often have more options when it comes to mortgage loans.
7. Urban vs. suburban?
If you love easy access to mass transit, cultural happenings, and a bustling world just beyond your doorstep, city living may be for you. If you prefer a quiet, residential area where you can hear crickets as opposed to blaring horns, you might want to put down roots in a suburb.
Consider how you feel about your commute and what you value most. The cost in living in a city is typically higher than it would be in a suburb because of additional amenities and a superior infrastructure. So you’ll have less space, but if you find that you’re rather be out and about exploring, that may suit you. If you’re more of a homebody who cherishes peace and quiet, a suburb could be the right move.
You’ve probably heard lots of people scurrying to find solar eclipse glasses.
There’s going to be quite a few people who simply can’t get a pair in time for the eclipse.
People waited too long to get them. Perhaps because they weren’t entirely in tune with how rare, and how big of an event the eclipse is.
But also because they underestimated the supply, availability, and accessibility of the glasses compared to the demand for them.
Who’d have thought they’d be about as rare as the eclipse itself?
Don’t wait ’til it’s too late
This is similar to something seen in real estate…
When people hear there’s a great house on the market, they often wait to go see it or make an offer…until it’s too late to do anything about it.
By the time they motivate, the house has been scooped up by another buyer, and often there were even more buyers who were trying to buy it, but lost out.
Houses aren’t “a dime a dozen”
The solar eclipse glasses were practically “a dime a dozen”. They were all basically the same, inexpensive, and plenty to go around…yet still not enough for everyone who wanted a pair.
Houses, on the other hand, are often one-of-a-kind…
…which makes it all the more likely that if you hesitate even the slightest bit, you’re going to miss your opportunity.
But there’s always another…
Lots of people won’t be able to look directly at the eclipse, since they don’t have the glasses. They’re going to miss the rare opportunity. There will be disappointment.
But even though they’re rare, another one will occur fairly soon in the U.S in about 7 years. Or, you can see one in a mere 2 years in other parts of the world.
They’re still rare, no matter how you cut it. But you can see an eclipse at other times if you’re willing to travel.
Same thing goes for houses…
If you lose out on a house because you hesitated, it’s disappointing, but it’s not the only opportunity you’ll have.
In fact, you could probably find a similar house to the one you like pretty soon after losing the one you had your eye on…if you’re willing to travel.
But most people want to find the house of their dreams where they live, not somewhere else.
So don’t miss your opportunity when you see the perfect house, in the perfect location. Jump on it. Otherwise, you may be waiting a while for the next one to appear.
https://lightersideofrealestate.com/education/home-buying/one-glaring-real-estate-lesson-can-learn-solar-eclipse
It’s Time We Had A Realistic Discussion About Your Home’s Value
When you go to sell your house, there’s a good chance you’re not going to agree with what a real estate agent suggests for a list price.
It’s one of the most common issues real estate agents deal with, and help homeowners understand.
Problem is… many homeowners don’t necessarily see it as agents trying to help them, so much as convince them to do something they don’t want to do.
Naturally, you want as much as you can get for your home. And, you’ll certainly have your own opinion on the value of your home. You’re totally entitled to your opinion. And it’s totally your call to ignore the agent’s advice, and list your house for as much as you like… if the agent is still willing to work with you.
But if the agent is not willing to, it doesn’t matter, you can always find any number of agents who will put it on the market for as high of a price as you want.
But, it might be the biggest mistake you can make…
In the least, you’ll just waste your time. (And the agent’s time.)
But, it could also lose you money, instead of make you money…
There’s lots of ways this happens, but one of the biggest reasons is that the longer you are on the market, the more it impacts how buyers perceive your home, and what it is worth.
And that is hard to hide…
It has become more and more of an issue as so much data and information has become available online. Like, how long a house has been on the market, and how many times it has been listed without selling.
So, the best thing to do, is list your home based upon the current market data… not what you want, wish, or think.
When it comes to pricing your home for sale, Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric, has such an appropriate quote…
“Face reality as it is, not as it was or as you wish it to be.”
Let’s break that down and apply it to pricing your home… starting in reverse.
As You Wish It To Be
This is so human, isn’t it? Everybody has things in life they wish were different and better.
C’mon, we all wish we were millionaires. Or even just hundred-thousandaires. But why wish for just hundreds of thousands. Almost everyone wishes beyond that. Why not? It’s a wish. No harm in that. It might even motivate you to do something that gets you there…
Because you can certainly do things to make it your reality. But you’re probably not going to just wish yourself into becoming a millionaire. And you’re probably not going to become a millionaire by simply doing whatever it is you have been doing, which has not gotten you there yet.
But there’s hope. Always hope.
And so it is when many homeowners want to sell their home.
Not to say that everyone thinks that their home is worth a million dollars. But almost every owner feels like their home is worth a good amount more than the actual market value. Usually by tens of thousands of dollars. Regardless of price range.
But the market value is based upon what buyers have paid for similar homes recently. So you need to base your price against the prices similar homes have sold for.
You can’t expect your 3 bed, 1 bath Ranch style home, to sell for as much as a 4 bed, 3 bath Colonial in a similar (or better) location and condition than yours.
You can wish it would. But it probably won’t.
With that said, you can make your home worth as much as a 4 bed, 3 bath Colonial… if you make it into one. But the point being… you would need to do something to make it so, not just wish it were.
Not As It Was
A lot of times, when they hear how much their home is worth in the current market, say something along the lines of…
“There’s no way my house is only worth $525,000. Back in 2005 my house would have gone for $700,000! And, sure, I know that the market was crazy high back then, and the market took a dive. But the market is bouncing back now. So, I can’t see asking anything less than $650,000.”
- Deep breath. Phew. Here we go…
Half the time, you can’t even prove that a house would have sold for, say, $700,000 back in 2005. That is often just what an owner personally thought it was worth in their mind. But that was never tested. The chances are… it wasn’t worth that back then. Or ever.
But, let’s just say it was worth $700,000 back in 2005. And now it truly is only worth $525,000. That is the reality. Now. And that is all you can deal with. You can decide not to sell. Wait out the market until prices go up to a point you are happy with.
You cannot, however, turn back time. You can’t price your home based upon such distant history… as it was. It won’t do you any good.
Face Reality As It Is
It is that “simple”. But yet, so hard.
So many homeowners overprice their homes, and lose money in many ways by not facing reality as it is.
And a lot of real estate agents reluctantly allow homeowners to do it.
It takes a pretty special agent to be firm about pricing with a homeowner.
Because many agents will do as you wish. And they’ll put your house on the market and wish right along with you.
First, they’ll wish for a miracle…
Then, they’ll wish they were firmer with you on the price to begin with…
And the whole entire time, they’ll wish that you would just lower your price already…
And they will bring up lowering your price. Constantly. And you will be annoyed. And feel like that’s all they are doing. And you’ll start thinking about who the next agent you hire will be, once your listing contract expires with the agent who did as you wished.
So, save yourself some time, aggravation, and make as much money as you can and should on your home, by facing reality as it is, not as it was or as you wish it to be.
You’re better off listening to and hiring an agent, who is firm about your market value, and helping you face reality, than you are working with an agent who is, well… wishy-washy.
https://lightersideofrealestate.com/education/homeownership/time-realistic-discussion-homes-value