Inexpensive do it yourself projects that add value to your home!

Everyone wants to sell there home for the maximum price. Forget what you have been told in the past no two homes are exactly alike. Yes, they may have the same style and number of bedrooms but there is always that one item that sets the homes apart. Making one home more desirable and appealing then the other. It could be the marble bathtub, or the heated floors that makes the home stand out. Maybe its the rose bushes out front or the updated appliances that sends a buyer into that got to have it mode. Whatever the case we can all agree that the home that is most appealing is the one that will sell.

                                                  

  Here are a few inexpensive ideas that can help your home stand out.....

Clean, clean, clean, clean, clean and the clean some more. One of the best things an owner can do is to clean the home before it hits the market. The kitchen and bathroom are the two major places in the home that buyers scrutinize. Clean counter tops, floors,windows,wipe down appliances and handrails just to name a few things. The most important dirt is the dirt you think they are not looking for. The grime in the corners or the baseboards. Wiping down the blinds and the ceiling fans. You could have the nicest lot on the block. If a buyer can't visualize themselves there because its not tidy than it will never sell for the price you want. Go back to basics like the Karate Kid wax on wax off.. 

                      De-clutter the home and open up the possibilities. One of the worst things you can do is put your home on market before you have removed excess baggage. Decluttering the home gives added space. After a buyer has seen the kitchen and the bathroom there headed full speed ahead to check the closet space. Get rid of all those extra clothes or shoes you can no longer wear. Ladies, I am pretty sure those striped bell bottoms with the rhinestones on the pockets aren't coming back in style this season. For the men you must get rid of that Members Only jacket. I feel your pain my husband just got rid of his a few weeks ago for the 8th time. If he pulls it out of the trash one more time when I am not looking I will be forced to bleach it. Let it go! 

                

    The garage is another place where we love to place unwanted items that we just can't seem to throw away. Go through and get rid of it. When in doubt throw it out. Or better yet have a garage sale!$$$

                        Painting not only gives your home a fresh smell it also brings a dull home to life. However, this isn't the time to let your creativity be your guide! Remember paint soft colors an eggshell, or  pastel green. Refrain from wall paper because most buyers have remove wall paper on there to do list right under change shag carpet in the living room. 

         

                         If you can get away with a good vacuum and cleaning of the carpets, it will not only save you a small fortune it will also enhance your homes appeal. Hopefully most of the carpet is neutral in the home. This way the buyer will not have to worry about buying new carpet as soon as they move in. 

               

                       You don't have to break the bank on the outside of your home unless it really needs its. Keep the lawn mowed and the edges trimmed. Stop in at your local garden supply store and pick up a few colorful flowers to plant. If you pass a garage sale buy a few small statues to go on display around the yard. Don't forget the welcome mat.

            

                       Doing these things can add hundreds to your bottom line without spending a fortune. It's important to remember that although you want to do things that make your home standout your selling this home. Those costly upgrades or expensive additions will unfortunately not be yours to enjoy once the home is sold. Instead benefit from the money you saved by putting it in your Rainy Day Fund.. 

Morrishia Dooley

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers

direct-678-886-8353

office- 770-491-1900

email-morrishiadooley@gmail.com

website-morrishia.dooley.metrobrokers.com

blog-therealestateavenue.blogspot.com

The 411 on Down Payment Assistance..

              Years ago potential homeowners had to come up with there own down payment assistance (dpa). Many home buyers saved for years or had to borrow the money from somewhere else making the home buying process often daunting. Dpa use to be as high as 20% of the purchase price. In many cases this was extremely difficult for most potential home buyers. Luckily in recent years this number has shrunk dramatically to about 3.5% for FHA.

              A down payment represents a fraction of the total cost of a home. For instance if your buying a home for $100,000 with a down payment of 3.5% your down payment would be $3500.00. If you were purchasing a home in the amount of $180,000 with a down payment of 3.5% your down payment would be $6300.00.  When you factor in other cost such as closing cost, moving cost and other fees buying a home can get pretty expensive.  
     
                  Down payment programs enlist participation from nonprofit organizations or municipalities. They assist families in covering the cost of there down payment. Many people believe (dpa) is only for low-income families. This is truly not always the case. Although there are guidelines for each program dpa is worth looking into. Many agencies require that a buyers loan have full documentation. They also require the buyer participate in a home buying class.
   
                 There are different types of assistant programs for instance some programs may only be available in a particular area like the Citylift or Beltline program. Or if the buyer is in a particular career field such as the Good Neighbor Next Door Program. This program is available for teachers, fireman, police officers or emt's.  There are also programs with guidelines on income.

                  Whatever your individual circumstance everyone should look into down payment assistance programs. As Benjamin Franklin once said ( A penny saved is a penny earned!)

Down Payment Counseling agencies 

D&E INC -770-961-6900

DEKALB/ FULTON HOUSING COUNSELING-404-508-0922

CCCS OF GREATER ATL 404-527-7630

Please contact me if you have questions about DPA. I will put you in touch with a lender that can help you navigate which program may be right for you..

                  Morrishia Dooley -Associate Broker

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers

direct-678-886-8353

Office- 404-843-2500

blog-therealestateavenue.com

email-morrishiadooley@gmail.com

website-morrishia.dooley.metrobrokers.com