Five things you should never do when selling a home!

      
  For most of us our homes are our biggest assets. When we decide to sell that asset we are looking for top dollar and for the buyer to love the home as much as we have. I believe for every home on the market there is a buyer waiting to find it and claim it as their own. Whether the home is a Colonial, Traditional, Victorian, Raised Ranch, Luxury Home or even a Craftsmen how it shows can make or break your bottom line.


      Literally selling the home as-is.....



It's okay to sell the home as-is you will be surprised how many buyers champion the do it yourself concept. However, as-is should not mean dirty and smelly.  For those of you who have worked with me in the past or have read some of my blogs cleaning can be your best weapon in dazzling a buyer. Even on an as-is sale. Do no just limit yourself to counter tops and closets. I can assure you that buyers are looking at corners and baseboards as well. Pay special attention to bathrooms and Kitchens which are two of the biggest selling areas in the home.


    


  Painting the walls loud colors.....
 I have had the opportunity to view and sell many beautiful homes. In my experience I have found that the properties that have the most traffic and gain multiple offers quickly are the homes with neutral colors. Although Fuchsia is a gorgeous color it may be overwhelming for a buyer to see an entire room painted in the color. Neutral colors are calming and it is easier for a buyer to place themselves and their furniture mentally in the home.






      Allowing the homes curb appeal to fall flat.....
 Don't let the phrase its a jungle out there refer to your back or worse front yard. As you know curb appeal is king. In the past I have encountered instances where I have driven buyers to a home they fell in love with online, to having them want to skip the property altogether when they arrived. Overgrown weeds, unswept sidewalks or driveways, raggedy gutters and screen doors, broken outdoor lights need I go on. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk you know better! If you didn't before now you do...

   


  Letting the pets run loose.....
 I am a dog & cat lover so I feel your pain on this one. However, the goal is to sell your home so allowing Fido or Felix to meet the buyer at the door is not a good idea. Some buyers aren't to keen on pets being in the house. Lots of buyers are afraid of animals. I have had many buyers that didn't want to see homes with carpet because of allergies. The added element of a pet in the home can be to much for a choosy buyer to cope with. I am not saying give your pets away once you decide to sell your home. Just tuck them away in a cage or kennel if possible.

Making the home hard to show.....
        This is one of my biggest pet peeves. Accessibility for the buyer is key. If the home does not show it cannot sell. I know it can be tedious working around the buyers schedule but it is necessary.  Most buyers are available to see homes after work and on weekends. I can't tell you how many buyers and agents pass up viewing a property that could be a perfect match because it was difficult to show.

As an FYI if the home is clean even if its sold as-is, If the colors are neutral and a buyer can picture themselves in the home, if the curb appeal is great, if pets are not meeting buyers at the door, and if the home is easy to show that home has a better chance of going under contract quickly.


                  As always thank you for reading my blogs. If I am able to help you in the buying or selling process let me know.

                                                   The Dwelling Specialist
                                                   Who's selling your home?

                                                                   Morrishia Dooley

Solid Source Realty

O-770-475-1130 ext-3815

Direct- 678-886-8353

email- thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com

website-www.galleryofdwellings.com

BLOG-therealestateavenue.blogspot.com

2006 Agent Of The Year!

Thank you for choosing me to be your preferred Realtor for you & your loved ones

                                        

Simple tips to save on your home energy bills.....

                   When I was a little girl I can remember my mom saying " If your not in your room turn the light off!" Another famous one " Stop coming in and out the air is on!"  At the time I just thought it was just what mothers say. My friends would get scolded for the same thing. It truly wasn't a big deal. Fast forward a few years and I can distinctly remember saying the same thing to my own two. You learn very quickly about energy and how you use it or lose can make a big impact on your purse strings. With rising food prices and gas prices we must be more conscious about saving the money we make.
         
                  Lets start with one of the biggest energy wasters the washer/dryer. Instead of washing a small load wait until there is a full load to throw in. Never wash on the hot cycle your clothes will be just as clean in the warm or cold water rinse. If it is a warm day why not let the sun kiss those clothes dry.

                  The dishwasher is another big ticket item. When you have to use the dishwasher make sure its full. Instead of a costly heated dry allow them to air dry.
                   Change the filters, change the filters, change the filters, I can stress that enough. Clogged filters make it harder for any machine or motor to work. The harder that machine or motor has to work the more energy it pulls to do it. Not only does a dirty filter cause the motor to work hard it may also cause a system break down. A repair bill is never inexpensive even with a home warranty there is still a service see.
                   Keep your Ac between 70-75 in the summer. This will keep the house comfortable without breaking the bank.
                    If you don't have a tankless water heater consider getting one. This type of water heater saves energy by producing hot water only when its needed. Instead of the traditional unit that keeps the water in the tank heated.
                    Invest in a heat pump. A heat pumps saves energy because it does not produce heat it moves it around to where its needed.A heat pump is also powered by electricity.

A few other tips -

* use compact fluorescent bulbs
* install low flow shower heads 
*caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows
*install storm windows over single pane windows.
*use ceiling fans instead of the AC
* fix those leaky faucets 
*Choose a refrigerator/freezer with automatic moisture control
*Shut down home computers when not in use or put them on sleep mode



Make small changes and build over time believe me your wallet will thank you. Don't forget to drop a dime or two in the pig. 

As always thank you for reading my blogs. Drop me a line anytime!

 

Morrishia Dooley-Associate Broker

Solid Source Realty

O-770-475-1130 ext-3815

Direct- 678-886-8353

email- thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com

website-www.galleryofdwellings.com

BLOG-therealestateavenue.blogspot.com

2006 Agent Of The Year!

Thank you for choosing me to be your preferred Realtor for you & your loved ones

 

What buyers are looking for......

       

When a buyer enters a home with there agent they instantly know if this is the house they want to call home. In my years as realtor a few things have stood out as a priority to most buyers. 

-Open floor plans are a huge plus for buyers that are looking for a home. It combines the kitchen and other living areas into one large space. Families are able to interact with each other and still cook meals or conduct other household activities. Many open floor plans may feature high ceilings making the space seem even larger.

-Sitting area in the master have become a great selling point. Today's bedrooms have become more functional. A sitting area can be used as an office or a mini lounge. They can also be set up as a small nursery area for newborns. The possibilities are endless making this a wonderful feature in a home.

-Large kitchens with an Island, eat-in area and granite tops. The kitchen has always been the center point of the home. A large amount of time is spent in the kitchen during holidays and gatherings. Cooking, socializing and being together in one central area. A large functional kitchen that stands out with beauty and style will get noticed.

-A separate tub and shower in the master bath is no longer a want but a necessity.

-Another necessity is dual vanities in the master bathroom. Most households have two working adults. The majority of the time morning schedules collide and not having to share a sink can be the answer to a happy morning.

-Large his and her walk-in closets with shelving is a plus. For those guys who have not figured it out yet the larger of the closets belong to us women.

Hardwood flooring is a plus.  If you don't have hardwoods throughout the home a great foyer that showcases your gleaming hardwoods can also make a dramatic statement. A few other honorable mentions are a fenced backyard, 2 car garage, fireplace and a separate living and dining room.

If your home has been loved and cared for and you have many of these features your home should be a top seller. 

If you are thinking about selling your home and want to know what your home may be worth in this market give me a call. 

                                                 
       As always thank you for reading my blogs it's a pleasure to write them for such a great audience!

Morrishia Dooley-Real Estate Adviser/Associate Broker

Solid Source Realty Company

Direct-678-886-8353

Office-770-475-1130 ext 3815

website- www.galleryofdwellings.com

email- thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com

blog- therealestateavenue.blogspot.com

https://twitter.com/mddwellings

To Rent or Not to Rent that is the question......

 

 

                 


A few years ago before the housing crash it was hard to find homeowners willing to rent out there properties. Homes were selling, mortgages were in abundance and for those with less than perfect credit there was always creative financing. There was simply not a need to rent your home out unless you were an investor or a homeowner needing to relocate temporarily and on the fence about selling.

                  Jump into the present and you will find that renting a home is one of the most common request handled by Realtors. What has changed you ask yourself? The answer is almost everything.

                 The biggest change came with the market crash, home values took a nose dive. Sellers where no longer able to sale their homes for what they were worth. The only options available for sellers needing to relocate was to foreclose on the property, short sale it or rent it out.  A foreclosure can devastate your credit and ensure you will not be able to buy a home for years. Short sales even though they are a much better option than a foreclosure are lengthy and you must meet certain guidelines by your individual mortgagor. A few highlights to this option would be that you would be able to buy a home again in 3 years with a FHA loan, 2 Years with a VA loan and 4 year for a conventional loan with a 10% down payment. You may also qualify for relocation assistance.

              








     However for those that do not want to take either of those routes renting may be your best option. A few positive things to take into consideration are as followed

*Your able to count those rental payments as income after reporting it on your tax returns for two years in most cases.

*You will be able to relocate and still have your home mortgage payment covered.

*The property is not left vacant and subject to vandalism

 * You may have a small monthly income if the home is paid for or if the rent payment is more than the monthly mortgage.

 

The cons of renting your home may outweigh the pros for many of you and should also be taken into consideration before making this decision.

*You have to have patience and be able to work with various personality types.

*Finding great tenants that pay on time and take care of the property can be an uphill battle.

*If the tenant loses there income late rent payments are more than likely sure to follow.

*If your home is in an hoa community you will need to make sure the tenant follows the rules.

*Most tenants have pets are you willing to allow pets in your home?

 

The list can go on and on. Before you choose ask questions. If you feel that renting is the best option for you give yourself enough time to find the best tenant possible. Have each prospective tenant fill out a complete application. Check everything written on the application and if possible partner up with a tenant screening company.  Ask for references and call them. This is your home you owe it to yourself to know as much as you can about that applicant.

 

              As always thank you for reading my blogs and let me know if you have any questions.

Morrishia Dooley-Real Estate Adviser/Associate Broker

Solid Source Realty Company

Direct-678-886-8353

Office-770-475-1130 ext 3815

website- www.galleryofdwellings.com

email- thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com

blog- therealestateavenue.blogspot.com

https://twitter.com/mddwellings

From Drab to Fab with Corian Countertops

 

                 

       As many of us can attest to the kitchen is an important centerpiece of every home. It is the central location everyone navigates to during special occasions such as family gatherings, holidays and parties. Therefore it should give the wow effect. Corian Counters have been around for over 40 years. They are manufactured by DuPont. Unlike many of its counterparts Corian comes in an array of colors most notably even stone. You can order it pre-cut and match it to your kitchen's style. This material is available in semi-gloss, matte satin and a very swanky high gloss finish.

                         

Corian is very durable because it is solid all the way through. It does not fall apart or peel because of this reason. If you do happen to see minor imperfections you are able to gently sand it or give it a light scrub to repair it. Mildew and the growth of bacteria cannot readily grow on this surface. This is due to the material being nonporous. This also helps it resist stains.

                        Just like any other material there are things to consider such as the material scratches easily. Placing hot items on the surface for more than a few seconds can damage it. Using sharp utensils to cut with will damage the surface as well. One way to avoid scratching the material is to use a cutting board. A matte finish is recommended in many cases. Corian is expensive and depending on the size of your kitchen may not be the most economical way to beautify your kitchen space.

                        A great way to clean Corian is a little soapy water or a cleaner with an ammonia base. Be very careful not to let the surface remain wet for long periods. A film may appear on the surface and it will lose its luster.

If you have questions about this material or would like to talk to an expert visit your nearest Lowe's or Home Depot.

Morrishia Dooley

Solid Source Realty

0-770-475-1130 ext-3815

Direct-678-886-8353

email-thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com

website-ww.galleryofdwellings.com

BLOG-therealestateavenue.blogspot.com

2006 AGENT OF THE YEAR

Thank you for choosing me to be your preferred Realtor for you & your loved ones 

Buyers Market! Going Going Gone!

 

                  Rewind back a few years ago and you may be able to recall the beginning of the housing crash. Sellers where unable to pay off there mortgages because they owed more than the home was worth. Foreclosures were unfortunately very prevalent in almost every community you visited. Lengthy short sales with there grueling paperwork and bank demands were a popular alternative. The housing market was a very grim place the last few years if you were trying to sell your home. The mere thought of putting a home on market for some sellers was just to painful to think about. Many of us could understand there pain.

           Although the drop in home values made it very hard on sellers there was one group that benefited greatly. Savvy buyers who were able to capitalize on the housing downfall. As a Realtor working in the field I was able to see first hand the deals that many buyers were getting on there home purchase. Homes that were once valued at 250,000 may have been sold at 175k or less depending on the current appraisal values.  Programs such as the NSP program or other revitalization programs were actively helping buyers purchase more affordable properties. These homes were sold at a great price and were even refurbished. HUD homes added to buyers receiving homes at a great price by only requiring 100.00 down on FHA loans. It has been a wonderful time for buyers.

   








   Fast Forward eight years and the market has begun to see change once again. The amazing deals that were everywhere have begun to dry up. Builders are coming back and although the homes are beautiful they are a far cry from the prices we were seeing. Sellers no longer have to take the first low ball offer that comes along. They are now in a position to pick and choose. The new language for banks and sellers alike seems to be (highest and best). For those of you that have been in the housing market recently you know exactly what that means. Makes most buyers cringe just reading the words.
      

        The predictions on 
       More houses will flood the market 
      Interest rate will Increase and will be closer to 5% by the end of the year on a 30 year fixed 
      Home prices have to cool off to much to fast may work against the recovery market 


           


       










          If you have questions or are thinking of buying or selling a home give me a call.
                 

Morrishia Dooley-Real Estate Adviser/Associate Broker

Solid Source Realty Company

Direct-678-886-8353

Office-770-475-1130 ext 3815

website- www.galleryofdwellings.com

email- thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com

blog- therealestateavenue.blogspot.com

https://twitter.com/mddwellings