Downsizing Tips

If you are planning to downsize is in the foreseeable future, idea of paring down the possessions might seem daunting. But if the home will be placed on the market, you’ll likely have to cut clutter nonetheless. Here are some tips:

1. Plan backwards from moving day. If you have a clear idea when you plan to move, start downsizing three months prior. Sorting through one room at a time is best.

2. OHIO rule. “Only handle it once.” Avoid placing items in “maybe” piles. Ask yourself if you would replace the item if it disappeared – this will make the process feel much less like a trashing of beloved possessions.

3. More isn’t always better. Don’t be afraid to purge duplicates. The same applies to clothing – avoid holding on to garments that no longer fit, but might “one day.”

4. Scale back collections. Cutting a collection can be upsetting for anyone, downsizing or not. Approach the process as gently and practically as possible. Ask yourself which items are favored more than others, or limit the amount based on display space.

5. Get cash for your castoffs. If you’re planning to sell an item, start early – some things may not move as quickly as you’d like, and you don’t want to be stuck with items you no longer want come moving day. Garage sale, E-Bay, Craigslist, Auctioneers -you are to determine what will work best.

6. Donate. Donating items to charitable organizations can make parting with possessions much more manageable. The Salvation Army will transport big-ticket items like furniture or appliances. Other items can be donated to Goodwill or a local charity of your choice.

For more useful information go to http://findneworleansproperties.com/

What Attracts Millennials When Buying a Home

Social spaces
Entertaining friends is very important to millennials, the more places in the home that are conducive to socializing, the more attractive it is to younger buyers. Put taller than usual table with bar chairs in the kitchen to give the impression of being a good place for a crowd to place their drinks during a cocktail party. If there is a balcony, try to fit a grill out there if it is allowed, it represents freedom and adulthood more than most other pieces of furniture.

Millennial-preferred amenities
Access to superior technology is important to this demographic, so take the time to research options available for those in your home. Millennials want a place to charge all of their gadgets, so build in shelves right next to electrical outlets as designated charging stations.

Showcase storage
Many millennials in urban areas don’t want to own a car, so their biggest burden is what to do with their bike. In small condos there isn't usually room to store them so they end up taking up space in the living room. One of the solutions is to mount a bike vertically in the wall space behind the entry door.

For more staging tips go to http://findneworleansproperties.gardnerrealtors.com/

Final Inspection When Buying a Home

Many buyers ask the same questions: “why do I need to do the final walk-through?', “what should I do at the walk through?”, “how important is the walk-through prior to closing?”.

It’s not uncommon for buyers to want to rush closing, but rather than speeding through the process during the walk-through (or dozing off), do your best to evaluate the home as thoroughly as possible. Examine both the exterior and interior for any issues that may have developed after the inspection – particularly if the seller has already vacated the home. This includes:

• Confirming all door and window locks can be opened and secured properly
• Opening and closing doors and windows
• Testing the HVAC system and all appliances
• Turning on and off all indoor and outdoor lights
• Checking temperature and water pressure for all faucets, noting any drips or leaks and flushing toilets
• Confirming any required repair work

Aside from that, it’s a good idea to bring the inspector with you, if any repairs were agreed upon on the inspection response. Inspector can make sure that repairs were done up to codes and specifications. And don’t leave without obtaining:

• Alarm codes (if applicable)
• Remote garage openers
• System and appliance manuals
• Receipts for any promised repairs
  
  
  Lastly, watch for any items left behind by the seller, unless they were included in the transaction.
• For more information go to http://findneworleansproperties.com/ 

How to Stage a Home Without Breaking the Bank

If you are selling or considering selling your home staging is what might help you to reach that desirable price tag that you feel is essential to accomplish your goals.

Many sellers think that they can't afford staging, that staging is absolutely cost prohibitive in their situation.That's not necessarily true, and to demonstate how it can be done without breaking the bank, I would like to share with you the recent publication by Rismedia Housecall /http://blog.rismedia.com/2015/golden-rules-home-staging/

For more helpful information go to http://findneworleansproperties.gardnerrealtors.com/

Home Buying Rules

What's good for a buyer in a real estate transaction:

1.If you made an appointment to see a property don't cancel it.
To prepare for a showing, a smart seller spends time clearing up clutter and making the home shine, then grabs the kids and/or pets and vacates for a few hours so buyers can tour in peace.
 Respect that.

2. Remember “house rules”: don't crank up the heat or air conditioning, or let your kids run wild, bounce on the furniture, and borrow toys. Sellers are allowed to set some ground rules ("no shoes" is a popular one), be respectful of that.

3. Never nitpick. Complaining about small issues, like carpet and paint colors, is not a good negotiating strategy, focus on the big-picture items, like location and light level instead. Sellers don't care why you're discounting the house. They're looking at that bottom-line number. Include a roll call of defects and the question becomes, "Why do you want this place?"

4. Requesting multiple “visits” before closing can compromize succesful sale. Buyers want to bring in decorators, architects, family, while the seller is getting repairs done, accommodating inspectors, packing and moving. Arranging to visit while the inspector is there will be the best solution.

5. Never try to renegotiate after striking a deal. There are buyers who agree on a price, only to repeatedly demand concessions and discounts. It's extremely awkward and insulting.

6. Don't rush the closing date. Even in the best of circumstances, it's hard to leave a home for good. The date should be comfortable for all parties.

For more good advise visit http://findneworleansproperties.gardnerrealtors.com/ 

This Home is Coming On The Market Soon

For more information visit http://findneworleansproperties.gardnerrealtors.com/

Budget When Buying a House

If you decide to buy a house, there are some important factors to consider. Budgeting is extremely important.  It’s not just how much money you make; it’s also what you plan to do with it.

Try to project what the next five years or so will be like for you and your family. Are you planning to have kids in the next few years? Is your teen graduating from high school? Will they need you to co-sign for a college loan? Are you planning for a wedding?

All these can raise your debt-to-income ratio. Even if you can afford a mortgage with a 40% debt-to-income ratio now, life events like having children can bring that ratio up to and over 50%.

Plan for the house you can afford today—not what you can afford a few years from now when the raise kicks in. Home ownership isn't as simple as paying the mortgage. You can be sure other expenses will pop up. Repairs, general maintenance, condo fees, utilities and buying new furniture for your new home also need to be anticipated.

The more thorough your budgeting, the more comfortable you’ll be when shopping for a home.

For more information visit http://findneworleansproperties.gardnerrealtors.com/