Real Estate Information Archive

When you start your house hunt, be certain you are pre-approved for a mortgage. This will show any seller that you can buy their property. A pre-qualification is not enough. 
 

Before you even put in your offer, make sure there is some wiggle room in the amount. Offering the maximum that you are approved for can take you out of the contest during the first round. 
 

If you can offer cash for the purchase or a better-than-average earnest money deposit, sellers are more likely to add you to their “possibilities” list. Cash talks, no matter the amount of your purchase offer. 
 

Some potential buyers ask an agent to add an escalation clause to the contract.  The downside to this is leaving your negotiations on a purchase price laid bare for the seller to see. It may be best to make sure your Realtor® is ready with counteroffers in case your original is rejected. 
 

Being competitive means laying aside some contingencies.  For instance, a well-maintained home may have fewer issues in the inspection, so waiving the home inspection contingency could be enticing to the seller. This can be risky, however, if the house has not been updated in a long time, so make this decision wisely. 
 

If you absolutely love the home, talk to your agent about allowing your offer to be a back-up.  Keep an eye on the sale just in case it does not go through. Remember that most sales do go through, but there is always hope! 
 

Finally, it may simply be best to take the loss and walk away. In a sellers’ market, it may be best to let go of some of the items on your “want” list, as well as look at houses that are under budget.  

- Animals are better at finding escape routes than we are, so make sure those places are sealed to keep them from roaming the neighborhood.  Examine all fencing to make sure there are no gaps and that all materials are secure. 
 

- Our gardens and landscaping offer beauty and food, and animals like to eat plants as well.  Check these lists from the ASPCA for plants that are not good for cats or dogs, and make sure you keep your pets from ingesting them. 
 

- Landscaping and swimming pool chemicals should be kept out of our pets’ way.  Some products have a scent that is enticing to animals, and they would not hesitate to give them a try. 
  

- Sometimes when we leave home for a bit, it is necessary to leave the dog outside.  Make sure they have adequate shelter to keep them cool and plenty of fresh water. 
 

- Protecting wildlife and our feline friends go hand-in-hand.  Because cats are natural hunters, being outside and unsupervised can be lethal for songbirds, or the cat may find a snake resting under a shrub.  Allow your cat to enjoy the outdoors and stay safe at the same time by building or purchasing a catio. 
 

- When an active pet owner takes their dog with them on a run, keeping them from getting too hot is easy when they take a collapsible water bowl or doggy water bottle with them. 
 

- Some dogs enjoy boating as much as their owners, and they need their own life jackets and an overboard plan. There are other things to consider when taking them with us on the water, but sometimes it is best to simply leave them at home or with a sitter. 
 

- Is there a pet-friendly beach nearby?  Check out these great tips for taking your dog to the beach.  Heat, waves, and hot sand can all play a role in just how much fun everyone will have--or not. 
 

- Always use a pet safety harness or a secured crate when traveling and be certain your pet is allowed to stay on any overnight trips. 

The typical amount of time before a showing is 24 hours, so take advantage of that time to make certain everything is spotless and neat. Cleaning and keeping the house clutter-free should be part of your daily routine, so a quick-clean should not take long. 
 

Making your house smell great can easily be overdone.  Appeal to the masses with light citrus or herbal scents. The more natural, the better. 
 

All valuables should be in a secure location:  lockbox, safe, or locked file cabinet.  Include personal mail, medications, and anything else you do not want prying eyes to see.  Some potential buyers look at everything, and you do not want your privacy compromised. 
 

Spot sweep obvious dirt on hard floor surfaces, and quick-vacuum carpeted rooms, working from the farthest point of the room to the door, and do not walk on the carpet after you have finished. 

Make sure the temperature in the house is comfortable.  Your family may like a cool home, but 70° is perfect for most people. 
 

If you are leaving just before the showing, turn lights on in each room, and open the blinds.  This not only keeps your agent from having to do it, but it shows the buyers each space in its best light. 

Will you be at work when the showing is scheduled? Go over everything the night before and plan on taking twenty to thirty minutes the next morning to make sure everything is perfect before you walk out the door. 

Supply list:  outdoor extension cords, outdoor power strip, projector, movie source, speakers, screen, flat surface for the projector, seating, tables (optional items) outdoor lighting, insect repellent, and snacks. 
 

For as little as $100, you can purchase an outdoor projector.  Not in the budget? Check out a projector from your local library or find a local rental store that carries them. Make sure you have the correct cables and cord to connect to your movie source. 
 

While a Blu-ray player is the easiest player for your outdoor cinema, your smartphone or a tablet will work just fine. Check the Wi-Fi signal to make certain there will not be a lot of buffering during play. If the signal is not strong, use a Wi-Fi booster or download the movie to your device before showtime.  A Bluetooth speaker is an inexpensive option if the projector does not have them built in. 
 

Your screen should be secured to a wall or fencing, or build a frame from which to hang a sheet, tablecloth, or painter’s drop cloth.  Whatever method you choose, be sure your screen is smooth and braced against winds that may breeze up. 
 

Seating is important, and while some will be comfortable with a cushion or floor pillow while reclining on an old blanket, you will need chairs, and maybe even a few tables. Just make sure that items you use can get damp and/or dirty from being on the ground. 
 

Unless you ask others to bring their refreshments, ready-made snacks and drinks will be the most convenient and will keep you from being stuck at a table serving concessions. Have a “buffet” of pre-packaged goodies in baskets or on serving trays with drinks on ice. 
 

Consider showing your movie out front where neighbors can sit in family groups around the front yard or even on the sidewalk.  
 

Remember to keep an eye on the weather for a few days in advance so you do not risk ruining equipment with rain.  

Before doing any maintenance on an outdoor unit, be sure to locate the power supply and turn it off or remove the supply pack. 

Sometimes homeowners will hide their unit with shrubbery or other plants.  Air needs to flow unobstructed around the unit, so if anything is growing too close, it should be trimmed to a distance of two feet away. 
 

Changing the intake filter monthly may not be necessary, but checking it is.  If it is noticeably dirty, replace it. What if you do not have an extra on hand? Give it a quick clean with the brush attachment on your vacuum and get a new filter as soon as possible. 
 

While it might sound sensible to close the doors and vents of unused rooms, it is not.  Airflow is important inside, so keeping interior doors and vents slightly opened is better than closing them tight. 
 

On that note, if your nest is getting empty, you could consider replacing the central unit with ductless air conditioning.   
 

When your home has ceiling fans, use them!  Make sure the fans are turning in a counter-clockwise direction so that it gives a wind chill effect, but turn them off when you’re not in the room to save energy. 
 

Window air conditioners can use a sprucing up as well, and an hour or two spent cleaning it will keep the unit running smoothly. 

When the car needs cleaning, take the bucket and sponge to a car wash instead of washing it at home. This could save one hundred gallons of water per wash. 
 

If you have a sprinkler system, set the timer for morning or evening. Pay close attention to the weather and turn off the timer whenever a good chance of rain is predicted. 
 

Use a drip irrigation system instead of sprinklers or hand-watering with the hose for your veggie garden and landscaping. This allows water to soak directly in near the roots. 
 

Growing native plants and grasses will help cut down on water usage, as they are adapted to your local climate.  Contact your local cooperative extension agent to find out how to plant a native plant garden. 
 

Trees and large shrubs can be hydrated efficiently by placing a five-gallon bucket with small holes drilled in the bottom nearby and filling the bucket with water. The holes will allow the water to trickle slowly, soaking the ground and roots--not the leaves. 
 

Use a pool cover on the pool to help keep the water from evaporating. There are plenty of ways you can conserve while enjoying your pool. 
 

Shortening your shower time by just two minutes per day saves 150 gallons of water per month! 
 

Bathe fresh veggies in a bowl filled with water instead of under running water.  Once they are clean, use the leftover water for houseplants or potted plants outside. 
 

Keep a pitcher filled with water inside the fridge for a thirst quencher instead of running water from the faucet and waiting for it to get cool.  

Landscaping Keeping your yard trim and weed-free does not decrease or increase your home’s value, but when it is time to sell a home, neat landscaping is a must. The one outdoor project that could increase the resale value of the home is constructing a deck. 
 

Flooring This is a personal choice, but if the homeowner knows that they will sell in the future, the cost of refinishing or adding hardwood flooring will come back to them in the sale.  Installing the floors could be a long-range DIY job but hiring a pro for a refinishing job is the wisest thing to do. Think of it as an investment, not an expense. 
 

Roofing Keeping the roof in sound condition is considered regular maintenance, so putting on new shingles because the homeowner would like a new color will not add value.  Installing a metal roof, on the other hand, could add value to the house, depending on the location. 
 

Home Systems Installing new plumbing or HVAC, or upgrading electrical are all considered maintenance, and no matter the cost, will not add to the value of the house. 
 

Remodeling Kitchen and bathroom remodels are your best choice for a project that will pay you back upon the sale of your home. 
 

Swimming Pool Putting in a pool is simply a personal choice.  Rarely does an added pool or spa put money in your pocket in case the house is sold. 
 

Additions Adding a sunroom, garage or home office will not necessarily give a good return on investment. An extra bedroom, however, is a good choice, but must be built to certain specifications to qualify as a bedroom in real estate terms. A reputable builder knows the requirements necessary for the extra space to be considered a bedroom, so choose wisely. 

Begin by requesting a free credit report from all three reporting agencies.   Look for errors and report them to the credit bureau and company that posted them.  Legitimate collections that have been paid will not be removed from your credit history for seven years, although they will be marked as paid. 
 

Late payments hurt your credit score.  Stay current by creating a written budget with due dates for your bills or set up automatic drafts through your bank. 
 

Pay off your credit cards!  This is particularly important, because the more outstanding debt you have, the lower your score.  Begin by paying off the smallest balance. Larger balances can be paid off sooner by increasing your payments or send equal payments twice per month if the creditor allows. 
 

According to FICO™, it is better to pay off a credit card than canceling the account.  Use it as minimally as possible--simply charging a once-a-month take-out meal will keep it active. 
 

Having just one credit account in good standing is better than none for those who have not started establishing credit history. Shop around for a credit card with a good interest rate and apply. 
 

Avoid new credit accounts while you are trying to bring your score up. Pay cash for everything, and if you do not have the cash, unless it is an emergency, do not buy it. 
 

When you cannot see a light at the end of the financial tunnel, contact a reputable credit repair agency that can assist you in getting your bills paid, manage your finances, and increase your chance of becoming a homeowner. 

Who would not want to plant grass that needs no mowing?  Ornamental grasses such as zebra grass, purple fountain grass, blue fescue, and Japanese blood grass grow to different heights and can add interest and color with little maintenance. Plant around posts and hard-to-get-to places in the yard for a mower-free plot! 
 

Offering a rainbow of easy-care color, daylilies come in hundreds of varieties.  Plant different cultivars in a sunny spot, keep them watered well for the first few weeks, and you will be rewarded with pops of color all summer. Bonus: daylilies come back each year and can be divided! 
 

Sunflowers come in varieties that range from a few feet tall that can be grown in containers or planted en masse with the giant varieties.  If you plant seeds, try planting each set every two weeks for six weeks, and once they bloom, they will bloom until fall. 
 

If your home faces north or the yard has lots of shade, try impatiens.  They are non-stop bloomers if you keep them deadheaded. They are great in containers and hanging baskets, too! 
 

Another plant for shady places is the fern.  There are many cultivars, and ferns thrive in the shade, and come back every year. 
 

Butterfly weed brings color and butterflies to your yard!  It is a native wildflower, making it practically care-free.  Look for plants already in flower in your garden center, as growing from seed will take a year or two for them to blossom. 
 

Zinnias put on a show all Summer, and come in many colors and bloom varieties, and all it takes is a scattering of seeds.  Like sunflowers, if you plant them every two weeks for about six weeks, you will have cheery blooms for months. 
 

Portulaca, or moss rose, is a succulent plant that grows low to the ground and blooms in bright pink, orange, red, white, and yellow.  Because they tolerate the heat and drought of summer, when everything else is drooping their small blossoms will stand out. 
 

Roses do not always need to be coddled! There are many easy-care hybrid roses.  Not only are the modern cultivations easy to grow, but some also bloom all season.