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Should we redecorate prior to putting the home on the market?
The biggest problem in redecorating arises because it is impossible to anticipate the taste
of the people who will ultimately purchase your home. Take your cue from Relocation companies.
Whenever they take a house into inventory, the order is to neutralize the home by removing
wallpaper and strong decorative touches. Foremost is to make the home clean, bright and
sparkling.
Is it possible to over-improve?
Absolutely! No matter how exquisite the landscaping, no matter how magnificent the heated
pool with cabanna, if it’s the only one on the block with these improvements, they will not
increase the value proportionately to their cost. The house will be compared to similar houses.
Relatively speaking, only a minor adjustment will be made for unusual or excessive upgrades.
Those special things should be done because you enjoy them. On the other hand, upgrades that
raise your home to the level of those surrounding it, will give a dramatic return on your
investment.
For a complete report on Cost vs. Value in Home Improvements, published by the
National Association of Realtors, please
contact Nancy.
Why should I allow a Buyers’ Agent show my home?
The greater exposure a home gets to qualified buyers, the more likely it will sell quickly
and at the highest possible price. Although Buyers’ agents are working for the buyer, that does
not always mean that they will bring in unrealistically low offers. A Buyers' Agent will
perform a Comparative Market Analysis on the home for the buyer and will direct an offer that is
in line with that analysis. If the house is over priced, it will be reflected in the offer.
If the property is faily priced, the Buyers' Agent may suggest a full price offer.
Why should I agree to pay a commission to a Buyers' Agent?
The total commission is split between the selling broker and the listing broker. Unless
specifically disclosed to all parties, no agent may receive compensation from two parties.
Therefore there is no more or less commission paid by the seller in the event the offer
accepted is brought by a Buyers’ Agent.
Can a Seller’s Agent, who has listed my home, represent me in the purchase of another
home as a Buyers’ Agent?
Yes. Under a separate Disclosure Agreement, the agent can represent you as a Buyers' Agent on
the purchase of your new home. Actually the confidentiality you receive from the Seller’s Agent
is the same confidentiality you would receive from a Buyers' Agent.
What is a lockbox and why should I allow it to be installed?
A lockbox is a universal metal container into which is placed a key to your home. Only
licensed real estate professionals have the special keys necessary to open these boxes. It
insures that the house can be shown even if the owner cannot be available , thus assuring full
exposure of the property to all prospective buyers. One guarantee: your house will never sell,
if it can’t be shown! Lockboxes allow the maximum number of showings.
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