 Whether you are buying your first house or selling off your family home, there are excellent reasons to enlist the help of a skilled real estate agent. Here are just a few:
1. Pricing Guidance A real estate professional who is familiar with your local market is an invaluable asset when it comes to home pricing and valuation. If you're buying a property, the agent should be able to tell you if it is priced at or above market value. When selling, your agent will be able to tell you what price to list the property to ensure a quick sale and maximum profit. 2. Negotiation Skills An agent handles countless real estate transactions every year and is familiar with negotiation. Using this experience, a skilled real estate agent can get the best deal for their client. Of course, a good agent won't just negotiate on the selling price. They will negotiate concessions on terms such as inspection periods and earnest money. It's worth working with a professional who can ensure you're getting the best deal possible. 3. Insider Information Though some real estate data is available to the general public online, there is information that is only available to a market insider. When trying to buy a home, your agent may know about some houses that haven't even hit the market yet, giving you a head start over the other buyers in your area. When selling, your agent may know of a buyer who is interested in purchasing your property without ever having to list it publicly. 4. Paperwork Preparation Every real estate transaction involves a pile of paperwork; making a mistake on these documents can have huge and expensive consequences. Working with a professional real estate agent will ensure that everything is completed in a timely and accurate manner. All you'll need to do is sign on the dotted line.
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 A school district's rating is an important consideration when buying a home, at least according to many real estate investors. Homes in top-rated school districts tend to cost more. As a result, buyers sometimes find themselves choosing between nice homes in low-rated school districts and underwhelming properties in better districts. The decision is important for parents who don't homeschool their kids, but what about prospective homeowners without children? For the childless homeowner, the quality of education in a particular district may appear to be irrelevant, but is it?
On paper, buying a home in a low-rated school district can get the buyer more home for less money. But many real estate experts will advise buyers to go for a more expensive home in a better school district for a couple of important reasons. 1. Holds Its Value. Homes in better school districts tend to keep their value, while homes located in average or low-rated school districts devalue the quickest. 2. Easier to Sell. A home in a top-rated school district is usually easier to sell, since it's more attractive to parents. 3. More Buyer Interest. Along with parents, investors often go after homes in good school districts. The result is that these homes get more views on real estate listing websites and sell faster. If buying in a top-rated school district is beyond your budget, there are financial reasons to buy in a less-than-perfect school district. School District Ratings Can Change When a buyer is already paying a premium to be in a top-rated school district, there isn't always a significant potential for gain. Prospective buyers should also keep in mind that homes in good school districts can be risky. The home may only retain its value if the school district continues to be highly rated. If school ratings slip, so will the district's home values. In comparison, a home in a low-rated school district can see its value go up if the district gets a better rating. Property Taxes Are Lower Another reason to buy in a low-rated school district is the taxes. Property taxes tend to be considerably higher in good school districts. While a school district's rating is certainly worth considering, there's much more to home value. For example, nearby amenities and local government can affect a home's resale price. For homebuyers with no plans to have children, those other factors may be more important than the school district.  If you’re contemplating putting your home on the market, it’s a good idea to evaluate what your home has to offer and how it might stack up against the competition. Many buyers prefer features involving comfort and convenience. Here are six common features homebuyers look for:
Open Floor Plans A spacious home is high on every buyer’s wish list. Open floor plans make even modest spaces seem larger simply because your eye can see farther before coming up against a wall. Adequate natural lighting also adds to the feeling of spaciousness. Uncluttered windows free from heavy draperies or blinds allow the maximum amount of light to enter a room. Hardwood Flooring This rich and expensive-looking flooring has grown in popularity in recent years, and it’s also easier to keep clean than carpet. Simply add an area rug to bring a splash of color to the neutral wood. Energy Efficiency Being energy efficient is high on everyone’s list of desirable characteristics. Double- or triple-pane windows help keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer and provide great savings on utility bills. If your furnace is decades old, it will never be as efficient as a newer model. Lots of Storage Having numerous places to store belongings is usually on the top of a buyer’s checklist. Adequate closets in bedrooms, storage in the basement or attic, and extra space in the garage will appeal to buyers. Unfortunately, you may not have a lot of control over the available space. Try to make the storage space you do have seem ample by reducing the amount of clutter stored there. Attractive Outdoor Space Decks, patios, fenced-in yards, and exterior lighting are very desirable to homebuyers. Show off the space you have to its best advantage with plants, outdoor furniture, and a grill. This will provide a comfortable atmosphere for entertaining and relaxing. Eat-In Kitchen The kitchen is called the heart of the home for a reason. It provides an informal area for breakfast on the run, children’s meals, and quiet moments to relax with a cup of coffee. Having a spacious, eat-in kitchen is high on the want list for most buyers. You can’t always match all the items on every homebuyer’s wish list. But if you know what most people are looking for, you can arrange your home to emphasize its best features. |