Hey everyone,
I've been looking into the pros and cons of different real estate websites, and which ones people favor. The industry has changed so drastically over the years in the way that information is accessed and shared, a really interesting dynamic to look at.
Today, people buying a home have about as much information as their realtor and they can get it all in the comfort of their own home using the internet. If you don't mind, please take a vote in my quick poll here to let me know which real estate website is your favorite.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Homestaging: How does it work?
Homestaging, what is it? It's the process of making your home look like a house that is on the market. However, this is NOT redecorating, but a way to help potential buyers to envision themselves in your home. If a buyer can't see past all of your individual touches and knick knacks it can be distracting and may ultimately prevent a sale.
There are lots of different ways to go about homestaging but the first, easiest and cheapest thing you can do is a major clean up. First impressions are key and a messy home is not inviting. So roll your sleeves up and get to work on the decluttering. Every baseboard must be scrubbed, every window shined, and every countertop gleaming in preparation for showing your home. If you need some motivation think about the fact that when you do sell you won't have any of that extra clutter lying around!
Next, do you have a bright red dining room? Or a fuchsia colored bathroom? Those colors might have fit your individual tastes but it might not match a potential buyer's. Now is the time to work on neutralizing the color palette. The idea is to create a blank canvas for buyers and that neon green kitchen takes away from that. Repainting using creams, beiges, and soft browns are a great choice to warm up any room.
The next order of business is to make the exterior of your home look as inviting as the interior. So if you've been neglecting the lawn and letting those hedges get out of control now is the time to start chopping...literally. Another thing to watch out for is peeling housepaint, not a good look. Get rid of that using a pressure washer and the cracked paint will be gone in no time. If you really want to sell, then you have to sell the whole package, so give the outward appearance of your home it's due diligence.
There are lots of great homestaging tips to be found on websites like www.tlc.com but the most important one is that now is the time to remove all personal signatures. Buyers do want to see a home that looks warm, inviting, and happy. But too much visibility of your individual touches can make it hard for them to see why they should make a purchase. Luckily, these three tips can make it all a lot easier. Good luck!
There are lots of different ways to go about homestaging but the first, easiest and cheapest thing you can do is a major clean up. First impressions are key and a messy home is not inviting. So roll your sleeves up and get to work on the decluttering. Every baseboard must be scrubbed, every window shined, and every countertop gleaming in preparation for showing your home. If you need some motivation think about the fact that when you do sell you won't have any of that extra clutter lying around!
Next, do you have a bright red dining room? Or a fuchsia colored bathroom? Those colors might have fit your individual tastes but it might not match a potential buyer's. Now is the time to work on neutralizing the color palette. The idea is to create a blank canvas for buyers and that neon green kitchen takes away from that. Repainting using creams, beiges, and soft browns are a great choice to warm up any room.
The next order of business is to make the exterior of your home look as inviting as the interior. So if you've been neglecting the lawn and letting those hedges get out of control now is the time to start chopping...literally. Another thing to watch out for is peeling housepaint, not a good look. Get rid of that using a pressure washer and the cracked paint will be gone in no time. If you really want to sell, then you have to sell the whole package, so give the outward appearance of your home it's due diligence.
There are lots of great homestaging tips to be found on websites like www.tlc.com but the most important one is that now is the time to remove all personal signatures. Buyers do want to see a home that looks warm, inviting, and happy. But too much visibility of your individual touches can make it hard for them to see why they should make a purchase. Luckily, these three tips can make it all a lot easier. Good luck!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
5 Handy Tips for the First Time Home Buyer
The prospect of buying your first home is supposed to be exciting and fun, after all it's a huge accomplishment! But for many people it can be a stressful and confusing process. Don't get bogged down in the negativity, there are lots of things that you can do to help yourself out, below we count down with five tips that are sure to help!
Tip #5: Don't Commit Before You're Ready
This seems obvious to most people, but it's worth repeating. Owning a home is a HUGE commitment and it's an expensive one as well. So before you start your search be realistic about the changes that are going to take place in your monthly housing expenses. If you're not sure where to start look at the costs of property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees. Carefully evaluate your financial and your personal readiness.
Tip #4: Location versus Space
Try to figure out what your priorities are, what is most important to you? Knowing what you want from the onset will help you to be more realistic about your options. For example, you might decide that you want a larger space for entertaining but that will most definitely be harder to find within a populated city. Or are you willing to sacrifice space in order to be closer to the nightlife and restaurants in the city?
Tip #2: School District WILL Affect Home Value
Even if you don't have kids this is worth checking out. Good schools means a higher property value, and most likely a better neighborhood overall. Another benefit? Your home is likely to do well in resale because good school systems never go out of fashion.
Tip #1: Save Money for a Down Payment
CASH IS KING. This is my number one tip because it is one of smartest and most important things a buyer can do. Doing this gives you more power to negotiate and your offer looks much stronger in the seller's eyes, a great thing for when you finally find that property you can't live without. But also putting a reasonable percentage in the down payment gives you equity in your investment from square one. And the icing on top of the cake? You'll have some extra money for repairs and improvements down the line.
So there you have it! Five tips for the first time home buyer that will hopefully make the search a little more relaxed. Just remember these things take time, and eventually you will find the place that's just right for you! :)
Tip #5: Don't Commit Before You're Ready
This seems obvious to most people, but it's worth repeating. Owning a home is a HUGE commitment and it's an expensive one as well. So before you start your search be realistic about the changes that are going to take place in your monthly housing expenses. If you're not sure where to start look at the costs of property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees. Carefully evaluate your financial and your personal readiness.
Tip #4: Location versus Space
Try to figure out what your priorities are, what is most important to you? Knowing what you want from the onset will help you to be more realistic about your options. For example, you might decide that you want a larger space for entertaining but that will most definitely be harder to find within a populated city. Or are you willing to sacrifice space in order to be closer to the nightlife and restaurants in the city?
Tip #3: Don't Overlook the Landscaping
Often people tend to focus on the interior repairs and improvements forgetting that their new home comes with an exterior as well. Make sure that you are happy with BOTH. Sure you might be a DIY weekend warrior but keep in mind that exterior repairs can be just as costly as interior repairs or even more so.
Tip #2: School District WILL Affect Home Value
Even if you don't have kids this is worth checking out. Good schools means a higher property value, and most likely a better neighborhood overall. Another benefit? Your home is likely to do well in resale because good school systems never go out of fashion.
Tip #1: Save Money for a Down Payment
CASH IS KING. This is my number one tip because it is one of smartest and most important things a buyer can do. Doing this gives you more power to negotiate and your offer looks much stronger in the seller's eyes, a great thing for when you finally find that property you can't live without. But also putting a reasonable percentage in the down payment gives you equity in your investment from square one. And the icing on top of the cake? You'll have some extra money for repairs and improvements down the line.
So there you have it! Five tips for the first time home buyer that will hopefully make the search a little more relaxed. Just remember these things take time, and eventually you will find the place that's just right for you! :)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Hello World!
Hello!
My name is Debbie Cuiffo and this is my new blog! I am so excited to get started since I've been wanting to do this for awhile now. A little about myself... I am a licensed real estate salesperson in the Greater New York area with Coldwell Banker. I specialize in the sale and purchase of traditional homes, unique contemporaries, weekend retreats, lakefront properties, historic homes, horse properties, and private estates.
The purpose of this blog is to share the learnings from my experiences with my prospective and current clients as well as anyone who is interested in real estate. I have listed my contact information on my profile as well as my company website if you should need it, otherwise leave your feedback on upcoming content, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
My name is Debbie Cuiffo and this is my new blog! I am so excited to get started since I've been wanting to do this for awhile now. A little about myself... I am a licensed real estate salesperson in the Greater New York area with Coldwell Banker. I specialize in the sale and purchase of traditional homes, unique contemporaries, weekend retreats, lakefront properties, historic homes, horse properties, and private estates.
The purpose of this blog is to share the learnings from my experiences with my prospective and current clients as well as anyone who is interested in real estate. I have listed my contact information on my profile as well as my company website if you should need it, otherwise leave your feedback on upcoming content, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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