How to Get a Competitive Edge in A Buyer’s Market

When you decide to sell your home, you first need to find out whether it’s a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. A seller’s market is a real estate market in which the demand is higher than the homes available in an area. The seller has their pick of buyers in a seller’s market. On the other hand, a buyer’s market occurs when there are more homes on the market than buyer’s searching for homes in the area, thus giving buyers their pick.

It’s easy to sell your home in a seller’s market, but how do you make your home stand out in a buyer’s market? It’s important, especially if you have a limited time in which to sell, to grab the buyer’s attention and really hook them on your home.

See What The Competition is Doing

Before you list your home, look at what current listings are doing right. Look at the pictures they post on their listings, and the way they stage their home. Did you notice that their appliances seem new? Did they take down personal touches to their home before taking pictures of the interior, and what effect did that have on the home? Look at the competitive prices so you have a reasonable idea of what to expect.

Then think about what your house has that those listings don’t. Do you have a larger yard? Is your home three stories instead of two? Are you within walking distance of a grocery store or popular restaurant? Take out a notebook and write down what stands out to you.

Staging is Everything

We’ve talked before about the importance of staging your home. If you want a competitive edge in the housing market, staging is the best way to do it. Take pictures that show the best aspects of your home for the home listing, but work on the house itself, too, for home tours. Remove personal effects — family photos, pet beds or children’s toys — so that buyers can see themselves in your home. Make sure everything is clean and well-lit and that any updates have been made.

You also need to stage the curb appeal of your home as many buyers have already formed their opinion of the home before they go inside. You may need to get the lawn in shape and throw a fresh coat of paint on the house.

Work With a Real Estate Professional

Expertise is essential when you want to sell your home quickly and effectively. A real estate agent can help to optimize your online listings as well as offer advice for staging your home. They can show you your home’s best assets and have your back to ensure that the best price for your home is negotiated. Real estate agents have a knowledge of the market that the rest of the world doesn’t, as well as with the way it can change. While you might be tempted to do your home sale all on your own, the way to get the best results is definitely with a real estate agent.

In a buyer’s market, you want to play to your home’s strengths as much as possible. Accepting the help of an expert to enhance those qualities is never a bad decision. When looking for a real estate agent, don’t just choose anyone. Find a realtor with years of experience in your community, someone who loves the community and knows it inside out.

Rising Temperatures - Keeping Your Pets Safe In the Texas Heat

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Now that spring is coming to an end and summer is fast approaching, the trademark Texas heat is coming. 

This signals it is time to remember your furry family members and how to protect them from overheating in the Brazos Valley sun. There are several things you can do around your new home to ensure your pets will stay safe.

A Place to Cool Their Paws

Outdoor fans are great for humans, but fans alone will not cool down your pets. If your patio is not well shaded and fills with afternoon sunlight, this will not be a refuge from the heat for your pet. You will want to make sure there is a nice shaded area they can retreat while you are away that is out of the sun.

Fresh Water and Lots of It

Your pets will need extra water during those sweltering summer days and nights. Even those indoor pets will want a bit extra to drink. One solution is to purchase a continuous water bowl that hooks up to a water faucet outside. This way your dog or cat will have access to fresh cool water all day.

Keep a Close Eye on Them

Make sure to keep a close check on your pets for any signs of heat related distress. Summers in Bryan College Station can be unbelievable hot at times and your pet could easily have a heatstroke or heat exhaustion. Try to limit their outdoor activities on really hot days to reduce the chances of this happening.

With just these few tips, your four-legged family members will have a happier and healthier summer. If you have just moved to the area and are used to cooler weather, these tips will come in handy as all the members of your family settle in and become acclimated to life in CentralTexas. 

Featured Home for Sale in College Station, TX

 

Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable and fast sell on your house. She is one of the RE/MAX Bryan-College Station Realtor that has a long list of the finest homes for sale in Bryan/College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904

The 3 Greatest Spring Moving Tips Ever

Spring in Central Texas means the trees and flowers are all in bloom. Everywhere looks even more beautiful with green lawns, Buttercup and Bluebonnet laden highways, and of course the Dogwoods and CrapeMyrtles in all their glory. However, spring is also the beginning of moving season in Bryan College Station. 

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Maybe there is something in the air or it could be just a general time of renewal, which makes this the time to move. No matter the reason, everyone wants to get his or her belongings organized, packed, transported, and unpacked in the most efficient and simplest way possible. Below are three of the greatest tips on moving in spring and may include some points to remember that you may just not have considered.

Tip #1 – Always Have Dry Towels

Having several dry towels that can be easily reached will come in handy during a spring shower, so you can dry off your boxes, furniture, and other items should they get wet during the move. Bringing wet boxes in your newhome could cause unnecessary headaches from disintegrating boxes spilling your stuff all over the floor or water spots on your tables.

Tip #2 – Give Yourself a “Red Carpet” Treatment, Well…a Plastic One Actually

Be sure to roll out a plastic liner in your entryway, so wet and/or muddy feet do not trash your nice new carpets in your home. The same should be done at your old home as well – no need to have extra cleaning to do there.

Tip #3 – Stay Alert!

On any moving day in Bryan College Station, safety should be number one in everyone’s mind. However, this is especially true in rainy conditions. This is because the ground, the truck ramp, stairs, and other walking surfaces could be slippery and may cause a nasty fall. Keeping alert and aware of the conditions will help avoid any unwanted trips to the emergency room.

Everyone knows it could be a bright sunny day and be raining at the same time in Central Texas, as the old joke goes, “If you don’t like the weather in Texas – just wait five minutes.” Therefore, being prepared for anything will make moving day go smoothly as possible. 

Featured Home for Sale in College Station, TX

Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable and fast sell on your house. She is one of the RE/MAX Bryan-College Station Realtor that has a long list of the finest homes for sale in Bryan/College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904

Spring-Cleaning is Not Just for Indoors

Spring has sprung! It is time to put away your hot coco mug and pull out your flip-flops. This also means it is time to clean the “winter blues” off of your home. CentralTexas is a magical place to live whether you lived here your entire life or are just buying a new home here.  Most residents take pride in keeping the beauty of the exterior of their homes just as immaculate as the interiors. Therefore, what could be a better time than a nice spring day to clean away the drab winter funk from your home?

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Windows – During the colder winter months, no one wants to stand outside and freeze just to clean the windows. Now is the perfect time to pull out the garden hose to spray off the last three or four month’s buildup of dirt and grime that has accumulated on the windows. This will help your home look sparkling from the outside and brighten it up on the inside.

Gutters – Again, this is not a fun winter chore and is usually put off. Be sure you don’t skip this one during your spring-cleaning. Clogged gutters not only look bad, they are there to serve the purpose of keeping water away from your home. No one wants to deal with foundation issues.

Fence – Having your home in Bryan CollegeStation means you most likely have a wonderful backyard for you and your family to spend time together. This also means now is the time to check your fence for wear and rot; even chain link fencing needs a good inspection for rust or damage.

Siding and Decking – If your home has either, you will want to give them a good cleaning to wash away the winter grime. The best way to do this is with a power sprayer. If you do not own one, they are readily available for rent at many home improvement or hardware stores.

A clean house is a happy home! And spring is one of the best times to get it done. After the long dreary winter months, feel anew by making your home fresh with a good deep spring-cleaning. Remember how great it feels to come home to a sparkling home inside and out. 

Featured Home for Sale in College Station, TX

Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable and fast sell on your house. She is one of the RE/MAX Bryan-College Station Realtor that has a long list of the finest homes for sale in Bryan/College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904

A Guide to Increasing Curb Appeal: Getting a Better Price for Your Home In College Station, TX

It is true what they say, first impressions are everything.  They can help us decide where we want to go on vacation, who we spend the rest of our lives with, and even where we live.  A positive first impression can mean the difference between a great job and unemployment.  And, when it comes to selling homes in College Station, TX, it can mean the difference between a great asking price and no offers.

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When it comes to first impressions and the home you hope to put on the market, there are a few key places where you can focus.  With a little bit of effort and thought, you can increase the number of bids you get on your home, as well as the final asking price.  What it all comes down to is what a prospective buyer sees the moment they arrive.  If you can wow them the second they lay eyes on your property, then you are off to a great start.  Below is a guide highlighting some of the areas you can focus on.

Small Things

Just as a great painting is composed of a thousand brushstrokes, so too is a house made great when everything comes together.  Take a look at the front of your house and touch up all chipped siding.  Re-paint areas of the house that need it.  Through fixing a dozen small problems unique to your home, you can create a better picture.

Bigger projects

There are two big projects that do not require a lot of time but can have a positive impact on those who visit.  The first is the front door.  By adding a nice brass knocker, and even replacing the front door with one of better quality, you make the first part of your house seen by outsiders impressive.  The second project is edging your driveway.  Proper stone edging can go a long way to make even drab driveways look elegant and inviting.

What to do the Day Of

Some things can really be put to the last moment.  The morning before you know someone is going to look at the house, mow the lawn and wash off the driveway.  This helps create a clean and uniform picture for anyone checking out the property.   With any luck, this quick guide will get you well on your way to selling your College Station property.  Until then, good luck

Featured Home for Sale in College Station, TX

Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable and fast sell on your house. She is one of the RE/MAX Bryan-College Station Realtor that has a long list of the finest homes in College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904

Making Smart Choices for Your Greatest Investment

It is part of the American dream to own your own home.  It is a sign of success, of having made it in the world.  Real Estate is big business and finding that perfect home can be a challenge.  In College Station, TX, this can be made more challenging with students from A&M constantly moving in and out.  From rental properties to homes of all sizes, finding the right place is tricky.

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If owning a home is a part of the American dream, then finding the perfect home may be a part of an American nightmare.  To make the process more simple, a number of tips are included below.  Consider these things before buying your new home, and you can save a great deal of stress further in your future.

Research the History of Where Your Home Is Located

Many residential neighborhoods have histories that could impact the quality of life when you live there.  In addition, a history of poor waste management, disaster proneness, or a myriad of other reasons may explain why the house is inexpensive.

Hire a Home Inspection

Almost every home has a problem.  By hiring a home inspector to check out the future property, you can get a very good idea about what may need to be done with the place.  From checking radon levels, to removing asbestos and lead, a home inspector will also point out weak elements of the home that may need to be replaced.

Check with the Local Government

Oddly enough, there may be restrictions on the land you buy that both you and the previous tenant know nothing about.  This includes archaic laws and restrictions written a century earlier that have long since fallen out of practical use or importance.  However, they can still make doing simple things, like building a patio or fixing your home, very difficult.

Check out the surrounding area

When it comes to amenities, your surrounding area, within a two-mile walking distance, should be considered.  Is your neighborhood nice to walk around in?  Can you get to places without a car that are relaxing?  How many parks are near by? 

Reconsider

The hardest thing to do is to reconsider, especially if you have already settled on a property.  Take everything into consideration, and do not settle for less then you want.  Until that time, good luck with your search.

Featured Home for Sale in College Station, TX

Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable and fast sell on your house. She is one of the RE/MAX Bryan-College Station Realtor that has a long list of the finest homes in College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904

The Stress And Strain of Moving: Making A Hectic Day Easier

Moving can be as exciting as it is stressful.  As College Station continues to grow, and college students come for an education every semester, the moving never seems to stop.  If you are moving for college or for work, there are a number of things you can do to make the move easier.  Let’s focus on some of the less common moving suggestions, to give you a more in depth guide to moving in style.

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 The Moving Bag

The moving bag is a simple concept that many people forget in the hustle and bustle of moving.  The moving bag should contain everything you need to stay sane for the next few days of packing, moving, and unpacking.  It should contain basic toiletries, a few sets of cloths, and things you just cannot live without.  By throwing in a bottle of water and snacks, you can help keep your cool and even relax during what would otherwise be a stressful time.

Photos

When everything is packed and your old and new homes are bare and clean, take pictures!  Pictures are you insurance against all accusations made concerning the quality and condition of the house.  By taking photos of your old house, you have proof that you complied with the new owner’s requests as specified in the purchasing agreement.  In addition, you have proof that you left the residence clean and ready to move into.  By taking photos of your new residence, you can mark where trouble spots are.  If you are renting, then this is insurance against the landlord charging you for pre-existing conditions.

Moving Help

What is the worst part about owning a truck?  Everyone you know will ask your help to move things.  This is very true in American culture, especially in College Station, TX.  If your friends are helping you move, then remember to thank them!  A meal out and drinks on you is normal.  In addition, give all people who help free dibs on furniture you no longer need.

Address

The last thing to consider is a change of address.  This usually requires a few hours to change your address for all-important things.  In addition, by setting up mail-forwarding with the United States Postal Service, you can keep getting any mail sent to the old address for an extended period of time.

Moving is time intensive, but it doesn't have to be stressful.  By making the right preparations, you can sail through moving with a minimum of problems.

Featured Home for Sale in College Station, TX

Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable and fast sell on your house. She is one of the RE/MAX Bryan-College Station Realtor that has a long list of the finest homes in College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904

Tips for Moving Out

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When moving to your new home in Bryan College Station there are some things you can do to make a smooth transition from your old home to your new one. Moving is stressful, so it is good to try to make it a little better by being prepared. The following tips will help your move go a lot smoother for you.

·    Plot out a strategy ahead of time for how you will move things.

·     Make plans for the bigger objects to make them easier to move.

·     Choose the right type of car to make sure you are making the most of your trips.

·     Talk to your moving company to establish a game plan for moving day.

·     Start organizing way ahead of time to make sure you don't save anything until the last minute and aren't running around stressed the day of.

·     Go to your new place to plot out where you will put things so you aren’t flying blind when you get there.

If you are moving from one place in Central Texas to another you might not need a large moving vehicle, but if you are leaving the state then you may want to rent one. When packing you should try and pack like objects in the same boxes so they can easily be put up when you get there. If you want to be more organized you can use a color coded system for the boxes. It's really all about what makes it easier for you.

Featured Home for Sale in College Station, TX

Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable and fast sell on your house. She is one of the RE/MAX Bryan-College Station Realtor that has a long list of the finest homes for sale in Bryan/College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904