13 Feb Holding Real Estate to a Higher Standard

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DON C JOHNSON

For most families, your home is the largest asset you have in your portfolio.  Unfortunately, most homeowners do not have a standard process for evaluating their home value. You may not be in a position to sell your home in 2015, but preparing your home for a future sale is still critical to maximizing your home’s value when the time comes.

Most  homeowners  read  national  trends for  the  home  market.  While  those trends  are  important,  state and city trends have more bearing on your home’s value. Helping you understand how the Forney area market is performing and trending will help you know how to maintain  and  position  your  largest  asset.

Your neighborhood, specific floor plan or lack of updates can have a large impact on your home’s value.

Exalt Realty would welcome the opportunity to be your Real Estate Advisor for your largest asset.  For those homeowners considering selling in 2015, below are a few tips from our agents on how to maximize your home’s value before placing it on the market.

1.) Curb  Appeal  and Land-scaping –  This  sets  the  tone for your potential buyers’ visit and  could  possibly  increase the value of  your  home by 5-12%, as studies have yielded  over  the  years.  Fresh  mulch, colorful plants, lush green grass and a warm inviting front door color can all lead to the biggest impact for setting the tone.Exalt Realty would welcome the opportunity to be your Real Estate Advisor for your largest asset.  For those homeowners considering selling in 2015, below are a few tips from our agents on how to maximize your home’s value before placing it on the market.

2.) De-Clutter –  You  can visually  enhance  and  increase the square footage of your house by removing some of the clutter that has accumulated over the years.  Potential buyers want to visualize your home with their items instead of yours. Organize closets, pantries, cabinets, and utility rooms to optimize function and space.

3.) Let  There  Be  Light – Maximize   the  light  in  your home! Good lighting is the one thing that every buyer cites that they want in a home. There are inexpensive ways to achieve this. Clean the windows, change  the  lampshades,  increase  the wattage of your light bulbs. Make your home bright and cheery. Buyers will be wowed and it will make your home more desirable.

4.) Bathroom Updates  – It’s   amazing  what updated fixtures and a good cleaning will do for your bath when selling your house. Bathrooms have a great ROI, and in most cases you can update yours without spending a lot. Replacing outdated light fixtures, vanities, and faucets will help this important part of your home stand out. For an extra touch, display luxury towels and roll up a few to place with scented soaps in a basket on showing days to create an inviting space for buyers.

5.) Outdoor Living   –  The goal is to make an inviting place for you and your guests to linger and enjoy the beautiful Texas weather. Focus more on appealing function and less on purely   decoration.   A seating  area  with comfortable pillows and a simple coffee table can be a great start. Adding a small tabletop fountain can incorporate the calming rhythm of running water.