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Remodeling Magazine 2014 Cost Vs. Value Report

Monday, February 17, 2014
by Scott Darling

Recently Remodeling Magazine released its 2014 Cost vs. Value Report. The report compares the average cost for 35 mid-range and upscale remodeling projects including additions, remodels and replacements with the value these projects retain at resale in 101 US cities including Philadelphia.

According to the report, home owners are investing in their homes once again and will see higher gains from some of these remodeling projects at resale. So, which remodeling projects offer the potential for some of the biggest paybacks at resale? The following mid-range remodeling projects offer the highest return in the Philadelphia area:

  • Attic Bedroom - 72.4% ROI on resale
  • Deck Addition (Wood) - 68.7% ROI on resale
  • Deck Addition (Composite) - 62.8% ROI on resale
  • Bathroom Remodel - 64.1% ROI on resale

2014 cost vs value

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2014 Housing Predictions

Friday, January 31, 2014
by Scott Darling

Zillow has published their latest report, Four Housing Predictions, Plus 10 Hottest Local Markets in 2014 which includes:

  • U.S. Home Values
  • Mortgage Rates
  • Home Loans
  • Homeownership

Plus...The 10 Hottest Local Markets for 2014.

Download your report here!

zillow report

 

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Should Sellers Fix Up Their Home Before Selling?

Friday, January 17, 2014
by Scott Darling

First, let’s talk about the stuff any Realtor is going to tell you so you have context for the rest.

It is easier to sell a house that is attractive to buyers and shows as being well-maintained. That is a matter of doing a little fix-up, but mostly clean-up. Make sure pipes aren’t leaking, for instance. That is relatively easy and not expensive. If your home really needs painting consider doing that. These are not high priced issues. Below we are talking about the expensive items.

If your house has structural defects or other problems that are expensive to fix you have more challenging decisions to make. First, remember that every house has defects! That is simply the nature of a complex structure. Second, savvy buyers know to expect defects so don’t try to hide them. Don’t kid yourself that if a problem can’t be seen easily it won’t be found out.

Most buyers assume there are some problems with any house. If they make an offer that you accept they will pay for a professional home inspector who knows Chester County PA real estate. Good buyer inspectors are very thorough. They are being paid by the buyer and are looking out for the buyer’s interests, not yours. It is not unusual for an inspection report to be in excess of twenty pages…in small type! Being honest with yourself about defects will prepare you better when you are faced with that inspection report.

So, the question becomes “Do I fix the problems before going on the market, or do I make it clear that I am selling “as-is” and discount the price accordingly?” The obvious follow-up question is “If I spend the money before selling, will I get that money back in the final sale price?” The general answer is that it depends on the nature of the defect and magnitude of the likely cost of repair.

Potential buyers are most likely to overestimate the cost if they have to make the repair and under-estimate the cost if the seller is paying. Cost versus value then becomes a negotiation to establishing a final purchase/sale price. If the cost of repair is major, such as a septic system, it makes the most sense to repair it before selling.

The best way to go about making these decisions is to pay a professional home inspector in your Chester County PA real estate market to make an inspection on your behalf as the seller. Their report will give you a thorough list of issues you might be faced with. It will also give you the tool to get estimates from contractors to make the repairs. Then you have a sound basis for making decisions.

An added benefit to having your own inspection on hand is that you have a professional document that you can use when negotiating with a buyer. Be practical and be prepared with your own inspection.

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Tips For An Easier Summer Move To Chester County PA

Wednesday, August 21, 2013
by Scott Darling

Each year around 65% of all household moves take place between May and September, so obviously you need to plan ahead if you’re moving to a new Chester County PA home this summer.

moving truckWhile the act of relocating a new place can certainly be exciting, there are, of course, challenges to be met, especially during a hot, busy summer season.  Although there are no foolproof ways to make the experience totally stress-free, there are, thankfully, actions you can take to make your “adventure” a more positive one.

Sage advice to heed includes:

  • Plan ahead!  Contact moving companies or truck rental firms at least six weeks in advance if possible. Try to schedule your move for a weekday and at a time when traffic is less heavy.  . Make prior arrangements for the care of young children and pets on moving day—for their sake and yours!  Line up commitments from friends and family if you’ll need their assistance for the move.
     
  • Be strategic about packing.  Gather necessary supplies and start packing early.  Whether it’s one room, one cabinet, or a drawer at a time, weed through what may be years of accumulation.  Decide what to donate to charity, give to a friend, recycle, trash, pack now, or keep handy until moving day.  Label boxes as to contents and intended room in the new Chester County PA home.
     
  • Take care of logistics in advance.  Ideally, you should contact your future utilities provider at least two weeks before you move regarding turning on your electricity, gas, phone, cable, and internet before your arrival, if possible.  Contact any new school for a list of documents needed for registration.  Do not pack these materials away it’s better to hand carry them for easy retrieval.  If you’re going to need to spend a night in a hotel, make those arrangements early.
     
  • Make life simple.  Keep all small parts labeled, in plastic bags, and all together in one box.  Likewise, take pictures of electronic hook-ups for future use.
     
  • Consider the heat.  Dress appropriately, stay hydrated, and refrain from placing certain items in a hot truck—candles or wine, e.g.  Click here for tips on packing cleaning products and toxins.
     
  • Stay calm.  Relax, whistle, smile, and anticipate the pleasure of living in your new Chester County PA home. 
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Tips To Sell Your Chester County PA Home: Set the Stage

Thursday, July 18, 2013
by Scott Darling

If you’ve ever been involved in a theatrical production, you are well aware of the many hours of planning, practice, and preparation that precede the actual performance.  You hope to gain rave reviews from your audience and will theaterthus be sure to put forth much energy and effort in order to do so.to be successful. 

In much the same way, you, as the seller of your Chester County PA home, have aspirations of wowing potential buyers with your stellar presentation and being rewarded by appreciative applause in the form of a quick sale.  Just practice the following script and stage directions for dramatic results…

The curtain opens on a tastefully furnished room with adequate, but not overcrowded, furniture.  There is ample room to walk between the moderately-sized pieces, and doors and windows are not blocked.  Flowers and bowls of fresh fruit add color and a pleasant scent.  Personal photos and memorabilia are not present, and the few paintings that adorn the walls contribute to the overall light and airy atmosphere.

ACT I:

  • Clean, clean, clean and de-clutter even more!  Create an impressive stage set by buffing floors and washing walls. This is the time to donate, throw away, and organize the many items that take up too much room, distract from positive features, make your Chester County PA home appear smaller, and create a feeling of chaos.  Let your granite countertops, roomy closets, and ample cabinet space take center stage for potential buyers.

Intermission:

Audience members will now be milling about the area

outside your theatre, so be sure that you have taken steps to

make it attractive and appealing.

ACT II:

  • Concentrate on stage lighting.  Wash windows, open curtains and drapes, illuminate darker spaces. Put away winter bedding, accessories, and area rugs. Bring in spring with soft colors. Consider investing in inexpensive staging items like towels, throw pillows, candles and table settings in lavender, yellow, sage green and pale blue.   

Final curtain:

Time to take a bow, accept the flowers, bask in the applause, and enjoy

the accolades. Your presentation has been a complete success, and you

 will soon be entertaining offers for your Chester County PA home.

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Natural Ways to Deodorize Your Chester County PA Home

Wednesday, May 15, 2013
by Scott Darling

Every article, video, and home-themed television show which deals with selling your Chester County PA home will contain oodles of information/suggestions/tips/hints/advice on how best to achieve your goal in a short period of clean housetime.  You already know that in a buyer’s market, potential purchasers can afford to be picky and that sometimes even a small “defect” can become a deal breaker, so you dutifully heed instructions to de-clutter, de-personalize, and de-emphasize anything that could be perceived as a negative.  You even bake cookies before an open house to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere!

But….are you aware of the importance of eliminating, not just masking, all interior odors?  No, the answer is not to spray tropical-scented commercial products all around your Chester County PA home, for that is only a temporary fix and may even provoke an allergic reaction from a potential buyer.  There are, however, natural solutions to persistent smells of all types.  Making your house smell spring-fresh is a great way to invoke the buying mood this year.

Besides opening windows and letting fresh air flow freely throughout your Chester County PA home, there are many steps you can take to identify odor-prone areas and do away with the stench.  Read on:

  • Use fabric softener sheets in linen closets, vacuum bags, and pillowcases.
  • Take advantage of the fact that baking soda, unused coffee grounds, imitation vanilla, houseplants, tea tree oil, vinegar, cat litter, and a boiling of cinnamon and cloves absorb odors.
  • Understand that potential buyers will open drawers and closets, inspect the freezer and refrigerator, tour the basement, look carefully at bathroom and kitchen fixtures and appliances, and check out washers and dryers.
  • Treat your garbage disposal to rinds of citrus fruits every so often.
  • Fight the smell of tobacco smoke smell with gusto!   Place small bowls of pine-sol or baking soda in the affected areas to absorb the odor. Often a heavy duty cleaning and wall washing will be required to stop the odor once and for all.
  • Recognize the fact that erasing all pet odors is mandatory.  These are stubborn smells resulting from dander, bedding, and accidents, and they require diligence and sometimes even detective skills to find the source.  Click here for an effective (and eco-friendly) homemade urine stain and odor removal solution and procedure.

Rest assured that your fresh-smelling interior will appeal to potential buyers and hasten the sale of your Chester County PA home!

 

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Great Article for Potential Home Sellers

Thursday, May 9, 2013
by Scott Darling

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2013 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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Curb Appeal Sells Homes

Thursday, April 25, 2013
by Scott Darling

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2013 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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Economic Factors to Consider When Relocating

Wednesday, April 17, 2013
by Scott Darling

Whether you are thinking about leaving your moving truck because of employment, health, a desire for a change of scenery, retirement, etc., a move to a new location is not to be undertaken lightly and requires research on your part to be successful.  While most potential transplants are aware of the need to check out housing costs, air quality, job market prospects, available health care, specific amenities, and school ratings, not all fully comprehend the economic impact relocation may have on their lives.

Areas worth investigating:

  • Moving expenses:  Inquire about an employee relocation package which covers all or part of the costs of your move.  Even if your new employer doesn’t offer any financial assistance, you might be eligible for partial reimbursement at tax time, which can definitely ease some of your financial stress. (Click here to see which expenses qualify.)  Remember to include the cost of your travel from your Chester County PA home, lodging, and food in addition to the cost of moving your possessions as you calculate expenses.  (Take advantage of sites such as www.Upack.com or Moving Guru.com to assist you.)
     
  • Job market:  While you may have secured a well-paying job, what are the prospects for your spouse?  What is the salary range for that field?
     
  • Transportation:  What is the cost of public transportation, fuel, tolls, and parking?  Will you require a second car?  What is the personal property tax rate for autos in your new location?
     
  • Municipal fees:  Are there additional costs particular to your new municipality?  What is the average rate of utilities?  Are parks, playgrounds, and museums free?  Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new city for this type of information.
     
  • Overall cost of living:  Since you will need to compare the average cost of living you had in your Chester County PA home with that of your new surroundings, you will want to take advantage of sites such as Best Places for actual facts and figures related to food, housing, utilities, transportation, health costs, and salaries in each location.  For even more detailed information about these categories, you can’t go wrong with that supplied by Numbeo.com.
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5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

Thursday, February 14, 2013
by Scott Darling

Questions To Ask Before You Hire A ContractorEssential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

You’re ready to remodel but you want to make sure you get the best contractor for the job. Here’s what to ask the candidates before you decide. Read

 

 

 

 

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2013 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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Displaying blog entries 91-100 of 129

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