What to Tell the Kids about Selling

What do You Tell the Children?

If you are selling your home, you might be wondering what to tell the children. This is one of the most challenging steps when you decide to sell. It can be scary if this is the first time they are experiencing a move or love their home and neighborhood. How you handle the conversation depends on what is causing the sale of the home. 

Is it a relocation, divorce or are you buying your dream home? The reason for the move will likely have a big impact on how it is received. 

Tips to help make the move easier:

1. Get the children involved early with the decision to move. Let them know the plan and the steps along the way. If you don't communicate with them, the story in their...

Should Sellers Offer Home Warranties?

Many buyers are concerned about home repair expenses and a home warranty would offer peace of mind. A home warranty is an inexpensive way to deal with minor issues that can become an issue during the inspection. Some agents suggest that the seller purchase a listing warranty as well as part of the sales process. Understanding the benefits of a home warranty is the first step in deciding if it’s worth the cost to you, the seller.

What is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a policy that covers the cost of repairs to a number of critical systems in the home. While coverage varies, most cover electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and appliances. Some optional coverage could include pool and spa, roofing and code protection among others. In the event that a home buyer has a problem with any...

What Should I do with the House?

One of the most important decisions when getting a divorce is what to do with your house. This is a hard decision for many divorcing couples. There are many reasons that the house becomes a big issue for many couples as it represents so much more than just real estate. Divorce and real estate can be a very stressful and emotional time. Figuring out what to do with your home while dealing with disolving your marriage adds to the complexity of the situation.  

Check on the “Whys”

Checking on why you want to keep the home is helpful. Few people realize that they are mourning three things all at once. Those that hold on so hard to the property usually do so because of fear of losing the memories, the changes that face them today, and...

Divorce and Your Equity

Protecting your equity is always a good idea when selling especially when getting a divorce. When you are having the proceeds split in 1/2 it impacts the funds that you will have to buy your next home.  Here are the steps that you can take to put the most money in your bank account. 

Remove the Distressed Feeling

Do not start dividing and removing furniture and art from the home. Empty rooms and closets scream divorce. If you have empty closets, move clothes around so it is not obvious that a separation has happened. It is nobodies business of your personal situation and that information could financially harm you during negotiations. 

Staging a Great Investment

Staged homes sell faster and for the most money....

6 Reasons why you should sell your house after divorce

“Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have - life itself.” - Walter Anderson

Many say home is where the heart is, a home is a place where you feel comfortable and safe. The emotion that you have with your house is strong. It is where your kids grew up, with pencil marks on the walls reminding of their past, it is where you had many happy hours and memories.

Despite all this, every journey has its ups and downs, junctions and stoppages. When life sets new challenges for us, we should accept it wholeheartedly.

After the divorce, we feel shaken from inside, as if life...

What to Repair in your Home Before you List

A lot of money goes into buying a new house so it is understandable if a seller feels hesitant investing even more money to fix up their current house prior to selling. However, sellers may not realize that some of the issues they live with everyday and consider minor, such as the hallway light switch or the kitchen sink that has plumbing issues, may actually be considered major to home buyers. These issues may even prevent buyers from making an offer on a home or making a lower offer. It’s crucial to keep your house presentable and in good shape before you list it on the market. That being said, read on to find out what repairs you might want to consider before you list on your house on the market.

Roof Problems...

Items to Check before a Home Inspection

Selling a home can be a stressful time, there is so much to think about; keeping the home clean, heading out on a moment’s notice to accommodate last minute showings, not to mention planning a move. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed.

Then you get that great offer and enter escrow. You’re relieved until you realize there’s a home inspection coming. Even a home meticulously maintained can have hidden issues. The good news is that you can prepare for the home inspection and make sure you pass with flying colors.

Items to Check before a Home Inspection

? Doors, windows, cabinets and drawers – check that they slide smoothly

? Run water in sinks,...

Home Improvements with High ROI

Is your house a little dated? Do you want to make some improvements or upgrades but also want to make sure that you get the best bang for your buck if you decide to sell? Not all home improvements bring a good return on investment when selling, so unless the improvement is simply for your own style and enjoyment, choosing projects with higher ROI just makes sense.

Home Improvements with High ROI

? Add square footage – The best return on investment is adding space. Converting an attic or basement into a family room, adding a room or bathroom or even installing a garden room or outside kitchen will bring solid returns when selling.

? Bathroom and Kitchens – Remodeling a bathroom or kitchen will always bring more than their cost when selling....

Choosing the Right Offer

Congratulations, you have multiple offers on your home listing. It’s exciting to hear that you have a choice in buyers. Yet how can you make sure that you choose the right offer? With varying sales prices and terms, comparing offers might be harder than you expected. Still – it’s a great problem to have.

If you find yourself in a multiple offer situation, the first step is to meet with your agent to discuss each offer in detail. What are the actual differences? It’s easy to see what price they offer, but what about the other items – the terms, the financing, the contingencies.

? Sales Price – This is the easiest to compare. Start with the sales price and then check to see if they are asking for extra concessions; these...