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Showing posts from February 19, 2006

Should I paint or carpet before putting my home on the market?

This is a question many homeowners struggle with as they plan to sell their home. I can only speak from the perspective of representing Sellers in the metro Indianapolis area. Here most Buyers would rather see a home in top condition rather than receiving a credit for paint or carpet. In the past, more people were willing to buy a home and fix it up, redecorate, and put in some sweat equity. While the home decorating shows on TV have given us wonderful ideas and motivation, most of us want to start with a clean slate and then add our personal touches. So, even though it would be simpler to give the Buyer the ability to choose their carpet or paint or kitchen counters, your home will sell much faster if you do the work before it goes on the market. One word of Caution: just be sure to select finishes that are complimentary to your home and neutral, so they will suit the majority of tastes. For instance, if you have a classic Victorian home, don't select a contemporary color pa
Hi, thanks for taking a look at this blog! My hope is that by sharing some of my adventures in real estate, you will be helped in your journey as well. So, let's begin... After over 11 years as a licensed Realtor, one of my greatest joys remains helping people who never thought they would be able to own a home. Recently I was asked by a past client to assist a friend of his in leasing a home. By asking a few questions, I found that his friend was married with two small children and would really rather own than continue renting. A couple of difficult years had harmed their credit scores, so as a result they had given up all hope of owning a home. When we talked, I suggested they speak with a reputable lender that has done a great job for my clients in the past. They were amazed to discover that not only could they qualify to buy a home now (at a slightly higher interest rate), but that it would be in a price range that would give them some attractive options. We quickly set out in a