If you’re selling in anything other than a hot market, you might find “staging” your home can help generate more interest and offers.  You needn’t spend thousands of dollars on improvements or professional consultants, however.  There are several things you can take into your own hands to improve your home’s appeal.

Begin by removing scatter rugs and knickknacks, which can clutter a room.  In the kitchen, remove all appliances from the counters except the coffee maker and microwave.  Set your dining table in a welcoming fashion, with plates, flatware and napkins.

You might be tempted to throw everything into the closets, but buyers will look there, too, so box everything up and place into storage.  Focus on the “feature rooms” - the dining and living areas and master bedroom - keeping additional rooms as sparsely furnished as possible.  Do your spring cleaning now, scrubbing the walls and floors and shining up those windows.

It has been estimated that one out of four homes listed are “staged,” and “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Staging Your Home to Sell” states that you could gain up to $9,000 on a $200,000 house if it’s properly presented.  You might spend up to $100 per room in time and money, but that’s a pretty small investment for that kind of return.  Your REALTOR® will have even more suggestions.

If you are in need of real estate guidance, please feel free to call me and I will be happy to share my knowledge with you at no cost or obligation.  If you prefer, email me at donkingsley@kingsleyrealestate.com.

When one hears the word “foreclosure,” images are conjured of families unable to meet their loan commitments, and forced to consider unpleasant options.  However, it’s not only homeowners that suffer from a foreclosure.  Renters can be “out on the street” if their landlord defaults on mortgage payments.

A report from the Mortgage Bankers Association states that nearly 20% of recent foreclosures have been against investors who did not live in the property, and even tenants in good standing face having to vacate the premises if they’re renting one of these properties.

Why mention this gloom and doom scenario?  Because home values have declined, and buyers are seeing the best deals in many years.  While unpleasant for sellers, price declines increase affordability for buyers, so if you’ve been renting, now is a fantastic time to turn that monthly payment into equity.

Interest rates have inched up, but still-historically low rates combined with very affordable housing yield a formula that should put you in a home that you own for the same amount you are now paying for rent.  Not to mention that at a lower purchase price, you’ll enjoy some great appreciation over the coming years.

Just because you’re renting now, you’re not necessarily safe from suffering the consequences of a foreclosure.   Take matters into your own hands and buy yourself some peace of mind.

If you are in need of real estate guidance, please feel free to call me and I will be happy to share my knowledge with you at no cost or obligation.  If you prefer, email me at donkingsley@kingsleyrealestate.com.