Articles Tagged "Home valuation"

The kitchen has often been called the most important room in the home, and that statement holds true when it comes time to put your home up for sale. Our real estate agents have learned that one of the first things prospective buyers look at is the kitchen.

That's why we always recommend that homeowners make sure their kitchens are up to par before listing their Southport homes for sale. If you're planning on selling your home, consider these affordable kitchen upgrades before you do so.

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When you spend more time at home, it's natural for small home annoyances to turn into big home problems. That dripping tap becomes torture when you're listening to it all day long. Lots of homeowners turn time at home into home improvement time, and it's a great time for small DIY projects. But there are a few projects that should wait for licensed professionals. Our real estate agents want your home improvement projects to be safe and successful, so we suggest you save the following for the pros. 

1. Electrical Work
   It's hard to overemphasize the dangers of DIY electrical work. You could cause injury to yourself or a member of your household. Unlicensed electrical work could cause damage to your home that could cost thousands to fix. Some projects, such as changing a light fixture, are promoted as DIY projects, but even those are safer in the hands of a trained and licensed electrician. 
2. Plumbing Changes
   Adding that outdoor faucet or installing a bidet sounds like a simple DIY project when they describe it on home improvement shows, but it can end with a flooded basement or worse for the unlicensed plumber. Licensed plumbers have access to tools and materials that the average homeowner simply does not. There are some simple repairs that you can do on your own, but making significant changes requires professional help. 
3. Adding or Removing Walls
   Perhaps you're tired of your open-plan layout, or you have a section of a dining room just crying out to become your new den. But put down the sledgehammer. Dividing or combining rooms carries a significant risk to the structural soundness of your home. Adding or removing walls creates a stress on your home that cannot be accomplished safely without professional assessment, planning, and execution. You may also need to get a permit before altering your home in such a manner. Creating an addition to your home, such as adding a sunroom, creates a similar stress on your home's structure and the electrical grid. Please consult an architect with your plans to alter your home's structure. 

Spending time at home is great for assessing your home's strengths and weaknesses. You'll have time to figure out just what would make your home one of the finest Southport homes for sale. And knowing what projects should be best left to professionals will save you time, money, and keep your family safe. Renovations done by licensed professionals look better to potential home buyers and show the pride you have in your home. If you're interested in learning about what repairs and renovations can do for your home's prospects on the market, contact us today. 

Having a home on the ocean is many people's idea of paradise. After all, you can't beat views of the sparkling water, the sound of the surf, and an instant destination for fun or relaxation. Owners should be aware that oceanfront homes require different care since humidity, the sun, sand, and salty air can all take their toll on your home.

Our real estate agents suggest the following maintenance tips for your oceanfront home:

• Clean regularly and thoroughly
  Sand and humidity can take a severe toll on your home, so you'll need to be especially diligent about cleaning. Clean every bit of your home regularly – particularly the exterior – to prevent problems like mold. Mold thrives in damp, humid coastal areas, so you'll need to inspect your home for it frequently.
• Have frequent termite inspections
  Your oceanfront home can be a target for termites that can wreak havoc on the structure of your home. Sign up for a quarterly pest prevention program that includes spraying for termites as well as other pests, since many thrive in this type of environment.

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Our REALTORS® are experts when it comes to determining the best price to set for a home. Southport homes for sale can go for a wide range of price points. Many factors go into the final calculation and having outside help is essential. When sellers choose to set their own price, they often overestimate. It's easy to price a home out of the market simply because the value it has for you will influence your thinking. Of course, your feelings about a property do matter! And you want to find someone who will pay you enough to reach your goals and make saying goodbye worthwhile. That's where a REALTOR® comes in.

With years of experience navigating the Southport real estate market, a good REALTOR® is your best ally in setting the perfect price for your home. When you attract attention from motivated buyers, you'll often get more at closing than you expect. Buyers compete—you stay focused on what matters to you. Wondering how a REALTOR® makes the call on a property's value? This quick crash course will give you the basics:

1. Amenities of the Home
   It's no coincidence that the number of bedrooms and bathrooms is one of the first things people look at when they check a listing. Amenities can add value by lowering cost of ownership—as with efficient appliances—or matching a buyer's lifestyle. Be mindful of trends: An on-trend layout can entice buyers, but some amenities that might look fun, such as a pool, can turn them off.

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