Sink or Swim
by MIKE HALL, Owner/Agent/Broker
It’s summer and in the Ohio River Valley that means and hot and humid days. And for many it means spending time outdoors, whether kayaking, hiking, barbecuing, or swimming.
Adding a pool in your backyard may be more convenient as opposed to a public pool, but does it add value to your home when you want to sell? The answer isn’t simple. The value is very dependent on the current housing market and if buyers see it as an asset.
What are the costs?
Pools are expensive. While an above-ground pool is significantly cheaper to install than an in-ground pool (approximately $35,000-$65,000), the cost can range from about $3,000-$15,000. This doesn’t include maintenance costs, water, or electricity usage. Added expenses, such as a new liner or cover, hiring a maintenance service, or other repairs can easily increase these costs. And with a pool, you may want to add a deck, patio, or other outdoor landscaping to enjoy the space even more.
A pool is also a liability for homeowners. It will likely raise your homeowner’s insurance and you may be required to install extra security measures, such as a privacy...
Stage your home for future buyers
by MIKE HALL, Owner/Agent/Broker
Whether it’s a job in a different city, upgrading for an expanding family, or downgrading for retirement, you’ve decided to sell your current home.
Do you know how to optimize your home’s appearance to get more showings and offers?
Louisville buyers want to be able to visualize themselves in your home. Declutter, de-personalize, and spruce up are the general guidelines to selling. Read the previous blog on spring cleaning tips and follow these recommendations to stage your home.
- Pare down and rethink furniture placement. Moving sofas from away from walls and grouping chairs into conversational groups may increase flow and give the room a more spacious feel.
- Add an office space. With more people working from home, create a workspace so buyers already have a dedicated space in mind.
- Show off storage. Declutter closets and cabinets and organize areas with bins and baskets. Be sure not to overload with storage bins, though.
- Amp up lighting. Increase wattage of bulbs and add lamps in darker...
Get your Louisville home ready to sell.
by MIKE HALL, Owner, Broker, Agent
Spring is a time of renewal and new beginnings. Spring is also the best time of year to sell your house and start your life in a new home.
Prep your home to sell with a good spring cleaning. Make a checklist of everything that needs to be completed and check off those tasks one-by-one.
Here are nine spring-cleaning tips that can boost the value of your home when selling.
- Deep clean. Don’t just wash down counters or vacuum. Clean out that fridge, get the dust bunnies from under cabinets, and cobwebs from the upper corners of the ceiling.
- Paint. Has it been a few years since you’ve painted. Spruce up your home with a modern, fresh coat. Make sure to fill in any holes and nicks as you go. Consider painting your front door to give it a bold new look.
- Scrub and seal grout. Is the grout looking dirty? Use a grout cleaner to get those stains out or regrout if needed. Then don’t forget to seal it to keep it looking great.
- Get your carpet professionally cleaned. While vacuuming removes much of the dirt, a good deep cleaning can get your carpet looking good-as-new.
- Spruce up the outside. Curb appeal helps attract...
Make the Most of Louisville’s Holiday Market
By Mike Hall, Broker/Agent/Owner
You can have a very merry house-selling Christmas!
The holidays might seem like a strange time to put your house on the market, but by following a few key tips, you can sell your home and make someone else’s Christmas dreams come true! There are some definite advantages to selling during the holiday season, including that winter buyers are serious and there are even fewer houses on the market than usual! Talk to an agent today about this possibility!
Follow these tips to make your holly jolly home a standout this season!
- Deck the halls – at least a little! Houses decorated for the holidays can look their very best, but be careful not to go crazy with the décor. Don’t do anything to distract buyers from your home. Less is always more!
- Choose a reliable Realtor – like a Red Edge agent. Make sure you know what their holiday schedule will be, so if things are moving forward during the holidays, you won’t be stuck waiting. Sit down together and make a plan about when you’re available and when you’re celebrating with friends or family.
- Carol...
It’s a tricky process, but it can definitely be done!
By Mike Hall, Broker/Agent/Owner
Buying and selling at the same time can be crazy!
It’s pretty common to be selling your house while simultaneously buying another house, but that doesn’t mean it’s not stressful! But we’re here to help you navigate that process.
Here are eight mistakes to avoid when buying and selling homes at the same time.
- Don’t wait until the last minute to prep your house. Make sure all the little projects and fixes are done, so you’re not scrambling to list it when you’re ready to make an offer on another house.
- Make sure you have a back-up plan! The chances are very slim that everything will perfectly align on the exact same day for signing and moving. Have a plan for temporary housing or storage.
- Know your budget. Don’t assume what kind of house you’ll be able to buy until you get a solid new pre-approval for the new house.
- Include plenty of cushion. While your house might sell well, this crazy market means that the houses you are looking for will also go quickly for high prices. Plan for...
High Demand and Low Inventory in Louisville
By Mike Hall, Broker/Agent/Owner
Buyers are looking for homes!
2021 is shaping up to be a pretty wild year for selling homes in Louisville. The demand for houses is still greater than the supply, so many sellers are seeing shorter time on the market and greater values and bids for their homes. Between 2018 and 2021, Louisville’s average sale price increased more than 20%.
It can be argued that the pandemic and quarantined year of 2020 has had at least some impact on the surge in buyers. With more time being spent at home, people are finding that they could use a home office, gym, or dedicated play space for their children. Others were waiting last year because of the restrictions and uncertainty, and now they’re joining the other home buyers in 2021.
Adding to the demand, interest rates for loans remains at historically low levels, motivating many buyers to act now.
If you are considering selling your home, now is a perfect time! Talk to a Red Edge agent today to take advantage of this opportune season to sell your house well!
[Source: WDRB.com]
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Make Your Autumn Yard Fantastic!
By Mike Hall, Broker/Agent/Owner
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Add some delightful flora to the outside of your house!
By Mike Hall, Broker/Agent/Owner
Add some curb appeal this spring with new plants and flowers!
If you’re looking to add some curb appeal to your house before you list it this spring, one great way is to plant some colorful plants! Here are the best 10 ideas to give your property that extra sparkle this season. Of course, if you’re looking to sell your house this spring, you can also talk to an agent today. We’d love to help you with this process!
- Boxwood – These evergreen shrubs make a great foundational plant and give structure to the landscaping.
- Nandina – This heavenly bamboo is easy to maintain and provides color throughout the year.
- Hydrangea – These shrubs are easy to grow and create beautiful blooms in the spring.
- Azalea – With beautiful blooms, hardy Azaleas are a great addition around your porch or mailbox.
- Roses – Did you know there are some kinds of roses that are low-maintenance and bloom from spring until frost?
- Hostas – Add some resilient hostas to the shady areas around your walls or under your trees....
How to get your home ready to sell!
By Mike Hall, Broker/Agent/Owner
Go through this quick list before you list your house!
As spring approaches and more sellers are preparing their homes to list, every little detail can give you the edge. If you’re thinking about putting your house on the market, consider these tips, then contact an agent so we can help you sell in this competitive season!
- Improve your landscaping – Get curb appeal working in your favor! Lovely lawn, trimmed and cleaned beds, and freshly planted flowers.
- Clean the outside – Grab a power washer and get the outside walls and gutters cleaned and inviting.
- Make repairs – Don’t give buyers a reason to walk away, so solve potential issues before they even see them.
- Make the front door inviting – Paint the front door a vibrant color and replace faded address numbers to help your entrance stand out.
- Buy a new welcome mat – Welcome buyers in, literally.
- Remove clutter and depersonalize – Make it easier for buyers to envision their lives in your home.
- Organize closets and drawers –...
Even on Cold Winter Days, Curb Appeal Matters
By Mike Hall, Broker/Agent/Owner
A little curb appeal can go a long way this winter!
There’s no reason to wait for warmer weather if you’re wanting to put your house on the market. If you’re looking to sell your house this winter, try some of these tips to make your home a warm welcome to buyers in these cold months. Then, talk to an agent today about why now is the best time to sell!
Fresh Paint and Doors
During the warmer months, your lush landscaping might hide some of the age and wear on your house’s exterior, but bare winter branches hide nothing. This is a great time to freshen up worn areas or try a whole new color for the outside of your home. Your front door and garage doors can make a big impact. Use these cold months to trade them out for a new look, or keep your current ones clean and maintained. A droopy or outdated door is sending the wrong message to potential buyers, and a fresh look could make all the difference.
Tidy Yard, Evergreen Plants, and Weather Maintenance
Your yard speaks volumes, even in the winter. Make sure all of your landscaping is cleaned...
