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What Can Hurt Your Home Sale

Wednesday, August 5, 2020
by Scott Darling


House hunters have many expectations when they are looking for a new home. Most sellers usually have made themselves at home, and love many aspects about it, but not all buyers would agree. Do not hurt your home’s sale with these: 

 

  • Nothing shouts “Don’t buy me!” more than an unkempt yard!  If nothing else, keep the grass cut and weeds and shrubbery trimmed. Put a bit more effort into it, and put down fresh mulch in the flowerbeds, and add a pot of flowers to the top step. 
     

  • No one wants to walk into a house with plastic storage containers stacked up in each room “hiding” the seller’s clutter. When you declutter, get rid of things, or put them in storage if you cannot part with them. Your rooms will appear larger without a lot of stuff in them. 
     

  • Touring a house that has a grimy stove or mildewed bathtub caulking is a huge turn-off:  no one wants to move into a dirty home. If you cannot find the time to clean the house spotless, hire a professional to do it. 
     

  • Natural light is important to most home buyers, so window treatments that block light need to come down, cleaned, and stored for moving. Add sheers, blinds you can open, or pull the shades up completely when you know the house is being shown. 
     

  • Items such as rodent traps or insect baits, should not even be an option for you. If you know you have mice or insects in your home, have them exterminated before you put a sign in your yard.  
     

  • Wall-to-wall carpeting is not as appealing to buyers today as it was in the past. If you can afford it, remove carpeting that is hiding hardwoods and spruce them up. No hardwood? Have the carpets professionally cleaned, and if you really need to sell, offer a new carpet credit to buyers. 
     

  • When you know about a problem and don’t bother to make repairs--think dripping faucets or cracked windows--buyers will not be impressed with your house, and if they’re remotely interested, offers won’t be close to your asking price. 
     

  • Any unpleasant odors will put off most people, and homebuyers will wrinkle their noses as soon as they walk in. Cleaning is important to remove dirt, but you need to clean for odors, too. Follow these tips from realtor.com® for removing any funky smells from your home. 

 

The impression your house makes on potential buyers largely depends on you. Salespeople of all kinds must make a pitch to draw the buyer in, then grab and keep their attention. The effort you put forth will show in the feedback and offers you will receive. In the case of selling your home, sweat the small stuff! 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: GreenPal

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What Today's Buyers Want in a Home

Thursday, July 30, 2020
by Scott Darling

 

Today’s buyers are highly likely to have specific desires in a new home. Are you ready? If not, let this be your guide to getting your house in ready-to-sell shape! 

 

  • Energy Efficiency:  Energy-Star windows, smart or programmable thermostat, LED lightbulbs and full-house water heater are all attractive to buyers who are concerned about energy costs as well as those concerned about going green. 
     

  • Home office:  If there is no room in your house that is a dedicated home office, create one!  Stage a space in the kitchen or living area or smaller bedroom with what appears to be a working spot. 
     

  • Upgraded kitchen and bathrooms:  While completely renovating these rooms are a possibility, it may not be in your budget. Take a good look at each, and decide what wallet-friendly projects will make them look new: painting kitchen cabinets, new stainless appliances; in the bathroom, new faucets, lighting fixtures, or add pizazz by framing a mirror in glass tiles. 
     

  • Dining space:  An eat-in kitchen or open-flow kitchen and dining room are what many are looking for, especially families. Kitchen islands with seating will suffice when the budget does not allow for creating space for a dining table in the kitchen. 
     

  • Organized storage:  Buyers want homes with ample storage. While you can’t create space, you can build space in closets and the laundry room by adding shelving or pre-fab storage systems.  
     

  • Hardwood flooring:  While not an inexpensive project, consider putting hardwoods or less costly engineered wood in the entryway and living space. 
     

  • Security:  Front-door video cameras, plenty of outdoor lighting as well as smart lighting features are all great for starters.  

 

While not every house hunter is looking for all of these, upgrading a few things will likely get their attention! Talk to your Realtor® about who is looking for a home in your location; they will have recommendations on the best changes that need to be made for your house to sell! 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: Real Estate Express

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Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for June 2020

Thursday, July 23, 2020
by Scott Darling

Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for June 2020

Chester County PA single-family homes saw pending sales increase by 29.6% in June 2020 when compared to June 2019. 475 homes sold in June with a median sales price of $385,000.  The average days on the market rose by 7 days. 

If you are thinking about selling your home get a free instant home evaluation Learn More. 

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Six Home Items You Should Inspect Now

Monday, July 13, 2020
by Scott Darling


Home ownership is a big responsibility! Sure, you have the financial responsibilities, but what about maintenance? Letting your house just sit and be a shelter for you is not going to work, even if you live in a newly constructed home. It is up to you to keep it in tip-top shape! Take a day to go over these items to make certain all is well at your house: 

 

  • Roof:  Your roof is probably your home’s most important part of its structure, so inspect it well:  take binoculars or use your phone’s camera to zoom in on the roof and look at every aspect. Check for damaged, missing, or curling shingles. For a tile roof, look for cracks or missing tiles, and metal roofs should be gone over for loose screws or damage to the metal. On a rainy day, go into the attic and check for leaks. Have any issues repaired as soon as you possibly can. 
     

  • Foundation:  The other important side of your home is its foundation. Check for cracks in the bricks, look at the grading around the outside (making sure water is running away from your home), and check for gaps in the outdoor walls and windows. On the inside, look for sagging floors or bowing walls, doors that do not want to close or windows that do not want to open. These are all signs of possible foundation issues. 
     

  • Siding:  Look for peeling, blistering, or fading paint, as these may be signs that you need new siding. Check for rot and warping on the soffits and any fascia boards. Visible mold can be a sign of a major moisture issue and should be investigated by a pro. 
     

  • Plumbing:  Grab a flashlight and go under your sinks and look for any signs of leaking. Toilets can leak “silently,” and you can figure out where the leak is coming from with a little food coloring and time.  Inspect around the water heater for any signs of leaks as well. 
     

  • Smoke/CO Detectors:  If you have battery-operated detectors, checking the batteries is fine, but you need to be sure they are working as well. CO detector kits are available at most home stores and testing a smoke alarm is as simple as blowing out a candle and allowing the stream of smoke drift towards the smoke alarm. Be sure to let everyone in the house know you are “crisis testing” the alarms! 
     

  • Gutters:  On a rainy day, or using the water hose, check to be sure gutters and downspouts are running freely (no clogs), and have no leaks around the seams. 

 

Taking the time to look carefully at possible problems in your house can save you time and money down the road, especially if you plan on reselling the house in the future. You are protecting your investment and protecting your family as well. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: Commercial Record

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Tips for Disinfecting Your Home

Thursday, July 9, 2020
by Scott Darling


We are thinking about cleaning more than ever right now, and there is a right way to do it if you’re trying to get things as germ-free as possible. Improper use of cleaners and cleaning tools won’t do your efforts any good. Follow these tips for a truly clean home: 

 

Different Cleaners for Different Uses 

  • - “Cleaning” a surface simply means you are removing dirt, dust, and contaminants.  All-purpose cleaners are just that--they can clean a myriad of things. If you’re planning on disinfecting those surfaces, be sure that it is labeled on the bottle. 
     

  • - Sanitizing cleaners will significantly reduce the number of bacteria but will not affect fungi or viruses.  Use a sanitizer for low-risk areas such as floors and read the label to make sure you’re using it correctly. 
     

  • - Disinfectants are meant to kill contaminants, and different ingredients work for different pathogens. Check your bottle’s label for more information on those pathogens and follow directions to the letter. 
     

  • - Antibacterial cleaners and wipes kill only bacteria, not viruses. 
     

  • - Aerosol disinfectants are as effective as you make them; most labels tell you to spray long enough to wet the surface for at least three minutes, air dry, and afterward, wipe any food surfaces or children’s toys with clean water. 

 

Use of Cleaning Tools 

  • - Disinfectant wipes are perfect for hard surfaces and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s label for directions as well as the pathogens it will eliminate. If a wipe becomes dry during use, toss it and continue with a fresh wipe.  
     

  • - You should be using a clean dishwashing cloth every day and use it only for dishes and wiping down cooking surfaces. Rinse them in cool water once the dishes are finished, wring out and air dry between laundry days.  
     

  • - Paper towels are perfect for cleaning or disinfecting, as they are tossed in the trash after each use.  Microfiber cloths or other types of washable cloths should be washed and dried in the dryer as soon after cleaning as possible. If not, spray with a disinfectant and allow it to air dry until it can be put in the washer. 
     

  • - When you are cleaning, be sure to wear gloves, because it protects your hands from contaminants and is better for your skin.  Wash your hands after cleaning, whether you wear gloves or not. 

 

The Centers for Disease Control shares tips for thorough cleaning and disinfecting, and what products are best used on what surfaces. When commercial cleaners aren’t available, household items will do, and Consumer Reports offers a guide to what should and should not be used for best results. Take care to wash your hands with warm soapy water after cleaning, and don’t forget your car! Wipe down those surfaces with disinfectant wipes.
 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: Texas A&M Today

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Break These Housekeeping Habits

Tuesday, June 23, 2020
by Scott Darling


Not all housekeeping habits are good habits, especially things that we think save us time or money.  Turn over a few new leaves to make sure your home is reflecting your good efforts to keep it clean. Let these tips get you on your way: 

 

  • Dirty Dishes Leaving unwashed dishes in the sink is not only the perfect equation for bacteria, but an invitation for insects. If you’re not washing dishes daily, rinse them and place them in the dishwasher. 
     

  • Dry Dusting  The best way to remove dust, dirt and allergens is dampening a microfiber cloth with a mixture of water and castile soap. Save the furniture polish for polishing. 
     

  • Towels and Washcloths Hanging towels and wet washcloths to dry instead of piling them in a basket or (worse!) on the floor before laundering will inhibit the growth of bacteria and mildew.
     

  • Cleaning Solution Directions Using too much or too little cleaning product is simply a waste of your time and money. If something is especially dirty, using more than the recommended amount can just attract more dirt over time. Repeat the application or add some elbow grease instead of too much detergent. 
     

  • Dirty Cleaning Tools Rinse mops and allow to dry completely or use washable mop pads to stop bacteria growth. Vacuum cleaner filters should be kept clean or replaced.  Your broom can even use a dip and swish in hot water and detergent, rinse, and dry. 
     

  • Vacuum Last Our grandmothers have taught us to dust last while doing chores, but most cleaning experts suggest vacuuming last, as what dust you’ve stirred up will fall to the floor, and the vacuum will clean it all up. 
     

  • Procrastinating Waiting until mold appears on the leftovers in the fridge or the ceiling fan blades get fluffy with dust just causes more work for you. Check leftover food regularly and throw it out and clean your fan once per month. Allowing cleaning jobs to go unchecked simply causes you to have to work harder and could make your home unsafe. 

 

No matter what your schedule is, take a few hours each week to set a housekeeping routine, and stick to it! Your home should be your personal haven, and having a cluttered, dirty home is not going to give you much peace.  Get the family involved, assign age-appropriate chores, and you’ll soon break those bad housekeeping habits. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: onhealth

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Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for May 2020

Thursday, June 18, 2020
by Scott Darling

Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for May 2020

Chester County PA single-family homes saw pending sales decrease by 25.9% in May 2020 when compared to May 2019. 335 homes sold in May with a median sales price of $393,500.  The average days on the market fell by 1 day. 

If you are thinking about selling your home get a free instant home evaluation Learn More. 

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105 Relocation Tips

Monday, June 15, 2020
by Scott Darling

Areavibes relocation tips infographicThis infographic is brought to you by the team at AreaVibes, a site that helps you find the best places to live. For more relocation advice, check out 105 Tips for a Successful Relocation

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Tips That Could Help Sell Your Chester County PA Home Quickly

Wednesday, June 10, 2020
by Scott Darling

No matter how much painting you’ve done, how many bags of fresh mulch you’ve put down or how great that new kitchen backsplash looks, there is no guarantee your house will sell quickly.  But in some cases, you need to sell fast.  When you don’t have time to do a complete overhaul of the home, there are a few things you can do to help that For Sale sign become a Sold sign: 

  • - First and foremost, find a seller’s agent that has a history of quick home sales.  You’ll need to do a bit of research, but if the REALTOR® has the experience, you’ll have a head start on getting your home sold sooner. 
     

  • - Having your house pre-inspected will save a step during the process and will help you with disclosure issues.  
     

  • - It wouldn’t make sense to price your house a bit below its value during a normal home sale, but if you want to get qualified buyers interested soon, this may be your best bet. Just prepare to lose some extra cash. 
     

  • - Consider selling the house at auction, but again, it will sell for a lower price than during a typical sale.  You may even be in an area where your real estate agent is your auctioneer as well, and you can be assured they have your interests at heart! 
     

  • - Offer buyer incentives: offer cash-backs or credits, i.e.., painting, new carpet, new kitchen appliances;  if the house is in a managed community, cover one year of HOA fees; pay the closing costs; set a closing date and offer a credit for meeting that deadline. 
     

  • - A major buyer incentive is to go so far as to pay down their mortgage costs with points, as the buyer will have a lower interest rate, saving them money in the end.  Investopedia tells us how seller-paid points can benefit the seller as well as the buyer. 

 

Keep in mind that needing to sell your home quickly for personal reasons is different than a short sale.  Your reasons may be work-related, or you’ve already found another house, but whatever the reason, you want to do what you can so your house doesn’t sit on the market--you just may have to accept a loss in exchange for a fast sale. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: realtor.com

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Who's Who When Buying a Home

Friday, June 5, 2020
by Scott Darling



 

Unless you’re paying cash for a new home, there will be more than just you, your real estate agent, the seller and their agent involved in the process. Appraisers, lenders, inspectors are just a few of the professionals you’ll come across, and it will relieve some stress on your part if you know ahead of time who they are and what part they’ll play during your house hunt. 

  • Mortgage lenders in order to be adequately prepared to begin looking for a new house, you should be pre-approved. It’s best if you look at a few different lenders in order to find the best loan, so before you go, see what the balance recommends for finding the right mortgage for you. 
     

  • Real Estate Agents The agent you choose to assist you on your new home search is extremely important, as they will be your resource and constant contact throughout the home-buying process. In most transactions, there will be a listing agent representing the sellers, but it’s unlikely you’ll be meeting them. 
     

  • Appraiser Your lender wants to be certain that the house you want to buy is worth what the seller is asking and will have a home appraisal done by a qualified person.  Learn more about what’s involved with the appraisal from realtor.com®. 
     

  • Home Inspector Once your offer has been accepted, it’s in your best interest to hire an inspector to go over your prospective new home.  You don’t want any surprises with structural issues or mold or insect infestation after you have the keys in hand. Call a few before you decide who to hire, and ask these important questions when you contact them. 
     

  • Homeowners Insurance Agent This agent should be familiar to you, as you already have auto or even renter’s insurance. Most insurance companies offer a discount for having more than one policy with them, and it may be an easy fit to go with your current company. Don’t let that stop you from shopping around for better rates, however. 
     

  • Real Estate Attorney Many states require you to hire an attorney, as they will go over all the documents, handle funds, and perform the title search, to name a few of their jobs during the home sale process. Find out why it’s always a good idea to have a real estate attorney, whether it’s the law or an option. 
     

  • Title Insurer  In case there are any questions about the sale of the home being legitimate (no liens, family feuds, etc.), you’ll need title insurance, and in most cases, the lender or attorney will already have that lined up. 
     

  • Mortgage Servicer Sometimes, a lender will sell your loan to a mortgage servicer, and you will be notified if that happens. Learn the difference between a lender and a servicer at Investopedia.  

 

Not all of these will be involved in your situation, and you may come across another professional or service during your experience.  Every one of them, however, is important for a smooth transaction, protecting you and your largest investment. 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: seacoastsolutions

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