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The Importance of Seller Disclosures

Monday, June 23, 2014
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

The decision to sell a house is filled with important things to know about. One of those items is the importance of seller disclosures. The state and federal laws regarding those disclosures are strict. A buyer cannot see what is behind the walls of a house that they are interested in, so it is necessary that the sellers are honest about the condition of the Home. Follow these tips to help make the disclosure process as easy as possible:

  • One of the first things that a real estate agent will do when selling your home is to give you a Real Estate Disclosure Statement. This statement asks you to disclose items like lead, asbestos, radon and other toxic substances.
  • While the form asks you to disclose issues like lead or radon, it does not require you to test for those substances. It is important to remember that the buyer's lender always has the right to request proof of testing.
  • You are required to fill out the forms yourself. Your real estate professional cannot fill out the forms for you, but they can provide assistance with helping you understand what each item is asking for.
  • It is always best to fill out the form as completely as possible. Putting too much information is always better than not putting enough information. It is also important to remember that while the form has an "I don't know" box, it is best not to check that box unless you really have no idea. Having a home inspection is sometimes the best way to feel confident about filling out the form.
  • Be sure to keep all work orders and reports to share with potential buyers.

If you've never considered the importance of seller disclosures before, consider how you would feel if a seller didn't inform you about major issues with a home that you were Buying. This is one place in the real estate market where trust is crucial.

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The Biggest Turnoffs for Homebuyers

Thursday, May 22, 2014
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

When you have your Home on the market and you're looking for a buyer, every little detail counts. You need to be aware of the biggest turn-offs for homebuyers so that you don't have to worry that a small detail you've overlooked is scaring off buyers who might otherwise be ready to make a decent offer on your property. A few simple touchups on your home will make a big difference if you've unknowingly left one of the following turn-offs visible to those who come to view your home.

  • Outdated décor features– When was the last time you put some thought into the interior décor of your rooms? Potentials buyers might be making note of the dated look of your home. Even subconsciously, buyers might be put off from making an offer on your home because you need to have your appliances, furniture, or décor modernized.
  • Cluttered interiors– If you've always preferred a comfortable sloppiness in your home, you might want to reconsider while your home is on the market. A cluttered interior can detract from the appeal of your home in a variety of ways. It could make your home look less spacious and less clean. Take a look around. If you can't see a lot of open floor or table space, you might want to put some thought into clearing away the clutter and letting your beautiful property shine through.
  • An unrealistic asking price– Of course, everyone who is trying to sell a home wants to get a good offer that will make their original home purchase a good investment. However, it's important to realize that you might come across as overly demanding if your asking price is something that no one is possibly going to be willing to offer you on your property. If your home has been on the market a while without any offers, try lowering your asking price and see what happens.
  • Overdue maintenance– When you're showing your home, you might assume that simply explaining that a bit of imminent maintenance is needed will be considered an inconsequential detail by would-be buyers. However, they might actually read a lot into the fact that you've been putting off maintenance and become suspicious that the property has not been well maintained throughout your residency.

Once you've remedied the biggest turn-offs for homebuyers mentioned above, you might be presently surprised to receive a long-awaited offer.

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Tips for Winter Home Selling

Tuesday, February 4, 2014
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

The fact that days are shorter and colder in winter often means that selling a Home during this time of year is especially challenging. That doesn’t mean it has to be impossible, as there are some tips for winter home selling people can do in order to increase their odds of securing an offer.

Keeping driveways and walkways clear ensures that real estate agents and potential buyers are able to get to a property. If they can’t get to a particular home, they will bypass it and head to another one instead. Those who cannot clear snow and ice themselves should consider hiring a professional service to help them with this.

Outdoor lighting should be bright enough to illuminate a home’s best features, while also making it safe to enter. Adding new lighting or replacing burned out bulbs can ensure the property’s best features are highlighted, and which guests feel comfortable coming and going.

The inside temperature of a home should feel nice and toasty. When people enter, they don’t want to feel cold, as this will make them wonder whether or not the heating system works efficiently. If a home is vacant, installing a programmable thermostat that is operable by smart phone will allow homeowners to turn the temperature up just before visitors arrive.

Just as in the summertime, everything inside the home needs to be clean, tidy and well-staged. Plastic mats near the doorway will contain snow and mud, thereby helping carpets to stay clean. The angle of the sun during winter also makes streaks and grime more noticeable, which is why washing windows inside and out is highly recommended.

Doing some little things to make a home seem warm and inviting will go a long way toward enticing buyers. Simple things, such as flameless candles burning on an end table or warm cider simmering on the stove, can make a house feel more welcoming. Homeowners may not want to burn a wood fire in their fireplaces if they are not home, but simply staging some fire logs in front of the fireplace could still lend a cozy feeling to the home.

Many market reports show that sellers have fewer homes to compete with during the winter. This means that those who follow these tips for winter home selling are likely to make a sale despite there being inclement weather.

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Home Buying and Selling During the Holiday Season

Thursday, December 12, 2013
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

It doesn't take a Black Friday horde to tell you that the holidays are a busy time for merchandisers, retailers and shoppers. However, what you might not know about this festive time of year is that potential Home buyers who are looking now are serious about purchasing your home.

This is one of the reasons why you, as the seller, should be as flexible as you can during this time when it comes to showing your home. It stands to reason that the more flexible you are for showings, including short-notice appointments, the more chances you'll have of selling your home fast.

In addition, sellers show consider how many decorations are put up for this time of year. Decorations are nice and can make the home more inviting. However, too many decorations inside or outside the home can be distracting. Certainly be willing to garnish your home in holiday cheer, but it would be wise to keep it to a minimum.

On the other side of the coin, if you are a potential buyer searching for a home over the holidays, remember that sellers may not have the ability to be as flexible during these often hectic months due to travel plans, hosting commitments, or any number of other valid reasons. In a word, don’t be discouraged if a seller cannot accommodate a home showing on a moment’s notice.

Both buyers and sellers can capitalize on the increased sense of urgency that is typically ratcheted up over the holidays. This is especially true for homebuyers since the vast majority of each group would prefer to close on a home purchase or sale prior to the close of the year.

To best facilitate these transactions in a timely fashion, buyers and sellers alike would benefit from the knowledge and experience of a real estate agent.

 

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing homes and properties in the Ann Arbor and surrounding area including properties, houses, and condos for sale in Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan and the Ypsilanti real estate markets.  Check out the handy Links for realty related information and and MLS inventory access above.  Please keep us in mind if we can help you or an associate with their real estate pursuits in 2019!
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Curb Appeal

Monday, December 2, 2013
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

One of the first things to think about when you are selling your Home is curb appeal. That is the magic that draws all eyes to your home when potential buyers are passing by. You want them to stop and take a long hard look as they slow down to pick up a flyer. Curb appeal is that critical element that brings your home to the front of the line. Here are a few tips to make sure your home invites them back:

An attractive entryway – Repainting or replacing the front door with a splash of color is like an engraved invitation that says, "Come on in." The path leading to the door and the lighting above or to the side both add attractive details that welcome visitors. Make sure the doorknob and hardware are painted or polished to complete the package.

Pristine yard – Whether your home has a carefully manicured lawn or desert landscaping, the key is a neat, trim exterior with no weeds, debris, or clutter of any kind. Nothing says "fixer–upper" like needless mess. Since many buyers enjoy creating their own gardens, many sellers find that potted plants provide a finished look to complete a positive vision without making permanent changes to the landscape.

Repair and update – Simple hardware replacements can bring a house forward in time by years. Shiny upgrades are inexpensive, attractive and send a message that the home has been well–maintained. Make sure all minor repairs are completed before you sell your home.

Add artistic flair – Fountains, bird baths and wind chimes all work to make the exterior pleasant and attractive. These are the finishing touches that make houses feel look unique and homey.

Shutters and accent trim – Shutters help control light and ventilation, as well as providing a measure of added security. They add another level of visual interest that stands apart from the rest of the neighborhood.

Gutters and downspouts – Replacing these and any fascia that are bent or peeling creates a visual frame around the front of the house that looks new.

When you think you are ready to list your home, take a few photos from different angles to help you spot details you might have missed. Be prepared to make more small changes your real estate agent may suggest to ready the home. In today's market, curb appeal is more important than ever before to help you get your asking price quickly.

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Home Inspections

Monday, November 18, 2013
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

As you navigate through the process of Buying a Home, you will find that one of the more critical components is the home inspection. To understand the value of home inspections, buyers and sellers should both be aware of what they do and do not include. While there may be some variation from state to state, home inspections typically do not look for asbestos, radon gas, lead paint, toxic mold, or pest control. If the buyer has concerns, professionals specifically licensed for each must address these issues. The focus of the typical inspection is three-fold: structural, mechanical and electrical condition of the house. The goal is not a complete laundry list of necessary repairs, nor an appraisal of worth. It is an unbiased evaluation of the home’s condition.

Step One

The process begins with a visual examination of the front of the home from a distance sufficient to view the entire exterior surface. Starting at the top and systematically moving down the wall, the inspector will review the roof, the chimney, gutters, fascia and soffits. Next, he will look at windows, doors, porches, decks and all of the structural details down to the ground. He will consider the grade or slope of the surrounding ground, inspect flowerbeds, walkways and driveways. Moving closer to the building, he will continue the home inspection by investigating details that caught his attention. Repeating the process with each wall, he will work his way around the house.

Step Two

Inside the house, he will continue the home inspection starting at the lowest level and moving up. The review starts with the floor, moves up the walls and across the ceiling. Then he will check each appliance in the room. He will open each door and inspect closets and storage areas before moving to the next room. He will look at floors, heating sources, electrical panels, outlets and switches. He will look for water damage including stains and sagging. He will check all plumbing fixtures and visible pipes.

Step Three

The home inspection will follow a checklist to insure that it is complete. Then the inspector will provide a formal report of his findings. It will then be up to the buyer to accept the property as it is, request repairs, request reduction of price to cover repairs, or decline the property. Your real estate agent will work with you to help you with your negotiation and decision.

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