Answers by Tania Gardere MacLeod

That’s a very subjective question because some times it might be best to not update your kitchen and sell as is, or other times, spending some money to make a few minor updates versus doing a full blown update might make more sense. It’s also very different per price point. For lower priced homes you may not want to spend more than $10,000, while some price points warrant a higher end project closer to $100,000 and even more… A kitchen is one of the most important rooms of the entire house. Whether you cook and entertain or not, that’s what people see as the heart of the home and want that space to be nice to entertain friends and family. A kitchen update / upgrade is always a good investment. But the amount will be specific to each individual area, community, price point etc…

The laws are different in every state but in Georgia and I’d think every where - the rate is agreed upon during the listing agreement in writing. The agent has no authority or raise or lower the commision agreed to be paid by the seller unless its agreed upon in writing.

Make several visits to the neighborhood at different times of the day, some during the week, some in the evening. That’s the best way to see traffic patterns, commute times, neighbors walking kids to and from the bus stop, getting their mail, putting trash and recycles out, mowing their yard, etc…. See people out walking their dogs- stop to meet them. Let them know you are looking to buy a new home and curious about the neighborhood. Ask them what they love about living here. Ask then what the area or community is missing… meet people in the neighborhood. Drive around a lot. Walk the neighborhood!

There is no magical time to sell a house. The best time to list and sell so when you are ready the timing is good for you. But that being said, if a home was on the market and came off - it’s usually best to repackage the product. Meaning - stage the house, get fresh new photos, swap some things around… make the photos and home look different. Maybe paint a few rooms that were bright colors and make them more neutral. Maybe add pops of color and new art work. If there are some updates that you can do to make a big impact and little investment like paint, carpet, new faucets, light fixtures, etc. that can go a long way to help repackage the home. So people see a change from when it was listed before and now.

Hey Eric, If you mean online by saying “email” then yes. Almost all applications are done online. But you will always or should always talk with the lender first and then again once your application is complete to review, ask questions, share about you situation and desires, so that the lender can offer the proper loan options for you and your situation.

I’d suggest meeting with your realtor first. Often times they have a stager that they’d use and recommend or may even have some staging certifications and ideas themselves. I’m a huge advocate for staging! Makes all the difference in the world. But lean on your realtor for these contacts and connections. They usually have access to the best ones in the industry!

Unfortunately the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has put a stop to the buyer love letters. They felt it was a way for a seller to discriminate maybe even without intention against others so in order to make offer she more on an equal playing field they have banned us from including them with out offers now!

I’d always encourage sellers to start with anything that is needing repairs, stained, cracked, leaking, etc. having a home that is in great shape is bette Ethan having a kitchen remodel but deferred maintenance everywhere else. Roof, windows, hvac, water heater, siding, deck, wood rot, etc. always start with those. If the home is in excellent shape but needs some updates…. I’d start with the kitchen. It’s the heart of the home… then outdoor space - landscape, deck, outdoor entertainment space… then back inside for bathrooms… fresh paint is always the top ROI!

There are several sites and services that can provide you with an automated valuation. But the only way to get a true valuation is to hire an appraisor or bring in a real estate professional. Someone needs to walk teh house. See the condition in person. Know if the floors are worn and stained or in perfect condition. See if the owner has truly upgraded everything or done more patch work like just painting the cabinet not replacing them… there is a lot that goes into a true valuation. Seeing what similar homes have actually sold for - not just are listed for is a great place to start.

I always advise my sellers to start with a home inspection. Work through the Saftey and fire hazards. And any major repair items. Service all Hvac and water heater to ensure all is in good working order. Inspect your roof as well. This gives you time to get the best quotes and contractors to do the work while you are not in a rush like you would be during an inspection contingency period… fresh cost of paint is one of your biggest ROI! Deep cleaning, power wash outside of house and walk ways and driveways. Fresh mulch and plantings outside week before photos and video. Declutter! And I always bring in my stager for a consultation to help make sure we have each and every room looking it’s best… meet with your local realtor first. They can help guide you step by step

Preparation. Making sure there is no deferred maintenance. If anything is Broken, cracked, stained, needs repairs - start there!!! Any deferred maintence will have buyers automatically start deducting from their purchase price. A well maintained home is better than having an updated kitchen but everything else needs attention. Check the whole house for leaks, wood rot, cracks, etc. do a home inspection and work through that list… then paint. Fresh paint is one of the biggest and best ROI you can do! New carpet goes a long ways as well. Then kitchen. Bathroom if you can’t do a full renovation then update all light fixtures, faucets, and paint the cabinets. Possibly update the counter tops… bring in a stager for a consult to help advise on how to present your home for market and show better with adding and taking away some items…