Selling your home can be challenging, but this can be remedied with home staging. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), forty-nine percent of real estate agents believe home staging has a big effect on potential buyers since it’s easier for buyers to visualize the house as their own.Home staging also increases a property’s value between 6% to 10% and decreases the property’s time on the market.Fortunately, many staging strategies don’t cost a lot of money. Here’s a guide to help sell your luxury real estate faster.

The Importance of Home Staging

Setting up your home may be one of the most beneficial investments in selling your home. This is because people aren’t just looking for structure; they’re looking for a space where they can build their lives.When done right, staging will help the buyers imagine their lives on the property. In some cases, you can sell the property for more if the buyer makes an emotional purchase.

What Should Your Budget Be for Home Staging

You can do staging DIY-style, but it’s always better to get the help of professionals. According to the NAR, people’s average amount on home staging is around $1,500.However, even if you have a lot of disposable money, don’t put too much into staging. You need to do enough to highlight the property’s best features. The goal is to make your home desirable to the market.

Home Staging Tips

Only Stage Selected Rooms

When it comes to home staging and selling, not all rooms are the same. Buyers will spend less time in rooms like the guest and children’s bedrooms. It won’t influence the potential buyer’s decision.According to NAR, the living room, master bedroom, kitchen, and dining room are the most important rooms to set up.

Deep Clean

A clean home is essential in selling a property because it shows the potential buyers how good you’ve cared for it.Make sure that every inch of your house is shiny and spotless, from the floor to the ceiling and everything in between. You want to make it look like everything is new. People typically get new appliances, too, but thoroughly cleaning it is alright if you don’t have the budget.When you’re deep cleaning, don’t forget easily negligible parts such as the back of your refrigerator, behind the toilet seat, and dusty window blinds.

Declutter the House

In real estate, space is what sells, so make your home look bigger by getting rid of clutter. Clutter distracts people from the property’s best features, too.Pack away all non-essential items, including un-seasonal clothes, decor, and anything else you don’t need on a day-to-day basis. However, closets may not be good enough since buyers will be checking them for storage potential.An excellent way to go about this is by renting a storage unit. This way, you can hit two birds with one stone. You keep your personal belongings safe while making your house more spacious and desirable.You also get a head start on moving with a storage unit since your belongings are already packed up and stored away.

Repair and Patch

Before the buyers come to your home, make sure to repair tiny nicks, scratches, holes, and other imperfections. You can use a melamine foam eraser pad to remove any scruff from the walls. If you’ve noticed any areas with chipped paint, do touch-ups.It’s also important to note that cracks on walls or ceilings are big red flags to buyers since they’re a telltale sign of foundation problems, so make sure to get those fixed before you start showing your home. You can also get an inspector to reassure buyers that the foundation is sound.Just like with deep cleaning, your objective is for the property to look well-kept and as new as possible, making it more desirable for potential buyers.

Depersonalize and Go Neutral

If you’re selling your home, it helps to depersonalize the space to ensure a quicker sale. This means taking down collections, photographs, and other personal items. You make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living in the house by doing so.Making the interior neutral also helps, so go for safe colors, such as gray, white, or taupe.However, be wary of making the property too empty. In place of your personal decor, choose neutral artwork and decor. Here are some tips:

• Choose artworks that appeal to a wide audience, such as nature, flowers, or landscapes. Avoid pieces that make political or religious statements.
• Make sure that the artwork is the right size for the room. If it’s too large, it will make the room look crowded. It may look like clutter or get lost in the room if it’s too small. People generally get artworks that are 75% of your furniture’s space.
• Add neutral decor accents like throw pillows to enhance your room and avoid making your sofa look too empty.
• Make sure that the colors of your home are cohesive, so stage your furniture and decor accordingly. Before staging, plan out a color palette to ensure you tie the room together.
• If you want to add accents to your staged home, go for warm neutral colors or patterns. For instance, patterned pillows will go well with a gray couch. Throw pillows are inexpensive, too, so they won’t break the bank.
• If you can, store away extra pieces of furniture to make your place more spacious. They can be kept alongside your other belongings if you’ve acquired a storage unit.

Make a Good First Impression 

The front entrance is the first thing a buyer will see, so you want to leave a good, positive first impression. Take down seasonal decorations and replace them with a simple doormat and potted plants.Strategically placed plants and flowers add life and freshness to the space. However, make sure that the plants you add have no odor to be safe. You never know when a potential buyer might have a sensitive nose.You can also opt for fake plants. They’ll provide the same aesthetic with less work.Consider power washing or scrubbing the front of your house, especially if you have a porch, stoop, or driveway. You’ll be surprised with how different your front will look after the deep cleaning.

Lighting

Nothing beats natural lighting, so let in as much sunlight in the house as possible. It will liven up the rooms, bumping up the appeal to potential buyers.Opening the blinds will make your room brighter and bigger. But if you didn’t have time to fix the yard, settling for open slats is okay. It will provide the same effect without revealing the problem areas.Turn on all your indoor lights during showings, including lamps and closet lights. Doing so will give a warmer and more welcoming ambiance.Lastly, remember to repair any broken or outdated lighting fixtures and clean off any grime to ensure optimal lighting.

Manipulate Space with Mirrors

For areas in your home that are light or dark, adding a wall mirror will make a positive difference. They’ll bounce off light and provide the illusion of bigger space.Keep in mind the following if you’re adding mirrors to your rooms or hallways:

• Avoid funky shapes and keep it simple. Square and rectangular mirrors emit a more traditional vibe. Meanwhile, curved mirrors are more striking.
• Opt for mirrors with classic frames, such as wood, metal, or plastic to appeal to a broader audience. You can go for ornate and gilded frames if you want something more dramatic.
• Place the mirror across a window to make your room even more spacious. This allows them to reflect more light, too.

Make the Bed in the Master Bedroom

When potential buyers check the master bedroom, the bed will be the focal point and is one of the most critical items.Julea Joseph, a home staging expert from Reinventing Space, recommends getting new bed covers and duvet to bump up your home’s appeal. Getting a white bed cover will give your bed a new life. At the same time, it will emit a peaceful look while looking great in photos for online listings.

Eliminate Bad Odors

With scent being one of the most powerful senses, a foul-smelling home can understandably repel potential buyers. Remember to replace air duct filters, wash rugs and carpets, and eliminate any lingering odors from pets or everyday life.If needed, consider hiring a professional to eliminate strong odors. Adding air fresheners is also an option, but make sure to get a safe scent that’s not too strong.

Sell Your Home Faster with Less Hassle

If you’re planning to put your house on the market, Cami Jones can help. Our real estate professionals will ensure to get everything done accurately and efficiently, including staging, marketing, organizing showings, and paperwork.With our aid, you can save yourself a lot of headaches and sell your home as soon as possible. Contact us today for more information on your real estate services.

According to Statista, 6.5 million homes were sold in the United States in 2020, and they expect 7.1 million to be sold by the end of 2021. This shows that, despite the pandemic, there is still a healthy demand for homes in the U.S. However, this also means that selling your property won’t be easy. Selling your house is a time-consuming process, and deciding how to proceed can be difficult. However, considering the following selling methods can help you make a decision.You have two options: hire a realtor or sell it to a cash buyer. You might find it beneficial to conduct some brief research to establish the most profitable method for selling your home quickly. The goal is to maximize the value of your property. Today, we are discussing the pros and cons of both methods.

Pros and Cons When Selling a House to a Cash Buyer

Contacting a “cash home buyer” can lead to some extremely attractive offers. Here are a few advantages that could steer you in this direction.

Pros

Fast Home Offers

The assurance is that you’ll get an instant cash offer and discover how much money you may get for your house immediately.Some people might make you an offer right away. Others will want to speak with you over the phone and see the property before making an offer. You won’t get a final offer until they conduct a home inspection.

Fast Home Sales

Another major advantage of this method is timeliness. It’s good to know that your closing date is coming and that you may start making new plans for your life.Genuine all-cash buyers typically close deals in a few days if they can complete title work, appraisals, insurance, and inspections, and the closing agent is available.

No Repairs or Home Staging

Most of the time, these buyers will not require any repairs or upgrades, so this method has become attractive to many homeowners selling their homes because they are short on cash or facing foreclosure.They won’t give you any bonus points for staging the house and making it more appealing. They intend to do it themselves, and their design ideas are likely to be quite different from yours. This prevents you from investing in a property that you are only trying to sell.

Cons

Is it a good idea to sell your home for cash? Before you say yes, consider the potential drawbacks of selling to these cash buyers.

Low Purchase Offers

These buyers are willing to buy quickly to identify discounted properties that they can resell immediately for a profit. They may modify and re-market them occasionally.They might renovate and rent them out in other circumstances. They want to pay as little as possible, whatever their end goal may be. For example, they will buy houses for no more than 30% to 50% less than what they may be resold for is often the goal.

You Don’t Get Competing Bidders

You’ll be stuck with one “take it or leave it” quote, unlike listing with a realtor who will field all of your buyers and market your house to millions of home searchers.Alternatively, you’ll have to manually find, contact, personally speak with, and potentially invite into your property a slew of “cash” buyers who may or may not offer significantly different amounts. A public listing with a realtor may result in a bidding battle and more competition for your home.

A Sale Is Still Not Guaranteed

Even if someone guarantees you a quick closing and an all-cash transaction, there is no assurance that you will close until the agreement is signed and you have money in your hands.Some of these marketers may actually have the funds and want to close as soon as possible. Others have been taught to simply put houses under contract and then shop the deal around to see if they can obtain a better offer.If they are unable to find someone within that time range, they may simply let the contract expire, wasting your time. Or, they may try to persuade you to take advantage of creative financing solutions, such as a lease option or owner financing.

Deduct Repairs & Improvements from Your Price

While these buyers will not force you to do any repairs or even clean up your home, they will deduct these fees from your buying price.For example, if it would cost a regular homeowner $25,000 to bring a property up to its potential market worth, you can guarantee that amount will be deducted from what they offer, along with the profit margin they intend to make.This might be as much as a quarter of the projected resale price. Most buyers won’t pay more than 70% of the asking price, excluding any closing and repair charges. They would make an offer closer to $45,000 on a $100,000 home in this scenario.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Realtor

Pros

Here are some benefits of listing your house with a realtor.

Finalizing the Contract and Paperwork

A well-trained and educated agent will be able to read through all the pages of mostly fine print and ensure that your sale is handled strictly according to the book.Errors and omissions are significantly less likely to happen, and if they do, a licensed real estate professional will be covered by insurance, reducing your risk.

Saves Time and Energy

Hiring an agent to handle it for you is a good option unless you want to commit your nights and weekends to home tours, not to mention the staging of your home to make those visits worthwhile.Trusting a realtor to handle the job properly, you are free to learn everything there is to know about buying and selling land.When you work with a professional who has the necessary skills and experience to close a property or any other real estate transaction, you save a lot of time and effort. This is not only cost-effective but also convenient.

Professional Networking

Realtors often have connections with various specialists, like attorneys, inspectors, contractors, landscapers, and other agents, who they can call on if necessary to get your home ready to sell.Also, realtors can provide you with recommendations from other professionals with whom they have collaborated to help you make an informed decision.

Market Knowledge

A qualified real estate agent knows your local market better than anyone else. Real estate agents are aware of market trends, how to determine appropriate price points, and the finest avenues for publicizing the availability of your home.They have many resources, so they eventually know where to find the information they need.

Negotiation Skills

A negotiation is an art form, and most of us have little experience with it. A good agent will negotiate on your behalf, resulting in you making the most money.With a realtor on your side, potential buyers and their agents will be more likely to skip the lowball offer and go directly to a fair offer, knowing they aren’t dealing with an amateur negotiator.

Cons

There are situations where hiring a realtor can be disadvantageous for the seller.

Having to Pay Commissions

Hiring a realtor, especially a full-service, experienced agent, is expensive. Prepare to pay a real estate agent up to 6% of the sale price of your home. That’s 6% of the whole transaction price, not the profit you make on the sale.Hiring a discount broker can help you save money on commissions, but you’ll probably have to forego some of the aforementioned benefits because they can only assist you with the basics.

One of Many Clients

In other words, you’re one of many house sellers they’re working with. Some realtors are overworked, juggling many clients at the same time. When you don’t feel like you’re getting the personal attention you want, this might be frustrating.The busier your agent is, the more likely you may be frustrated by not receiving timely calls, missed deadlines, and deals that come to nothing.Also, your house could stay longer on the market if your agent does not put in the necessary time and effort. In contrast, if your agent is eager to sell your property for any reason, they may make decisions that are incompatible with your objectives to sell your house quickly.At Cami Jones Collaborative, we understand how frustrating this could be. We guarantee that each and every one of our clients is treated with the utmost care and diligence.

Depend on Your Realtor’s Schedule

The schedule and planning skills of your realtor are critical to the sale of your house. If your realtor does not commit the time and effort necessary to sell your home within the timeframe you choose, it may have an impact on the sale price and profit.It could also affect your ability to find and move into your future house. As a result, it’s important to engage with a realtor who recognizes the value of both your and their time.

Ready to Hire a Realtor?

A cash buyer may be ideal for you if you need to sell your home quickly and don’t want to deal with contingencies.However, if you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your investment, you might be better off hiring a realtor. It all boils down to the details of the offer, not just the buyer’s funding source.At Cami Jones Collaborative, we make the process quick and easy. If you’re concerned that you’ll get a lower offer than you expected, consider how much money you’ll save on listing fees, realtor fees, and marketing if you sell your house through us.You have a better chance of making more money quickly.For more information, call us at (913) 521-8883 or (913) 521-5567. You may also fill up our online form or email us at camij@reecenichols.com.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Your home is ready to go on the market, but you need to decide the pros and cons of selling a home as-is vs. making repairs.The former is a lot easier, less stressful, and doesn’t cost as much money upfront but it can greatly reduce your pool of buyers. The latter will likely get you more money from the sale and will make your property more attractive to more people but it will cost you both time and money.Table of Contents:

• Selling Your Home As-Is
• The Benefits and Risks of Repairs
• The Right Repairs Can Boost Property Value
• Repairs Worth Making Before You Sell
• What Else Should You Consider?

[/vc_column_text][vcex_spacing size=”20px”][vc_column_text]So, should you spend more time fixing up the interior and exterior or try your luck with selling your home as-is?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Reasons to Sell As-Is

• You cannot afford to make any repairs
• You don’t want to deal with the stress of repairs
• You need to sell your home very quickly and don’t have time for repairs

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Reasons to Make Repairs

• People will see your home in a more positive light
• You are less likely to get low-balled on price
• Your home will attract more buyers

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Selling Your Home As-Is

Selling a house as-is refers to selling the property in its current state and no repairs will be made.The seller and buyer must be in complete agreement about the fact that repairs won’t be made and this will be a contract that both parties must sign.Now, you will likely have to disclose any issues with the home to the buyer especially if you are selling your home on the Kansas side of the state line. Missouri is a bit more relaxed with their disclosure obligations but is best to discuss what you have to disclose regarding the state of your home with an experienced real estate agent.

Fewer Fixes Mean That Offers Might Be Lower

Selling your home as-is will result in offers that are lower than you might expect as you haven’t added any value to your home. Or, even if you have made some minor repairs recently, buyers might still send you a low bid simply because the home is listed “as-is.”In their eyes, they can’t move in right away and want to offset the cost of maintenance by saving cash on the sale.

Severity Of The Fixes Could Reduce Your Buyer Pool

Factoring in how much time repairs take should 100% impact your decision and they can end up costing you quite a bit of money depending on the severity of the problems.For example, when the repair is something major like a big plumbing or foundation issue, not making the necessary fixes will definitely affect the selling process.If you do choose to leave these repairs up to the buyer, the cost of those repairs might price out regular people and reduce the buyer pool to those who want to fix-up or flip properties – and they famously don’t pay full price as it eats into their bottom line.

As-Is Does Allow For Better Flexibility

Although adding value to your property is a significant consideration, you also should analyze the trade-off in terms of time and money. Yes, your home might be worth more, but is it going to sell quickly if you make all of those repairs?The answer is hard to predict. In short, selling as-is normally allows for more flexibility and a smoother, less stressful process for you but not necessarily for the buyer.If you need to move quickly or do not have the money to make repairs, you will need to work with a real estate agent to ensure your home is priced competitively for your area – this will help you sell your home faster but again, you might not make as much back on your investment as you would if you made repairs.

The Benefits and Risks of Repairs

If you are doing the repairs yourself to help save on costs and are not a seasoned pro, there could be flaws in your work that buyers will see.For example, more detail-oriented parties might be bothered by cosmetics like a slightly different paint color that was used after filling a nail hole.When the market is cold, something as simple as the gloss of paint can make a difference as people move through the rest of your home – they will likely be on high alert for other issues and these could ultimately affect their decision to buy.Now, if you choose to have a professional make updates and repairs, you run the risk of not getting your money back on that investment.You may also find that you have big, expensive issues that need repairs like foundation cracks or a roof replacement. If you are not selling your home as-is, it will most likely be your responsibility to fix these things before you sell, but they will not actually raise the value of your home because they are seen as maintenance issues.It is important to note that there is a difference between home improvements and home maintenance. Replacing your old roof does not increase your home’s value; it just makes it more possible to sell your home – if you don’t go the selling as-is route.

The Right Repairs Can Boost Property Value (and Help You Sell Your Home Faster)

Although we’ve talked about how making repairs and upgrades can slow down the sales process, adding to the value to your home with the right upgrades is a smart move if you have the time, but it really depends on factors relating to the people who are interested in your property.For example, is the area in a desirable location? If the answer is yes, buyers will be willing to pay more to secure a home there and the right upgrades could set your home apart.Once you have figured out if you’re location is in demand, the next step is to figure out which repairs add the most value. Adding a swimming pool is notoriously pricey and does not necessarily add a ton of value to your home – especially in Kansas and Missouri, whereas investing in energy-efficient windows can recoup 90% of the investment.(Recommended Read: How to go the Extra Mile and Sell Your Home Fast)

Repairs Worth Making Before You Sell

There are definitely some easy fixes that you can do yourself to help your home sell faster. These are minor investments for the most part and almost exclusively are related to the aesthetics of your home.

Cluttered bathroom & kitchen

These are two significant rooms in any house: Kitchens and bathrooms. Unclean bathrooms and kitchens are huge turn-offs to most buyers. Thankfully, you probably won’t have to hire someone to spruce up these rooms.All you need to do is remove clutter, dust, and dirt, and ensure the appliances are functional. Remember that viewers will look in nooks and crannies, so it’s worth cleaning the areas thoroughly.

Tired walls

Painting is something almost anyone can do and can make a huge difference when you are trying to sell your home. Considering a can of paint only costs a couple of dollars and you only need to spend a few hours over the weekend to paint your walls, this is a great upgrade that you can do yourself.Glossy paint adds shine and light, making the whole house appear brighter, cleaner, and more modern. In terms of color, you should appeal to a broad base and not be overly bold. Neutral shades, such as cream or light grey, are effective.

Outdated exterior

Don’t solely focus on interiors that are fatigued – concentrate on exteriors, too!Relatively, the outside of your home is important for two reasons:

• Number one: it’s the first thing buyers see when they drive up.
• Number two: exteriors are generally easy to modify.

Among 22 home improvement projects in the 2019 report, nine out of 10 of the best-returning jobs nationwide involved the exterior of the home.The trick is to remove clutter from the front garden or yard – you can put it in your shed or dispose of it through city services – and mow the lawn. A shaggy, overgrown yard isn’t a feature of a dream home.If the paint on the outside of your home is peeling, you may want to look into investing in having it repainted if it truly is an eyesore or try painting it yourself.

Dark rooms

Small dark rooms can be a bit of a turn off for buyers but it is fairly easy to make these rooms more inviting.Natural light is great for making any part of your home appear more inviting, and swapping curtains for blinds is all it takes.If the sun’s rays are hard to source, you can use a few tricks.Mirrors are famously useful as they reflect light and make tiny rooms seem bigger. Plus, you can place them strategically to highlight your property’s best features.If you have small rooms that get zero natural light, add lamps and soft accents like throw pillows and blankets to give those spaces a cozier feel.(Recommended Read: The Most Important Home Improvements to Make Before an Appraisal)

What Else Should You Consider?

In essence, repairs are necessary as long as they don’t restrict your ability to sell and can recoup the value they add. But that isn’t the end of the story. To be sure you have chosen the right side of the fence, you should think about the following:

Fixer-Uppers Or Fixed Up?

Some people will want a home that is fully functional and move-in ready.Others will prefer your property to have potential so that they can create a home that suits their personality and that they can eventually sell for a profit.All too often, buyers purchase a house and realize it will never fit the image they have in their heads. The key is to target the right base, and, to do that, you must understand their agenda.With the right data and marketing techniques, a well-seasoned real estate team can help you advertise your property as the perfect fixer-upper or ready to move-in ready home and find the right price. [/vc_column_text][vcex_button url=”https://www.camijoneshomes.com/marketing/” size=”medium” align=”center”]Learn More About Marketing Your Home to Sell[/vcex_button][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Home Value Duds

It’s essential to work out which improvements are going to be a hit and which will fall flat. Otherwise, it’s a waste of time and money that you were never going to recoup.As we said, bathroom, kitchen, and some exterior updates tend to be the wisest investments when upgrading your home. However, some improvements should be avoided because you will waste your time and money on them.

• Extensive landscaping. i.e. water features and gazebos won’t add much to your bottom line and can look gaudy to some buyers.
• Over the top light fixtures. Tastes vary and it isn’t worth spending hundreds on new, funky light fixtures. Opt for more energy-efficient options like LED bulbs and subtle lamps.
• A fully remodeled basement. Although this upgrade seems like a great investment, you run the risk of pricing yourself out of your neighborhood. Use the money for more functional and cost-effective upgrades like adding more storage space in your home.
• Custom design features. Remember, everyone has different tastes and that cool tile or wallpaper you put up might be offputting to some buyers and won’t do much to add value to your home.

The Market

Finally, gauge the market. If it’s hot in your area right now, you can probably get away with little to no repairs as there are a greater amount of people willing to make an offer.If it’s slow, making repairs and taking time to ensure your home is move-in ready is an excellent way to make it more appealing to interested people who need convincing and you will likely get more money for your home.We’re here to help you sell your home and make the process as easy as possible. We know the Kansas City market and have experience selling a wide variety of homes in all price ranges. Click below to learn more about selling your home with Cami Jones Collaborative or give us a call at (913) 521-8806.[vcex_button url=”https://www.camijoneshomes.com/selling/” size=”medium” align=”center”]More Information on Selling Your Kansas City Home[/vcex_button] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Every year, more than 5 million homes are sold throughout the United States.When it comes to selling a home, there are a lot of expenses you need to prepare for and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by these costs. The more you know about what to expect, though, the less stressful the process is likely to be.Listed below are some of the most important expenses you’ll encounter during the sales process.

Ready to Sell a Home? Here are Some of the Expenses You Can Expect

Staging

Home staging can be a useful tool that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home.Most sellers find that it’s worth it to invest in the staging process and purchase some simple decorations to make the home more inviting. If you would like to learn more about staging, click here and take a look at our home staging tips.

Closing Costs

The amount you pay for closing costs varies from sale to sale.Money going into escrow comes with a fee that is often split between you and the buyer. You may have to pay a pro-rated amount for property taxes and HOA fees as well.Depending on the market, you may pay a portion of (or all of) the closing costs for the buyer. When home sales are slow, this can be a good way to get your house off the market.

Commission

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of your house will go to your real estate agent, too. You and your agent will have agreed upon the percentage they earn prior to putting your house on the market.

Home Upgrades

You may need to invest in some upgrades for your home before you sell. This might include home improvements that increase its resale value, such as kitchen upgrades, bathroom renovations, or improving the landscaping.You’ll also need to consider the cost of cleaning and repainting your home to get it ready for the buyers.

Mortgage Payoff

When your home is sold, you’ll use the profits to pay off your previous home loan.You’ll have to pay the principal of the loan as well as the prorated interest accrued leading up to the closing date. You may have to pay a mortgage prepayment penalty as well, but this is not always the case.

Attorney Fees

If you choose to hire a real estate attorney to oversee the process, you’ll have to factor their fees into the cost of selling your home. Their fees can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Start Selling Your Home Today

As you can see, there are a lot of expenses you’ll need to plan for when it comes to selling your home.If you keep this list in mind and start preparing early, the process will be easier to understand and you’ll have more time to find ways to cut down on costs.Are you ready to sell your home? If you’re located in or around the Kansas City area, contact our team at Cami Jones Collaborative today.We’ll help you through every stage of the selling process and ensure things go as smoothly as possible. We’re here to meet all your Kansas City real estate needs!

Whether you’re trying to sell in order to upsize into a bigger home for your growing family or downsizing ahead of retirement, it is in your best interest to know what you should and should not do when staging your home to sell.Let’s face it, buyers are more demanding than ever before and a property that is staged correctly will fetch the desired sale in a shorter timeframe.According to the Real Estate Staging Association, homes that are staged before going on the market sell 73% faster, on average, than their non-staged counterparts.

Homes that are staged before going on the market sell 73% faster, on average, than their non-staged counterparts

The need to have home staging could not be clearer. Unfortunately, you may not exactly be an expert when it comes to staging your home which is completely understandableHere’s what you need to know about the dos, and perhaps, more importantly, the don’ts of preparing your home for house hunters.

Staging A Home To Sell – The Don’ts

Before worrying too much about the things you should do to prepare your home for a quick and profitable sale, you must first learn to appreciate the common pitfalls. After all, prospective buyers are actively looking for reasons to avoid purchasing your property and will act accordingly if your home is presented in a way that highlights them.Here are 8 issues you should try to avoid.

#1. Don’t Be Too Personal

We talked quite a bit about this in our Home Staging Tips From the Pros post, but it is extremely important so we are going to discuss it briefly again!When you first settle in your home, you naturally want to add your personal style to the rooms. Sadly, those personal touches can significantly reduce the appeal of the property, especially when you opt for interior design choices that are a little out of the box.Don’t get us wrong, we love a good statement piece! But you want people to feel as if your home is a neutral space where they can picture themselves living. Reverting back to a palette that focuses on soft, warm color schemes can work wonders for the property’s universal attraction.This doesn’t mean that the look of your home has to be boring and make everything gray (see above). You can add interest with on-trend throw pillows that complement the style of your home and appeal to buyers – which brings us to our next don’t.

#2. Don’t Lose All Character

While you will probably wish to avoid controversial design choices and want to use only neutrals, you don’t want your home to seem devoid of all personality. After all, buyers are likely to view multiple properties in a relatively short span of time.If your home isn’t staged to stand out from the crowd, many people will forget about it as soon as they leave.Keep a little character by adding small unique decor pieces or art – just make sure that they add and don’t overwhelm the space. A little contrast and a touch of kitsch can make the home memorable. Some things you can add might be:

• Throw pillows in textured fabrics
• Unique coffee table books or decor like you see above
• An interesting piece of art that complements the space
• Slightly quirky table settings
• Small sculptures or vases that add a little something extra

When homebuyers are thinking about the home, there’s a far better chance that it’ll lead to a sale. As with many aspects of staging the property for sale, striking the right balance is key.

#3. Avoid Overcrowding

Showing off the fact that your property is big enough to hold an array of items may seem like a good way to make it feel bigger.However, in reality, it results in a confusing atmosphere that can overwhelm the space and make it feel smaller.Avoid overcrowding and the rooms give the appearance of more floor space, which subsequently encourages the potential homebuyer to consider the ways that they would utilize the space, which means they’ll picture themselves living here.It’s not just about the rooms though. You may think it is a good solution to put all of the things you have collected over the years into the garage or closet because who cares about what a garage looks like?The reality is that cluttered storage spaces will also discourage people from buying the property as it makes it seem as though space there is limited.Many homeowners are guilty of hanging onto unnecessary items that they don’t use, so use this opportunity to declutter. Aside from aiding your hopes of a sale, it’ll prevent the need to pack and move them to your next home. If you aren’t ready to part with your stuff, you can always store it until you move into your new home!

#4. Don’t Make it Seem Too Cavernous

We know we seem like we are full of contradictions right now, but hear us out. Having an overcrowded space is problematic when you want to sell your home, but having huge spaces with very little in them can come off as cold and unwelcoming.You want to create the illusion of space and it can be very tempting to opt for smaller items including compact furniture and house decorations to achieve this.Unfortunately, this can look aesthetically unpleasing. If you are blessed with a large room, it won’t need any extra “tricks” to showcase the space. When a buyer moves in, they’ll want to utilize the available space in the most efficient manner. If your home doesn’t already do this, it will set the wrong impression.Make sure the furniture and decor you use to stage your home fits the scale of the rooms. This is not very easy to achieve and can be costly if you don’t know the business, so unless you want to show an empty home, we suggest consulting with a professional who knows the ins and outs of staging and marketing real estate.[vc_row][vc_column][vcex_button url=”https://www.camijoneshomes.com/marketing/”]Learn More About Marketing Your Home[/vcex_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]

#5 Don’t Use Fake Fauna or Fruit

When you look around a lot of brand new homes, most of the extra things you see that add “aesthetic” are fake.Fake fruit bowls, fake plants, and fake flowers are all commonplace. While this isn’t going to bring any negative thoughts when browsing homes that were just built or model homes, replicating it in the home is never a wise move.They give the impression that the house hasn’t been lived in, which consequently raises doubts as to whether it’s suited for family life.

They give the impression that the house hasn’t been lived in

Homebuyers likely know that a property has been staged. Therefore, it’s important to show them that the atmosphere they see is viable in their daily lives.It may feel like a very small detail, but it’s one that can give the impression that they are looking at an actual home rather than a model home.

#6. Don’t Close the Doors

By now, it should be relatively clear that the small details can make the biggest impact on a potential homebuyer’s opinion of the property.Closed doors make the property seem uninviting and may also stop natural light from reaching some areas and they may wonder what you are trying to hide.You should also respect the fact that some people will either assume that the door leads to a cupboard or feel too shy to investigate. It’s not uncommon for people to miss out on basements, attics, and other spaces as a result of the closed doors.To create an open and inviting space that enables people to explore the entire property, keep all doors open and be sure to check that all walkways are unobstructed.

#8. Don’t Ignore Curb Appeal

A potential buyer will start to form opinions of your property as soon as they drive up to it or see the listing online. In truth, we’ve all had viewings where we’ve decided against a purchase before we’ve even stepped inside the door.You cannot afford to let your home fall victim to this and must invest in the external appeal of the property.Simple additions like a few plants or a door knocker can change the entire vibe of the property while trimming bushes and adding new gravel to the driveway can be equally as influential.When those looking at your home have a great impression before they’ve stepped inside, they will be far more likely to take a positive outlook on the interior elements too. Conversely, a bad first impression may ruin everything.

The Dos

While many of the staging don’ts will simultaneously guide you towards making the right moves. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to go the extra mile by implementing a number of additional changes. Here are some of the simple staging ideas that will serve you well.

1. Do Let in That Natural Light

As already mentioned, prospective buyers need to see that there is space to work with. In addition to using light/warm color schemes, you should also aim to embrace the natural light in your home.Open up those blinds and curtains and get as much natural light flowing through your space as possible.The sunlight not only will get buyers excited, it naturally puts them in a more positive mood. Although this might not make them happy enough to necessarily buy, it can’t hurt to have a little extra positivity while they look from room to room.

2. Prioritize The Right Rooms

Most homeowners accept that they will need to complete some upgrades and make changes after they move in. However, they won’t consider buying a property that isn’t liveable.Focus on making important upgrades like repainting, filling small nail holes where your family pictures once hung etc. in the living spaces, kitchen, master bedroom, and bathrooms – in that order.

2. Do Add Little Extras

Everyone wants to live in a nice home, and the small things that enhance the atmosphere deserve your attention. A vase with fresh flowers and a fruit bowl with (real) fruit can seriously help. Meanwhile, discreet air fresheners ensure that the home also smells fantastic – we suggest sticking with clean linen scents.You can also ask your real estate agent about setting out foot and drinks at open houses to help make buyers feel more at home and comfortable. It isn’t a weird ask, trust us. Your agent wants to sell your home just as quickly as you do!

3. Do Rearrange Furniture (if needed)

While the choice of furniture is vital, you must not overlook the impact of the layout. Create living spaces that encourage family conversations and ensure that there is a focal point in each room. It’s a simplistic idea, but the influence can be huge.

The Final Word

Staging a home is hard work, especially if you want the property to sell at the asking price. When you follow the right steps while and avoid the potential pitfalls, success is virtually assured. In turn, you should attract agreeable offers in next to no time!Thinking of putting your home on the market?  Let us help you! Give us a call today!  You can reach our team at 913.521.8806 or click below to fill out our contact form![vc_row][vc_column][vcex_button url=”https://www.camijoneshomes.com/contact/”]Contact Our Team to Sell Your Home Fast[/vcex_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]

If you’re ready to sell your home, odds are, you don’t want to wait around forever while it sits on the market.Most homes sell within a couple months of being on the market. However, there is also a long list of horror stories from friends and family who talk about their house being on the market for months and months.To avoid a nightmarishly long house sale, keep reading to learn all of the expert tips and tricks to sell your home fast!

How to Sell Your Home Fast

We won’t lie to you in order to pull this off, it’s going to take a little groundwork on your end.However, after a couple of weeks and weekends of prep-work, your house will be primed and polished for the market. Follow these basic rules on how to sell your home fast and move on with your life!

Clean It Like a Professional

We’re not just saying pick it up a bit. In order for your home to appeal to potential buyers, it needs to appear is if no one lives there. In fact, if it’s an option, move out before your house goes on the market. Don’t feel like cleaning your home yourself? Our agents have plenty of professional cleaning companies in Kansas City that we can recommend!

Make Minor Repairs and Updates

You don’t have to break the bank with a full-blown renovation, but it is important to make small repairs and updates to your home before it hits the market.Buyers want to walk into a home and not feel like they’ll need to get to work the second they move in. For example, plumbing issues, heating and air conditioning, and a haggard roof are a few of the most important home improvements you can make when trying to sell your home.

Use an Experienced Realtor

Next, you want to make sure you’re in experienced and capable hands. Hiring the right realtor may make the difference between selling your house in a couple of days or a couple of months.Look for agents with stunning reviews and testimonials to make sure they can help you sell your home fast.

Stage Your Home

Studies show indisputable evidence that staged homes sell much faster than unstaged homes.Home stagers know how to decorate and furnish a home in a way that it most appeals to potential buyers. They can make a home feel full and homey, yet open and spacious. Additionally, they use the right furnishings to come off as comfortable and elegant. Click here to take a look at some of our home staging tips.

Perfect Your Curb Appeal

They say curb appeal is everything if you’re trying to sell your home fast. The reason is that first impressions are very important in the world of real estate.Think about it this way: Our homes are our sanctuaries, the place we retreat to after hard, long days. They are a safe place. People will very quickly judge their potential safe place based on its outside appearance.To sell your home fast, make sure your curb appeal is on point!

Get Started Today

If you want your home to sell fast, you have to act quickly!Get started prepping your home today. With a little elbow grease and dedication, your home will be on the market and sold in no time.If you need a little help getting your house on the market and finding potential buyers in Kansas City, let us help you. Give us a call today!  You can reach our team at 913.521.8806.  Want to come and see us?  Our office is conveniently located at 5000 W. 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224.

New to the real estate game? A little freaked out about all of the costs that you may or may not know about? We are here to help. If you’re ready to make your move and plant some roots in KC or just want to buy a new home within the city, then it is critical to make sure that you set aside money for your new home’s closing costs. If you’re unsure about what closing costs are and how much money you will drop on them, stay tuned.

What Are Closing Costs?

The costs of buying a home can run high. Between your down payment, commission fees, staging, and repairs, those dollars add up pretty quickly.Closing costs are the total service fees associated with finalizing the sale of a property. So, if you and the seller agree on the property price of $200,000, then expect your closing costs to increase your total cost.

What Fees Makeup Closing Costs?

Some of the fees included in the closing costs are:

• Appraisal fee ($300-$400)
• Home inspection ($300-$500)
• Title search ($200)
• Application fee for a home loan (varies)
• Loan origination fee ($0.5% of loan total)
• Property taxes (estimated two months)
• Homeowner’s insurance (depend on house value and location)
• Homeowner’s association (HOA) fee if applicable (varies)
• Mortgage insurance application fee (varies)
• Property transfer tax – if you are a seller.

But not every buyer will encounter all of these fees during the closing portion of a property sale. In fact, some closing cost fees such as property taxes and any homeowner association dues that get covered by the buyer and others by the seller. This is normally decided during the negotiation period. Regardless of which role you play, it’s important to become familiar with them.

Seller Closing Costs

When selling a home, the seller pays off the loans to clear the title. The seller may pay for the commission of both realtors depending on your state and municipality. Property taxes and the transfer of the title may be the seller’s responsibility, but it’s negotiable.

Buyer Closing Costs

The buyer handles the majority of the closing costs fees. Some of the fees need to get paid before you actually attend the closing. The application for a home loan, loan origination fee, home inspection, title search, and mortgage insurance application fee get done before attending the closing.

How Much Are Closing Costs?

While the total cost of buying a home varies, the closing costs usually run between 2% to 5% of the total loan amount. Yet this depends on the cost of the home and where it’s located. But if your new home costs $200,000, then a 3% closing costs brings the total price to $206,000.

Ready to Buy

Buying or selling a house is a process. But now that you’re informed on the closing costs of a home, it’s time to move into the Sunflower State.Are you ready to sell your home or looking to buy in the Kansas City area? Contact our team at Cami Jones Collaborative today. We’ll help you through every stage of the process and ensure you are as stress-free as possible. We’re here to meet all of your Kansas City real estate needs!  

As of the first quarter of 2019, homes in the U.S. had an average sales price of $377,000.With that kind of money on the line, it’s not surprising that home buyers have become savvier. They’ve honed their negotiation skills and aren’t afraid to use those skills to drive their costs down.You may have used such skills when you were a buyer yourself searching for houses for sale in Kansas City! And as someone with buying experience, you know how crucial the home appraisal is when buying a home.

Make These Improvements Before Your Home Appraisal

Make sure your home is ready in time for an appraisal. Use this list as a refresher so you can boost your chances of selling your home fast (and for the right price)!

1. Cabinets (Especially in the Kitchen and Bathroom)

It may have something to do with how the average American household owns 300,000 items. Or how intriguing cabinets – and what lies behind them – are. The important thing is, home buyers naturally gravitate to opening cabinets and shelves.So, imagine how they’ll react if the handles are loose or the cabinet doors or shelves don’t open all the way or if there’s a loose hinge or web-like cracks on the glass.These are simple fixes that you need to address while preparing for a home appraisal.

2. Water Fixtures

A single faucet that leaks 3 drips per minute wastes more than 100 gallons of water a year. While not all home buyers are aware of this, everyone knows that leaks are a huge waste of money. If homebuyers see these plumbing issues in your home, they may use that to negotiate a lower price.Also, shoppers may think that if something as easy as a leak wasn’t addressed, other things weren’t either. That said, be sure all water fixtures, like sinks, bathtubs, and showerheads are leak-free.

3. Plumbing

Another key step on how to prepare for a home appraisal is to ensure pipes are free of clogs. A home buyer can easily find out if you have blocked pipes after testing the hot and cold water faucets. If they notice the water doesn’t go down the drain right away, they may think you have bigger plumbing issues.

4. Roof

Replace broken or missing parts of your roof before the appraiser arrives. Failure to do this can make home buyers think of the possibility of an entire roof replacement. While you’re at it, have the gutters cleaned out too.

5. Ceilings and Walls

After repairing water damage, some signs, such as staining, may still be visible. Inspect your ceilings, walls, and floors for these stains and give them a fresh coat of paint. Painting your home’s exterior is also an affordable upgrade that boosts home value.

6. HVAC System

Perform routine maintenance on your HVAC system, starting with a filter change. Also, clean both the interior and exterior components to increase the unit’s efficiency. This will also help give your home a cleaner, more sanitary vibe.

Follow this Home Appraisal List and Have Your Home Ready to Sell

Many people consider Kansas City as one, if not the “most lovable” city in the country. Take advantage of that and also prove that it’s true by ensuring your home is more than ready for occupancy.Need more guidance on how you can sell your home quickly without compromising price? If so, then please feel free to connect with us! We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about real estate in Kansas City.