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Augusta, ME | 137 Posts
Buy a Home | 32 Posts
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Sell Your Home | 28 Posts
October
14

Home Inspection Next Steps

When it comes to Augusta homes for sale, savvy buyers are investing in a home inspection on a more regular basis. Our real estate agents recommend getting a home inspection when there is no inspection on file, or the most recent inspection is more than a year old.

Many lenders require a home inspection before providing funds, especially when they are extending a loan to first-time buyers. Even if this is not a requirement, however, having an inspection done will protect your interests. 

Although you can negotiate for the seller to pay for an inspection, it benefits the buyer most of all. During this process, a qualified home inspector will look at every aspect of the structure. Every issue, big or small, will be documented.

Many would-be buyers terminate a sale if there are serious issues:

  • Roof leaks or attic problems
  • Mold or mildew in the home
  • Unreliable electrical wiring
  • Sewer or septic system issues
  • Termites or other vermin

If the home is not considered safe for human habitation as a result of the findings, then your lender might withhold funding. In general, though, the decision to proceed is up to you.

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August
26

Age Impacting Home Sale - Sprague & Curtis

Whether you're buying or selling a home, you must understand how some aspects of the house may impact the sale of the property. For many prospective home buyers and homesellers, a strong focus is placed on aspects like curb appeal, remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, and new paint throughout the house. Each of these features can influence the price of a home. However, they aren't alone in impacting the success of a real estate transaction. The age of these five things could affect a home sale.

  1. Roof
    The roof is one of the most important and expensive elements of a home, so it should be no surprise that its age may impact the sale. The average roof has a lifespan between 20 and 30 years. Depending on the age of the roof, the seller may consider replacing it to maximize their potential selling price. Although the buyer may negotiate the cost of the home based on the old age of the roof, they may have trouble securing homeowners insurance until it's replaced. There's a possibility that an insurer will deny a policy renewal on homes with roofs over 20 years old without first passing an inspection.

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July
22

Move or Improve - Sprague & Curtis Real Estate

To move or to improve—that is the question. Don't worry—plenty of homeowners are faced with the same dilemma when considering purchasing new Augusta homes for sale.

Our real estate agents believe that if buying your first home is the biggest real estate decision of your life, then deciding whether to remodel or sell your home is the second-biggest real estate decision you'll make. If you're like many homeowners, you've been struggling to make a choice. On the one hand, a new home is an exciting thought. A new space in a new area—now may be the perfect time to move. On the other hand, although you're no longer in love with your home, you still have a coveted attachment to it. Why not give it a second life by remodeling a few rooms, upgrading some appliances or even adding an extension on for more space?

If you're wondering whether it's time to move or improve, consider these questions:

  • Why do you want to move?
    This question is the most important: Why are you considering changing homes? Perhaps you've become disinterested in your neighborhood, maybe you don't want to contend with the seasonal weather changes. You could simply be unhappy with work or school and believe that moving with help resolve these feelings. Whatever the reason might be, it's important that you identify it and discuss it openly with your household.

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June
10

Energy Efficient Homes-Sprague & Curtis Real Estate

Our real estate agents have an exciting new trend in Augusta homes for sale to share with you. It's this: Energy-efficient homes.

Energy efficient (or "green") homes are gaining popularity throughout the United States. More and more people see the value in reducing their carbon footprint by ensuring energy isn't wasted. Not only does this help protect the natural environment, but it also reduces the cost of ownership for any home. A few energy-efficient improvements can reduce energy bills by hundreds annually. With a proactive approach, you may even cut bills by thousands.

This is a crucial matter for new home buyers in and around Augusta. Savings really count when you're establishing your budget and trying to discover exactly how much house you can afford. Luckily, there are some efficient renovations you can install relatively quickly, even if you're putting a property on the market soon. They can earn you a premium on your sale price, too.

Our top energy-efficient renovations include:

  1. Programmable Thermostats
    Your thermostat is the brain of your entire heating and air conditioning system. When you use a programmable thermostat, it will keep these energy-intensive systems idle throughout the day, then reach your desired temperature while you're on your way home from work.

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May
27

 

Exterior Home Features-Sprague & Curtis Real Estate

Home buyers know which features they want to see in Augusta homes for sale—do you? As a seller, you want to position your home for success, but this means more than just updating the kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. Even though interior features like smart appliances and gorgeous countertops do entice buyers to purchase your home, you can't forget that buyers also desire fantastic exterior features. Our real estate agents want to help you get the most of your home, that's why we've identified the top five exterior features buyers desire in their new Augusta homes.

  1. Energy Efficient Windows
    Summers in Augusta can reach temperatures in the 80s, while winter can drop those numbers into the teens. Attractive-looking windows can increase curb appeal, but if they aren't energy efficient, they aren't a buyer's first choice. Energy efficient windows regulate the heat that enters and exits the home. Old windows that aren't energy efficient or are in poor condition are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection. These features are expensive to replace, which means that buyers are willing to pay more for a home with new energy efficient windows to save themselves the hassle.

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