Articles Tagged "Homeselling tips"

When you want a fast, affordable way to upgrade your home, our real estate agents know that painting is an excellent option to give your home a quick makeover. Fortunately, your walls aren't the only thing you can paint in your home to help it look its best. Here are a few other simple ways to use paint to enhance your home. 

Click Here to Read More...

With a new year comes a new set of interior design trends. Eager to get your home looking editorial-ready? Here are a few of the biggest trends that our real estate agents expect to see homeowners favoring during 2023.

Click Here to Read More...

The laundry room is an often-overlooked space inside your home. You deserve to have a laundry room that is functional, organized, and enjoyable to spend time in. If the laundry room in your home is more like a messy closet than a clean oasis, then consider these laundry room makeover tips from our real estate agents.

Click Here to Read More...

One of the top ways to quickly transform your home and increase its sales value is to upgrade the flooring. Nothing detracts from a home as quickly as old carpet or dated flooring. Here are a few recommendations from our real estate agents for updating your flooring.

Click Here to Read More...

Summer is yard sale season! Having a yard sale gives you an opportunity to declutter while bringing in a little extra money. If you're planning on having a yard sale this year, here are a few tips from our real estate agents for making sure it runs smoothly.

Click Here to Read More...

When faced with an empty room, arranging furniture can feel like a daunting hit-or-miss task. Over the years, our real estate agents have picked up some practical tips and easy-to-apply principles from interior designers that take the guesswork out of arranging any room in the house.

Whether you're planning a move to Augusta homes for sale or just revitalizing a dull room, taking a practical approach to furniture arranging is important. Here are some tips from the design pros that will ensure a comfortable, inviting room with maximum design appeal.

Click Here to Read More...

For most homeowners, the term "farmhouse decor" conjures up images of an interior with rustic features that reflect a casual, rural lifestyle on a farm. However, in today's homes, our real estate agents are seeing a much more modern version of the farmhouse style that combines rustic appeal with sleek, modern design elements.

In many Augusta homes for sale, the appeal of cozy farmhouse living is combined with contemporary architectural features that bring old and new together. Take a look at some great farmhouse touches that can quickly give your home an updated, eclectic style.

Click Here to Read More...

If you want to generate more buyer interest in your home, staging your home's rooms will help you accomplish this goal. While many home sellers focus on a home's primary spaces, like the kitchen and living room, our real estate agents know that it's important to stage every space in your home. Here are a few tips to follow. 

Click Here to Read More...

A single shade tree in your yard provides extra comfort during the summer heat while also reducing your energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Click Here to Read More...

When it comes to living spaces, our needs change throughout different stages of life. Large homes can become a lot to manage, especially when entering retirement. However, the decision to downsize can be a difficult one. Many people struggle with the idea of giving-up space or parting with a family home. 

Click Here to Read More...

Color scheme trends are always changing. If you plan on buying a new home or redecorating this year, then it is important to keep current color trends in mind. The good news is that color trends for 2022 are about as exciting as they come. This year, it will be all about bright, energetic shades. As you look at Augusta homes for sale, here are some more specific color trends to keep in mind.

Click Here to Read More...

If it feels like your chore list is neverending or that there are some cleaning tasks that you never get to, it's time to rethink how you clean your home. 

Our real estate agents suggest creating a cleaning schedule for your home. A cleaning schedule basically states when you'll complete certain tasks (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). 

Click Here to Read More...

If you're planning to sell your home, hosting an open house may attract interested buyers, but it may also be a stressful event for you. Our real estate agents can help with tips on getting organized and prepared for the big day, so you can reap maximum rewards for your efforts.

Buyers looking for Augusta homes for sale will come to your open house with high expectations. These days, homebuyers expect to see homes with clean, organized spaces, stylish furnishings, interior upgrades, and inviting outdoor areas. Here's how to set yourself up for success.

Clean and Declutter

Once you decide to hold an open house, the first step is cleaning and decluttering. The entire house will need to be deep cleaned from top to bottom:

• Sweep, vacuum, mop, and polish floors and carpets
• Wash dishes and put them away in cabinets
• Clean up spills on floors and countertops
• Dust furniture, blinds, and curtains
• Remove stains on carpets and upholstery
• Wash mirrors and windows

After you finish cleaning, it's time to declutter. Although household items may be essentials for you, potential homebuyers may see them as clutter. Gather some boxes and fill them with unused clothes, extra household items, and cleaning supplies, then store the boxes in the garage or a rental storage unit until the open house is over.

Remove Personal Items and Heirlooms

Displaying personal items such as family photos, personal knickknacks, and monogrammed items can distract buyers. It's common for homebuyers to look at personal items in a home to identify who lives there, but some people form strong opinions or judgments that may impact the sale. Before your open house, remove personalized items that can be distracting, as well as valuable family heirlooms that can be stolen.

Freshen Up Paint

If you've lived in your home for a while, your home's interior and exterior may need new paint. Check interior walls, doors, and cabinets for fingerprints, scuff marks, dents, and holes. Invest in a can or two of spackling paste and touch-up paint and fix the damages. To add curb appeal, clean out your gutters, paint exterior trim, give your front door an eye-popping new color, buy a new welcome mat, and replace old, faded house numbers.

Evaluate Your Furnishings

Although it's impossible to anticipate a buyer's style, you can evaluate your own to make sure it's not outdated or too over-the-top. Over-sized furniture, outdated window treatments, ornate accessories, and worn upholstery will not appeal to most homebuyers. Items that look like they don't belong in the house will disconnect buyers because they can't see themselves living in the home.

Don't Forget the Yard

In today's market, buyers pay close attention to outdoor spaces. They're looking for well-maintained yards with inviting areas to spend time outdoors. Before your open house, plan to mow the grass, trim the hedges, get rid of weeds and debris, and plant seasonal flowers for lovely pops of color.

Optimize Your Date

Avoid planning an open house during holidays and major sports events when people are preoccupied. Your real estate agent will likely take charge of marketing your open house with flyers, neighbor signs, and local multiple listing services that attract buyers.

If you're thinking about selling your home in the Augusta area, contact us for more information on planning a successful open house that will attract homebuyers.

Soon summer will be over and it'll be time to think about getting your Augusta property ready for the fall months. Among the tasks you'll be facing is bringing your container plants indoors. There are some easy things you can do to make the transition successful. Not only will this help ensure the well-being of your plants, but you'll be able to show off your thriving plants when you list your home among Augusta homes for sale.

Fall's Coming: Time to Move Your Plants Inside

Maybe you've always just lugged your container plants inside and stuck them in the sunniest location you have with drip saucers and hoped for the best throughout the long winter months. The fact is, you can do a lot more to ensure the plants survive -- and maybe even thrive -- in less than optimum conditions indoors. Here are the steps to take.

Click Here to Read More...

If you're ready to sell your home, it's important to ensure that your house is in the best possible condition. Our real estate agents know that a property that appears well-maintained typically commands a higher asking price.

When you have a whole list of home improvement projects, it's hard to know where to start. Here are some guidelines to help you prioritize your home improvement projects.

Click Here to Read More...

Natural light in your home is beneficial to your health, mood, and energy level. While dark, gloomy spaces can make you feel depressed and lethargic, spaces filled with sunshine will quickly brighten your day. Augusta buyers who work with our real estate agents want homes with lots of natural light and impressive outdoor views.

Click Here to Read More...

As you discuss with our real estate agents the best home improvements to undertake before adding your house to Augusta homes for sale, one likely topic will be curb appeal. After all, the house's exterior is the first thing everyone sees when driving by or even looking at a photograph online. The driveway is a significant part of this image. At the least, you'll want it to be clean and in good repair. Starting with that baseline, let's consider some additional options.

Click Here to Read More...

Our real estate agents know that when a homebuyer arrives to see a home, the property has a limited amount of time to create a positive first impression. Don't let dirty, clogged gutters keep your home from making a stellar first impression.

Click Here to Read More...

Along with historic museums and festive city events, Augusta is full of nature trails, beautiful gardens, and scenic landscapes. At Sprague & Curtis, our real estate agents work with many buyers who are drawn to Augusta for its natural beauty and charm.

Click Here to Read More...

Houseplants offer so many benefits! Bringing a bit of nature into our home environments can help us feel calmer, more rested, and more at peace. Houseplants can also be used to accentuate or bring attention to the finer points of your decor. 

But which houseplants will work best? There are a good many to choose from, and some are more demanding when it comes to growing conditions.

Click Here to Read More...

If you've been looking at Augusta homes for sale and planning on decorating them your way, you might be seeing the walls as that perfect canvas for the accent wall you've always wanted. But if you're getting ready to sell, our real estate agents will caution you to make sure you're staging your home correctly.

An accent wall makes a beautiful addition to any home. Here are a few tips to help guide you, whether you are buying or selling.

Click Here to Read More...

If it's time to replace the flooring in your home, two of the top options are carpet and hardwood floors. While both options can look lovely in your home, the best selection will depend on your specific circumstances. Our real estate agents know that buyer preferences will vary. Here are some things to keep in mind as you make your decision. 

Click Here to Read More...

Whether you've just purchased your home or you're readying your property to list on the market, it's highly likely that there are a few home upgrades you'll want to tackle. There are plenty of amazing renovations you could complete, but many of them include amazingly high remodeling costs. Here are five home upgrades that our real estate agents believe you can easily complete, no matter your budget.

Click Here to Read More...

As a homeowner, you'll find yourself working on numerous DIY projects over the years. These can range from taking care of simple repairs to making important improvements to your home and yard, and you'll need to have some basic tools to help you tackle these projects. 

Our real estate agents suggest investing in the following tools before you start on a DIY project:

Click Here to Read More...

With a global pandemic keeping most Americans at home this year, kitchen remodeling has become a major focus for homeowners with new design trends emerging in 2020. For those sheltering in place, there couldn't be a better time to start a DIY home improvement project or revamp your living space.

Remodeling your kitchen is a great way to not only make your home more comfortable but increase its overall value as well. You'll notice many of this year's design trends reflected in these Augusta homes for sale. If you are looking to remodel your kitchen before putting your home on the market, consider these 5 trends that continued to gain popularity this year:

Click Here to Read More...

Thinking about starting a kitchen remodel project this summer? Summer is the best time of year to take care of any interior remodeling project, including the kitchen. If you are eager to host family gatherings and holiday celebrations this fall, our real estate agents recommend getting started now to get the work done before the weather starts to cool. 

Click Here to Read More...

Those home improvement shows do seem to work miracles, but they come with an equally dramatic price tag. But don't worry, you can make your home look like the "after" shot of a home improvement show with just some time and elbow grease. Yours may not be the priciest of the Augusta homes for sale, but you can make it look more elegant with these tips. 

1. Make Sure to Declutter
   De-cluttering is one of the most affordable and fastest ways to a better-looking home. Some clutter needs to be disposed of, but other things just need proper storage. Installing shelving is an affordable DIY project, but if you're not as handy as you'd like to be, storage ottomans or steamer trunks look chic and can store extra pillows or books. Consider donating household items or clothing in good condition to a local thrift store. You'll remove clutter while helping someone find the piece that makes their house more of a home. 

   Click Here to Read More...

Cleaning, organizing, repairing, replacing, packing… staging your home is no easy task, especially when you have a house full of children. Kids will be kids, and unfortunately, that means new messes will pop up faster than you can clean them. Don't worry — you won't have to tackle this task on your own. Our real estate agents have these helpful tips to make sure every one of your in-person walkthroughs and virtual showings are picture-perfect.

1. Knowing When to Seek Help
   First thing's first, you may need a set of helping hands to accomplish your goal. Quite simply, most parents have too many responsibilities to juggle, and there are only 24 hours in a day to get everything done. Older children should be tasked with tidying up their rooms and helping around the house. For larger projects, consider asking your extended family members and friends to help — even if that means babysitting! You may also want to consider hiring professionals to help you remodel, keep your home clean, or keep your yard looking great.
   
   

Click Here to Read More...

Who said home improvement projects had to take a long time? 

If you're thinking of putting your home on the market, you want it to stand out from other Augusta homes for sale. Making home improvements -- both large and small -- can help. 

Here are some home improvement projects that can be completed in one weekend. 

1. Spray Paint your Hardware 
   If you want to be up to date, spraypaint your doorknobs, hinges, drawer pulls, and any other hardware to darker shades, such as bronze, nickel, or even black. Remove hardware, clean it, and degrease it; prime the surface with an oil-based primer; then spray on the paint. Seal the hardware with lacquer or clear sealer.

   Click Here to Read More...

Our REALTORS® are skilled at coordinating closings for a smooth transition from one home to another, but sometimes the time frame is out of your control. Maybe you've accepted a job offer or promotion requiring relocation by a specific date, or you need to care for an elderly relative.

Don't despair. With a little extra planning, you can sell a home you've already vacated by incorporating these helpful tips.

1. Alert the Neighbors
   Vacant homes are beacons for troublemakers. Thieves can slip in, and strip copper plumbing and other materials. Or kids may be tempted to vandalize the place. Let the neighbors know you won't be there so they can keep their eyes open for suspicious activity.
   
   
2. Stage the Home
   No matter how well a home is maintained, a lack of furnishings can give it an air of abandonment. The effect is similar to the last item on a store shelf that no one wants. If you can't use any of your furniture, consider renting packages that include the basics for a particular room. Other options include consignment or closeout furniture. It's well worth the investment to hire a professional stager who has experience maximizing attributes and minimizing flaws.
   
   

   Click Here to Read More...

Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint in your home. Adding a coat of paint is an affordable and accessible way to make your home extra enticing to potential buyers.

If you're planning on selling your home in 2020, you might want to consider getting your paintbrush ready. 

Our real estate agents have seven cost-effective painting projects to help you sell your home in 2020.

1. Understand Neutrals
   Grandma's turquoise farmhouse might be the talk of the neighborhood, but it won't be the top choice for new family offers. Stick with a neutral palette when repainting your interior or exterior. Bright colors are most often a personal choice, and it will be unlikely to find a shopper with the same taste in orange as yourself. A neutral color offers potential buyers a blank canvas they can make their own. 

   Click Here to Read More...

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what would it say about your home? When it comes to listing your home for sale, you have one chance to make a first impression, and in most cases that first impression will be your real estate photos. 

Stunning photos will make your listing jump out from other Augusta homes for sale. Use these valuable tips and stage your home to tell a story buyers can't resist.

1. Hire a Professional Photographer
   No matter how well you've mastered Instagram, it's worth the cost to hire a professional photographer. A Redfin study found that homes with professional photos in the listing sold from one to three weeks faster than those without.
   
   
2. Start on the Outside
   Make sure your curb appeal is highlighted in your real estate photos. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, remove toys and other extraneous items from the yard and get cars out of the driveway.
   

   Click Here to Read More...

Navigating the stress and emotional pain of a divorce is a lot. Throw in the added stress of trying to sell your home, and you're bound to be in a bit over your head! Our REALTORS® have helped many families navigate this process and have compiled a list of helpful tips to streamline the process of selling a home during a divorce.  

1. Determine Timing of the Sale
   A home can be sold before, during, or after a divorce. Each point has its pros and cons relating to property division, taxes, and other financial considerations. Consult your attorney to decide which is the optimum choice for your situation.

   Click Here to Read More...

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.

Click Here to Read More...

Congratulations! You've found yourself in a position most sellers dream of — having multiple offers on your home. While this is a positive development, some sellers may be unsure of how to proceed. Should you choose the buyer with the highest offer or consider other options? There is no black and white answer — the best solution will be the one that fits your needs appropriately.

Our real estate agents have spent years negotiating Augusta homes for sale and have plenty of experience helping a seller manage multiple bids. We know this may seem overwhelming! However, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to ensure your needs are met and that you conduct a mutually beneficial real estate transaction with a deserving buyer.

Before you make a decision, we encourage you to consider these helpful tips:

1. Look for Offers that Stand Out
   Before you sort your offers into categories based on price, funding, contingencies, and preapprovals, we suggest taking a moment to acknowledge the offers that stand out. You can separate them into two piles: ordinary offers and extraordinary offers. Examples of exceptional offers are those with a personalized letter, those offering to cover closing costs and those having added an escalation clause. These small details can make a significant difference later on in the process.

   Click Here to Read More...

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.

   Click Here to Read More...

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.

  Click Here to Read More...

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.

   Click Here to Read More...

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.

   Click Here to Read More...

Are you looking for cost-effective ways to boost the value of your Augusta home for sale? According to USA TODAY, painting a home's interior produces an average 109 percent return on investment (ROI), and landscaping service LawnStarter cites an average 90 percent ROI on exterior paint jobs.

While painting is a relatively easy upgrade, whether you hire a professional or go the DIY route, you still need a strategy to optimize results. Here are some expert painting tips to make a visual statement buyers won't be able to resist.

• Stick with the Basics
  You might think that chevron-filled accent wall is the height of style, but not every buyer is going to share your opinion. In addition, many people want to purchase a home that's move-in ready, not one that needs changes right off the bat. Light neutral shades such as ivory, tan and "greige," a hybrid of gray and beige, have timeless appeal.

  Click Here to Read More...