Posts with tag 'Selling your home'

Sprague & Curtis Real Estate Blog

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Augusta, ME | 139 Posts
Buy a Home | 32 Posts
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Sell Your Home | 29 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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September
16

Multiple Offers on Home - Sprague & Curtis

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.

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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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February
18

Staging a Home to Sell - Sprague & Curtis Real Estate

You've probably already done a lot to get your home ready to sell. There's deep cleaning, decluttering, and working on the curb appeal. But if you want to get your home sold as quickly as possible and for the best price, staging is a must. Our real estate agents can tell you, it really does make a difference!

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, staged homes can go for up to 10% more than comparable properties that aren't staged. Even if you're not an interior designer, don't worry. You can always hire a professional or try some of these easy DIY staging tips that can make a big difference.

  • Don't be afraid to rearrange or repurpose. Once you've decluttered, you'll want to get rid of some furniture. Put it in storage, sell it, or get rid of it; just get it out of the house. Alternately, you may want to rent furniture instead of using your own. Rooms look bigger if they aren't overcrowded, and the size of the furniture makes a difference, too. Furniture should be a few inches off the wall and grouped. Living rooms and dining areas should look like an inviting social space, where you would want to have conversations with friends. Feel free to try pieces in different rooms.

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January
14

Winter Curb Appeal - Sprague & Curtis

Do you assume that curb appeal is a non-factor during the winter? The truth is that less greenery and sunlight puts a greater emphasis on how attractive your home and yard look.

Thoughtful exterior staging can give your house a valuable edge over other Augusta homes for sale. Use these helpful tips to create eye-catching cold weather curb appeal that will draw multiple visitors and offers.

  1. Keep Walkways Clear
    Safety is the number one reason to remove snow from sidewalks, stairs, and driveways, but it also affects visual appeal. A snow-covered yard makes a house look unkempt and deserted, and it's a tip-off as to how well the interior of the home has been maintained. Make it a family affair by enlisting the help of your kids. 

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