Preparing for the
Identifying Necessary Repairs
The Chapel Hill/Durham real estate market is a buyer’s market, meaning there are more homes available than there are buyers for them. Because of this, buyers can afford to be more selective. While some may be willing and able to visualize the potential in a house that has some “issues,” they will expect you to lower your asking price accordingly. Most people, however, will simply buy a different property.
Because we all find it difficult to see our homes with an objective eye, the advice of a real estate agent is invaluable when it comes to identifying problems that need to be addressed prior to selling a home. Often, it’s a simple matter of making a few quick and easy changes to increase the home’s appeal. Simple things such as reducing cluttered counters or sprucing up the yard may be all it takes to make your home stand out. Think Louise Beck can help you see your home through a potential buyer’s eyes.
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Occasionally bigger fixes are necessary in order to maximize the selling price, or to sell the home at all. Our Listing Agents will discuss with you the repairs which we feel are necessary and are the most likely to add to the value or salability of your home. Of course, the client makes the ultimate decision about any repairs being made. Our long-term working relationships with area repair persons and contractors make it easy for her to assist you in getting small or large projects handled quickly by experienced, reliable vendors. |
In some cases, our Listing Agents can also make recommendations on furniture arrangements that will show off each room to its best advantage. Although not necessary for most homes, the rearrangement or removal of furniture can make cluttered rooms look larger; huge, impersonal rooms can become cozier and friendlier; worn-out, tired rooms can look fresher; and that den or office that’s become a storage room can look more useful.
Inspections
Inspections and potential repairs are the number one reason sales don’t close. Typically, buyers have a certain number of days in which to inspect the property and accept or reject the property based upon these mechanical and structural inspections. The fun graphic below is one we like to use to explain the differences in perspective between buyers, inspectors, and you.
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SELLER PERSPECTIVE
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BUYER PERSPECTIVE
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INSPECTOR PERSPECTIVE
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Save Yourself Time, Money and Disappointment — Do Deferred Maintenance Now!
Home Warranty Plans
Home warranty plans go a long way to alleviate some risks and concerns. For a modest price, the seller can provide to the buyer a one year warranty covering specified heating, plumbing, electrical, water heater or appliance breakdowns. Coverage under most plans commences at closing. In all cases, there are important limitations and exclusions that Nate can help explain (example: appliances/systems must be operative at commencement of coverage).