Wendy Ferguson

Everyone gets excited when they get the call that says a potential buyer wants to see your house.  Uncertain what to expect?  Dont worry, most of the time the agent is too.  Which is why its best for the seller to be gone.  

An experienced agent will tell you that many buyers, even when they are making an offer, will point out every flaw of the home, because they do not want to appear too excited about the property.  They may love the kitchen, but will say the color is all wrong.  The bedrooms may be large but the buyers will say there aren't enough windows.  I have heard buyers complain about the paint only to have them leave and decide that it matches their decor!  You just never know what a buyer might say when they are in the home.  The same is true with sellers.  A seller may be so anxious to sell they can say anything to keep the buyers interested.  This is a mistake made all too often.  It is especially true of first time sellers.  They will offer to pay closing costs or provide home warranties or who knows what may be offered!  Sooo the best thing a seller can do when the agent is showing the home is go somewhere, anywhere but there.  

If you find you have to be present when the buyer comes due to family obligations or illness, try to stay out of sight and earshot.  Definitely keep your thoughts to yourself and if overhear the buyer saying something negative just ignore it.  Remember the buyer doesnt want to seem anxious.  You may need to go outside or in the garage to keep from injecting yourself into the conversation but if that's what it takes - do it!

Another thing, the agent may ask you not to be present during a showing because you may get upset or offended and reject a good offer if you hear the buyer running down your home.  This has happened.  Real estate agents have experienced this many times, we are trying to do the best job for you that we can and you just need to let us do our thing.  So when your agent asks  you to leave when the house is being shown, do not hesitate.  Make plans to do something special that night.  It could be the most fun you've had in awhile!   

And remember . . . whether buying or selling "everyone knows its Wendy"!

So you want to add value to your home, great idea!

In my 10 years as a Faulkner County Realtor, I have heard many reasons for improving a home. All of these made a lot of sense to the client, and they were willing to do the work -Adding more space,  updating the style of the home, etc. and are all good reasons to improve your property.

However, if the only reason you are thinking about  home improvement is to add value on resale, then you really should take a closer look at the projects you are about to choose. Home Improvement projects generally have an average return on investment of 70%. So for every $10,000 you invest in your property, you can expect about $7,000 in added value. But there are other things to consider:

Will it make your home sell quicker? Is the improvement something that needed to be done? Do you get to enjoy the improvement? These are things that add value in a different but important way. So let's look at the list I've compiled for you:

Upgrading Kitchens: This is a money making investment if it is done correctly. Here are some suggestions.

• New appliances (Stainless/ Black are popular)
• New Sink
• Solid surface Countertops
• Upgraded Electrical-GFI's so important
• New Flooring
  

Upgrading Bathrooms: This is another place that will add value to your dated home.

• New Fixtures on Tub, Shower, and sinks
• New Flooring
• Upgraded Electrical; GFIs are so important.
• Painting walls something more than white
• Tile Surround in tub and showers
• New Glass Doors in shower
• Solid Surface Countertops on sink vanity area.

A New Front Door:    This is usually the first thing a buyer looks at when they drive up so if your door is old, dated, paint peeling, and warped by weather and water it may be a time to replace your door.  If you have one of those older aluminum screens (not security screen), just remove it so your new door will be visible from the street. If the door is in good condition, give it a new coat of paint to upgrade it. This will give your home great "Curb Appeal". 

Other General Areas:  New paint and flooring throughout the house is one of the best ways to brighten and freshen your home for that potential new buyer and if you do the painting yourself and choose builders grade flooring you will get the greatest return on your investment. 

Always give the buyer something to remember. And Last, but certainly not least, always call Wendy Ferguson as your Realtor!