Princeton Real Estate

Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent

Seller Tips

SELLERS: GET WIRED

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – April 4, 2012

SELLERS: GET WIRED

 

In today’s hyper-technological environment, one way to get the attention of would-be home buyers is to highlight any computerized systems in your house when you advertise, because, according to a survey of 1,793 members of the National Association of Realtors conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association, home buyers get very excited over anything that’s electronic.

 

Having internet access available throughout the home is an essential technological upgrade, but these days, many home buyers are looking for a little more. Some of the hottest selling features are home security systems, home automation systems, and energy management systems. And since more families are enjoying their entertainments at home, a home theater system can be a very strong selling point to buyers.

 

If you are planning to make an electronic upgrade to your home in order to sell it, be sure to talk to your REALTOR® about what improvements would be the most cost-effective to you and the most attractive to buyers in your area.

 

HOMEOWNER TAX DEDUCTIONS

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 7, 2012

HOMEOWNER TAX DEDUCTIONS

 

It’s tax time again, and if you are a homeowner, you can take full advantage of several homeowner tax breaks: Property taxes on homes and vacation properties are completely deductible, and interest paid on home loans is deductible up to $1 million. Additional borrowing up to $100,000 in equity loans, refinancing or second mortgages also qualifies for federal tax deductions. This is important, because most of your monthly payments during the first few years of your loan is made up of deductible property taxes and interest.

 

When you sell your primary residence, some of the profit you make can qualify for tax breaks as well. The 1997 Tax Relief Act allows you to exclude your first $250,000 of capital gains, if you are single, or $500,000 if you are filing with your spouse. All of these factors add up to significant savings on your taxes. Be sure to ask your tax advisor how you can make the most of your homeowner status this April 15th.

 

HOW TO CHOOSE A REALTOR®

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – February 22, 2012

HOW TO CHOOSE A REALTOR®

When buying or selling a home, choosing the right REALTOR® is a very important step. Remember, you will be working closely with your REALTOR® throughout a long and complex transaction, so you want to choose someone who is experienced and easy to work with.

To see if a REALTOR® is right for you before you sign a contract, find out how long they have been in the business and what is their average “List Price to Sales Ratio”. Ask them why they feel they are best suited to help you. Have them go over their marketing strategy for your home if you are selling, or their plan to find you a home, if you are buying. Ask them for references. Find out if you can review their contracts before you are required to sign them, and ask them about their fees.

A good REALTOR® will be happy to answer all your questions and will go out of their way to help you through a successful transaction.

GREAT KITCHENS SELL HOUSES

Princeton Town Topics – February 8, 2012

GREAT KITCHENS SELL HOUSES

The kitchen is the very heart of a home. It’s where we spend most of our time gathering with family and friends. And because the kitchen plays such an important role in our lives, it is always at the top of homebuyers’ “must-have” lists. Stagers, house flippers and REALTORS® will all agree: a beautiful, up-to-date kitchen is a powerful selling point.

Kitchens, however, can be expensive to renovate. There are so many products and price ranges to choose from in flooring, cabinetry, counter tops and appliances that it’s important to plan your upgrades carefully so you don’t overspend for your market.

Before you start your renovations, check out other comparable homes that are selling in your area.  If they all have granite countertops and state-of-the-art appliances, then you might need to do something similar. But often a competitive kitchen upgrade can mean just a few minor changes that won’t break the bank. Be sure to ask your REALTOR® about what improvements will be most cost-effective.

HOW TO AVOID OVERPRICING

Princeton Town Topics – January 28, 2012

HOW TO AVOID OVERPRICING

 

Home sellers are often tempted to overprice their properties in order to ”˜test the market’ and then ”˜negotiate down’ to get the most money. But this strategy is counter-productive. It can actually scare away qualified buyers and cause your home to linger on the market and eventually expose you to low-balling bargain hunters.

 

The best strategy is to price your home competitively from the start. First check comparable sales in your area. Not only will buyers know the true market value of your home, but appraisers will too, and they play a big role in how much money the buyer’s lender will approve.

 

Most home buyers do their initial house hunting online and price is the first thing they check. Make sure your home is priced competitively and looks good in your photos.

When in doubt, go low. A lower priced home invites multiple offers and gives you room to negotiate for more money. Ask your REALTOR® to help you find your home’s true market value.

 

BEST GREEN UPGRADES TO SELL YOUR HOME

Princeton Town Topics – January 11, 2012

BEST GREEN UPGRADES TO SELL YOUR HOME

 

More homebuyers want energy efficient homes these days, and will tend to notice listings that advertise “green” features. So if you need to make some upgrades on your home, you should consider going green. It won’t cost much more, and you can use it as a selling point.

 

It’s better to do smaller, more affordable improvements. Big ticket projects, like solar panels, are not cost effective for home sellers. But new, EnergyStar™ kitchen appliances make sense. Bathroom remodels can include low-flow toilets, LED lighting and water-saving shower heads. You can replace old windows with double panes and recoup about 75 percent of your outlay. You can also get tax credits for most energy efficient improvements to offset your expenses.

 

When you market your home, emphasize its green features, and include an energy saving analysis to show how much money buyers will save on utilities over five years.

 

Green upgrades not only save money and help the environment, they’ll also make your home stand out in the marketplace.

 

Skip to content