Monday, October 12, 2020 / by Sally Scrimgeour
Finding a home that suits you is only part of the journey. Another big part? Choosing the right neighborhood.
The number of bedrooms and square footage are certainly important when buying a home — but the community might be even more vital.
After all, it’s where you’ll likely exercise and socialize, where your kids will grow up and go to school and, ultimately, where you’ll put down roots and build a life.
Are you ready to look for a new home? Here’s how you can find the right neighborhood:
Know your needs. If walkability is high on your list, make sure the neighborhood offers plenty of paths to explore. Is your commute to work a big factor? How long will it be? What are your thoughts on homeowners associations?
Do some research. Take some time to look into the community. Check out school district ratings and look at nearby listings to see home values. Reach out to learn what else the community offers.
Check out online groups. Pull ; ...
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buyers, realestatevalue, sellers, neighborhood
Thursday, October 1, 2020 / by Sally Scrimgeour
Does your home inspire wellness?
When you think of wellness, does your living space come to mind? Today, people are taking wellness beyond diet and exercise and into their homes. So, if you want to improve your quality of life, you might be interested in wellness-focused interior design.
This style of design uses natural elements to boost your mood, increase your productivity and influence your mental well-being.
Here are four ways you can bring this trend into your home:
1. Let in the light. The sun’s light can elevate your mood and promote alertness. Take advantage of daylight by arranging workspaces near windows, using light-filtering curtains or strategically hanging mirrors to reflect more light. Natural light can recenter your sleep cycle and promote vitamin D production — two keys to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
2. Promote air circulation. Proper air circulation provides a regular temperature, removes impurities and that “stale” feeling, an; ...
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homedesign, wellness, homedecorating, calmingspace, realestatevalue
Tuesday, September 8, 2020 / by Sally Scrimgeour
The True Value of a Real Estate Agent
With the wealth of information available online, many of today’s consumers are incredibly knowledgeable about the homebuying and selling process. Add in the desire to save — or make — as much money as possible, and it’s easy to see why you might be tempted to pass on hiring an agent.
But before flying solo, consider the benefits of having an empathetic and experienced negotiator on your side.
Local Data and Insider Knowledge
You may have lived in your neighborhood since the kids started school and know exactly how much the neighbor’s house sold for. But do you have all the tools of an expert? An agent’s local data can show you everything that’s selling right now and what buyers in your area are prepared to pay for your house.
Contract Expertise
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make — and the amount of paperwork and legal jargon required p ...
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buyers, sellers, realestatevalue, realestateinvestment, realestateagent, realtor
Monday, August 24, 2020 / by Sally Scrimgeour
An offer on your home moves you one step closer to the finish line in the selling process. And if you’re lucky, you’ll receive multiple offers from a range of bidders.
The highest bid is the obvious choice, right? Not necessarily. Here’s what to consider before moving forward on an offer:
Focus on your priorities. Take this step early, before any offers roll in. Make a list of what’s most important to you in the sale of your home, like a tight moving deadline or your financial needs. Are there any requests that would make an offer a deal breaker for you?
Review the contingencies. Now that you’ve established your top priorities, determine your bidders’ conditions for the sale. Common contingencies for potential buyers include a property appraisal and a home inspection.
Compare earnest money amounts. People who are interested in purchasing your home need to show you that their offer is made in good faith. An earnest money dep ...
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buyers, sellers, realestateinvestment, realestatevalue, realestateagent, realtor, sellinghome, homebuyers, homesellers
Saturday, August 22, 2020 / by Sally Scrimgeour
Renting vs. buying: Where do you land?
You’ve always been told that owning a home is the ultimate American dream.
Imagine renovating your master bath into a mini spa or choosing your favorite appliances for your dream kitchen. Or just getting to repaint whatever room you want. Plus, there’s the potential for financial gain when you own.
But renting has its own advantages: flexibility, a smaller financial commitment and the chance to try before you buy.
So when do you know it’s time to take the plunge on a purchase? Answer these questions to see which side of the rent vs. buy debate you might land on:
Why do you want to buy? Sure, owning a home might be the great American dream — but is it your dream?
For some, the idea of a home where you can raise a family, be close to schools and build a community is enticing. For others, buying is a great investment. But for many, it’s about freedom: the ability to keep pets, reno; ...
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buyers, realestateinvestment, realestatevalue, newhome, homebuyers, rentingvsbuying