home selling tips Archives

Why Do Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others?

Written By: Chris Ladd

Have you ever wondered why some homes sell quickly, but it takes other homes weeks or even months to sell? There are generally several key factors that contribute to this with just about every house that goes on the market…

If you’re planning to sell your house in the near future, here are some steps you can take to make your home stand out from the crowd. So, let’s dive in…

Price It Right

This is your first chance to attract the right buyer. Proper pricing is the MOST important aspect of a fast and successful sale. The goal of setting the right list price is to increase visibility to homebuyers who are actually looking to buy your type of home.

In today’s market, you may be tempted to price your home on the higher side with the idea of having “more room to negotiate”. In most scenarios, this is not a good idea. An overpriced home generally deters most homebuyers from even scheduling a showing on it because the list price is above the other homes they’re interested in. Statistically speaking, homes that are priced correctly from the start sell for more money in a shorter period of time.

High-Quality Photos

Homebuyers are interested in your house because of the list price, but then what? They look at the listing photos! After proper pricing, high-quality listing photos are the most important part of your listing in terms of getting your “foot in the door” with prospective homebuyers. Now more than ever, homebuyers are searching for homes online and professional-quality listing photos will make your home stand out from the rest they’re scrolling through. Even in a hot real estate market, don’t assume any old photo will do…

Home Staging

Aside from high-resolution photos, a well-staged home depicted in those photos is crucial to attracting as many homebuyers are possible. Deep clean, depersonalize, declutter, and arrange your furniture in a way that makes your home’s layout look desirable and enticing.

Over the years, we all accumulate lots of “stuff”! The goal with proper staging is to get your “stuff” out and show off the incredible features of your home. You want buyers to visualize themselves in your home, and eventually fall in love with it. It’s generally a lot of work, but staging your home always puts more money in your pocket at the end of the sale.

Maximize Curb Appeal

Your home is tastefully staged inside, but what does the outside look like? The first, and possibly the last, impression of your home is the exterior, so don’t underestimate its curb appeal. We’ve all seen that home in the neighborhood with pristine landscaping, blooming flowers, and gorgeous exterior decor. We’ve also seen that home in the neighborhood with tall uncut grass, weeds everywhere, toys scattered around, and dirty siding. Which one do you envision living in? It’s imperative to make that first impression be a positive one if you want a shot at capturing the interest of qualified homebuyers.

Move-In Ready

Will the buyer have to do repairs, touch up paint, or fix that leaky faucet when they buy your house? Getting these issues taken care of before your home hits the market will not only ensure a quick sale but will ensure a higher sales price for your home. The idea that you can just lower the list price to account for the deferred maintenance on your home is a costly one. Almost 100% of the time, the costs of doing the work to your home are significantly less than the amount you’ll need to reduce the list price to sell it in as-is condition.

Also, the ability to move right in, get comfortable, and hit the ground running is more important to homebuyers than ever! Most people with today’s busy lifestyle don’t want to fool with “fixer-uppers”. They want to drop their stuff and keep going…

Storage Space

Who doesn’t love a little extra storage space?! Storage may be the less glamorous, more practical side of a home but don’t underestimate its importance. From walk-in closets to storage rooms and basements, it’s important to declutter these spaces to give homebuyers a better sense of how much extra space they’ll have when they move in.

The RIGHT Real Estate Firm

We’re in it together! Often overlooked is choosing the right estate agent or firm to represent you in the sale of your home. That’s where the Home Marketing Group comes in! Not only will our experienced market research team help you come up with the right list price, but we’ll also hire a professional real estate photographer to take amazing photos (and videos) and provide the proper advice on what you should do to get your house on the market.

HMG has sold thousands of homes in all areas and price points throughout the Greater Knoxville area. These sales have provided us with an extensive understanding of how to properly advise our clients on how best to get their homes ready to go on the market. As a result, we sell homes faster and for more money than the competition year after year.

3 Smart Home Improvement Projects

Written By: Holli McCray

Most people take on home improvement projects for 2 reasons… The first is to improve their living situation. This can be something as simple as painting a few walls to as extensive as adding on an addition to accommodate more living or working space. The other motivation behind most home improvement projects is to improve the resale value of one’s home. A smart investment in updating and remodeling a home can yield thousands in additional profit at the closing table.

That said, it’s important to make sure that the improvements you’re making to your home fit the current trends buyers are looking for when purchasing a home. New home improvement trends occur every few years… Knowing these trends cannot only create a wonderful space for you to enjoy but can also put your home at the top of buyers’ lists when it comes time to sell.

Finish and Remodel The Basement

Livable basement space is in high demand these days. A space for the kids to play away from the adults, a quiet place for a home office, or a dark spot to watch a family movie are all high on many homebuyers’ “wish lists”. When finishing/remodeling your basement, the added value, and benefit typically outweigh the costs to complete. Before you get started, make sure that your basement is encapsulated and/or sealed before adding any drywall to avoid any moisture buildup that could result in mold growth.

Other things to consider are replacing the electric wiring and ensuring that it is up to date. Adding a light neutral paint color can bring a bright and spacious feel. Use light fixtures that match the rest of the home. Designer carpet squares, stained concrete, and engineered hardwood are all in demand right now and can offer a high-end elegant look for your basement.

Basement remodel projects can take months to complete, but it adds an unbeatable resale value and provides countless options for enjoyment inside your home.

Update and Maintain Your HVAC

HVAC is your home’s heating, cooling, and ventilation system. When done correctly, it keeps your home’s interior temperature at an efficient and accurate level. It will also keep from paying unnecessary utility costs to properly heat and cool the home. When it comes to selling your home, a new and/or properly maintained HVAC system will provide reassurance to the buyer that they won’t be inheriting any expensive issues when they move in. The problem is that most people don’t check on these issues, and it causes the HVAC system to deteriorate faster and not work properly. That said, if you have a system that is more than ten years old, we highly recommend upgrading your HVAC to a new more efficient system.

When it comes to your home’s ductwork, having it cleaned routinely can not only improve the longevity of your system, you will also have cleaner air running through your home. For those who have allergies, this should absolutely be part of your home maintenance plan.

If you do decide to install a new system, choose one with a high energy-efficient rating, confirm it’s the right size, and add a heat pump. If you choose a unit that is too tiny, it will have to work harder to reach the right temperature, which will reduce the life of the unit and cause frustration when your home isn’t remaining at the desired temperature. Additionally, units that are too large will cause you to have higher utility costs that are not necessary.

From a resale standpoint, homebuyers may not notice a new cabinet, but they will notice an old HVAC system, and it can cost you top-dollar. While being a more expensive project, installing a new HVAC system generally adds substantial value to a home.

Proper Insulation

Insulation is a crucial component for every house. Adding the proper insulation remains one of the best and easiest home improvement projects that homeowners should complete to add value and quality to their home. Though the costs of proper insulation have risen recently, it will save you loads of money in reduced energy costs. In a single year, you can save hundreds of dollars in utility expenses!

There are many different areas of a house to insulate properly though the most common are the basement, exterior doors, and attic. Pay close attention to the R-value of your insulation. The R-value is how much your insulation will resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the more effective the insulation. Foam insulation is also recommended, especially in attics because it is very energy efficient and is water-resistant if you happen to have any moisture in the attic. For those who have stone and mortar walls (particularly in the basement), polyurethane foam is best on these types of surfaces.

When you go to sell your home, make sure to mention that you have energy-efficient insulation installed in the marketing. This will not only make your home more appealing to homebuyers but will also help them justify paying a higher price.

If you need help completing any home improvement projects, don’t hesitate to contact us. Over the years, we have vetted dozens of contractors, so we can recommend a reliable company to work with.

And if you need some guidance on what home improvement projects make sense for your home in today’s market, we’re happy to help! We can provide some ideas that will improve your home’s resale value even if you aren’t planning to sell right now.

4 Budget-Friendly Home Improvement Ideas

Written By: Holli McCray | 5 Minute Read

Make these simple and affordable home improvements now to help boost the value and appeal of your home!

Even if you don’t plan to sell your home anytime soon, The Holli McCray Home Marketing Group always recommends staying current with home updates and improvements. These 4 budget-friendly “DIY” home improvement ideas will not only boost the appearance and appeal of your home, but they can also help your home sell faster when it comes time to put it on the market. Here are a few tips to get you started…

1. Add A Backsplash

It’s incredible how much a new backsplash can change the look and feel of a kitchen. Many DIY backsplashes even have adhesive backings to make it easier than ever to add this upgrade to your kitchen. The Spruce has some helpful hacks to get you started!

And backsplashes aren’t just for kitchens! Consider adding a backsplash in the bathrooms to dress them up a bit. 4 inches is the standard height of a bathroom sink backsplash, but some may be much taller. Adding a backsplash behind the bathroom sink is a simple way to add color, texture and more visual interest into a room that may otherwise be overlooked! The Home Depot is here with some tips to make this bathroom backsplash project as easy as possible.

2. Re-Caulk & Clean Grout In The Wet Areas

DO NOT overlook the potentially grimy caulk and grout around your home even if it seems like a daunting task to refresh it. It’s not that difficult! You might be accustomed to what it looks like, but it may be a turnoff to those who visit your home. Start by cleaning the grout and then add straight, clean lines of caulk around the tub and sink. This task does require some elbow grease, but it’s simple, affordable, and you’ll be amazed at what a big difference this can make to the overall look and feel of your home for just a few dollars. The Coupon Project tells you how to re-grout a shower for under $50.

3. Add Extra Outdoor Seating

Create an outdoor seating area by adding a table and chairs to your deck, patio, front porch, or fire pit area. This creates an illusion of more space and brings the eye to an area where future potential buyers can picture themselves entertaining family and friends. Peruse Knoxville Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or a local consignment/thrift store before buying new furniture. You’d be surprised at how many budget-friendly furniture options are out there and they can make SUCH a big difference in your outdoor space.

4. Paint Trim & Baseboards

We came across this helpful article by DIY Decor Mom on painting the trim and baseboards around the home. This small project can make a HUGE difference in the look of your home, giving it the appearance of a lighter and brighter space. If you aren’t sure which color to choose, we generally recommend using a bright white with most homes.

The best part about this project? All it takes is some time, a few rolls of painter’s tape and a gallon or two of semi-gloss paint!

If you’ve been working hard to update your Knoxville area home and are curious if now may be the right time sell hit, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Home Staging Tips To Help Sell Your Home

Maximize the appeal of your home…

What is Home Staging?

Home staging is the act of preparing a private residence for sale in the real estate marketplace. The goal of staging is to make a home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling a property more swiftly and for more money. –Wikipedia

Home staging, when done correctly, is a valuable tool that can lead to more money in your pocket at the closing table. Whether you do it yourself or hire a home staging company, you absolutely MUST invest some time (and possibly money) into staging your home for sale. Trust us, you’ll be happy with the outcome!

Should I Hire a Professional Home Stager?

There are definite benefits to hiring a professional to help stage your home. Aside from making your home look better in photographs and open houses/showings, the return on this investment will be seen in the price that your home commands when the offers start coming in. Here are a few reasons why you should consider a home staging consultant or company:

Perspective – A professional does not have the same personal attachment to your belongings and furniture and will be able to create a clear and defined “look” that is more attractive to buyers and less personalized to your taste. The goal will be to create a look that speaks to your home as a whole, not just one room at a time.

Experience – Reputable home stagers are very good at their jobs and have most likely done it for a long time. Not only do they know exactly what to do, but they will also be able to get your home ready to bring buyers in faster than you’d expect. The home stager’s expertise in traffic/crowd flow and design fundamentals lend themselves to success when attempting to get top-dollar.

Resources – A professional home stager will know exactly what they need to improve your space, and exactly where to get it. From furnishings to art, an expert stager will acquire everything needed to make their vision a reality and get positive feedback from potential home buyers.

DIY Home Staging – Where to Begin?

Contrary to popular belief, home staging does not require a huge investment but it will take some time if you’re doing it yourself. These simple tips can be very helpful to get your home market-ready:

Clean & De-clutter – This tends to go without saying. Perform a deep cleaning of your home that includes the insides of cabinets and closets and all those corners you tend to ignore. Put personal items away in storage boxes and try to maintain a neutral look that isn’t overly tied into your personal tastes.

Make it Cozy – Home staging is successful when potential buyers can already envision themselves living in the space. Set the table, bake some cookies, and place fresh flowers around the home to give it a warm, happy atmosphere. Be sure that lighting around the home is adequate and always open the blinds/curtains for showings. A clean and well-lit home that smells nice is always more appealing than the alternative.

Furniture and Walls – Move furniture away from the walls to make each room appear larger. Consult the web if you need some inspiration! Opening the space will help the flow through your home and make it seem less “boxed-in.” A new coat of paint is also not a bad idea, keeping in mind that neutral colors always work best.

HMG works with some great local home stagers, so hen you’re ready to sell your Knoxville-area home, contact us so we can help you get started on the path to home selling success!

7 Ways To Increase Your Home’s Value On A Budget

7 Home Improvement Ideas Under $1,000

Implementing one or more of these affordable upgrades can help increase your home’s value…

1. Install programmable thermostats

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating your home accounts for more than 40% of its total energy usage. Adding programmable thermostats help to maintain a consistent temperature in your home to avoid costly highs and lows. Remember to drop the temperature inside your home by a few degrees while sleeping or when you’re out of town. This strategy can lead to huge monthly savings. The long-term savings in utility costs will be also appealing to potential buyers when your house is on the market.

2. Updated fixtures

It’s amazing how much a new fixture can breathe new life into any space. Both your kitchen and bathrooms will benefit from items such as new drawer and cabinet handles. When new cabinets for the kitchen aren’t an option for your budget, new hardware and possibly fresh cabinet paint are simple (and affordable) ways to update the overall look of the room. Other items such as faucets, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and doorknobs also help create a fresh new look for a home. Just make sure the new fixtures you install match and are the same style throughout…

3. New tile floors

Bathroom a bit “blah?” Install a brand new tile floor to breathe life into the space for an instant upgrade. Tile is easy to clean, low maintenance and also resists germs as well as allergens. Tile is also ideal for high-traffic areas both in the bathroom and throughout the home. There are thousands of tile options out there that can fit almost any budget. If you’ve never installed tile before, we recommend a professional tile installation contractor, so please let us know if we can refer one to you.

4. Replace old toilets

The overall visual appeal of your bathroom can be enhanced by simply replacing an old, cracked, or outdated toilet. It only costs a few hundred dollars to purchase a new one, and the impact will be worth every penny. Also, many newer toilets use less water than older ones, which will help to reduce your water bill.

5. Updated window treatments

New window coverings are an easy way to enhance a room. We love the look of plantation shutters and upgraded blinds! We recommend the faux wood blinds, not only because they are cheaper than traditional wood blinds, but because they tend to last a lot longer. Standard width windows are easy to shop for, so check any large home improvement store for basic blinds (most allow you to customize the length right in the store). For custom or irregular windows, odds are you’re looking at a special order situation. If your budget allows, definitely consider plantation shutters for that upscale vibe — they can be a major selling point when it comes time to sell…

6. Replace the front door

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Curb appeal is everything, and the front door is one of the first things a potential buyer will see! It’s also the outdoor focal point of your entryway. Give your home a facelift and replace (or re-paint) the front door. Keep in mind practicality and safety when choosing a door, and don’t skimp on the hardware.

7. Create a walkway

There are many options when it comes to adding a new walkway path leading to the front door of your home, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Brick pavers add a classic look to the exterior of your home, but depending on your budget you may also consider stone, concrete, or even rocks. Just make sure the walkway falls within the overall style of your home. You only have one chance to make a first impression! It can be easily elevated when walking up a pretty new pathway to the front door.

Have you recently made budget-friendly improvements to your home? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below! When you’re ready to sell your home in the Greater Knoxville area, reach out to our team of experts and let us know. We’ll be glad to come out and provide some ideas to help get your house ready to put on the market…

8 Things To Do Before You Pack!

ways to make your move less stressful…

So your house is sold and the closing date is set. Now it’s time to coordinate your move! While this is typically a stressful part of the home selling process, the right preparation goes a long way to making your move as smooth as possible. Here are some key items to address before you even think about packing any boxes…

1. GET ORGANIZED

Create a “master list” of everything that needs to be done before, during, and after the move to make sure you don’t miss a beat.

2. FIND A MOVING COMPANY

If you’re using a moving service, get estimates from a minimum of three companies. We’ll be happy to provide you with some referrals if you don’t know any good moving companies in the area

3. DE-CLUTTER

Try to get your house organized and de-cluttered so it will be easier to pack when the times comes.

4. PURGE

Get rid of the things that no longer serve you. Take an inventory of your belongings and determine what you want to keep. Donate, sell, or trash the unwanted items. Some organizations like KARM will even come to your house and pick up any large items you want to donate.

5. NOTIFY

Notify the post office, banks, credit card companies, utility companies, past employers (for tax return purposes), subscriptions, family and friends, etc. of the address change and estimated move-out date. Schedule utilities and installation appointments at your new home BEFORE you move into your new place.

6. FIND RELOCATION RESOURCES

If you’re moving to the Knoxville area, contact us and request a relocation package. It will give you a good start towards understanding what’s available and where things are.

7. EMBRACE THE CLOUD

Moving is the perfect time to make sure all of your computer and electronic devices are properly backed-up in case anything gets lost or damaged during the move. Use a cloud-based system (i.e. Dropbox or iCloud) or a portable hard drive to backup all of your files.

8. VISUALIZE YOUR NEW HOME

When the going gets tough and the move gets tricky, remember to take a deep breath. Before you know it, you’ll be sleeping soundly in your beautiful new home!