SayEducate

All those dire predictions for the housing market has plenty of consumers scared. Some people have refused to buy a house during this economy, waiting until things improve before wading back in. Others are seeing an opportunity to buy now and are reaping the benefits of that decision.

When it comes to predicting housing trends, much of the advice being offered isn’t always accurate. In fact, if you read some of the reports you’ll quickly notice a few problems regarding home values including:

Predictions are too generalized – Sure, foreclosures are way up in some areas but that doesn’t mean that every market reacts the same way. If there is an oversupply of homes, then prices will continue to drop while foreclosed homes in a tight housing market are likely to be snapped up quickly.

Local markets are too broad – Even within a metropolitan area, selling trends can vary considerably. One municipality could be struggling while another could be thriving — local conditions including schools, jobs, and amenities will often determine just how strong a housing market is. Even within a single municipality, one development could be very attractive while another one not so.

The types of housing vary in price — Condos could be losing value while houses could be stable or even rise in price in certain markets. A market’s average home value decline could be weighted because one type of housing is dropping in price, skewing numbers for that ranch or colonial considerably.

Forecasts are too long range — predicting the future is difficult even with a thorough trend analysis at your disposal. Variables including government intervention, supply & demand, and local job markets can change a market’s course almost overnight.

Although a housing predictor can offer some information of value, they aren’t perfect. You’d do better tracking local trends yourself and drawing your own conclusions based on your personal analysis.

If you are planning to sell your home, then you know that you only have one chance to make a good first impression. If the people pulling up to your home don’t like what they see on the outside, then they won’t be bothered with stepping inside to see what the interior looks like — you’ve already lost a potential buyer.

When real estate agents talk about staging a home, they are referring to arranging the inside of the home in a certain way to maximize its appeal. On the outside, “street presence” or “curb appeal” are two terms commonly used and that is what I’ll cover with you here.

Please read on for some valuable tips that can make a difference for you, especially in a  slow-selling housing market:

Luscious Landscaping — You may enjoy the gardens in front of your home, but a potential buyer may not, especially if what you are growing could mean a lot of work for them. Trim back all unnecessary shrubbery and if that maple tree in the front yard looks sickly, cut it back or remove it.

Paint or Replace Siding — Peeling paint or loose siding can be a drag on any possible sale — you need to make sure that your home doesn’t scream immediate repairs needed when offered for sale.

Update the Garage Doors — If your garage is behind your home, then how it looks isn’t too much of a concern. However, if it is attached to your home and facing the street, what sort of impression do the doors make? Replace that drab, windowless garage door with a contemporary or classic design that includes windows.

Make a Grand Entrance — Your home’s front door and surrounding railings and trim could possibly use some updating. If a door is peeling, then paint it, if lighting is dated, then update it, and if molding is lacking, consider adding it. Thinkflair when redesigning your homes exterior.

Fix Those Fixtures — Broken or drab light fixtures should be replaced. Installing one outdoor post light can have a profound affect on the way your home looks; consider replacing older doorway lights and security lights if they have not aged gracefully.

Replace Gutters and Downspouts — They may not leak and they could still do a decent job of directing water away from the house, but rusty gutters and downspouts can detract from a home’s appearance. If paint won’t do the job, then replace.

Update the Roof, Replace as Needed — Your current roof may pass home inspection, but will it pass the scrutiny of a buyer? The shingles may be fine, but updating the entrance way to incorporate a gabled roof could be a wise move on your part.

Of course, these recommended changes could cost you several thousands of dollars to carry out, but it could be the investment needed to move your home. In a slow-selling market, you need every advantage you can get. Don’t scare off potential home buyers with a home that isn’t attractive to them.

Resources

Home Management Guide

Home Remodeling Center

If you are planning to move, then you understand that you have a big task in front of you. If you are moving from one house to another house, you’ll need to arrange for moving services and prepare well in advance to ensure that your move goes off as smoothly as possible. Making any kind of move is stressful; moving when you aren’t prepared is downright nerve racking!

There are four stages to prepare for a successful move and we’ve provided some details which can help take the pressure off of you:

3-4 Months Prior To Your Moving Date — Certainly, if you need to move quickly, you can. However, if you need to sell one house and purchase another one, then allowing several months to accomplish this task is the best approach. Use this time to search for your new abode, checking out neighborhoods, and estimating/budgeting your moving costs.

Up To 2 Months Before You Move — Select your moving options (moving company, U-Haul, moving pods, etc.) and set up the moving date. Inventory everything to be moved, sell off or donate unneeded items, and arrange for storage, if needed. At this point your housing arrangements on the other end should be done.

About 1 Month Before Moving — Complete the change of address forms for magazines and other subscriptions, notify your utilities (gas, electric, phone, internet, cable, cell phone, etc.) of your pending move, and obtain copies of your financial, dental, medical, and pet records. If you are moving far and will need to fly to your new home, then make your airline reservations at least 21 days in advance for the best prices.

Around The Moving Date — The time around your moving date will be when you are the busiest, therefore having the other steps completed will reduce your stress. However, stress will come! Make sure that your personal vehicles are ready to move (oil change, tune up, coolant, etc.) and that you have adequate room at your home for the moving van to pick up and transport your belongings. Settle all of your outstanding bills with local merchants and be prepared to leave your home as soon as the movers have completed their work.  Travel to your new home, unpack, and enjoy!

Of course if you are moving to college or moving internationally, the steps you take will be quite different, so please adjust accordingly. Finally, for your free moving guides, please visit SayRelocate to obtain the information you need to help you prepare for an important transition. Have a safe move!