Homes in the United States spend about 58 days on the market, according to research from Realtor.com. (You can use their market trends forecasting tool to see the data for your specific county or metro area.) But 58 days is the average, not the rule. And that means that plenty of homeowners are finding themselves waiting longer than that to make a successful sale.

So, here’s the bad news: You can’t force anything if your house isn’t selling. A home sale requires a number of circumstances to come together—most importantly, the right buyer at the right time. The good news, however, is that you can try to pinpoint the reasons that your sale isn’t making progress in the way that you want it to. Not all of those reasons are in your control, but many are. Sometimes, a couple tweaks can make all of the difference between a house not selling and that done deal.

If your house isn’t selling and you’re left wondering why, here are five possible explanations.

It’s Not the Right Market

There are two real estate market trends that play a major role in how fast a home sells:
    The time of year that you’re listing
    Whether it’s a buyer’s market or a seller’s market

In general, early spring is the time of year that homes fly off the market the fastest. From of end of March through early April, homes have 5% less competition and sell six days faster than homes that go up in late spring, when the market starts to flood. That flood tends to last through the summer, and then dwindle down to a near halt during cooler months, when less buyers are looking to move.

Another big factor to keep in mind is whether it’s a buyer’s market (lots of homes for sale but few buyers) or a seller’s market (lots of buyers on the lookout but few homes for sale). In the latter scenario, you’re more likely to sell your home quickly, since there’s a lot of competition for properties. In a buyer’s market, however, you’re the one facing competition, and you may find that your house isn’t selling nearly as fast you want it to, or even as fast as it might have if the scenario was flipped.

The best way to avoid a stagnant sale process due to bad timing is to be strategic with when you list. It’s better to wait and get on the market when your chances for a faster sale are high than to go on the market too early and let your listing get stale.
Your Home is Priced Too High

The higher the price of your home, the smaller the pool of available buyers. Likewise, homes that are priced well above the comps in their neighborhoods—without any clearly distinguishable added value—are going to get passed over. Purchasing a home is a huge investment, and buyers want to make sure they’re getting the best deal possible. A home that’s overpriced is not a good deal, and it’s not going to have much luck selling.

Sellers rely strongly on their realtors to guide the pricing for their houses, but realtors who suggest listing prices that are too high don’t tend to have their client’s best interests at heart (or might not really know what they’re doing). How do you know if your home is priced too high? There are a few tell-tale signs:
    Your home is listed higher than the comps
    Other homes in the neighborhood are selling but yours isn’t
    You’re not getting a lot of requests for showings
    Your listing pages aren’t getting much traffic

If you suspect your home is priced too high, get a second opinion from another realtor or two—it may be time for a price drop.
Your Listing is Insufficient or Outdated

Your home’s listing is usually the very first place that buyers go when they’re deciding whether or not they’re interested in learning more about your property. But if your listing isn’t doing your home justice, you’re going to end up with a marketing plan that falls flat and a house that isn’t selling.

An insufficient listing can mean a few different things. It might be that you didn’t include enough information about the property, or that your listing is lacking in images. Or it could mean that the information and images are there, but they’re not quite doing their job—think dark, blurry pictures, or wordy descriptions that leave out the stuff that really matters, like what’s so great about the location or key features of the home. When a lot of care hasn’t been invested into the listing, it suggests that a lot of care hasn’t been invested into the home either. And that can be a big turn off for buyers.

An outdated listing, on the other hand, says something different: that the home has been on the market for a long time. If it’s early June and the listing for your home is full of pictures with snow in the yard, buyers are going to know that the house isn’t selling, and they’re going to wonder why. Try to avoid having your listing pictures taken with details that could date them, such as Christmas decorations. If you can’t avoid it (such as if there’s snow on the ground when you first list), have new pictures taken when the season changes.
Your Home Isn’t Being Marketed in the Right Places

The methods that your real estate agent uses to market your home matter a lot. Gone are the days of the glossy print listing being the gold standard for home marketing—today’s buyers want tech.

According to the National Association of Realtor’s Real Estate in a Digital Age Report, 44% of buyers look to the internet first when they’re home shopping, versus just 17% who start the search process by contacting a realtor. For sellers, the tech tools that provide the highest quality leads are (1) social media, (2) MLS, and (3) brokerage websites and listing aggregator sites. And considering that 76% of all buyers find their home using a mobile device, it’s safe to say that relying on tech-based marketing isn’t just preferred, it’s required.

Old school realtors will remember a time when this wasn’t the case. It certainly would have been hard to predict that social media would outrank MLS as the go-to digital hub for finding listings, or that buyers would be significantly more likely to start their searches on their own with the help of the internet instead of reaching out to a brokerage firm. As such, some realtors might be resistant to the changing tides, which could lead to outdated marketing practices that don’t meet buyers where they’re at.

As a seller, it’s your job to advocate for your listing and to make sure that every possible avenue for marketing is being explored—particularly the ones that are most likely to draw in buyers. It’s also a good idea to engage with the marketing process yourself. Start sharing your listing with your social network and social-based real estate community groups. The more eyes you can get on your listing, the better chance you’ll have of speeding up the sale process.
Your Home Isn’t Making a Good Impression

If you’re getting showings but your house isn’t selling, consider that it might be due to aesthetics. Not everyone wants to take on a project, so if your home is in poor condition and in obvious need of some repairs or a good cleaning, it’s not going to be attractive to buyers, even if the bones are good. The same goes for if your home is decorated boldly, in a style that says “niche” more than widespread appeal. Again, it’s not that these things can’t be fixed, but that many buyers are looking for a turnkey home, or at least one that isn’t going to cost them a lot right at the outset in repairs and design.

To show off your home in its best light, aim for a neutral appearance. That means no clutter and no loud design choices, as well as cleaning and repairs where needed. If you’re not sure how to go about tackling this task (it can be a big one), bring in a professional stager. Staging your home can be as simple as decluttering your space, or might require putting overflow furniture into storage or painting some walls. If you do it right though, you’ll go a long way toward ensuring that your house makes the right impression with buyers and helps them more easily envision themselves living there.

If your house isn’t selling, try to figure out why as soon as you can. The longer your home sits on the market, the less action you’re going to get on it. But if you identify and take care of the issues that are preventing it from getting an offer, you could speed up the process and finally get your home sold.

Not sure how to find a contractor that fits your needs? We can help. Below we’ve rounded up several places to find a reputable general contractor as well as tips on how to narrow down the search and ultimately choose the right contractor for your home renovation.
How to find a contractor that fits your home renovation needs
Where to find a contractor

Ask your Realtor

Did you purchase the home using a trusted real estate agent? If so, don’t hesitate to ask your Realtor for contractor suggestions. Most Realtors have a list of home improvement professionals to meet their customers’ real estate needs. For instance, in addition to recommended contractors, your Realtor likely has a list of handymen, plumbers, pool cleaners, etc. It’s also likely that a seasoned and experienced Realtor has worked with contractors in the past – either by selling them homes or selling their flipped homes. If you haven’t yet purchased the home that you plan to renovate, we recommend asking your Realtor to have their recommended contractors come to the house for a walk-through. The contractor may be able to give you a rough estimate of renovation costs, which could help you decide whether or not the home purchase is worth your money.
Word of mouth

When searching for a general contractor, there’s nothing more helpful than a good or bad recommendation from a trusted friend, family member or neighbor. If the contact had a good experience with the general contractor, you can bet they’ll be singing their praises. However, if the experience was less than favorable, your contact will likely warn you against hiring a certain contractor. Word of mouth recommendations are valuable, so don’t hesitate to reach out to anyone and everyone you know in the area who has undergone a home renovation. You may also want to consider joining Nextdoor.com or local Facebook groups to obtain contractor recommendations from locals.
Search digital marketplaces

If suggestions from your Realtor and word of mouth recommendations from friends aren’t enough, try searching a digital marketplace that connects homeowners with home improvement contractors. A few websites to explore include Houzz, HomeAdvisor, Angie’s List and Porch. These websites provide visitors with a list of local contractors. If the contractor has set up a profile with the site, you’ll likely be able to find information about the company, photos of projects and reviews from clients.

How to narrow down the search

Obtain recommendations and conduct research on local contractors

Just because a trusted friend vouches for a contractor doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your due diligence. Make sure you’ve checked to see whether the contractor is properly licensed and insured. Check customer reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings. It’s also a good idea to research how long they’ve been in business, years of experience and projects completed. In addition to reviews available online, we recommend asking the contractor for a list of client references.
Meet with at least three to four general contractors

Meet face-to-face with at least three to four general contractors before deciding who to hire. This will give you an idea of personality traits and who you jibe with best. It will also give you a chance to complete a walk-through of the project with the contractor. It’s important that the contractor see the home in-person before providing you with an estimate of costs.
Provide a complete list of all renovations and blue prints of the home

When meeting with the contractor, make sure to provide a full list of all home renovation needs. From changing out door knobs and re-painting rooms to demolishing cabinets and installing flooring, every change (no matter how small) should be included on the renovation list. This will help the contractor put together as accurate a bid as possible.
Compare bids

Once you receive estimates from several contractors, compare the offerings. Watch out for: 1) the contractor who is extremely expensive. He or she may be very busy and simply trying to price themselves out; and 2) the contractor who is desperate for work. He or she may send you a lowball bid. Unfortunately, this type of bid can be misleading and result in you paying more than expected. Make sure the bids include the cost of labor/subcontractors, the general contractor’s cut (or profit margin), materials, demo and clean-up expenses.
Inquire about their payment schedule

How does the contractor go about receiving payments for his work? Large projects will usually require a down payment from the homeowners at the beginning and then several subsequent payments as projects are completed. Contractors should have enough money in the bank to pay for subcontractors and materials up-front without having to ask you for money at every turn.
Ask about their communication preferences

Does the contractor prefer to talk on the phone, text message, send emails or meet in-person? Be sure to ask how they prefer to communicate with their clients. Even if the contractor prefers to communicate by email, it may be a good idea to request weekly on-site meetings to go over goals for the week. These face-to-face meetings will keep you in the loop as decisions get made and projects are completed. 

Who to choose

So you’ve interviewed several contractors, compared bids and narrowed down your search. Now it’s time to choose a general contractor for the job. When selecting your contractor, remember that you’ll be working with this person on a regular basis. That means good communication is key. While you certainly don’t need to be best friends with your contractor, it’s important that you get along and are on the same page about most everything.

When choosing a general contractor, it’s also important to not choose based on their bid alone. Just because one contractor’s bid is considerably lower than another’s doesn’t mean that you should go with the cheapest option. In fact, a lowball, too-good-to-be-true estimate could be an indication that the general contractor is desperate for the job. While price is a consideration, other factors such as quality of work, client reviews and character traits should be top of mind as well. Whatever you do, make sure you’re comfortable with your choice. If none of the contractors interviewed meet your expectations, then start the search over and find new contractors to consider.
Ready to move?

Not sure how you’re going to move into your recently renovated home? To find a reliable moving company, check Moving.com’s extensive network of movers. Our website makes it easy to find and book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands.

Purchasing a fixer-upper comes with quite a few pros and cons – all of which are worth considering before sinking money into a home. Ultimately, the decision over whether or not to buy a fixer-upper will come down to your needs, abilities and resources. Here are seven important questions to ask yourself prior to buying a fixer-upper.

7 questions to consider before buying a fixer-upper

Can you afford the renovations?

First and foremost, can you afford to renovate the home? To find out, we recommend writing down a list of all changes you wish to make to the fixer-upper. Before purchasing the home, invite a general contractor to conduct a walk-through with you. Ask him or her for advice and guidance on pricing. Depending on the extent of the walk-through, the contractor may even be able to give you a general estimate of overall costs. We also recommend researching Remodeling’s 2019 Cost vs. Value Report to get an idea of home improvement expenses. Once you have a general idea of the costs, examine your budget closely. Do you have wiggle room for unexpected expenses? We certainly hope so, as almost all fixer-uppers are sure to come with a few surprises behind those walls. If you feel confident that you can afford the renovations, then taking on the fixer-upper could be the right decision. If you’re unsure whether or not you can swing the expenses, then we don’t recommend buying a fixer-upper.
Are you getting a good deal on the home?

If you plan to sell the fixer-upper in the future (and hope to make some money on that investment), make sure you get a good deal on the home. In other words: don’t overpay for the fixer-upper. If the home is located in a desirable part of town, you’ll likely have to pay a bit more. Just make sure it’s worth the investment before spending your hard-earned money on the house. To ensure that you get a good deal on the home, it’s important to use a seasoned and reputable Realtor. A trustworthy real estate agent should be able to help you determine and negotiate a fair price for the home. If you’re unable to get the fixer-upper for the right price, walk away from the deal.
Are you planning to flip the home?

Is this a home you plan to design and renovate for yourself or for someone else? If the plan is to flip the home and sell to local homebuyers, you’ll need to research and assess home improvement areas where you get the most bang for your buck. In general, buyers are more likely to pay up for a home with a master suite, well-done landscaping, outdoor deck additions and modern kitchen finishes. Since you’re not designing the home for yourself, you’ll need to assess the costs of designing it for the masses. For instance, neutral paint colors and dark wood floors tend to appeal to the majority of homebuyers. In addition, the location of the fixer-upper majorly impacts the home’s resale potential. It’s important to keep this in mind, if flipping the home.
Do you know contractors?

How exactly are you going to renovate the fixer-upper? Unless you’re a licensed contractor, you’re going to need a team of professionals to get your plans off the ground. Before purchasing a fixer-upper, make sure you have a list of top contractors in the area. A seasoned general contractor should be able to help you secure permits from the city, collect materials for the home renovation and find reputable subcontractors to complete various projects. Throughout the renovation process, the general contractor will be your contact for almost everyone and everything. They’ll also be someone you end up spending a good deal of time with. For these reasons, it’s important to hire someone you trust and like. If you have no experience working with contractors and/or no clue where to find one, then think long and hard before taking on a fixer-upper.
How much time will these renovations take?

Before buying a fixer-upper, get an idea from a local contractor on how long the renovations will take. Oftentimes, renovating a fixer-upper takes four months or more. If permits from the city are required, expect a delay in your renovation timeline. Unfortunately, these permits can sometimes take weeks (if not months!) to obtain. If you need to move to a new home in under six months, then taking on a fixer-upper may be the wrong decision. On the other hand, if you have the luxury of waiting, purchasing a fixer-upper could be the right move. 
Where do you plan to live during the renovations?

Will you be able to live in the fixer-upper while it’s being renovated? If the answer is no, then you’ll need a place to crash during the remodeling process, which could take anywhere from three or four months to upwards of a year or more. If you can afford to carry two places at once or you have a free place to stay in the meantime, then a purchasing a fixer-upper could be a no-brainer. However, if purchasing a fixer-upper means living in the midst of construction chaos or maxing out your credit cards, then it’s probably not the right decision.
Will you enjoy the renovation process?

Do you have a creative eye or a passion for interior design? If so, you’ll likely enjoy the home renovation process. Though it’s certainly exhausting, designing and creating a home can also be a fun way to express your style. If you enjoy taking on large projects, are highly organized and have a desire to beautify and customize a home, then buying a fixer-upper could be the right decision for you. On the other hand, if the idea of taking on a large renovation project stresses you out, we suggest thinking twice before investing your time and money in a fixer-upper.

Ready to move?

Perhaps you decided to take a leap of faith and redo a fixer-upper or perhaps you’re buying a move-in ready home. Whatever the case, congratulations on your recent purchase! Now, you just need a moving company to transport your belongings. To find a reliable moving company, check Moving.com’s extensive network of movers. Our website makes it easy to find and book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands.

A home inspection is one of the last hurdles that buyers and sellers have to get through before the sale of the property is complete. It’s also one of the most important. The inspection is a buyer’s final chance to identify any problems with the home that they’re investing in, including areas that are in need of repair. And it’s pretty common to want a couple repairs after a home inspection—especially in older homes. But who’s responsible for paying for them: the buyer or the seller?

Your Offer Contract

When a home buyer and seller go under contract on a property, they both agree to certain contingencies that are outlined in an offer contract. These contingencies primarily determine instances where either the buyer or seller can walk away from the sale without a penalty.

For instance, there might be a contingency that states if any major issues are identified at the home inspection (such as a serious mold problem or a crumbling foundation) then the buyer does not have to move forward.

Some buyers though, particularly those who are purchasing in competitive seller’s market, may make an offer with less stringent contingencies. One of these includes agreeing to purchase the property “as is,” meaning that they can’t back out even in the presence of necessary repairs.

So what does this all mean when it comes to who pays for repairs after a home inspection? It all comes down to bargaining ability. A buyer who has agreed in the contract to purchase a home “as is” can certainly request that the seller covers repair costs, but the seller doesn’t have quite as much incentive to do so. In the case of strict contingencies however, a seller may be willing to cover the costs if it means proceeding with the sale.
The Types of Repairs Being Requested

Just like most negotiations throughout the home buying process, figuring out who pays for what in terms of repairs after a home inspection generally requires a compromise on both ends. And for that reason, it pays for buyers to be strategic in what they ask for.

A home inspection report will outline all of the issues with a home, both big and small. And most buyer’s agents will recommend that their clients focus on the issues that are most important to them, instead of presenting the seller with a laundry list of repair requests. A nick in a window pane may be less than ideal, but it pales in comparison to things like non-functioning appliances or pipe leaks.

Motivation matters here. A seller who really doesn’t want to lose their buyer will be more likely to accommodate repair requests or a request for an associated price drop. Likewise, a buyer who doesn’t want to risk losing out on a property might just decide to take care of the fixes themselves after they’ve moved in.

A caveat to all of this though is when it comes to major repairs that the seller reasonably should have known about when they put the home on the market. Sellers have a legal obligation to either repair or disclose serious issues with the home. If the repair request is a big one—and it’s not a surprise to them—they’re almost always going to be required to spring for the cost or lose the sale.
The Laws in Your State

States have specific laws that dictate non-negotiables when it comes to seller-funded repairs. A buyer and seller’s real estate agents will be able to fill them in on the laws in their particular state, but in general a seller is responsible for paying to fix severe water damage or mold issues, to replace missing or broken smoke detectors, and to remedy building code violations, among other things.

State laws, including seller disclosure laws, are the only instance where a seller is obligated to pay for repairs after a home inspection. For everything else, it’s up to the negotiations between the buyer and seller, and who pays for what depends on what is decided after the inspection report comes in.

Scheduling a Home Inspection

It’s always a good idea to schedule a home inspection as early on in the sale process as possible so that there is plenty of time to negotiate and take care of requested repairs. The buyer’s real estate agent should be able to recommend an experienced home inspector to handle the job.

Sellers are expected to be out of the home for the inspection. This allows the buyer and their inspector to talk freely about the property and get as thorough of a look as possible at all the of the key systems. A good home inspector will closely examine a number of key structures and systems in and around the house, including electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems, roofing systems, the foundation, and more.
Negotiating Repairs After a Home Inspection

Buyers and sellers have a few different means of recourse when it comes to post-inspection repairs. Some buyers ask for the seller to handle the repair on their own, including arranging for the repair and paying for it to take place. Others ask for a price drop to balance out what they’ll have to spend to make the repair themselves.

Another common agreement between buyers and sellers following an inspection report is for the buyer to ask for a home warranty. Home warranties are insurance policies that cover the cost of repairs for things like appliances and heating and cooling systems for a set period of time. The average price for a home warranty is just over $600 a year, which is a relatively small amount of money for a seller to pay to meet some of the buyer’s approaching repair needs.

If a seller refuses to pay for some or all repairs, it’s up to the buyer to decide what they want to do. Provided there is no “as is” clause in the offer contract, the buyer may choose to cancel the sale and back out. Depending on the agreed upon contingencies, backing out of the sale may require the buyer to forfeit the earnest money that is already in escrow to the seller—usually about 1%-10% of the total sale price of the home.

As for the timeline of negotiations, different states have different rules. Some states (like New Jersey) require that the seller handle any agreed upon repairs within seven days, otherwise the buyer can cancel the sale without losing their earnest money.

Regardless of where you live and what requests are being made in terms of repairs after a home inspection, it’s crucial for both the buyer and the seller that any and all agreements are in writing, and signed by both parties. This prevents any miscommunications from taking place that could lead to discontent, and also ensures that everyone is entitled to get what they’re agreeing to.

Be prepared to do at least a little bit of back and forth after the home inspection. If both buyer and seller are motivated to make the sale go through though, there hopefully shouldn’t be any issues making sure everyone is happy with the final agreement.

What does overimproving a home mean?

To overimprove a home means to put more money into a home than you can get out. For instance, a home may never be worth more than a certain amount of money – no matter how many nice finishes and upgrades are added to the home. The reason? The location of your home, square footage and nearby comparable sales all dictate how much a home is worth. While high-end finishes and upgrades can certainly improve a home’s value, they can only improve it so much. If the home is located in a not-so-great part of town, and has undergone a no-expensed-spared renovation, the home may have been improved to the point where the owner won’t be able to fully recuperate the cost.
How can I avoid overimproving a home?

Consider how long you plan to stay in the home

First and foremost, how long do you plan to live in the home? If you only plan to stay a few years before putting your home on the market, then we definitely don’t recommend overimproving the home. On the other hand, if you plan to stay in a home for a long time – possibly forever – then improve away. After all, you’ll be improving the home for you not for potential buyers. If you’re planning to list the home in just a few short years, then there’s no point in throwing money away on unnecessary improvements that you a) won’t be to enjoy yourself and b) won’t be able to recuperate financially.
Take a good look at “comps” in your neighborhood

A “comp,” otherwise known as a comparable sale, is a key tool used in real estate to help determine a home’s value and list price. A comp is typically a home that is comparable to yours in size, condition and location. Comps give both buyers and sellers a good idea of the market value of a home as well as the market outlook for their specific neighborhood. Realtors and appraisers analyze comps to determine how much a home is worth. When improving upon a home, you’ll want to take a look at nearby comps to see how much a home like yours is really worth – in other words: how much a buyer is actually willing to pay for a similar home in your area. Make sure to also look for comps that have similar square footage and similar upgrades/improvements to the ones you wish to make to your home. If planned improvements aren’t capable of raising your home’s value, then we don’t recommend carrying them out.
Choose finishes that are less expensive

Not every upgrade and improvement needs to be customized and high-end. To keep costs down, we recommend using more universally-liked, less expensive finishes and materials. For instance, instead of choosing bespoke marble or quartzite countertops, try a less expensive, man-made quartz countertop option. This material remains on-trend while also being more affordable than custom options. If you plan to sell the home in the next few years, it’s important that upgrades be relatively generic and neutral, so that they appeal to a wide array of buyers. Remember: not everyone is going to like your taste in wallpaper – even if the paper is top-of-the-line and expensive.
Focus on improvements that will increase the home’s value

Before you get carried away with upgrades and improvements, focus on features that are sure to get you the most bang for your buck. Examples of home improvements that usually pay off in the end include landscaping improvements, replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones, adding an outdoor deck or sitting area, a master bathroom update and kitchen remodel. All of these updates will likely add value to your home and make it a more enjoyable place to live as well. For a look at other home improvements that give you the best return on your investment, check here.
Don’t buy a home that is overpriced

If you overpay for a home in the first place, you’re less likely to get your money back on any improvements made. So when purchasing a home, make sure you are paying at or under what the home is worth. To avoid overpaying for a home, we highly recommend using a seasoned and trustworthy Realtor to guide you through the process. Having a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent by your side should prevent you from overpaying for a home – as any reputable buyer’s agent would advise against it. For tips on choosing the right Realtor to meet your needs, check here.

What if I already overimproved the home?

Plan to stay in the home for a long period of time? Then the cost of overimproving your home may not bother you. After all, if you’re able to enjoy the upgrades and improve your quality of life, then overimproving the home may be worth your money. However, if you plan to sell the home in a few short years, overimproving your home can come at a cost. Sellers should not expect to get dollar for dollar for every improvement made to the home. Instead, they should work with an experienced listing agent to price the home and accept the fact that they may have to lose a bit of money in order to sell the property.
Moving soon?

Ready to move into your new home? Fortunately, there are plenty of professional moving companies that can handle the task for you. To find the best moving company to move your belongings, check Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Good luck and happy moving!

overimproving a home.

The questions to ask when buying a new home run the gamut between questions that help you get a better feel for the investment that you’ll be making and questions that help you figure out whether it’s worth making that investment in the first place. To help you navigate them, we’ve put together a short guide to the questions that all buyers need to be asking at each major stage of the buying process.

Questions to Ask Before a Showing

So you’ve found a house that you love, but before you schedule a showing ask your realtor the following questions to ensure it’s worth your time.

How long has the house been on the market? You can tell a lot about a property just from finding out how long it’s been available for sale. While it’s certainly true that during the off season and in times of low buyer demand a great home might sit on the market for longer than it otherwise would, it’s also generally the case that homes that aren’t selling aren’t selling for a reason. You may be able to get a great deal on a home that’s been sitting idle for a while, though be aware that there could be some major issues that are causing others to pass it by.

How does it compare to similar homes in the neighborhood? Comps are a big factor in assessing the true market value of a home. To make sure that a property is accurately priced, it helps to get a feel for what the comps are so that you can see if the sellers are asking for more or less than others in their neighborhood.

What is the location like? Location matters. Even within the same zip code there can be a big different between individual neighborhoods—and even streets. Make sure that the location has what you’re looking for, be it easy access to certain amenities, a family-friendly atmosphere, a nearby highway ramp, or any other major location factors that determine whether you’ll be happy where you reside.

What did this home last sell for? It can be helpful to know what the seller paid for the home. A home with a listing price that is markedly more than it was previously suggests that there have been some major upgrades, or that the neighborhood has really improved. It can also mean the seller is asking too much. If there’s a big price variance, have your realtor do some digging to figure out why.
Questions to Ask During a Showing

A showing is more than just an opportunity to see a house in person. Ask these questions to get a better feel for what you’re looking at.

When was this home built? It’s always a good idea to find out when a property was built. Buying an older home comes with its own unique set of considerations that all home buyers—and especially first time home buyers—will need to be aware of. Knowing a home’s age will give you a clue into other things as well, including how old its electrical and heating/cooling systems are, and how long it might be until you have to replace the furnace.

Have there been any major renovations? There are a couple of reasons to ask about the improvements that have been made to the home. For starters, improvements are value drivers—things like additions, new roofs, and even new windows will help justify your investment and account for the asking price. In addition, it’s useful to know what’s part of the original structure and what has been changed.

Have there been any major repairs? You’re always going to want to know about any major repairs the home’s owners have had to make, but keep in mind that repairs aren’t always a bad thing. Repairs mean that problems have been addressed and that the current owners have taken care to maintain the property. If you move forward with the purchase though, have your home inspector take a look at all repairs to make sure they were done properly.

Is the home energy efficient? Any energy efficient upgrades that have been made to a home will save you money in the long term. This includes energy efficient windows and heating systems, as well as improvements like smart home thermostats and LED light bulbs. Other energy-saving factors include whether or not the home is insulated in both the walls and the attic, and whether the fireplace has doors to block air from coming in from the outside.

Why is the owner selling? This won’t necessarily make or break your decision to put in an offer on the house, but it’s still advised that you find out why the owner has put the home on the market. There’s a big difference between an owner who’s moving for work or to downsize and an owner who’s moving because the school system is suffering.

Are there any plans for this neighborhood? Do some digging to see if there are any upcoming plans that could have big effects for the neighborhood the home is located in. You’ll want to know before moving in that expansive open green field next door is about to be developed into a commercial or residential development, or if certain businesses are planning on moving in or out.
Questions to Ask When You’re Making an Offer

Use these questions to help you determine what to offer—and how.

Has the seller received any other offers? If you are considering making an offer on a home then you need to know what your strategy should be. If a property has already offers, that means you’re going to have to act fast and that you’ll have to be very competitive with your starting bid.

Are there any disclosures? Disclosures are items that the current property owners are legally obligated to let potential buyers know about, since they could affect the home’s value and future expenditures. This includes things like whether there are known flooding issues, whether there are any liens on the property, and whether there are electrical or plumbing issues. Responsible sellers will make these disclosures clear without you having to ask, but it’s still smart to check before you put an offer forward.

How much does the seller still owe on the home? The seller’s current financial standing with the property carries a lot of weight in terms of how much you should offer and how the sale might proceed. For example, if a seller owes more on the home than they’re listing it for that means it’s a short sale (a way for both bank and seller to avoid a foreclosure) and the process could take as long as a year. Likewise, if the seller is asking for just a little bit more than they owe there’s probably not much wiggle room on price. Use this information to guide the offer strategy you and your realtor come up with.

How quickly is the seller looking to close? If the seller wanted to close in two weeks, would you be ready? What if they didn’t want to close for a couple of months? While there is definitely room for negotiation here, the seller’s preferred closing timeline is something that you’ll want to keep in mind, especially if it will require you to make some accommodations on your end, such as getting out of a lease early or putting your things into storage.

How much are the property taxes? It’s not just your monthly mortgage payment that you’ll have to account for when figuring out how much you can afford. Property taxes can be a big expense, and they tend to vary widely from state to state and county to county. Find out about current property tax rates and look at the property tax history to see how regularly they appear to go up.

What contingencies are worth asking for? Most offers hinge on a couple of key contingencies: the appraisal and the inspection. If either of these have less than ideal results, the buyer can back out. However, these contingencies need to be established early on, when the seller accepts your offer. Ask your realtor if there are additional contingencies that you should (or need to) ask for, such as the sale of your current home or the establishment of a clear title.

The questions to ask when buying a new home are centered on getting you as much information as possible so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not to move forward. Add your own questions to the list as needed, and never hold back from asking your realtor about everything you want to know—it’s what they’re there for!

If you’re currently house-hunting for a beach house, I recommend adding these 5 hurricane-proof improvements to your home buying checklist as well. Trust me when I say that they can make a big difference when it comes to how well your home weathers the next monster storm. Follow these steps to learn how to build a hurricane proof house.
How to Hurricane Proof Your Home

Install a metal roof

If you’re moving to a hurricane zone, you’re going to need a hurricane proof roof. Otherwise, your home may not survive the next major storm. With constant exposure to wind, rain and other outside forces, a home’s roof is one of the most (if not, the most) vulnerable parts of the house. And if you live in an environment prone to tropical storms and hurricane-force winds, your roof is sure to take a beating, no matter how well it’s built.

Fortunately, there is a material that can withstand a hurricane’s high wind speeds and torrential downpours: metal. If you’re purchasing a home that does not already have a metal roof, I highly recommend installing one. Metal roofing is one of the most popular types of wind-resistant roofing available. According to American Building Components, metal roofing is outfitted in interlocking panels to “provide unique strength and security.” This type of roofing can also resist winds of up to 140-mph. The company also notes that a metal roof can last 50 years, which is “more than double the lifespan of traditional asphalt shingle roofs.” When installing a metal roof on your home, you’ll need to make sure it meets all state and local building codes.

The cost of a metal roof is another important consideration. According to the Improvement Center, wind-resistant roofing costs more than average roofing. The company notes that in low-wind areas, you should budget $1000 extra and in high wind areas, the costs could increase up to $5000 extra.
Install impact windows

If you’re house hunting in a hurricane zone, you’re sure to hear the words “impact glass” quite a lot (especially if you have a good Realtor). In Florida, this type of glass is practically a prerequisite for many future homeowners. These impact windows are made of impact-resistant glass which is safely and securely installed into the window frame. The durable, strong glass is built to keep heavy rain, hail, hurricane-force winds and flying objects from shattering your windows. According to BobVila.com, “a broken window provides a point of entry for wind, which enters the house, increases pressure, and seeks another way out.” During a storm, this can cause serious destruction in a home. Thankfully, impact windows prevent this from happening in the first place. Given that they are particularly difficult to break, impact windows will keep potential burglars at bay as well.

However, installing shatter-proof, wind-resistant windows in your home will cost you. Just like a hurricane proof roof, these impact glass windows cost more than your average, run-of-the-mill windows. According to The Balance, “a good hurricane window cost will be between $40 and $55 a square-foot, and this will include the frame and the hurricane-proof glass.” The cost of impact glass may seem high, but it’s simply the price you pay for peace of mind.
Replace wood doors with Fiberglass doors

In addition to windows, make sure your doors to the outside are impact and wind-resistant. When a hurricane rolls through, debris inevitably goes flying through the air. Unfortunately, it only takes one of these windblown items flying at hurricane-force winds to knock the average front door down. Once its knocked open, more wind, debris and water can enter into the interior of the home. This can result in significant structural damage from increased pressurization, as well as flooding from excess water.

To avoid these disasters (and others), take precautions by installing hurricane proof doors to the outside. Hurricane proof doors are typically made of Fiberglass. According to The Balance, these doors are built tougher than your average door and can be made to look like wood. The articles notes that Fiberglass doors rarely scratch, peel or warp, “and can resist different weather conditions performing better and lasting longer than wood doors.” In addition to being able to withstand strong wind forces, Fiberglass doors are more energy efficient as well. The price of a Fiberglass door varies by customization but typically hovers around the $1,500 to $2,000 mark.
Landscape the yard

One of the best ways to keep your home protected from a hurricane is to simply prep your yard. Regular landscaping and yard maintenance can go a long way in preventing damage and destruction to your home during hurricane season. First, clean your gutters. By clearing the gutters around the home of leaves and various debris, rainwater from hurricanes and tropical storms will be able to move more easily off the roof. Second, prune all trees and bushes surrounding your home. Don’t forget to also remove coconuts and loose branches that present a potential danger to your home’s exterior. If you spot a tree that looks like it’s sure to topple over, call to have it professionally removed. However, Jacksonville.com points out that any questionable trees should first be examined by a certified arborist.
Install a metal garage door

According to CNN Money, “80 percent of residential hurricane damage starts with wind entry through garage doors.” For this reason, it’s particularly important that you upgrade your garage door. Lightweight garage doors are susceptible to wind and flooding. If your garage door breaks due to hurricane winds, you can bet the inside of that garage will be flooded in no time – ruining your car and everything else inside. This is so common, in fact, that “the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) identified loss of garage doors as one of the major factors contributing to hurricane storm damage in homes,” according to HouseLogic.

If you live in a hurricane zone, make sure your garage doors are designed to combat a hurricane’s force. Most hurricane proof garage doors are made of steel. Many also come with add-on reinforcement posts. These steel posts can be installed before a storm approaches. The posts will keep the garage door in place in the event of hurricane force winds. HouseLogic notes that impact-resistant garage doors typically cost between $750 and $1,295.

Ready to move?

Before moving to your coastal abode, make sure you hire the right movers for the job. To find the best moving company to handle your upcoming move, check Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Good luck and happy moving!

As the C. Baldwin resort possession– Brookfield Features– restores the 40-year-old residential property at 400 Dallas St. right into the secondly of Hilton’s shop Curio residential properties midtown, her name will certainly note a portal area on the west side of midtown. Greater degree sights from the resort take in the actual bayou she as well as the siblings Allen punted to get to the sloppy financial institutions of their incipient community website.

The restoration and also rebranding as well as of the previous DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Midtown right into a Curio Collection residential or commercial property called the C. Baldwin is radiating some spotlight on among the city’s lesser-known founders.

Extra particularly, the soon-to-debut brand-new deal with for the premium resort honors Charlotte Baldwin Allen. Background currently recommends her funds most likely assisted money the 6,000-acre land sell 1836 by her other half as well as bro in-law, much better understood in these components as the Allen Brothers, realty speculators from Upstate New york city.

It’s no shock that The golden state cities revealed leading year-over-year stock rises. Los Angeles comes in at 28.5 boost, San Francisco adheres to at 28.2% and also lastly, San Diego rings in at 25.8%.

There an extremely warm market has actually reduced with a 40.5% year-over-year boost in stock. “We are seeing these large dives in stock being driven by the absence of extensive need.

There an extremely warm market has actually slowed down with a 40.5% year-over-year rise in supply. “Because houses are resting longer it’s no shock stock is stacking up.

According to Trulia’s Supply & Cost Watch Record, this is the initial time in over 2 years that “trade-up as well as starter residences” have actually revealed the biggest supply rises because 2014 climbing 4.8% as well as 3.5%. “Seeing that trade-up and also starter stock rise for the initial time in 6 years at this price is an indicator of supply resting much longer on the market and also not brand-new residences being constructed,” observes Felipe Chacon, real estate economic expert at Trulia.

According to Trulia’s Supply & Rate Watch Record, this is the very first time in over 2 years that “trade-up and also starter residences” have actually revealed the biggest stock boosts because 2014 climbing 4.8% and also 3.5%. “Seeing that trade-up and also starter supply rise for the very first time in 6 years at this price is an indication of supply resting much longer on the market and also not brand-new houses being constructed,” observes Felipe Chacon, real estate financial expert at Trulia.

Allow’s check out Days On Market (DOM) in a few of these The golden state cities to obtain an excellent suggestion of simply how much time some deluxe homes are rotting. A 2,730 square foot house in the expensive location of Saratoga, straight west of San Jose lately had a rate cut to $2,299,000 from the initial listing cost of $2,665,000. This residence on a dead end with a huge lawn as well as a swimming pool has actually gotten on the marketplace for 74 days.

Right here’s the current market upgrade on real estate stock information from Trulia.com. A current research study record took a look at stock gains around the nation.

“Seriously undersea” suggests that the home loans on the home surpass its worth by 25%. While somewhat greater than the degree at this time last year, this fades in contrast to the initial quarter of 2012, when 27.8% of all home mortgage finances across the country were sinking. Had not been Dodd-Frank indicated to secure the nation from the adverse effects of as well much mortgaging?

If 20% of all home loan finances are undersea (either seriously or just reasonably), does that recommend that financial institution standards are still not sufficiently rigid? Do these car loans show exceedingly huge loan-to-value proportions in the face of an unpredictable genuine estate market which has shed as a lot as 20% in worth in numerous components of the nation?

If 20% of all home mortgage finances are undersea (either seriously or just reasonably), does that recommend that financial institution requirements are still not effectively rigid?

Financial institutions make loan by lending loan. Also with Dodd-Frank in area, debtors frequently obtain the advantage of the uncertainty or, in one of the crazier inversions in contemporary financing, need to pay greater passion prices if their credit rating is inadequate. No issue … the concern continues to be: as the economic crisis discolors in the back sight mirror, will we as a country when again overlook indications that as well much loan on as well several buildings obtains lent to as well lots of individuals that can not manage what they are taking on, specifically if the supply market or the genuine estate market decreases?

Its worth can not be linked to the expense of products and also labor or various other conveniently measurable inputs. Just the worth of various other, comparable genuine estate aids in settling a suitable worth. In the end the choice to make the car loan depends on the credit reliability of the customer and also the credit reliability of the home.

“Seriously undersea” implies that the home loans on the residential property surpass its worth by 25%. While a little greater than the degree at this time last year, this fades in contrast to the very first quarter of 2012, when 27.8% of all home loan financings across the country were sinking. Had not been Dodd-Frank suggested to secure the nation from the unfavorable effects of as well much mortgaging?

Below in New York City, the co-op home system has actually shielded us from the worst extras of home mortgage situations. Paradoxically, one of the most pricey markets in the nation consists of one of the cheapest home mortgage default prices.