Holly Hurd

Holly Hurd
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices HWWB, REALTORS

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

8 Projects I Recommend as a Realtor to Clients to Prepare for Selling a House

 











Declutter

The average home in the U.S. contains 300,000 items, and 25 percent of Americans claim to have a "clutter" problem. A cluttered home appears disorganized and cramped — not ideal to entice potential buyers. It's no wonder 96 percent of Realtors recommend decluttering to their sellers before listing a home.



"When I meet with a potential seller, my priority is typically decluttering the space," "If the seller doesn't make a concerted effort to remove clutter, buyers have a hard time actually seeing the home."

If you have the time and energy, you can declutter yourself for free. However, if you don't feel up to the task, lots of professional organizers out there will do it for you. A typical hourly rate is $50 to $60. Larger jobs that require more workers and time can cost more.

Portrait of smiling millennial cleaning lady holding bucket with cleaning supplies and mop, posing and looking at camera standing in living room
Portrait of smiling millennial cleaning lady holding bucket with cleaning supplies and mop, posing and looking at camera standing in living room© Prostock-Studio/Getty Images

Thorough Cleaning

Cleaning your home goes hand-in-hand with decluttering to create a positive first impression. It's recommended by 88 percent of Realtors before an open house. A clean home enhances the overall appeal and signals to buyers the property is in good condition, potentially increasing their willingness to make an offer.

A house should 'sparkle' before a showing,   I'll recommend a cleaning person to come in and do a deep cleaning. It's well worth the money.

 I always recommend having the home professionally cleaned just before showings start.

Professionally deep cleaning a 1,000 square foot home professionally will cost about $100 to $300. It will take two people one to three hours to thoroughly scrub, dust and vacuum all home surfaces, even hard-to-reach areas. To do it yourself will cost about $50 in cleaning supplies and at least five to six hours of your time.

Putty Knife With Spackling Paste against a wall and wood molding
Putty Knife With Spackling Paste against a wall and wood molding© herreid/Getty Images

Minor Drywall Repair

Repairing minor drywall problems presents a well-maintained and move-in ready appearance to potential buyers. Even minor imperfections can raise concerns about the overall condition of the property, possibly deterring buyers or giving them leverage to negotiate a lower price.

Repairing drywall damage is a simple DIY task requiring basic tools and know-how. If you hire a professional, expect to pay $300 to $500 depending on the size and scope of the project. A pro is worth the money if you're unsure of your DIY skills.

 There's almost always some drywall that needs fixing. Even if it's small, a hole in drywall looks bad and signals a lack of maintenance by the homeowner. That's why 72 percent of Realtors recommend sellers complete this project before listing their home.

Cleaning carpets before an open house is crucial to enhance the overall appearance and freshness of a home, with 71 percent of Realtors agreeing it's an important task before a showing. Clean carpets eliminate odors and allergens, creating a more inviting and comfortable environment that's more likely to appeal to prospective buyers.

The average cost for professional carpet cleaning is $0.33 per square foot, but can be higher or lower depending on carpet type.

For those looking to do this project yourself, you can rent Rug Doctor rug cleaning machines at most grocery stores and home improvement centers for $35 to $50 for 24 hours, plus the cost of cleaning solution. These machines are user-friendly and meant for homeowner DIY use.

Mature white man in his forties about to paint a white door jam with touch up paint.

Touch Up or Repaint Problem Walls

Touching up or repainting problem walls before putting your house on the market

 can significantly improve the overall aesthetics of your home and give the 

impression of a well-maintained property.

"I tell [sellers] to focus on small projects like touching up paint on walls and woodwork,

Paint goes a long way in freshening up a home. 57 to 58 percent of Realtors 

recommend this project to their sellers.

A professional painter will cost $2 to $7 per square foot, or about $3,500 for an average 

size house. This price does not include paint, which will cost $35 to $70 per gallon

 and cover 350 to 400 square feet. If you have the time, tools and skill, homeowners

 can save on these costs by doing it themselves.

Close up of a guy's hands holding packing machine and sealing cardboard boxes with duct tape

Remove Personal Items

Remove personal items like collectibles, memorabilia, religious artifacts and photos to 

neutralize your home. This allow buyers to envision themselves living there.

"I tell people to take all pictures off the refrigerator and the walls, which people struggle

 with sometimes," Tourville says. "I tell them it helps people picture themselves living there

 and helps a space look less cluttered." Sixty-five percent of Realtors polled said they 

recommend depersonalizing a home before a showing.

In the same NAR profile, Realtors call living rooms, kitchens and primary bedrooms 

the most important rooms for staging, so these should be the focus of any depersonalizing

 efforts. This can be part of a staging company's services, but can also be done by

 homeowners with the time and some empty boxes.


IMPROVE LANDSCAPING

Fifty percent of Realtors suggest improving landscaping before any showings to enhance the overall 

curb appeal. The outside of the house is the first thing people see when they drive up.

It's crucial to a buyer's first impression.


Regrout Shower

Regrouting or touching up grout improves the cleanliness and appearance of a 

bathroom while preventing potential water damage issues.






Holly Hurd~ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee, Realty.... your source for all your real estate. We are one of the Largest brokerage firms in Michigan, we have proven we can stand the test of time in this ever changing marketplace a proven leader for you and all your real estate needs. In today's competitive real estate market, timing is everything. Many good homes are sold before they are ever advertised. Beat other homebuyers to the hottest new homes for sale in the Wayne/Oakland co. area with my New Listings Notification. If you own real estate that you're thinking of selling, I would be happy to provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation. Whether you are buying or selling a home, hire someone like me, who wants to earn your business. I invite you to contact me as I'd be happy to assist you with this important transaction. In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in Michigan, please contact me as I'm more than willing to help.YOU CAN REACH ME DIRECT BY PHONE ANYTIME AT 734 718-5736 #YourHomeNorthvilleMichigan Real Estate Homes for sale in Northville Michigan Northville, Mi. 48167 #realtor #realestate #realestatemarket #hometown #hollyhurd #home

#historicnorthville #buy #buyingahome #buyrealestate #condo #homeforsale
#northvillemi #sellingyourhome #smalltown #shop #bhhs #buildahome 
#moveinmichigan #greattimetobuy #SOLD #realestateforsalemi 

#puremichigan #berkshirehathaway #sellahome  

 

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

How To Decorate When Your Home is For Sale

 



When providing Home Staging Consultations for sellers during the holidays, one question they have is…

Can I still decorate for the holidays?

My answer has always been YES… with one caveat…KEEP IT SIMPLE


Creating the feeling of home with a holiday spirit can help your buyers picture themselves there. Remember…buying a home is not just about the numbers. An emotional connection plays a key role. 

 

The goal is to add light touches of “HOLIDAY” in your home without overwhelming the buyer. They still need to see the SPACE!

 

OUTSIDE

~Avoid going overboard!  Well-placed holiday plants and a welcoming wreath rather than blowups, candy canes, and reindeer covering the yard. 

~Avoid oversized decorations that make it difficult for buyers to enter the front door.

 

 

Everything Doesn’t Have to Be Red! (or Blue)

When we think of Christmas or Hanukkah the colors that come to mind are red or blue. But what if they don’t go with the rest of your house?

There’s nothing etched in stone that says that either of these colors has to be used.  Complement the colors you do have. Consider white poinsettias instead of red.

 

Don’t Block the Paths That Will Allow Your Buyers to Navigate Through and Around Your Home.

Sometimes we have to tweak some furniture placement to make room for our tree.

Keep traffic patterns open for your buyers.  

Make sure electrical cords that light up the tree will not be a hazard to anyone walking by.

 

Preserve the View

Whether it’s a view of your pool area, large patio, or wooded area, don’t block the view with a large Christmas tree.

 

 

 

Don’t Hide Your Home’s Chief Selling Points!

If you have a beautiful fireplace and mantle let your buyers see it. Don’t cover it up with so many stockings, holly, and candles that buyers won’t even know it’s there.


Have some sense about your holiday scents!

Some buyers may not be able to handle strong holiday scents...too much peppermint, balsam, fir can overwhelm them.

 

Have a large kitchen island? Make sure they can see it...don’t have every inch covered in Christmas Cheer!

Just because your house is for sale doesn’t mean that you have to pass on the holiday spirit. Just remember to…

 

 

 

holiday home staging

 

This is the time to let your HOUSE shine...not the decorations!


Holly Hurd~ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee, Realty.... your source for all your real estate. We are one of the Largest brokerage firms in Michigan, we have proven we can stand the test of time in this ever changing marketplace a proven leader for you and all your real estate needs. In today's competitive real estate market, timing is everything. Many good homes are sold before they are ever advertised. Beat other homebuyers to the hottest new homes for sale in the Wayne/Oakland co. area with my New Listings Notification. If you own real estate that you're thinking of selling, I would be happy to provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation. Whether you are buying or selling a home, hire someone like me, who wants to earn your business. I invite you to contact me as I'd be happy to assist you with this important transaction. In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in Michigan, please contact me as I'm more than willing to help.YOU CAN REACH ME DIRECT BY PHONE ANYTIME AT 734 718-5736 #YourHomeNorthvilleMichigan Real Estate Homes for sale in Northville Michigan Northville, Mi. 48167 #realtor #realestate #realestatemarket #hometown #hollyhurd #home

#historicnorthville #buy #buyingahome #buyrealestate #condo #homeforsale
#northvillemi #sellingyourhome #smalltown #shop #bhhs #buildahome 
#moveinmichigan #greattimetobuy #SOLD #realestateforsalemi 

#puremichigan #berkshirehathaway #sellahome  

 

 


Wednesday, October 25, 2023

How Professional Photos Can Help You Sell Your Home for More Money








If you're selling your home, you know how important it is to have high-quality photos that showcase the best features of your property. Photos are the first thing that potential buyers see when they browse online, and they can make or break their interest in your home. According to Zillow research, homes with professional photos sell 50% faster and 39% closer to the original listing price than similar homes without professional photos.

But how do you get professional photos of your home? What are the benefits and costs of hiring a professional photographer? And what are the tips and tricks to make your home look amazing in photos? In this article, I will answer these questions and share some of the most common and effective ways to use professional photos to sell your home faster and for more money.

#1. Hire a Professional Photographer

The best way to get professional photos of your home is to hire a professional photographer who specializes in real estate photography. A professional photographer has the skills, equipment, and experience to capture your home in the best possible light and angle. They also know how to edit and enhance your photos to make them look more appealing and realistic.

Hiring a professional photographer may seem like an expensive investment, but it can pay off in the long run. According to a study by Redfin, homes with professional photos sell for an average of $3,400 more than homes with amateur photos. Moreover, professional photos can help you attract more buyers, generate more showings, and reduce the time your home stays on the market.

To hire a professional photographer, you can ask for recommendations from your real estate agent, friends, or family. You can also search online for local photographers who have good reviews and portfolios. You should expect to pay between $100 and $300 for a typical photo session, depending on the size and location of your home.

#2. Prepare Your Home for the Photo Shoot

Before the photo shoot, you should prepare your home to make it look clean, tidy, and inviting. You should also highlight its best features and minimize its flaws. Here are some tips on how to prepare your home for the photo shoot:

  • Declutter and depersonalize your home by removing any excess or unnecessary items, such as furniture, knickknacks, personal photos, etc.
  • Clean and sanitize your home thoroughly by wiping down all surfaces, appliances, cabinets, and fixtures; vacuuming and mopping the floors; washing the windows; dusting the blinds; etc.
  • Paint or repair any minor issues that might deter buyers, such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, cracked tiles, or peeling wallpaper
  • Stage your home by arranging your furniture and decor in a way that showcases your home’s best features and creates a positive impression on buyers
  • Add some finishing touches by using pillows, throws, rugs, lamps, candles, plants, flowers, artwork, books, etc., to create a cozy and stylish atmosphere

#3. Follow the Photographer’s Guidance

During the photo shoot, you should follow the photographer’s guidance and suggestions on how to make your home look its best. The photographer may ask you to:

  • Turn on all the lights and open all the curtains and blinds to create a bright and spacious look
  • Move or remove some furniture or items that might block the view or create clutter
  • Adjust the temperature or humidity of your home to avoid any fogging or condensation on the windows
  • Stay out of the way or leave the premises while the photographer is working
    Provide feedback or ask questions if you have any concerns or preferences

Conclusion

Professional photos can help you sell your home faster and for more money by attracting more buyers and creating a lasting impression. By hiring a professional REALTOR (Holly Hurd) she would guide you through the home selling process and make sure your home is ready for the photo shoot, and following  REALTOR Holly Hurd's guidance, you can maximize the potential of your home making your listing stand out online.

 





Holly Hurd~ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee, Realty.... your source for all your real estate. We are one of the Largest brokerage firms in Michigan, we have proven we can stand the test of time in this ever changing marketplace a proven leader for you and all your real estate needs. In today's competitive real estate market, timing is everything. Many good homes are sold before they are ever advertised. Beat other homebuyers to the hottest new homes for sale in the Wayne/Oakland co. area with my New Listings Notification. If you own real estate that you're thinking of selling, I would be happy to provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation. Whether you are buying or selling a home, hire someone like me, who wants to earn your business. I invite you to contact me as I'd be happy to assist you with this important transaction. In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in Michigan, please contact me as I'm more than willing to help.YOU CAN REACH ME DIRECT BY PHONE ANYTIME AT 734 718-5736 #YourHomeNorthvilleMichigan Real Estate Homes for sale in Northville Michigan Northville, Mi. 48167 #realtor #realestate #realestatemarket #hometown #hollyhurd #home

#historicnorthville #buy #buyingahome #buyrealestate #condo #homeforsale
#northvillemi #sellingyourhome #smalltown #shop #bhhs #buildahome 
#moveinmichigan #greattimetobuy #SOLD #realestateforsalemi 

#puremichigan #berkshirehathaway #sellahome  

 

 

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

How Home Staging Can Help You Sell Your Home Faster

 



Home staging has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more sellers realizing the benefits of presenting their homes in the best possible light. For those who are unfamiliar, home staging involves decorating and arranging a home in a way that appeals to the largest possible audience. Think of it as setting the scene for potential buyers to picture themselves living in the space. If you're looking to sell your home quickly, here are a few reasons why home staging may be the key to success.

1. Your home will stand out from the crowd

With so many homes on the market, it can be difficult to capture buyers' attention. A well-staged home, however, is more likely to grab their eye and draw them in.

2. It can increase your home's value

Staged homes tend to sell for more money, as buyers are willing to pay a premium for a move-in ready home that they can visualize themselves in.

3. It can lead to a faster sale

Staged homes typically spend less time on the market, as buyers are able to envision themselves living in the space and can more easily picture themselves making an offer.

4. It can help buyers see the potential

If your home has certain features or unique aspects that may not be immediately obvious, staging can help highlight these and show buyers what your home has to offer.

5. It can alleviate stress

By having your home professionally staged, you can take the pressure off of yourself and allow experts to take care of the aesthetics of the property.

Overall, home staging is a smart investment for sellers looking to speed up the home selling process and get the best possible price for their property. By presenting your home in a visually appealing way, you can capture buyers' attention and help them envision themselves living there.

Holly Hurd~ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee, Realty.... your source for all your real estate. We are one of the Largest brokerage firms in Michigan, we have proven we can stand the test of time in this ever changing marketplace a proven leader for you and all your real estate needs. In today's competitive real estate market, timing is everything. Many good homes are sold before they are ever advertised. Beat other homebuyers to the hottest new homes for sale in the Wayne/Oakland co. area with my New Listings Notification. If you own real estate that you're thinking of selling, I would be happy to provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation. Whether you are buying or selling a home, hire someone like me, who wants to earn your business. I invite you to contact me as I'd be happy to assist you with this important transaction. In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in Michigan, please contact me as I'm more than willing to help.YOU CAN REACH ME DIRECT BY PHONE ANYTIME AT 734 718-5736 #YourHomeNorthvilleMichigan Real Estate Homes for sale in Northville Michigan Northville, Mi. 48167 #realtor #realestate #realestatemarket #hometown #hollyhurd #home

#historicnorthville #buy #buyingahome #buyrealestate #condo #homeforsale
#northvillemi #sellingyourhome #smalltown #shop #bhhs #buildahome 
#moveinmichigan #greattimetobuy #SOLD #realestateforsalemi 

#puremichigan #berkshirehathaway #sellahome  


Friday, October 6, 2023

Friday is WHY Day - Why Do People Stress?

 



Moving causes many people to stress. First of all, you're not alone. Stress is a natural physiological response to a demand. As a REALTOR®, I meet many clients (buyers and sellers) who have many reasons for moving and sometimes moving is harder than it sounds depending on what issues you are going through at the time. Everyone responds to stress differently and the causes for stress are numerous. No two buyers or sellers are in the process of moving for the same reasons. 


Why do people move?

  • Marital/Relationship Status
  • Job Change/Loss
  • Children/Teenagers/Education/Bullying
  • Nosy Neighbors
  • School Districts
  • Location/Changes
  • Health Issues
  • Death/Dying/Dealing With Loss
  • Environmental Changes
  • Rental Reasons
  • Affordability Issues
  • Physical/Emotional/Mental/Financial Reasons

Why does moving have to be so hard?

  • Unexpected Disruptions
  • Sorting Through Stuff Triggers Memories
  • Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
  • Money Problems
  • Not Having Boxes, Packing Tape, Bubble Wrap, Markers
  • Not having Help
  • Not Finding Stuff You Need When You Need It
  • Physical Tensions, Stiffness in Joints, Pain in Knees & Muscles
  • Moving Stuff from One Room to Another - Not Accomplishing Anything
  • Landlord Puts Pressure on Renters
  • Employers Put Pressure on Employees
  • Spouses Put Pressures on Each Other
  • Kids Put Pressures on Parents
  • People Put Pressure on Themselves
  • Low Inventory
  • Houses Cost Too Much/Taxes Too High 
  • Don't Know Where to Go
  • Cost to Buy or Rent
  • Transportation/Moving Trucks
  • Deciding What to Donate, Throw Away, Keep
  • Kids Have Their Own Needs & It Doesn't Include Moving
  • School & Extracurricular Commitments
  • Long, Demanding Business Meetings
  • Pets (Old Pets, Puppies, Running Away Pets, Tripping over Pets, Sick Pets)
  • It's Depressing To See How Much Stuff You Have
  • You Need Help and There Is No Help or You Don't Want Help
  • Dealing With the Unknown
  • Family Members, Kids, or Neighbors Don't Want You To Move
  • Realizing You May Not Get What You Want


What are some options & helpful hints?

  • Make Realistic Goals
  • Live Within Your Means
  • Find The Right Professionals To Help You
  • Make Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C - Repeat if necessary or Start Over
  • Breathe Deeply
  • Never Go To Bed Mad or Angry
  • Honor & Acknowledge Your Losses & Responsibilities
  • Eat Healthy
  • Exercise
  • Get Proper Sleep
  • Know Your Limitations
  • Recognize What You Did Before May Not Be What You Can Do Today
  • Avoid Making Serious Health Issues Worse
  • Have A Running Away Money Jar, Plan, or Means to Break Free Temporarily
  • Plan For Best and Worst Case Scenarios - Make a Decision
  • Talk to Your Financial Advisor or Lender
  • Know Your Options
  • Turn Off the Internet and Television and News Media
  • Get Organized and Stay Organized
  • Explore Delivery Services and Transportation Options
  • Know Who Is Reliable And Who You Can Call
  • Swallow Your Pride and Ask For Help When You Need Help
  • Know Not Everyone You Thought Could Help Can and Will Help
  • Have Back-Up Plans
  • Focus on Your Needs & Learn to Let Go


Books You May Find Helpful

  1. "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, by Maria Kondo.

  2. Mayo Clinic Books Include:
    • Guide to Stress Free Living
    • Strategies to Reduce Burnout
    • Stress Management Workbook
    • The Resilient Life Manage Stress
    • Overcoming Stress

  3. Moving Checklist by Martha Stewart

Holly Hurd~ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee, Realty.... your source for all your real estate. We are one of the Largest brokerage firms in Michigan, we have proven we can stand the test of time in this ever changing marketplace a proven leader for you and all your real estate needs. In today's competitive real estate market, timing is everything. Many good homes are sold before they are ever advertised. Beat other homebuyers to the hottest new homes for sale in the Wayne/Oakland co. area with my New Listings Notification. If you own real estate that you're thinking of selling, I would be happy to provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation. Whether you are buying or selling a home, hire someone like me, who wants to earn your business. I invite you to contact me as I'd be happy to assist you with this important transaction. In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in Michigan, please contact me as I'm more than willing to help.YOU CAN REACH ME DIRECT BY PHONE ANYTIME AT 734 718-5736 #YourHomeNorthvilleMichigan Real Estate Homes for sale in Northville Michigan Northville, Mi. 48167 #realtor #realestate #realestatemarket #hometown #hollyhurd #home

#historicnorthville #buy #buyingahome #buyrealestate #condo #homeforsale
#northvillemi #sellingyourhome #smalltown #shop #bhhs #buildahome 
#moveinmichigan #greattimetobuy #SOLD #realestateforsalemi 

#puremichigan #berkshirehathaway #sellahome