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© 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© 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.

Clean Wall-to-Wall Carpet

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.

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.

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  

 

Battery replacement in fire and smoke alarms may save your life

 

Homeowners sometimes forget one of the most important life-saving preventative maintenance and a simple chore to do in their home or apartment is to replace the batteries in the fire and smoke alarm.  This must be done on a yearly basis or as needed; when a red light flashes or you hear a slight beeping sound.  If you are hardwired via your electrical current for your detectors then you are in the most advantageous position for safety.

According to an article in February 2021, by the National Fire Association with its 50,000 members, the following was found in a report that they published about home fires:

1.) Smoke alarms were present in three-quarters (74 percent) of reported home fires in 2014–2018.

2.) Almost three out of five home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms (41 percent) or smoke alarms that failed to operate (16 percent).

3.) The risk of dying in reported home structure fires is 55 percent lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no alarms or none that worked.

4.) When present, hardwired smoke alarms operated in 94 percent of the fires considered large enough to trigger a smoke alarm. Battery-powered alarms operated 82 percent of the time. Power source issues were the most common factors when smoke alarms failed to operate.

Compared to reported home fires with no smoke alarms or automatic extinguishing systems (AES) present, the death rate per 1,000 reported fires was as follows:

• 35 percent lower when battery-powered smoke alarms were present, but AES was not,
• 51 percent lower when smoke alarms with any power source were present but AES was not,
• 69 percent lower when hardwired smoke alarms were present but AES was not, and
• 91 percent lower when hardwired smoke alarms and sprinklers were present.

The calculations above were based solely on the presence of fire protection equipment, but the equipment’s operation was not considered.

In a 2018 study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, less than a quarter of households in 1977 had fire/smoke alarms. The numbers increased throughout the 1970s through the 2000s. The importance of these detectors hit home and dramatically ramped up and as of today, 97% of homes have some type of fire and smoke alarm.

I recall many years ago, in 1994, professional tennis player, Vitas Gerulaitis, who was living in Kings Point, was visiting a friend in South Hampton, Long Island.  An improperly installed pool heater caused carbon monoxide gas to travel into the pool house where he was sleeping, causing his death at the early age of 40.  I do not know if there was a functioning fire smoke and carbon monoxide detector at that time, but if there was it would have potentially saved his life.

The liability and agony of the loss of life not only is traumatic but can be financially devastating too. I am quite sure insurance policies require fire-smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor. As they say, an ounce of prevention will provide a pound of cure and save lives too!

New homes are required by local building codes to have hardwired alarms (with battery backups in case of a blackout), on all floors.  However, it is a prudent idea to test your alarms regularly whether battery-operated or hard-wired to make absolutely sure they are operational.  Also, they can be tied into your central dispatch system, so if away, the fire department will be notified of any incidences of fire, smoke, or carbon monoxide issues.

One final thought has to do with frozen and broken pipes that may occur (especially last week) especially with the frigid air that we all have recently experienced. When we have these types of unusual freezing temperatures for any length of time there are additional devices that some are utilizing today that will not only notify you of any type of water leakage with an application for your cell but will also shut off your main water supply preventing thousands of dollars of potential damage.  For outside exposed pipes you can purchase low 24V wiring online or at your local or big box stores.  Then you can wrap around your faucets, and plug-in into a local electrical outlet, to prevent them from bursting. 

Just today visiting my daughter’s home we saw water running down the street at her friend's newly purchased home across the street and I knew immediately it was a broken pipe.  I called Manhasset-Lakeville Water and the fire dept showed up to shut off the water saving countless thousands of dollars and preventing further damage that would have occurred.  Make sure you leave your temperature at least 55 degrees.  However, on the north side (the coldest area of your home) you provide enough warmth and protection/insulation to outside pipes and inside walls so bursting pipes will be avoided.

Your life and home are important so I advise those without any type of fire-smoke or carbon monoxide devices to have them installed asap.  For those who do have them; check regularly and replace the batteries as needed.  This is a must needed task to consider that will protect you and your loved ones.   

Holly Hurd~ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices HWWB, REALTORS.... 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 market place 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 

Teach Your Clients Well

 

The idea for this post was spawned by several recent conversations with clients.

 

And if by chance it reminds you of the well-known Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song decades ago, “Teach Your Children Well” you can enjoy the video below! 

 

The blog title just popped into my head after a conversation with buyers the other evening, and I immediately thought of this popular song. The brain works in interesting ways!

 

Steve Harney, founder of Keeping Current Matters, often talks about having the heart of a teacher when working with buyers and sellers. 

 

There’s no question that educating buyers and sellers is a key aspect of our role as real estate professionals, from the start of the relationship until closing.

 

There are so many matters that buyers and sellers need to know about when buying and selling. Experience levels can vary widely – some clients know a fair amount, from past experience and research, and others know little at all. The danger is that some may think they know more than they really do. That’s where we can help!

 

And while buyers and sellers may ask many questions, there are often things they SHOULD know but don’t know enough to ask the right questions. We need to not only answer the specific questions buyers and sellers have, but to anticipate those questions and issues they are not aware of, and provide needed information promptly. That's part of our role of teaching our clients.

 

Teaching our clients well also means knowing when to refer buyers and sellers with their questions to other professionals who can help them – a CPA, a real estate or trust attorney, a title or escrow officer, the lender, a home inspector, and so on – where we are not qualified to do so.

 

So how DO you teach your clients well? Here are some thoughts:

 

TEACH YOUR CLIENTS WELL

1. Respond to all their questions (text, email, in person, phone) promptly and completely. Waiting many hours or a day before responding sends the wrong message, and could create a problem. If research is needed so you can respond appropriately, let them know you will get back to them as soon as possible. Respond right away so they know you are working on helping them.

 

2. Share information on relevant topics they should know about even if they don’t ask – the overall buying process, the sales process, making an offer, dealing with multiple offers, showing instructions, the listing contract, the purchase agreement, what they need to know about showings (as buyer OR seller) in your area given the pandemic (e.g., the process, requirements or recommendations, paperwork to be sign, etc.). The list goes on and on!

 

3. Answer commonly asked questions you’ve heard multiple times, even if they don’t ask them.

 

4. Don’t assume they know the answers – it’s far better to tell them something they already are aware of, than not to educate.

 

5. Don’t educate just over the phone or in person but document what you are sharing in an email. Some people will forget what they are told so having something visual, in writing, can help. And you have a record of having told them!

 

6. Be sure to not overstep your knowledge boundaries – if they have legal, title, financial, tax, and other questions help get them to the right person who can help, or suggest they contact someone they know.

 

7. Don’t make them feel stupid. Be careful as you educate and answer questions, even if they asked before and perhaps forgot or need a refresher (who wants to be told “we talked about that already, don’t you remember?!”). 

 

8. Watch your tone of voice so you don’t sound condescending, or impatient, and be aware of your body language…no eye rolling!

 

9. Be careful to not spew real estate lingo all over the place when educating, assuming they know what you are talking about.They may already be confused about all the abbreviations and real-estate-ese we use.

 

10. Take the necessary time to explain what needs it, and to answer the questions. I was on the phone the other night in education mode for an hour…and it was well appreciated!

 11. It’s OK to say “I don’t know but will get that answer for you” or refer them to the right place to get what they need. Better to say you don’t know than to provide the wrong information because you are guessing or don’t want to take time to find the right answer.

Holly Hurd~ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices HWWB, REALTORS.... 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 market place 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 

What does every HOME SELLER need to know?

When Listing a home, it is a simple premise of: list the home, find a buyer, get it closed and move on. Many sellers are usually looking for a quick sale at a high price. Some sellers want the most money no matter what. Others focus on paying the least commission as possible. While others focus on doing it themselves.  

Many sellers do not look at the bottom line. That is how much they will end up with at closing. Others do not realize in many sales, it is easier to find a buyer than it is to close the sale. 

The most important fact is over pricing a home can lead your house from selling at all. You can scare away more buyers than you attract.

Nearly all would be sellers ask me where they should start. My advice is when they start thinking about selling, that is when they should contact a full time, full service local agent. For instance, I meet my seller at their home. I conduct a walk through and ask questions of the seller to better guide them. I let them know what their house is worth, how much they should ask and what it may sell for. Lastly, how much time it may take to sell. 

I also let them know what they can do to make their home sell for more. What repairs they may need to avoid issues at the appraisal or home inspection later.

This about the time when I hear some sellers want to save money when selling their home. I like to break down what price they may get selling on their own. Buyers love FSBO sellers because they know they most often get a lower sales price. Other sellers tell me about discount or online listing agents. I like to ask what they get for what they pay. Most sellers are shocked at how little they get when going the discount route. The greatest point is that a great listing agent who gets a seller the highest price in the shortest time often more than covers any commission paid. 

The peace of mind. The reduction of stress. The constant communication. The ease of moving to your next home. I love showing a seller what great service is. Some have experienced bad service and are just "wowed" when they see what great service is. The hardest part of a real estate transaction is what happens behind the scenes from when you find a buyer to getting it closed.

The lesson and my infamous message is do not hire just anyone to list you home. Do not just hire the biggest company or agent. Take time to hire the BEST agent. The way I do business is to offer some of the best possible personal and professional service. To stand by them through each step of the buying and selling process. Let me show you the right agent CAN make a difference. 

 Holly Hurd~ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices HWWB, REALTORS.... 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 market place 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