4 Biggest Obstacles Homeowners Face When Selling a House on Their Own

When it comes to selling a home, most folks believe they can do it on their own. Whether they're trying to save money or simply want greater control over the process, these homeowners try to sell their homes without the help of a real estate agent; however, they often experience more stress than those that hire an agent. Here are four common challenges people face when they try to sell their home on their own:

Getting the Right Price

Many homeowners who choose to sell their home without a REALTOR® struggle with setting the price for their home and getting the most for their house. Because of their feelings and emotional attachment to the house, they're unable to price their home objectively, often valuing it for more than it's worth. When the price is too high, fewer buyers will be interested and the sale will take much longer.

Understanding and Performing Paperwork

Selling a home requires more paperwork than most homeowners think. If they have never sold a home before, some of it can be difficult to understand and complete. A real estate agent has the training to comprehend all the legalese and explain it to you. Plus, they can remove this unnecessary stressor from the selling process.

Selling Within the Planned Length of Time

Many homeowners underestimate how long the selling process actually takes. From getting your home ready for sale, to showing potential buyers, to the closing process, selling a house takes much longer than most people think. Homeowners may, in turn, set unreasonable deadlines for themselves and inevitably fall short.

Preparing and Fixing a Home for Sale

Before homeowners can even post their ad, they will need to make repairs and stage their home. This is an essential step that most homeowners overlook when selling on their own. Potential buyers judge the house by the photos posted with the ad, and if the photos don't show a clean and beautiful home, they will keep on scrolling.

There are so many more obstacles that come with selling your home if you choose to do it on your own. Make selling real estate easier and stress-free by working with a real estate agent!

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#realestateforsalemi #hometown #hollyhurd #home#homesforsale #historicnorthville #buy #buyingahome#buildingahome #buyrealestate #condo #northvillemi#sellyourhome #sellingyourhome #smalltown #shop #bhhs#berkshirehathaway #moveinmichigan #greattimetobuy#puremichigan #SOLD

THREE BIG MISTAKES FOLKS MAKE WHEN THINKING ABOUT A HOME PURCHASE

MISTAKE #1

Falling in love with a home before determining how much they can afford.

It’s always fun to browse on line or stop by open houses, but when it’s time to get serious it’s important to find out where you stand financially.  It’s hard to compare the $400,000 home that you loved to the $200,000 home you can afford! 

Don’t let this happen to you! 

Talk to a lender, be open and honest about your situation.  If they don’t ask to review ALL of the financial documents that could have a bearing on your approval, move on.  Find a lender who will help you to navigate the process.  Find a lender who will review your credit score to see if there are any steps you can take to improve your scores for a better loan.  Find a lender who cares about you and helping you to get the best loan

ASK QUESTIONS!

Mistake # 2

Considering the maximum they qualify for instead of what their comfortable monthly payment might be

Consider Your Lifestyle-Don’t be house poor!  What do you like to do?  Go out to eat, special hobbies, kid’s education, savings?  What additional expenses are coming up? New car, new baby?  In-laws moving in?  Will you be getting a raise? A new job? A second income? An inheritance?   All of these things should be considered.    

What is comfortable? Only you can answer this question!

Don’t forget to speak to your tax advisor about the tax benefit of homeownership, this may help stretch the budget.

Speaking of budget, that leads me right to the third mistake.  

MISTAKE #3

Failing to budget.  

You may be amazed at how many bank statements I review that the outgo matches the income almost to the penny-Starbucks every day, McDonald’s, Old Navy, Target.  Folks forget to save money.  $5 here, $10 there adds up and could keep you from buying a home that you love! 

TIP:  Overdrafts can be a loan killer…keep track of those purchases and DON'T overspend!

Many folks thinking about a home purchase consider the down payment (Did you know you DON'T need 20% down to buy?), but they don’t consider out of pocket expenses, earnest money deposits, appraisals, home inspections.  They forget about the cost to purchase including closing costs, prepaid expenses and setting up escrow accounts for homeowner’s insurance and property tax payments. The seller can contribute toward closing costs, if negotiated into the contract.  How much they can contribute can depend on the type of financing.

In some cases, owning a home will cost less than renting.  In others, folks are moving up and moving out…this means more monthly and bigger annual and one-time expenses than you may be used to, more maintenance costs and higher utility bills.  Don't forget about those unexpected expenses when something breaks down or needs replacing, you won't be able to call the landlord!  Budgeting is key to being ready for home ownership!

If you are thinking about buying in a month or in a year, talk to a great lender in your area to find out where you stand and what steps you can take to be MORTGAGE ready. 

Holly Hurd~ 

Is a REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel
in Northville, Michigan 48167
#1 Firm in MICHIGAN

hollyhurd@hotmail.com

Sell / Buy a home in Northville,Michigan register today at

www.Northvillehomes4sale.net

Holly Hurd ~Living in the Northville, Michigan area for 40+ years , Holly Hurd is graduate of Northville High School, Schoolcraft College, Michigan State then raising her own family here Holly Hurd has first hand knowledge and knows the area quite well Please feel free to contact her for all your real estate needs #homerocks #YourHome

Northville Michigan Real Estate
Homes for sale in Northville Michigan Northville, Mi. 48167
#bombogenesis #realtor #realestate #reaestatemarket #realestateforsalemi#hometown #hollyhurd #home #homesforsale #historicnorthville #buy#buyingahome #buildingahome #buyrealestate #condo #coldwellbanker#northville #northvillemi #sellyourhome #sellingyourhome #smalltown #shop#cbwm #cbbelieves #moveinmichigan #greattimetobuy #greattimetosell#sold

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Blue Matter / The part of the brain that thinks about real estate

COUNTERTOP STYLE

by HOLLY HURD 

Realtor Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel

Choosing the right countertop can be a daunting task. It's an investment that can give your house the boost it needs, but you want to make sure you're making the right decision. Quartz is a great option because it doesn't require sealing and resist stains. Granite countertops require sealing, but are a very popular choice. Marble counters often need to be resealed, are  not very stain-resistant and scratch easily. Here are some other tips to help you with the process:

- If you're going with concrete counters be sure to hire a professional. Also, ask them for references from jobs completed at least a year or two ago. 

- Make sure you hire an installer that is manufacturer certified. If not, the manufacturer might not cover the work if there is a problem.

- Stone, concrete, butcher block, and the grout between tiles need to be sealed to resist stains. Some may also require resealing.

- Test  if it's time to be resealed by putting a few drops of wanter on the stone near the sink. Let it stand for 15 minutes. If the water doesn't stay in a bead it is time to reseal the counter.

- Clean stains as quickly as you can. Make sure you follow the care instructions or it could result in the warranty not covering it.

- Do all cutting on a cutting board. 

Holly Hurd~ 

Is a REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel
in Northville, Michigan 48167 

#1 Firm in MICHIGAN

hollyhurd@hotmail.com

Sell / Buy a home in Northville,Michigan register today at

www.Northvillehomes4sale.net

Holly Hurd ~Living in the Northville, Michigan area for 40+ years , Holly Hurd is graduate of Northville High School, Schoolcraft College, Michigan State then raising her own family here Holly Hurd has first hand knowledge and knows the area quite well Please feel free to contact her for all your real estate needs #spring #YourHome

Northville Michigan Real Estate
Homes for sale in Northville Michigan Northville, Mi. 48167
#bombogenesis #realtor #realestate #reaestatemarket#realestateforsalemi #hometown #hollyhurd #home#homesforsale #historicnorthville #buy #buyingahome#buildingahome #buyrealestate #condo #coldwellbanker#northville #northvillemi #sellyourhome #sellingyourhome#smalltown #shop #cbwm #cbbelieves #moveinmichigan#greattimetobuy #greattimetosell #sold

A "Frozen" Lesson for Homebuyers

by HOLLY HURD 
Realtor with Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel

I had the pleasure of watching "Frozen" this weekend, and like most animated Disney features, I really enjoyed it. If you haven't seen it, I would encourage you to check it out. The advent of pay per view cable and satellite TV has given those of us without small children the opportunity to see the films we would have taken our kids to in a different time, and you can do it without showing up in a theater feeling like the creepy adult in a room full of adolescents and toddlers.

One of things that happens in the film surrounds little sister, Anna. Prior to the beginning of a ball, she meets a handsome prince. During the ball, they link up again and she is smitten. Before the ball is over, they decide to get married, and it's that decision that sets the rest of the movie in motion. When Anna tells her sister about her wedding plans, Queen Elsa refuses to let her. The events following send Elsa off into the mountains to live as a recluse snow queen.

While on a search to find her sister, Anna runs into an ice salesman who guides her path to Elsa. In one of the early conversations they have, Anna confesses to the ruggedly handsome Kristoff that she is in love and to be married. She relates the story, and Kristoff is appalled that she is going to marry a man she just met. He brings it up over and over. This is where I leave the movie.

How many home buyers want to buy the first home they see? In my experience, it's actually a small number. I would say it's in the 10-20% range. The one thing they say over and over is, "Is it wrong to buy the first house you look at?" I would respond, "Not necessarily, but it really depends."

Depends on what? 

• Does the house meet your needs?
• Does the house meet your location choice?
• Does the house correspond to your financial abilities?
• Does the house offer a good deal overall?
• Is the house in a condition that meets your approval?
• Have you done your homework online to see what else it out there?
• Have you listed the pros and cons of the house as compared to looking at others?
• Are you sure you're not making a snap decision because the market is too competitive and you're afraid you won't be able to buy any house?
• What would be wrong with buying the first house you looked at if it turns out to be what you wanted?

I sold a property to a client a number of years ago who looked at 60 houses. He finally bought the first one he looked at. Thank goodness the market was moving slower then. He had the privilege of looping back a few weeks later, but in a hot market that isn't always possible.

Buying a house should be about meeting your needs. First, fifth, tenth house, there is no set number of views that make one a better decision than another one. Overall, it's all about meeting your needs. In Anna's case, the first husband candidate didn't work out. Fortunately, she found out before she said, "I do." In her case, the second choice was a better choice.

It's not the number of houses you look at. It's the ones that meet your criteria. If you're just looking at houses with no criteria, you may just as likely become "Frozen" without any sense of right and wrong. Decide what you want, weigh the options and buy based upon an intelligent choice.

Holly Hurd~ 

Is a REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel
in Northville, Michigan 48167 

#1 Firm in MICHIGAN 

hollyhurd@hotmail.com

Sell / Buy a home in Northville,Michigan register today at

www.Northvillehomes4sale.net

Holly Hurd ~Living in the Northville, Michigan area for 40+ years , Holly Hurd is graduate of Northville High School, Schoolcraft College, Michigan State then raising her own family here Holly Hurd has first hand knowledge and knows the area quite well Please feel free to contact her for all your real estate needs #spring #YourHome

Northville Michigan Real Estate
Homes for sale in Northville Michigan Northville, Mi. 48167
#bombogenesis #realtor #realestate
 #reaestatemarket#realestateforsalemi
 #hometown #hollyhurd #home#homesforsale #historicnorthville #buy
#buyingahome#buildingahome #buyrealestate #condo #coldwellbanker#northville
#northvillemi #sellyourhome #sellingyourhome#smalltown #shop #cbwm
 #cbbelieves #moveinmichigan#greattimetobuy #greattimetosell #sold

NORTHVILLE MICHIGAN MY HOMETOWN

NORTHVILLE, MICHIGAN~ Northville is an affluent city located in and divided by Oakland and Wayne counties in the U.S. state of Michigan. The area is a suburb of Metropolitan Detroit. The population was 5,970 at the 2010 census. Most of the city is in Oakland County, and is surrounded by the city of Novi. The Wayne County portion is surrounded by Northville Township. Northville is served by Northville Public Schools. The city is located 21 miles northeast of Ann Arbor and 29 miles northwest of Detroit. Growing up in Northville, Michigan for over 40+ years I know first hand Northville was once a very small town most know for the race track (northville downs) with a wonderful downtown area. I have watch this once small town flourish into a great community but still maintain is small town Victorian charm, you could say it is "a town where everybody knows your name"

I consider NORTHVILLE, Michigan an excellent place to reside and would love to share with you my enthusiasm for the many neighborhoods that encompass it. I pride myself As a Real Estate Professional, I am dedicated to giving exceptional service to all sellers and buyers. I really enjoy seeing peoples dreams fulfilled. The process of buying a home should be a positive one, and I do my best to make that dream a reality. I will do everything I can to earn your trust and friendship..I WILL GIVE YOU 110% because you are the customer....
warmest regards,

Holly Hurd

www.Northvillehomes4sale.net 

HELP YOUR PET ADJUST TO YOUR NEW HOME

Moving to a new home can be a difficult transition for everyone in the family, including the furry, four-legged members.

Dogs and cats develop a strong bond with their environment so when they are relocated from their territory it can cause them stress.

Here are some tips to ease your pets’ transition to a new home :

Keep Your Mood Calm 
Pets are very tuned-in to your emotions and will sense your mood. If you are stressed throughout the moving process, your cat or dog will pick up on this and it will make him anxious. Try to remain calm and give your pet plenty of attention and reassurance during the process of moving.

Transporting Your Pet 
A few weeks before the move, introduce your pet to his pet carrier so that he becomes familiar with it. It will be much less scary for him to be transported in a carrier, which already has recognizable smells and perhaps a favorite chew toy or blanket inside. When you are moving your pets to your new home, it is a good idea not to feed them for about three hours before setting off, as this can help to prevent accidents while in transit.

Upon Arrival 
When you get to your new residence, place your pets in one room of the house and provide them with water, food, and a few familiar possessions. Keep them in a closed room while you move things in, as the process of moving boxes and furniture can be chaotic and doors can be left open. Once everything has been moved in, you can take the time to give your pet some one-on-one attention.

Dogs find routines comforting, so try to stick to the same schedule of feeding and walking in your new home. Cats will want to explore and rub their scent all over the house to claim it as their territory. A cat might attempt to return to its old home after a move, so keep it indoors for a few weeks at first.

These are just a few ways that you can make moving to a new home a better experience for your beloved pets. If you’d like more suggestions for helping your pets and family adjust to a move, call or email me with your questions.

HOLLY HURD

hollyhurd@hotmail.com

www.Northvillehomes4sale.net

#1 in Market Share again in YTD for Northville/Novi‏

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel ~ #1 in Market Share again in YTD for Northville/Novi

Nearly seven years after the housing bubble burst, most indexes of house prices are bending up.

The housing market has turned—at last.

The U.S. finally has moved beyond attention-grabbing predictions from housing "experts" that housing is bottoming. The numbers are now convincing.

Nearly seven years after the housing bubble burst, most indexes of house prices are bending up. "We finally saw some rising home prices," S&P's David Blitzer said a few weeks ago as he reported the first monthly increase in the slow-moving S&P/Case-Shiller house-price data after seven months of declines.

Nearly 10% more existing homes were sold in May than in the same month a year earlier, many purchased by investors who plan to rent them for now and sell them later, an important sign of an inflection point. In something of a surprise, the inventory of existing homes for sale has fallen close to the normal level of six months' worth despite all the foreclosed homes that lenders own. The fraction of homes that are vacant is at its lowest level since 2006.

Builders began work on 26% more single-family homes in May 2012 than the depressed levels of May 2011. The stock of unsold newly built homes is back to 2005 levels. In each of the past four quarters, housing construction has added to economic growth. In the first quarter, it accounted for 0.4 percentage points of the meager 1.9% growth rate. 

Now bringing this to our own backyard if you will right here in Northville, inventory is down and the statistics just came out that the housing prices are up about 21.5% from last year at this time.

So if you are out there wondering if you should purchase or wait, it is probable a good time to purchase a condo or a home here in Northville, Michigan 

THE TOP TEN HOME IMPROVEMENT MYTHS

1. Any remodeling project will add value to your home.

While many remodeling projects will add value to a home, some can be seen as a negative by future buyers. For instance, combining two smaller bedrooms to create one larger bedroom may better fit one homeowner’s lifestyle today, but it may cause the home to lose value in the eyes of a future buyer who needs the two separate rooms.

2. Buying the highest-quality materials attracts more buyers.

Installing high-end materials may seem like a wise decision, but it can backfire. For instance, using the most expensive tile in a bathroom may create an impressive appearance, but value-conscious buyers may opt for a more affordable home if the seller has over-improved compared to others in the neighborhood.

3. Adding square footage always adds value.

A better way to think about this statement is to insert the word useable into the sentence. Finished attics and basements – even if considered liveable by local standards – may not be attractive to a buyer if they are not finished to the same standards as the rest of the home.

4. Colors and textures – safe and simple is better.

Keeping a home “vanilla” so buyers can choose their own style and décor might be a safe bet, but it ignores the fact that most buyers just don’t have the ability to visualize the home differently. Without splashes of color and mixtures of texture, sellers can lose value to others that have taken the time to consult with an interior designer.

5. Inside improvements are better than outside improvements.

Not necessarily. If a home’s exterior has been neglected or doesn’t offer a good curb appeal, a buyer might stop there – and then the seller’s efforts on on the inside may not net them any more dollars. To get the biggest bang for their remodeling buck, sellers should start from the outside and work their way in.

6. Adding a bedroom is better than adding a bathroom.

It depends on the starting point. If a seller only has one or two bedrooms to start with, adding a bedroom before adding a second bath is probably a wise choice since most buyers are more attracted to three-bedroom homes. On the other hand, if the home already has three bedrooms and only one bath, the sellers’s next investment should probably be in a new bathroom.

7. Paint hides a multitude of sins.

Dry rot? Fungus damage? Mold problems? Carpenter ants? Termite issues? Nothing a can of paint can’t fix, right? Wrong! Not only does this practice violate disclosure laws in most states, it can set sellers up for liability after the sale, as most buyers will want the sellers to foot the bill for these hidden issues.

8. Converting a garage to living space is a great trade-off.

Nope. A garage conversion is almost always viewed negatively by future home buyers unless the sellers replace the lost garage with another parking and storage space of equal size.

9. Sellers can save money by doing improvements themselves.

For some homeowners, wiring a new lighting fixture or plumbing a new dishwasher is a no-brainer, but for others it may end up costing more later if they have to have the work redone by a professional. Another consideration is local and state laws regarding remodeling work: In many states if a buyer has purchased a home to remodel and resell, they must either hold a contractor’s license or hire a contractor to do the work for them.

10. Pools add value to your home.

This is only true in areas where pools are must-have amenities. In most areas of the country, pools have more limited appeal – and the idea of maintaining a pool for ten months out of the year when it can’t be enjoyed won’t appeal to most buyers.

Knowing these top home-improvement myths will allow you to choose the right remodeling projects. You can always contact me directly with any questions or concerns 

warmest regards,

Holly Hurd