What Is the Best Time of Year To Sell My Home?

How you can prepare for the spring market by planning ahead, budgeting your time, and getting in early.

As a real estate agent, one of the most common questions I get from potential home sellers is, “When is the best time of year to sell my home?” The truth is that the best time to sell is when you need to move; however, if you’re determined to try and time the market, the best time to sell is when you have the least amount of competition. In most markets, that means selling in late winter or early spring. Once spring hits, inventory increases rapidly, and you’ll have to compete with tons of other homeowners. If you truly want to hit the optimal selling window in late winter or early spring, here are three key things you need to consider:

1. Plan early. The more time you give yourself to plan out your home sale, the better. Getting your home ready for the market might involve a lot more work than you thought of beforehand, so don’t procrastinate. I recommend giving yourself a three to four months headstart before you list for things like pre-listing consultations, staging, repairs, and more. If you want to sell at the optimal time in late winter or early spring, that means you need to start these things as soon as possible.

"Get ahead of things by listing as early as you reasonably can."

2. Budget your time. It can take 60 to 120 days to sell your home once you list it, but many homeowners still have a mentality leftover from the pandemic market, when homes would sell in as little as a week. That’s why I recommend working with your agent to plan out what you need to do to hit the optimal selling window. Once you have a schedule, it will be easier to budget your time and sell at the perfect moment. 3. Beat your competition to the market. If you have a choice between listing earlier or later, list earlier. Once the spring frenzy hits, supply increases exponentially each month. All those sellers are competition that will make it harder for you to get the best deal possible, so try your best to beat them to the market. It’s tempting to wait for prices to increase as demand picks up, but this isn’t a good strategy. By the time you enter the market, you’ll be chasing a wave of demand that has already passed. Instead, get ahead of things by listing as early as you reasonably can. If you want to sell this spring and get the best deal possible, your first step should be to have a pre-listing meeting. Just call or email me, and we’ll go over your situation, your goals, the market, and more. It’s 100% free and no obligation. I look forward to hearing from you

What Sellers Need To Know About Appraisals

Answering three common questions about appraisals to prepare sellers.

Selling your Massachusetts home? Get a home value report

Buying a Massachusetts home? Click here for full MLS access

Are you thinking about selling your home? If so, how exciting! This process means a fresh start and new beginnings. However, before you list your property, it is important that you completely understand appraisals. An appraisal is an opinion of value, where an expert appraiser will come to your house and estimate how much it is worth. They will provide a written report based on their inspection of pertinent information that determines your home’s value. This could greatly affect the success and price point of your sale, so it is crucial to be prepared. Here are three common appraisal questions and their answers: 

1. What are appraisers looking for? They consider a wide variety of factors, like the floorplan, quality of construction, finishes, number of bedrooms, and square footage. They will compare your home to the listing to make sure the features are accurate. Also, they’ll take note of any upgrades that have been made to the house and if there were the proper permits for them, so make sure you have all of that in order beforehand. Last, they will be looking at comparable home sales in your area.

"Make sure you have a professional on your side to guide you through your appraisal process."

2. Why does an appraisal gap occur, and what should I do if it happens? Home prices are rising rapidly, which increases the likelihood of appraisal gaps. That happens when the value the appraiser provides is less than the agreed-upon price. There are several things you can do if this happens, so make sure you have a professional on your side to guide you through your options.

3. Should I get a pre-appraisal done? This is when sellers get an appraiser to look at their home before they list. I understand why people might think to do this, but I wouldn’t recommend it. First, the appraisal is normally seen as the buyer’s responsibility since it is typically a requirement for them to get a loan. Also, some lenders won’t even accept the appraisal you get because they’ll want it to be done by someone they deem as an impartial third party. Selling your home can be expensive, so you don’t want to pay for things that are unnecessary.

Appraisals can be a confusing part of the process for many people, so don’t hesitate to ask me any questions that you have. Call or email me anytime; I am here to be your real estate resource. I look forward to helping you through the selling process!

How To Sell a Home That Needs Repairs

Three things you should do to successfully sell a fixer-upper.

Selling your Massachusetts home? Get a home value report

Buying a Massachusetts home? Click here for full MLS access

The selling process is already difficult enough, but when you add noticeable problems with the property into the equation, it can make the home sale even more complicated. Inventory is now increasing, and buyers have more options to choose from. Your home, which needs repairs, won’t likely be their first choice, and those who are interested in purchasing may make an offer that’s less than what you wanted to sell it for.

Selling a house with major issues takes a lot of work, and there’s never enough time to do it. The longer the home stays with you, the more expensive the costs of repairs and maintenance will be. If you don’t act soon, that property could end up becoming a liability. Fortunately, there are ways to reach the closing table and make a profit. To sell a fixer-upper, here are three things you should do:

1. Get a home inspection. You know the property is in a bad shape, but you’re not exactly sure to what extent. This is where a professional can help. A home inspector will locate the problems and give you a complete rundown of them. Once you’ve identified what has to be fixed, you can evaluate whether you can afford the repairs and replacements, or if you’ll just sell as-is. Also, remember that disclosing the issues of your home to would-be buyers is required by the law. You want to be as transparent as possible to avoid any legal repercussions later.

2. Consider selling to an investor or a bargain hunter. The worse the home’s condition is, the bigger the pool of investment buyers will be. Real estate investors don’t want to live in that house. They want to repair and upgrade it so they can sell and earn a profit. Typically, they will pay with cash and will buy the home as-is. Bargain hunters, on the other hand, are in search of their dream homes. They are willing to put in the elbow grease needed to make a property livable and will overlook a few flaws, as long as they love the location.

"The worse the home’s condition is, the bigger the pool of investment buyers will be."

3. Be realistic with your price. Whatever market we’re in, pricing your home correctly will always be critical. This is especially true for homes that are not in the best condition. You have to set a reasonable price, one that is based on research and makes sense for the market. The best way to do this is by working with a real estate professional. An experienced agent can use their resources and connections to ensure that you get the best possible deal for your sale. 

It’s possible to sell a home that requires work. If you follow these tips, you will confidently get to closing. For more tips on how to successfully sell a fixer-upper, call or email me. I’m happy to be your real estate consultant!

3 Home Improvements With a High ROI

Three things to focus on when preparing your home for the market.

Selling your Massachusetts home? Get a home value report

Buying a Massachusetts home? Click here for full MLS access

When preparing your house for sale, you may be led to believe that the more upgrades you make, the higher the price you can list for. However, not all home upgrades are created equal; some will have you pouring money down the drain, while others will get you immediate resale value. Understanding which projects to take on can help you make thousands of dollars more. So, what home improvements should you do if you want to get a fantastic return on your investment?

To answer this question, we have to take into consideration the changes that happened in the past few years. Our homes were recently put through a massive re-evaluation. In response to the pandemic, there are now certain features in a home that have become much more attractive to buyers. If you can include them in your upgrades, you can increase the value of your house and turn it into a coveted property in the market. In particular, there are three projects you’ll want to take on:

1. Add more usable square footage. According to a 2020 survey by HomeLight, the need for more space was among the top reasons why people move. Projects such as creating a home office space, building an open floor plan, and finishing your basement can give you that additional space that buyers want nowadays. 

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) identifies home offices as one of the new design trend interests in 2022. In addition, the NAHB found that 85% of buyers want an open layout between the kitchen area and the dining room. Lastly, finishing your basement can increase your ROI by 70%.

"Understanding which projects to take on can help you make thousands of dollars more."

2. Improve your curb appeal. One of the best ways to improve your home’s curb appeal is by focusing on your landscaping. Make your home look more enticing by adding healthy plants and blooming flowers to your yard. To make even more of a statement, slap a fresh coat of paint on your house’s exterior. However, not all changes have to be big and grand. Sometimes small details like updating your mailbox and house number will catch the attention of buyers.

3. Upgrade your outdoor space. Functional outdoor spaces such as a deck, a fireplace, or an outdoor kitchen are now more valued due to the pandemic. If your home has a nice exterior living area, buyers can imagine themselves enjoying the fresh air as they indulge in outdoor activities. If you already have an outdoor oasis, pressure wash or make repairs if necessary for a low-cost way to improve your home’s value.

Home improvements can be expensive, so you want to make sure you’re investing in the right projects. If you’re not sure whether your renovation plans are worth pursuing, feel free to call or email me. I’m happy to give you real estate advice and help you get the best value for your home. 

What’s Your Motivation for Moving?

Figure out if you’re sufficiently motivated to sell your house.

Selling your Massachusetts home? Get a home value report

Buying a Massachusetts home? Click here for full MLS access

I've been helping people rent, invest, buy, and sell real estate in

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and around the globe for 40 years. To share

this expertise, I’m talking today about motivation. What is your motivation

for making a move in your life? If you're not sure, here are five questions

to ask yourself to help determine what path is right for you:

1. Why do you want to move? Think about what would be the greatest benefit you would enjoy if you did move.

2. What life enrichment would you and your family get from moving and upgrading your lifestyle?

3. Can you afford to purchase and sell a home?

4. Do you need assistance in calculating the expenses, rates, and profits of making a move to see whether or not it fits your budget?

5. Would you give me a call? If you can afford the transition to your new life by making this move and creating a huge benefit for you and your family, reach out to me at (978) 256-3306 or www.homesareus.com.

I’d be honored to help you with your real estate needs. I look forward

to hearing from you.

How Can You Help Get Your Home Sold?

Here are our top 11 strategies to help you get your home sold.

Selling your Massachusetts home? Get a home value report

Buying a Massachusetts home? Click here for full MLS access

Today I have 11 different tips to help you get your home sold:

1. Make sure that you're ready to go.

2. Hire a good agent.

3. Work through the financials.

4. Slow roll your prep work. Some people are finding that they don't have enough time to get it all done.

5. Focus on curb appeal. Make sure that the outside of your house looks great.

6. Staging. Stage the home to spark the buyer’s imagination.

7. Get a pre-listing inspection. You’ll get ahead of repair requests.

8. Hire a professional for listing photos.

9. Set a well-researched, competitive price.

10. Treat your agent as a partner, not as an employee.

11. Show your house even if it's not ready.

If you have any other questions, thoughts, or concerns, feel free to reach out to us at 978-852-3001. You can reach us online at www.homesrest.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Have a great day.

Get More Value by Tearing Down Your Home (Yes, You Read That Correctly)

Your for-sale property might be more valuable if, instead of selling it, you tore it down to free up that land for another home. Today I’ll explain.

Selling your Massachusetts home? Get a home value report

Buying a Massachusetts home? Click here for full MLS access

If you’re thinking of selling your home, today’s message is for you: You might get more value from having the home torn down to free up that land to build another home.

We find this happening increasingly often in resort areas as well as with homes that are old, deteriorated, or aren’t up to the power of the neighborhood they reside in.

Find out how much the land is worth based on what lots are selling for in today’s market.

To profit from this process instead of the traditional selling process, there are several factors to keep in mind:

1. Does your property conform to zoning laws that give you the ability to convert it into one or more building lots? If not, you may have to appeal to the Board of Appeals, whereafter you’ll have to hire a survey attorney and go through the appropriate channels in order to determine how many lots your property can actually be converted to before you consider this alternative.

2. Consult with a real estate professional to determine the property’s worth with a house versus the property’s worth if the house were torn down. Find out how much the land is worth based on what lots are selling for in today’s market.

3. Allow enough time for the process to play itself out. If you do get a building permit, you’ll need to have time to make the arrangements. In some cases, you might have to get the approval of the Historic Commission or another channel; you’ll also have to get building permits furnished to a buyer before they're likely to pay a substantial price for the property.

If you have any questions, thoughts, or concerns regarding your situation, feel free to reach out to us. We’d be glad to hear from you.

How Elderly Home Sellers Can Avoid Selling at a Discounted Price

If your neighbor wants to buy your home, there are four tips to remember to keep yourself from selling at a discounted price.

Selling your Massachusetts home? Get a home value report

Buying a Massachusetts home? Click here for full MLS access

Are you a senior citizen thinking of selling your home and you have a neighbor who wants to buy it? Here are four tips that will help you avoid selling at a discounted price.

First, make sure you obtain an accurate market analysis. This is especially important considering we’re still in a seller’s market.

Second, if you’re a single person, make your decision with your head—not with your heart. In this case, when a decision is made based on emotion, money is oftentimes left on the table, and valuable equity along with it. You might think you’re doing your neighbor a favor, but in fact, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

When a decision is made based on emotion, money is oftentimes left on the table, and valuable equity along with it.

Third, expose your property to the largest audience of prospective buyers. Roughly five million home sales are expected to happen across the country throughout 2019, which means there might be somebody out there who’ll pay $10,000, $20,000, or $50,000 more than what your neighbor is offering while trying to buy at a discount.

Lastly, don’t cave in to the pressure of doing something just to satisfy someone else because you think it’s the easiest solution.

If you have any more questions about this or any other real estate topic, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to help you.

Should You List Your Home as For Sale By Owner?

How do For Sale By Owner properties do in the current market? The National Association of Realtors recently released some interesting stats on FSBOs I want to share with you today.

Selling your Massachusetts home? Get a home value report

Buying a Massachusetts home? Click here for full MLS access

I want to share some statistics from the National Association of Realtors regarding people who sell their properties as For Sale By Owner, without the aid of a real estate professional. 

First, FSBOs accounted for 8% of all home sales in 2016. The typical For Sale By Owner home sold for an average of $190,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted properties. You can see that there is a 23% differential there in terms of the average price for private sales versus agent-assisted sales. 

When it comes to marketing homes, 35% of FSBO sellers use yard signs; 24% use friends, family, or neighbors; 11% use online classified advertisements; 15% use open houses; 8% use FSBO websites; 13% use social networking sites; 26% use the MLS; and 5% advertise through print newspapers. If we look at print, 4% use direct mail flyers and postcards. Only 2% use video. 

“

FSBOs only accounted for 8% of all home sales in 2016.

”

That said, only 28% of FSBO sellers actually actively marketed their properties. 

Marketing is not the only challenge when selling on your own. What are the most difficult tasks for FSBO sellers? 

1. Getting the right price. 
2. Understanding and doing the paperwork that needs to be done.
3. Selling within the planned time frame (of which only 13% were able to achieve). 
4. Repairing and fixing up the home for sale (90% of FSBO sellers listed that as a challenge). 
5. Having enough time to devote to all aspects of the home sale. 

Only 3% of FSBO respondents indicated that they were able to be available full-time in order to facilitate a purchase. 

As you can see, listing your property as For Sale By Owner does come with a unique set of challenges. If you have any questions about selling your home or working with a real estate professional, just give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!