9 Tips For Selling Your Home During The Holiday

The holiday season from November through January is often considered the worst time to put a home on the market. While the thought of selling your home during the winter months may dampen your holiday spirit, the season does have its advantages: holiday buyers tend to be more serious and competition is less fierce with fewer homes being actively marketed. First, decide if you really need to sell. Really. Once you've committed to the challenge, don your gay apparel and follow these tips from FrontDoor.

1. Deck the halls, but don’t go overboard.
Homes often look their best during the holidays, but sellers should be careful not to overdo it on the decor. Adornments that are too large or too many can crowd your home and distract buyers. Also, avoid offending buyers by opting for general fall and winter decorations rather than items with religious themes.

2. Hire a reliable real estate agent.
That means someone who will work hard for you and won't disappear during Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's. Ask your friends and family if they can recommend a listing agent who will go above and beyond to get your home sold. This will ease your stress and give you more time to enjoy the season.

3. Seek out motivated buyers.
Anyone house hunting during the holidays must have a good reason for doing so. Work with your agent to target buyers on a deadline, including people relocating for jobs in your area, investors on tax deadlines, college students and staff, and military personnel, if you live near a military base.

4. Price it to sell.
No matter what time of year, a home that’s priced low for the market will make buyers feel merry. Rather than gradually making small price reductions, many real estate agents advise sellers to slash their prices before putting a home on the market.

5. Make curb appeal a top priority.
When autumn rolls around and the trees start to lose their leaves, maintaining the exterior of your home becomes even more important. Bare trees equal a more exposed home, so touch up the paint, clean the gutters and spruce up the yard. Keep buyers’ safety in mind as well by making sure stairs and walkways are free of snow, ice and leaves.

6. Take top-notch real estate photos.
When the weather outside is frightful, homebuyers are likely to start their house hunt from the comfort of their homes by browsing listings on the Internet. Make a good first impression by offering lots of flattering, high-quality photos of your home. If possible, have a summer or spring photo of your home available so buyers can see how it looks year-round.

7. Create a video tour for the Web.
You'll get less foot traffic during the holidays thanks to inclement weather and vacation plans. But shooting a video tour and posting it on the Web may attract house hunters who don't have time to physically see your home or would rather not drive in a snowstorm.

8. Give house hunters a place to escape from the cold.
Make your home feel cozy and inviting during showings by cranking up the heat, playing soft classical music and offering homemade holiday treats. When you encourage buyers to spend more time in your home, you also give them more time to admire its best features.

9. Relax — the new year is just around the corner.
The holidays are stressful enough with gifts to buy, dinners to prepare and relatives to entertain. Take a moment to remind yourself that if you don't sell now, there's always next year, which, luckily, is only a few days away.

Source HGTV

Shauna Quick

Realtor

Exit Realty Success

801-550-4419

shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com

www.shaunaqsellshomes.com

Declutter Your Home In Six Easy Steps

Does your home look like a storage locker or a pack rat's dream? If so, it's time to purge, declutter and refresh. It may sound daunting, but it doesn't have to be! Here are some quick, effective ways to declutter your home without feeling overwhelmed:

1. Set time aside. If you don't plan for decluttering, you'll probably keep putting it off. So, make yourself do it, whether you spend the entire weekend, one evening a week or just a few minutes or a few hours a day. If you're not sure how or where to start, a home organizer can help you create a game plan.
2. Make a list. A list will help you get organized, whether it's your entire living space that needs work or just one particular area. Creating a list of what needs decluttering will also help keep you motivated from start to finish.
3. Start in one spot. Never attempt to declutter all areas at once. Start in one room - or a specific area of one room - and work your way out from there, understanding that it may take a few hours to get it done. Some areas commonly in need of a good declutter include:

• Counters: Get rid of any old appliances, decorative pieces and utensils you don't need or use.
• Shelving: Remove old books, trinkets and toys -- anything that's just sitting there gathering dust.
• Closets: Gather the clothes, shoes and accessories you never wear. Donate the items that are in good shape and toss or make rags out of the rest. Invest in closet organizers for what's left in your closet to ensure everything stays in its proper place.
• Cabinets: Go through your kitchen or bathroom cabinets and remove everything that's been "stuck in the back" or is otherwise cluttering the space. Old dishes, dishtowels and other items can go to secondhand stores or the trash.
• Drawers: If you have a junk drawer, dump it out on your bed. Then go through it and remove everything but the essentials. When you go to put the drawer back, organize what's left for easier access and retrieval.

4.Take it one trash bag at a time. You don't have to keep a box of trash bags on hand when you start decluttering. Just start with one and see how long it takes you to fill the bag. You might be surprised at how much trash and clothing you'll come up with. If you can't fit all of the secondhand store bags in your car, call one of the many donation groups that will pick the bags up from your home.
5. Give away slowly. If you feel that decluttering your space and giving things away will emotionally drain you, space out the process. Once you've rid the house of the absolute non-essentials - trash, junk, waste, broken toys and shoes, etc. - then it's down to those items you hold onto for personal, emotional reasons.
6.Work your way up to it one piece at a time. You might be surprised at how good it feels to give!
Designate a routine moving forward. Put a process in place to keep future clutter at bay, and include everyone in the house in that process. Kids should know where their clothes and toys go, and everyone may need to have a dedicated place for shoes and other items near the entryway. Developing a habit for where items go will help you keep your home better organized.

Source Sharper Agent

Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
801-550-4419

Year of Gratitude- November

This month, I would like to dedicate my gratitude to our little family dog Blackie. He unexpectedly died on November 1st. He brought so much love to our home, and was a wonderful friend and companion to my children. I am so grateful we were able to have him in our home for the past 12 years.

Please share what you are grateful for this month!

Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
801-550-4419

Uncertain About How Your Credit Score Affects The Financing Process?

As Americans enter the peak time of year to buy a home, a recent survey from TransUnion reveals a majority of those planning on or considering buying a home in the next 12 to 18 months are unsure about actions that could help improve their credit score. A majority was also unsure about what their credit score directly affects in the home financing process.

The national consumer survey found that while nearly three out of four (74 percent) potential home buyers believe it’s important to check the accuracy of their credit report, only 45 percent or fewer correctly understand that their credit score measures the amount of debt they hold, risk of not repaying back a loan, or the financial resources they have to pay back loans.

“As many people across the nation prepare to take advantage of still-low interest rates and look to buy a home, it’s essential they understand their credit score before applying for a mortgage,” says Ken Chaplin, senior vice president at TransUnion.

Despite the fact a majority of consumers recognized the importance of a credit score, one in three incorrectly thought increasing their income (33 percent) or closing old accounts (28 percent) before applying for a mortgage has the potential to help improve their credit score.

While 76 percent of prospective home buyers surveyed were at least somewhat confident (38 percent very confident; 38 percent somewhat confident) that they understand the finance process and the terms of their home loan, many were unable to identify the specific factors that a credit score affects in the home buying process. Only half of respondents correctly identified what a credit score affects, including interest rate (52 percent), the amount they can borrow (53 percent) and their mortgage lending terms (50 percent).

According to the survey, just 22 percent of people correctly identified that they should check their credit score during the three months leading up to a mortgage application. In contrast, nearly one-third (29 percent) of people surveyed believed one month before purchasing a home was a good timeframe to check credit scores. However, a one-month timeframe gives consumers little time to take action if they discover fraudulent activity like identity theft or old, unpaid credit card debt that could negatively affect their score.

To help people better protect their identity and credit, TransUnion offers a credit monitoring tool with a new feature: Instant Credit Alerts. Through these alerts, users will automatically get an email when a creditor requests their TransUnion credit report as part of a credit application.

TransUnion shares the following tips for those preparing to take out a mortgage:

• Start with your credit report. Make sure it’s as accurate as possible, that your scores are where you want them to be, and that no one else has access to your credit.
• Do your homework. Research loans, rates and brokers before you sign anything. Doing this work now will pay off later with a better rate and terms.
• Be realistic on what you can afford. The larger your down payment, the wider your options. Putting more money down, up front, will help ensure you pay less each month.
• “Not now” doesn’t mean “never.” If home ownership isn’t a realistic option for you right now, that doesn’t mean it won’t be in the future. When it comes to a major purchase like a home, timing is critical.

Info from Sharper Agent

Shauna Quick

Realtor

Exit Realty Success

shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com

www.shaunaqsellshomes.com

801-550-4419

Year of Gratitude- October

"Gratitude opens the door to the power, the wisdom, the creativity of the universe. You open the door to the universe."

-Deepak Chorpa

October:

I am grateful for...

-Beautiful fall colors:
I love to drive in the canyon and around the city and see all the beautiful changing colors.

-Hiking with my family:
I love to take a few hours out of my day and spend time with my family in the beautiful mountains.

-Chocolate (no picture needed)

-Books:

Please share what you are grateful for this month!

Shauna Quick

Realtor

Exit Realty Success

801-550-4419

shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com

www.shaunaqsellshomes.com

Common, But Easy To Fix Decorating Mistakes

Some would say there are no decorating mistakes—that what you like in your home is what counts. But the very hip home designers at Home and Garden Television (HGTV) believe a number of common but tired decorating traditions are long overdue for an update.

Here are seven of the easy-to-fix practices they recommend for every home:

• No more toilet rugs – Rugs that fit around the toilet base and often have matching seat covers actually make a bathroom look smaller. Opt for a small, rectangular rug placed away from the toilet to open up the room.
• Don’t ignore the foyer – It’s the first glimpse visitors see of your home.  Make it welcoming with an appropriately sized furniture piece, an accent rug well-grounded to the floor, a plant, an umbrella stand or statue, or any other attractive piece that is functional or unobtrusively decorative.
• Too many photos – A dozen or more family photos grouped on a table or shelf make for clutter and are seldom really seen.  Instead, display 5 or 6 of your favorites, nicely arranged on a ‘gallery wall,’ and switch them out every few months.
• Outdated kitchen accessories – If you can’t afford to update cabinets, give the kitchen a new look by modernizing with new drawer and cabinet pulls—and ditch those outdated cookie jars and canisters for a few more modern accessories.
• Uncomfortable chairs – Whether they’re dining chairs or living room chairs, their most important function should be comfort. If they’re not comfy, sit in a few new models and choose the chairs you like best.
• Visible clutter – Unsightly clutter like that treadmill in the corner ruins the look of any space. Hide it behind an attractive screen, and invest in stylish shelves or baskets to keep other must-have eyesores in their place—but out of sight

Don’t keep something you hate – You don’t need to display that ugly vase forever, even if you got as a wedding present. Everyone updates at one time or another, so be brave and ditch it for something you like much better.  

By Barbara Pronin

Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
801-550-4419
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com

Getting Your Home Ready For Fall

Interior Maintenance

1. Check for drafts. Feel for drafts around the edges of windows and doors. A good tip is to use a lit candle and if the flame flickers, there’s most likely a draft. If necessary, replace seals and repair sealing around window and door frames. Consider buying heavier or insulated drapery for especially drafty windows.
2. Have your furnace inspected. Hire a professional to test for leaks, check heating efficiency, and change the filter. They can also check for carbon monoxide to ensure air safety. It’s also a good idea to stock up on extra air filters and change them every few months.
3. Winterize air conditioning. If your home has central air conditioning, (and you live in a climate where you won’t need it any longer,) it may be necessary to cover your outdoor unit for winter. If you use window air conditioning units, remove them or cover to prevent air leaks
4. Test home safety devices. Replace the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices and test to make sure they’re working properly.
5. Clean humidifiers. Replace old filters and clean inside compartment. Vinegar is inexpensive and works well.

Exterior Maintenance

1. Do a roof check. You should be able to do at least a visual inspection of the roof from the ground. Grab some binoculars to get a closer look or if you’re able and can do so safely, climb on up for a better view. Look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles. If your roof is flat, you may need to remove leaves and debris.
2. Check the chimney and fireplace. If you have a wood fireplace and use it often, have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional.
3. Stock up on firewood. Order enough firewood for the season. If you gather your own firewood, make sure it’s dry and ready. It’s best to cover firewood and store away from the house for safety reasons.
4. Inspect siding. Check home exterior for cracks or holes. Repair them yourself or hire a professional.
5. Clean the gutters. Hire a service to clear your gutters or do it yourself. Remove leaves, nests, and debris from gutters and check for leaks.
6. Check water drainage. Make sure rainwater downspouts are clear of obstructions and direct water is away from foundations, walkways, and driveways. Add extensions to downspouts if necessary.
7. Turn off faucets and store hoses. Drain garden hoses and disconnect from the outside spigots. Shut off exterior faucets, and if you have an older home, you may need to turn off the valve inside your home. Store hoses in a dry place so any residual water won’t freeze.
8. Service sprinklers and irrigation system. Depending on your climate, your irrigation system may need to be drained and checked. Have a professional perform any necessary repairs and mark sprinkler heads near snow removal areas.
9. Trim landscaping. Cut back bushes, shrubs, and flowers as recommended for your climate zone.
10. Bring in flowerpots. If you keep plants or flower in pots year-round, bring them inside. If you replace plants every year, empty, clean, dry pots and put away for next spring.
11. Plant bulbs. If you plant bulbs for spring, now’s the time to get them in the ground.
12. Leaf removal. Rake and remove leaves from the yard. Put into a compost pile if you have one. Alternatively, put into yard garbage bags and leave at the curb for community pick up. Check with your local city or town for requirements and pick up schedules.
13. Fertilize lawn. Applying fall lawn fertilizer will help prevent winter damage and spring weeds. Ask a local garden center or check online to find out which type of fertilizer you need and when to apply it. If you have a lawn service, they should do this for you.
14. Put away seasonal furniture. Clean and store seasonal outdoor furniture. Remove and clean cushions. Wash and dry furniture and store in a dry place over winter.

In the Garage

1. Service summer power equipment. Empty fuel and clean lawnmower and trimmer. Have lawnmower blades sharpened and oil changed. Have any necessary repairs done now, so that you’re ready come spring.
2. Store summer vehicles. If you have a motorcycle, summer car, ATV or other type seasonal vehicle, now’s a good time to have that serviced as well.
3. Get winter equipment ready. Service snow blower and make sure it is ready to go, especially if you live in an unpredictable climate.
4. Clean the garage. Since you’re in the garage prepping for fall, you might as well purge, organize and clean it while you’re there!

Shauna Quick

Realtor 

Exit Realty Success

801-550-4419

www.shaunaqsellshomes.com

shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com