WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Briarwood Real Estate
31 Belmont Street, South Easton MA, MA 02375
508-326-6538 | [email protected]
31 Belmont Street, South Easton MA, MA 02375
508-326-6538 | [email protected]
Ultimately, the amount of money an individual requires during the home selling journey varies. If you intend to sell a house, it often is a good idea to plan ahead for any expenses you may encounter along the way. Because if you fail to account for potential house selling costs, you may struggle to seamlessly navigate the property selling journey.
Now, let's take a look at three of the most common home selling expenses.
1. Home Cleaning
Regardless of whether you decide to clean your house on your own or hire a professional, house cleaning costs can add up quickly. If you prepare for home cleaning expenses, however, you can keep your residence neat and tidy without breaking your budget.
Oftentimes, it helps to make a list of the areas of your home that require extensive cleaning. You then can establish home cleaning priorities, make a list of the cleaning supplies you will need and clean your residence accordingly.
If you decide to hire a professional cleaning company, be sure to shop around. Professional cleaning companies are available in cities and towns nationwide, and if you conduct an in-depth search, you can find a cleaning provider that offers a great blend of convenience and affordability.
2. Home Repairs
Cracked or damaged home siding, a faulty water heater or other house problems are unlikely to do you any favors during the property selling journey. If you put aside funds to address such issues, you can upgrade your residence before you list it.
It may be beneficial to conduct a home inspection prior to adding your house to the real estate market. During an inspection, a home expert will analyze your residence and identify any underlying property issues. You next can use a home inspection report to determine which house repairs need to be completed right away.
Keep in mind that some home repairs are simple, and as such, you may be able to complete them on your own. Conversely, for complex home repairs, you should enlist professional support. Although you will need to pay to hire a home improvement professional, this individual can help you quickly and safely upgrade your residence.
3. Lawn Care
How your lawn looks to potential buyers is crucial, particularly for those who want to enjoy a fast, profitable house selling experience. If your lawn is freshly cut and weed-free, you could help your house stand out to dozens of prospective buyers.
In many instances, home sellers can mow the lawn, trim the hedges and perform other lawn care tasks on their own. This enables sellers to avoid the costs associated with hiring lawn care professionals.
If you prefer to hire lawn care professionals, be thorough. Request client referrals, and you can find out what it is like to work with a particular lawn care professional before you make your hiring decision.
Lastly, as you prepare for the home selling journey, you may want to hire a real estate agent. If you have a real estate agent at your side, you can plan ahead for all aspects of the house selling journey.
Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
Most homebuyers take out a mortgage when they purchase a house, and there are several different types of mortgages to choose from. Here are some of the more common mortgage options and the benefits of each one.
Perhaps the standard starting point for a mortgage is the conventional 30-year fixed home loan. This mortgage is underwritten by a private lending institution but conforms to standards set forth by federal programs. The terms of the loan last for 30 years, and the interest rate is fixed so that it doesn’t change throughout this period.
A conventional 30-year fixed mortgage is a good option for many homebuyers. It lets you spread out the cost of a house across three decades, and you know what the interest and payments will be for the full duration of the loan.
Conventional 15-year fixed mortgages are just like their 30-year counterparts, except these last half as long. Because the duration of these mortgages is half as long, homebuyers end up paying a lot less in interest.
You’ll have to pay more per month if you cram your mortgage into 15 years, but the interest savings are substantial. If you can afford higher monthly payments, this option will end up saving you a lot.
Adjustable-rate mortgages come in various durations, just as fixed-rate mortgages do. The difference between the two is that the interest rate on an adjustable-rate mortgage can adjust. The interest rate is set according to an index, and as the index changes so does the interest rate on the loan. Which index is used and how adjustments are made are detailed in the paperwork of a loan.
Most adjustable-rate mortgages come with lower initial interest rates than fixed-rate mortgages offer, although the rates on adjustable mortgages can end up being much higher. If you can financially manage an increase in your mortgage’s interest rate, this option might be a way to save a little bit of interest (although there is risk involved).
The federal government offers several guaranteed mortgage options for qualifying individuals. Some of the most common ones are VA and FHA guaranteed home loans.
In these programs, the government guarantees a mortgage if the homebuyer fails to make their payments. This reduces the risk to the lender, and many lenders relax their qualification requirements as a result.
If you can’t get a conventional mortgage and qualify for a federally guaranteed program, one of these could help you attain the dream of home ownership.
Photo by David McBee from Pexels
For most homeowners, the last thing they’re worried about is the physical roof over their heads. That is until their roof starts leaking after a storm. Once the water is pouring down and you’re forced to bring out buckets, you’re likely to curse yourself for not thinking about roof maintenance sooner. So, how can you prevent this scenario from taking place? The best way to prevent a roofing disaster is to pay close attention to early warning signs and invest in proper roofing maintenance. Keep reading to learn more about the signs of an aging roof and what you can do to improve your property value with a well-maintained roof.
Unsure of how long ago your roof was replaced? Follow the paper trail to find important information regarding your roof installation, current lifetime expectancy and any warranties that may still be in place. Typically, a traditional asphalt shingle roof should be good for about 20 to 25 years.
Take the time to look up at your roof now and then to check on the condition of your shingles. This is an especially important habit to get into following a big storm or other inclement weather conditions. Your roof shingles should always appear to be laying flat against the roof, if they appear to be buckling, cracked or damaged, then you should reach out to a professional to discuss repair options.
Not only does a drooping, saggy roof look terrible, but it can also cause extensive damage to your home if it’s not repaired quickly. Beware of trapped moisture, sagging spots and rotting boards when inspecting a droopy roof. A droopy or sagging roof should be replaced as soon as possible to help boost your curb appeal and improve your overall property value.
Moss can make for a beautiful feature to your garden or dry-stacked wall but it’s not something you want to see growing in the corner of your roof. Moss almost always spells big trouble for a roof, often indicating a sign of trapped moisture. Moss that grows in shady corners of a roof can be cleaned with a stiff brush and the area should also be inspected for additional problems.
If you think it may be time for a new roof, it’s a good idea to look inside the home as well. Head up into the attic armed with a flashlight and take the time to carefully inspect your eaves. You should be on the lookout for any light beams coming through the top of your home or possible water stains and streaks. These can be signs of a leaky roof and indicate it’s time to call in the professionals.
While replacing a roof is no small feat, it can help protect your home from additional damages and boost your property value as well. Avoid falling into the “fixer-upper” category when listing your home and stay on top of regular roof maintenance.
