Tips for Winning Over Spring-time Home Buyers

Spring is the optimum time to sell your home. Regardless of whether it's a buyer's market or a seller's market, inventory almost always rises in the spring. Why? Because the largest number of buyers are actively searching for a new home during the months of April, May and June. Here are a few things you can do to improve the odds that your home will stand out among the sea of new listings flooding the spring-time real estate market:

1. Due to search capabilities on the internet, so many potential homebuyers are first driving by homes before scheduling an appointment to go inside! If your home has poor CURB APPEAL, homebuyers may decide to strike it off their list without ever stepping foot into your home!

2. Is there enough LIGHTING outside? Perhaps investing in some low voltage landscape lights will add something to your front yard!

3. Is the LANDSCAPING well maintained? This includes lawn & shrubs. Make sure the shrubs are cut back so that windows are not blocked!

4. Does the garden & walkway need WEEDING? Spend a weekend getting rid of all the weeds!

5. Is the garden equipment stored properly? The last thing someone wants to see is a hose strewn across the lawn, or the lawn mower sitting in the backyard!

6. Do the doors need new hardware, new & larger house numbers and/or new light fixtures?

7. Are there cracks in the driveway? If so, you may want to repair or even reseal the driveway!

8. Are there cracks in the foundation or walkways? Buyers will notice these things and they may shy away from your home if they begin to think there are some structural issues!

9. Where is the garbage cans stored? The last thing you want a buyer to notice, or even smell on a hot day, is the garbage! So make sure your cans are out of sight, and that there are tight fitting lids on each can!

10. How are the gutters & chimney? If the gutters need cleaning, go ahead and do that now! If the chimney is in need of repair, get in a good chimney sweep to take care of it now! These things may end up on a home inspection report if the buyer comes into your home!

11. How is the PAINT on the shutters, doors, trim, etc? The last thing you want is someone to look at the house with peeling paint or vinyl siding in need of a good power washing and decide that the home has not been properly maintained! So invest in some paint, or a good power wash now!

12. Are the windows dirty? Do any of them need to be replaced? After a winter of snow & ice, spring is always a welcome time! And making sure the windows are clean helps your home to shine! Wash the windows – and if any of the windows need replacing, do that now!

13. Does your home need some COLOR? Homes with lots of containers full of colorful plants on the steps & stoop tends to stand out from all the other homes surrounding it!

If you are interested in selling your home this spring (or if you are just looking for some information), please contact Matt Goslee of the McGarry-Hoopes Group at
(610) 505-6635 or mgoslee@cbpref.com

On The Fence About Buying A Home in 2011?

Here are 7 Reasons Why You Should Take The Leap this year:

1. TAX BREAKS --> The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.

2. APPRECIATION --> Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2006, according to the National Association of Realtors. Despite the losses in home values we have seen in the past couple of years, home prices are still much higher than they were 10 years ago.

3. EQUITY --> Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

4. SAVINGS --> Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.

5. PREDICTABILITY --> Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.

6. FREEDOM --> The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

7. STABILITY --> Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

**If you are interested in getting the ball rolling or just looking for some information, feel free to contact me at mgoslee@cbpref.com**

Matt Goslee
Real Estate Agent
Coldwell Banker Preferred
230 Sugartown Rd., Ste 100
Wayne, PA 19087
Cell: 610-505-6635
Email: mgoslee@cbpref.com