Things to Consider about Buying a Fixer Upper

Older homes hold true characteristic in both their interior and exterior, making them great for fixer uppers. Updating an older space allows you to treasure the unique statements, such as discovering hidden shiplap or restoring old hardwood floors and bring out the raw beauty within the home. Not only are historic homes beautiful for fixer uppers, but can also come with a cheaper price. Your Choice Properties real estate agent can help find your dream fixer upper within your price range and desired features. In the meantime, we have created a list of things to consider about buying a fixer upper, ensuring you are fully prepared for the flip.

Talk to an Inspector

When buying an older home, it's common of the home to come with both cosmetic and design updates. It's important to speak with an inspector to fully understand the condition and safety of the home, ranging from plumbing, electrical, to foundation. Having a complete understanding of the home's risks will prepare you for updates needed, allowing you to adjust your budget on the renovation.

Break Down Investments

Upon making a plan based on the inspectors findings, your next step should be to go through investments with your contractor. Sorting through different options for repairs while staying in budget gives you the chance to see where your money can go. Selecting a contractor that cares enough on your project will be patient as you decide your best options.

Ask Yourself How You Feel

When taking on the project of a fixer upper, it definitely comes with a commitment! The investment of time and money comes with patience needed. Several months are required during renovation, leaving you to be completely sure you are ready for this adventure. Don't be afraid to change your preferences in the middle of house hunting! Your Choice Properties real estate agent is here to offer patience as we help find the home of your dreams.

Fixer uppers can be great investments in the long run, but require a promised commitment. Ask yourself if you are truly ready for a big project and tackle it head on, creating the home of your dreams!

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you. Call us to get started on your dream home search today.

Costly Mistakes to Avoid After Buying Your First Home

Buying your first home is a rewarding accomplishment in life. To officially call yourself a homeowner and knowing your hard work paid off is a memory that will last forever. Although you should feel prepared to avoid pitfalls, it never hurts to research common problems almost all new homeowners experience. The last thing you should be worrying about is not being prepared for the unexpected. We have curated a list of costly mistakes to avoid after buying your first home to help your process be smooth and memorable.

Investing in Multiple Expensive Home Improvements

Updating your home consists of fun projects worth planning, but don't let the eagerness make you invest in too many home improvements at once. Tackling one project at a time will keep your budget in line and ensure a well completed renovation. If you are debating between which home improvements to start, consider speaking with a trusted real estate agent to discover which options add more value to your home. Adding value to a home is a great option when planning for long-term goals.

Ignoring Maintenance Issues

Moving into a new home comes with the chance of having to deal with any surprises, from a leaking sink to water damage. Tackling these small maintenance issues in the beginning will prevent you from spending extra money down the road, as the issue only progress in time.

Selecting The Cheapest Options

The saying "quality over quantity" goes hand-in-hand in renovation, even though quality may come with a price. Whether it is the flooring you choose or the contractor who installs, avoid making a poor mistake only for the fraction of the cost. When searching for contractors to assist in home renovations, be sure research previous work and read testimonials from clients in the past. The price you pay will show within the materials.

Performing a DIY on Complicated Projects

Do it yourself projects are fun and shows off your hard work! However, don't get too wrapped up in a project you can't handle or finish yourself. Painting your walls and hanging art are great tasks to complete yourself. When it comes to electrical issues or plumbing, it's best to leave those for the pros. Hiring a professional will not only save time and money, but will ensure a completed project performed the right way.

Calling yourself a homeowner is exciting and should come with a proud feeling! It's important to keep in mind the responsibilities that come with homeownership, from small maintenance issues to big renovations. Be prepared when tackling sudden leaks or water damage to keep your home value rising.

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you. Call us to get started on your dream home search today.

Real Estate Seller's Survival Guide ; A 5 Step Checklist

As a homeowner, coming to the decision to sell your home brings a wave of emotions and stressors making the process feel overwhelming. You will learn to cherish your memories spent as you prepare to take the next adventure in life, giving your family the chance to make new, enjoyable moments. Don't let the anxiety of selling your home take away from the excitement! We have created a real estate seller's survival guide ; a 5 step checklist to help ease the stress.

Define Goals

Creating a defined list of goals will gauge your need to sell. Weighing the pros and cons of selling your house is a great way to show the advantages or disadvantages of selling your home in this moment. When doing this, make note of the length of time you are able to have your house on the market. Defining your goals will determine your readiness, and will create milestones for you to proudly accomplish.

Calculate Selling Expenses

Selling a home comes with updating spaces, making small renovations, and preparing the house for viewings. You want to show the buyer a clean, updated home that is suitable for their lifestyle. Calculating your expenses allows you to see what projects you can afford, potentially increasing the value of your home.

Create a Strategy

Upon defining your goals, it is time to create a strategy. How fast do you need to sell your house and what price are you seeking? Do you have a trusted real estate agent? Having a real estate agent to help you through the process will ease a tremendous amount of confusion and stress. While creating your strategy, it is important to compare your home in the market around you to grasp an idea of comparable listings.

Determine Market Value

Comparing listings while creating a strategy prepares you for setting a realistic value on your home. Your agent will also compare in the area, ensuring your home is on the market at the best price. If you have renovated additional space or even small updates to the bathroom or kitchen, the value of your home will increase. Little changes, such as updating hardware or fresh paint, are an easy way to increase the desire of the space.

Stage Your Home

Decluttering and getting rid of unnecessary items is a great start to preparing your home for a showing. The first impression home buyers create is impactive, therefore it is important to be sure it's bold. Simple tasks such as having a clean, fresh-cut lawn will draw in a buyer's attention. When a buyer is interested, keep in mind the value of your home rather than accepting the first bid. Know the worth of your house but remember to be realistic with the pricing.

Having a positive mindset is the first step to ensuring a smooth home selling process. When selecting an award-winning agent, your home is bound to sell holding it's true value in a timely manner. Don't let the stress keep you from enjoying the future!

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you. Call us to get started on your home selling process today.

Considerations for Buying an Older Home

Character and personality are nice things to have in a home, but it does not always mean the home is going to be what you want. Fine woodwork, wrap-around porches, arched doorways, carved staircases and ornate tapestry are all part of the deal but it can come with additional risks and expenses of buying an older home. Learn how to protect yourself against these risks.

Foundation and Structure

Even the best homes can shift over time, causing cracks in the foundations and walls. Doors and windows may jam, chimneys need support, and stonework needs attention. Older homes are also at greater risk of termite damage, which impacts floors, structural walls, and the drywall.

Hazardous Materials

Homes built prior to 1978 often contained lead based paint, both inside and out. Old lead pipes can get into the water system. Asbestos was commonly used for insulation and fireproofing. This is all fixable, at a cost to the homeowner.

Electrical System

If you know the age of the electrical system, you are in good shape. If it is knob-and-tube wiring, you will want to replace it. Insulation for the wiring needs to be intact, and the electrical panel and circuit breakers should be up-to-date. If it was replaced recently, make sure it was done to code.

Old Appliances and HVAC

Kitchen and laundry room appliances, air conditioning systems, furnaces, and water heaters all have expected lifespans. A home inspector will check the age of each unit to determine typical remaining years. Figure this into your purchase price.

Trees, Leaves, Roots

One of the attractions of an older home is the beauty of an older neighborhood with trees and mature shrubs. These items are costly and often require regular trimming. Autumn brings leaves that need to be raked and bagged. Old trees have roots which can crack foundations and sidewalks, or grow into plumbing. Check to make sure the seller stayed on top of any root problems.

Don't let any of this deter you from purchasing an older home, full of character and charm. This can be a great way to renovate or update an old property and help you get on your way to owning a sweet old home. Just be aware of any hidden costs to eliminate surprises and keep you feeling good about the purchase.

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you. Call us to get started on your dream home search today.