4 Tips for Adding Value to Your Birmingham Home

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Before you list your home, there are four simple things you can do to add value to your property. First, improve your curb appeal. This is what buyers see when they first look at your home. Pay attention to landscaping. Are there any fresh flowers? Do you need to add rocks to flower beds? Does your front door need to be painted or replaced? Whatever you have to do, make sure the outside of your house looks great in order to capture the buyer’s attention. Next, declutter your home. As homeowners, we collect a ton of stuff over the years. You should get rid of all that extra stuff. Get it out of the house. Throw it away or put it in storage. Once your house is decluttered, it will feel larger.

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Neutral colors appeal to more buyers than bright, bold colors.

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You should also paint the interior of your home. Use light, neutral colors for the walls. Don’t go crazy with bold colors; some people may like them but a lot of people don’t. Going neutral with paint is your best chance at reaching the vast majority of people. Finally, update your faucets and fixtures. They do have a life cycle. One day, silver faucets and fixtures are popular, and before you know it, people are switching those out for bronze fixtures. Updating the fixtures can make you feel like you updated the whole bathroom. If you have any questions about adding value to your property or real estate in general, give me a call or send me an email. I would be happy to help you!

Why You Need a Buyer’s Agent in Birmingham

Selling your Birmingham home? Get a free home value report

Buying a Birmingham home? Search all homes for sale

I started out my real estate career working with buyers. Even today, I still see buyers making the same mistake. They approach the buying process without proper representation. Why is it so important to hire a buyer’s agent in Birmingham?

1. A buyer’s agent represents you. They don’t have any other interests other than your own. You have to compete with the listing agent, who serves as representation for the sellers.
2. A buyer’s agent knows what homes are available. They’re familiar with the MLS, especially which homes are newly listed. They interact with a real estate network you wouldn't otherwise have without their help.




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You need someone to help you stay focused!

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3. A buyer’s agent has connections in the industry. Beyond other agents, they know home inspectors, loan officers, and other professionals involved with the real estate process.
4. A buyer’s agent helps you stay on track with your goals. There is so much involved with the buying process and it’s easy to lose track of your progress. You need someone to help you stay focused!

These are only four of many reasons why buyer’s agents are crucial in our marketplace. Don’t make the mistake and not hire one!

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the surrounding Birmingham area, give me a call or send me an email. I’d be happy to help you!

What Do Rising Interest Rates Mean for Birmingham Home Sellers?

Selling your Birmingham home? Get a free home value report

Buying a Birmingham home? Search all homes for sale

Late last year the Fed met and raised interest rates for the first time in years. It was a small increase, but what many people don't understand is that even small interest rate increases have a huge impact on affordability.

We're predicting interest rates to rise slowly over the course of 2016 as the market continues to stabilize. Inventory is down and home values will continue to rise. Additionally, on-the-fence buyers are going to enter the market in order to make a purchase before rates increase significantly.

It all comes down to supply and demand when it comes to the pricing of homes. We already have a low inventory, and we're expecting an influx of buyers trying to avoid high interest rates. This is a perfect storm for sellers in our area; your home's value will likely be at a premium in 2016! 

If you have any thoughts of selling your home this year, now is the time to start looking into the process. Give us a call or shoot us an email at any time so we can start talking about how much we can get for your home! We look forward to helping you take advantage of these fabulous conditions soon!