Monday, 24 October 2011

How Do You Know If a House Is Right For You?

By Ron Darby


In the past, homesellers never gave a second thought to how buyer's viewed their homes. It was common to see an unkempt kitchen, worn furniture, and messes around the home. Staging a home to attract homebuyers wasn't heard of. In today's competitive market place, the real estate community has caught on to the fact staging a home before it advertised can increase it's marketability. A home buyer tends to pay more for a home that presents itself well.

Fixing up a home to draw a homebuyer wasn't practiced much in the old days. Today's cutthroat real estate market has forced the industry to think of creative ways to get a homebuyer to offer more on a property. If you're trying to purchase a home, make sure you aren't distracted with the dazzling presentation of the home. Let's discuss the 7 tips to help you choose the best home:

1) Can All Your Furniture Fit? - When a house is staged, most of the seller's furniture is replaced with a select few pieces designed to make the room look more spacious. Don't be fooled by the visual size of a room. If you're checking out a master bedroom, imagine how your king sized bed, nightstand, and dressers will fit, not their twin sized bed with a small side table.

2) Are They Low On Everyday Sundries and Accessories? - A well stocked utility or laundry area will display laundry detergent, softener, laundry baskets, and a folding ironing board. A staged home may only carry a single wicker basket full of towels. Make sure the home has plenty of space for all your daily accessories and mini-appliances such a ironing board or clothing steamer.

3) How Is The Room's Layout? - When you walk into a room, study what features captivate your gaze. Perhaps there could be a reason your focus is directed to that part of the room such as to avoid noticing a cold and uninviting hallway.

4) What Size Are The Closets And Built-In Cabinets? - If a home appears tidy and neat, you may not be aware of a missing guest closet, linen closet, storage, attic, or basement. Make sure to estimate if the house has enough storage space for your items.

5) Does The Decor Match The Home Style? - If you're desiring a particular style of home, be sure the decor matches the exterior styling. Homes can be staged to imitate a certain style, yet the true style of the home will be something different. Stagers can even dress up a plain 1960's tract home to appear like an Arts and Crafts bungalow.

6) How Convenient Are The Electrical Outlets? - Older homes tend to feature inconvenient and insufficient outlets. When you view a home, be sure to check that all lamps and non-stationary lighting works. Also observe if all kitchen and important large appliances have a nearby outlet.

7) Do You Get That Home Sweet Home Feel? - As you inspect a home, don't let the aroma of potpourri smells and the relaxing sound of music playing in the background distract you from honestly evaluating a home.

Staging a house isn't necessarily deception, you may even pick up some great ideas on how you could decorate the place if you bought it. You just don't want to be distracted into paying more than a house is worth just because it looks great.




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