Curb Appeal Upgrades that can Add Value
6/14/2020
As a homeowner, you shouldn't ignore curb appeal.
Keep it in great condition, and you’ll likely see high property values and serious marketability when it comes time to sell. Let it slide, and the opposite could happen. Even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, refreshing your home’s exterior can add value or give you a head start if you choose to sell later. It just takes a little effort and a touch of creativity. Here are four ways to up your curb appeal: Plant a garden. A pop of color goes a long way, so plant a few flowers or a flowering bush in front of your home. Opt for perennials, which can last more than two years. Upgrade your mailbox. Forget the standard old mailbox that came with the house. Try a brick model — or revamp your existing one with a fresh coat of paint or a new post. Make your front porch more inviting. If you’re looking for an easy project with a big impact, add some charm to your porch. Get some potted or hanging plants, a brand-new welcome mat and a couple of cozy chairs. Freshen up your door. Give it a new coat of paint, add some new fixtures and a kickplate, and maybe update your address numbers, too. They might seem like small fixes, but they can make a big difference in your home’s overall appearance. Curb appeal matters — especially if you’re considering selling your home soon. Looking for more tips on boosting the value of your home? Get in touch today.
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With much of the country mostly staying home, it's not your typical spring homebuying season.
You might think social distancing has made it difficult to meet with lenders, view properties and sign paperwork, but fortunately that's not the case. In fact, prospective buyers and sellers continue to move forward with their housing needs and doing so with safety in mind. While the process may look a little different, modern technology is making it possible and, in some ways, more convenient. So how does it work?
The way we buy and sell homes may have changed for now, but it’s still an active and essential market. If you have any questions about making a move, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 5 Gift Ideas for Essential Workers
6/2/2020
It’s easy to focus on what you can’t do while you’re stuck at home these days. But here’s something you can do: Show thanks to the essential workers in your life.
Health care professionals, grocery store employees, first responders, mail carriers and many others are still going to work every day. They’re risking their health to help our community. We might not be able to spend time together in person, but we can still be there for our friends and neighbors. So how can you show your appreciation? Consider sending one of these gifts.
The Office of Inspector General is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners. Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing.
Grants: SBA does not initiate contact on either 7a or Disaster loans or grants. If you are proactively contacted by someone claiming to be from the SBA, suspect fraud. Loans:
Phishing:
Report any suspected fraud to OIG’s Hotline at 800-767-0385 or online at: https://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/oversight-advocacy/office-inspector-general/office-inspectorgeneral-hotline But tracking the possible spread of COVID-19 will require resources, sensitivity and an openness to new ideas and technology.
By Civil Beat Editorial Board / April 25, 2020 Imagine this: A person with COVID-19 attends a party. If patient zero infects three other people, it could — because it is more contagious than seasonal flu — lead to 12 cases total. “If that scenario plays out just 10 times, the first case will have led to more than 59,000,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Andy Levin (D-Mich.) wrote in a proposal released Wednesday. The lawmakers, worried about the lack of a coordinated national effort on contact tracing, are proposing a “coronavirus containment corps” to assist state and local health departments with tracing potential coronavirus victims. As NBC News reports, Warren and Levin represent states that have among the highest number of cases. Warren, the former presidential candidate, lost her oldest brother to the disease on Tuesday. How Tech Helps You Buy or Sell a Home
4/23/2020
With much of the country mostly staying home, it's not your typical spring homebuying season.
You might think social distancing has made it difficult to meet with lenders, view properties and sign paperwork, but fortunately that's not the case. In fact, prospective buyers and sellers continue to move forward with their housing needs and doing so with safety in mind. While the process may look a little different, modern technology is making it possible and, in some ways, more convenient. So how does it work?
The way we buy and sell homes may have changed for now, but it’s still an active and essential market. If you have any questions about making a move, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. When Arabel Camblor moved to Hilo in 1990, she left behind a promising career in finance to join her husband’s search for a life away from the bustle of Miami city living. She spent her early years moving around from her birthplace in the Philippines to Pennsylvania, Canada, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Arkansas, Texas, and Florida. In Hilo, she started a real estate career that would eventually lead to Arabel L Camblor Realty and winning the prestigious Realtor® of the Year (ROTY) award for 2019.
ROTY is the only annual award given by Hawai‘i Realtors®, the statewide association of Realtors®. Camblor’s career includes an impressive service history with local, state, and national levels of Realtor® associations along with presidencies at Hawai‘i Realtors® (2015) and Hawai‘i Island Realtors® (2009). After 19 years in the business, Camblor cites hard work and effort as main elements of success in real estate: “It’s the type of business where you have to plan from the beginning. It’s your small business, and you’re totally responsible for your successes and failures. It requires constant effort to focus on your craft.” What Incentive is Better than Money?
10/29/2019
Are you wondering how to avoid getting into a fast and furious bidding war once you find your dream home? Even if you can afford to pay more, it’s not always the best move.
Money is one thing that turns sellers’ heads, but it's far from the only incentive when you’re competing with other buyers. So why raise the ante with more money? If you want to offer your seller something they can't refuse, try offering a flexible closing date. Why is the closing date important? On closing day, the home’s sales documents are signed and ownership changes hands. In most cases, that’s about 30 to 60 days from when your offer is accepted. But what if that doesn’t work with the seller’s timeline? How can a flexible closing help you? Some sellers need to get out fast. They could be relocating and need to move immediately. Maybe they already bought a new home. By offering a fast closing, you can help them to avoid paying two mortgages. Other sellers need more time. Maybe they're building their dream home and hit an unexpected construction delay. Your flexibility with a delayed possession date offers them the security of having their new home lined up before they have to move. How else can we sweeten the deal? Let’s say the best bid you can make is a bit lower than the listing price. Offering a seller rent-back might encourage them to choose your offer over others that are less accommodating. This lets the seller rent the space from you for a set amount of time until they’re ready to move. To make a flexible closing date work for you, remember to go on a month-to-month lease or have alternative housing options ready. When you’re ready to make an offer on a home, keep in mind that understanding what motivates the seller is how we’ll get your offer accepted. Ready to start your search? Reach out today. What Incentive is Better than Money?
9/23/2019
Are you wondering how to avoid getting into a fast and furious bidding war once you find your dream home? Even if you can afford to pay more, it’s not always the best move.
Money is one thing that turns sellers’ heads, but it's far from the only incentive when you’re competing with other buyers. So why raise the ante with more money? If you want to offer your seller something they can't refuse, try offering a flexible closing date. Why is the closing date important? On closing day, the home’s sales documents are signed and ownership changes hands. In most cases, that’s about 30 to 60 days from when your offer is accepted. But what if that doesn’t work with the seller’s timeline? How can a flexible closing help you? Some sellers need to get out fast. They could be relocating and need to move immediately. Maybe they already bought a new home. By offering a fast closing, you can help them to avoid paying two mortgages. Other sellers need more time. Maybe they're building their dream home and hit an unexpected construction delay. Your flexibility with a delayed possession date offers them the security of having their new home lined up before they have to move. How else can we sweeten the deal? Let’s say the best bid you can make is a bit lower than the listing price. Offering a seller rent-back might encourage them to choose your offer over others that are less accommodating. This lets the seller rent the space from you for a set amount of time until they’re ready to move. To make a flexible closing date work for you, remember to go on a month-to-month lease or have alternative housing options ready. When you’re ready to make an offer on a home, keep in mind that understanding what motivates the seller is how we’ll get your offer accepted. Ready to start your search? Reach out today. 3 Ways an Inspection Helps You Sell
8/14/2019
Like many homeowners, you might be hoping to capitalize on the hot summer homebuying season to sell your house for a pretty penny. Who knows, maybe you’ll even make enough for the beach house you’ve been eyeing or for a long summer getaway.
But first, you’ll need to get your home ready to sell. And getting a home inspection may be one of the best ways to do that. Inspections can shed light on potential issues and help you make necessary repairs before listing your home. It might even help you fetch a higher asking price if the inspection shows that your home is in better condition than others in the area. All in all, an inspection can: 1. Alert You to Issues Before Going Under Contract A home inspection can highlight issues that might concern potential buyers. Pro tip: You should fix any issues that pose a safety hazard. And your inspection report can serve as a repair guide before listing. 2. Gauge Your Pricing Expectations Inspections help you get a handle on what condition your home is in and what price it might fetch. Pro tip: A clean inspection report, or proof of recent repairs, can help buyers feel more confident in making an offer. 3. Prevent Closing Delays If issues crop up during the buyer’s inspection, it could delay closing due to repairs or prolonged negotiations. The buyer could even pull their offer altogether. Pro tip: Fixing issues before listing the home can improve the outcome of your buyer’s inspection. And that could mean less negotiation on the whole. Keep in mind that inspections come with an upfront fee, and you’ll be legally required to disclose any issues the inspector finds. However, we can discuss the inspection report to see how repairs could affect your home’s market value. Are you considering selling your home this year? Want to know what it’s worth or what you can expect in today’s market? Reach out today for a free local market report and see how your house measures up. |
AuthorHawaii Island Realtor® Broker, Archives
December 2021
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