When looking for a way to spruce up the kitchen, you might want to paint your counter tops.  I found this product at the Benjamin Moore Paint store in Huntsville, Al.  It actually works on formica counter tops and helps transform older outdated colors into look a like granite type colors. 

Just another idea and opportunity to update your kitchen, the focal point of the home.

Painting To Sell

One of the easiest and least expensive things to do to help your home sell more quickly is to freshen the paint.  I don't recommend a do it yourself job unless you really know what you are doing.  Many times do it yourself paint jobs may cost you more money in the end.  Start with a neutral color scheme and get a quote for the job.

Stay away from bright or outdated colors.  The paint store should be able to point you in the direction of the most popular new paint colors.  This will help you bring your home in line with your competition and make it look fresh and clean.  Lighter colors will open up space and add dimension to the room. 

Do You Know If You Have Radon?

In North Alabama Radon is commonly found.  Radon is the #2 leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.  There are certain areas more prone to have radon than others.  Radon can enter the home through the foundation.  It can come in a concrete slab, crawlspace or basement.  You can easily test your home for radon yourself by picking up a kit a Lowe's or a similar company.  Follow the directions on the packet, seal it up and mail it off for the results when the testing is finished. 

Many new homes in the North Alabama area come with a passive radon system.  This means the vent is already installed in the home at construction and if radon is ever found you simply would need to add a fan to rid it from your home.  Be sure and ask your builder if this is something that is included in your new build.  If you are buying an already lived in home it is a good idea to test for radon during the inspection process.  It can be mitigated but may be a little costly depending on your budget. 

Click on this link in order to read more about radon. 

The Buyer Turn Off

Here is an article from Realtor.com that gives you a few examples of things you may not notice when living in your home but your buyer will.  7 Minor Flaws That Can Totally Turn Off Buyers

Looking for a home in the Huntsville, AL market?  Check out my website for all the latest listings.

The Odorless Home Sell

As unsightly as the photo is so is the odor when it is in your home.  Pet odors, Cigarette odors, Cooking Odors, Mildew odors, etc.   Some odors are easier than others to remove.  Taking the time and money to remove odors up front before putting your home on the market will save you much money on your sale. 

With a hard to manage odor in the home your buyer will consider the cost of removing such odors.  For cigarette odors, flooring may need replacing, walls may need scrubbed and even duct work could need cleaning.  For mold and mildew odors, once you fix the problem and freshen up the odor will generally go away.  For pet odors, you may need to change flooring and sometimes you may need to remove the pet from the home as well during the time your home is on the market.  If your pet is not potty trained then cleaning the carpets or replacing them is not going to help. 

Odors are deal killers in today's home market.  Be realistic and fix your problem before marketing the home to get the best possible price in today's competitive market. 

Professional Photos

I just can't tell you enough how important professional photos are in this competitive market. I listed this home yesterday and already have a showing.  It won't last long.  The photos on line are the first impression.  It is kind of like walking in the front door for the first time.  Photos get the buyer in the home.  Notice how clean the counter tops are and how "at home" the living area feels. 

Second to the professional photos is cleaning and declutter.  These home photos are the perfect example.  Check out this link to see more photos of this home.
Karen Harrison Sells Huntsville

Who You Know & What You Know

One way I help to get my listings sold is networking.  Going to chamber events, realtor events, meeting new people, clubs, etc.  Recently there was a packed house at the State of the County Address with Chairman Dale Strong.  Mr. Strong offered many exciting updates including the upcoming Toyota / Mazda plant that will soon be breaking into the Madison county area and bringing with it 4000 new jobs.  Many updates were offered about road construction and infrastructure that will allow for better commute times and conditions. 

With Madison County in Alabama growing at such an exciting rate, it is so necessary that your realtor stays informed and educated about the area.  Ask your realtor how they stay up to date and informed about the latest news and area information.

Karen Harrison with RE/MAX Alliance works hard to stay involved and committed to the community she serves. 

Pricing Your Home To Sell!!

You want to sell your home fast but you want to get the best possible price.  The best thing you can do to accomplish your goal is to hire an experienced realtor in your area, look closely at the comparable sales and price your home accordingly.

On the day before New Years Eve I put a home on the market.  We did good research and spruced it up for sale.  The weather was unusually cold and it was during the holidays so it was a weird time for a house sale.  However, with the appropriate price, a little decorating to sell, and professional photography, within 24 hours we had 10 showings and 3 offers.  The home sold for full price to the offer with the best terms for my seller.

Below in the photo you will see the history for a home that was listed in 2016.  It had been on the market for 375 days before it went contingent.  The price was reduced 8 times before a buyer came along.  This home may have brought a lower price just because it had been on the market a long time and had multiple price reductions.  Even though you as a seller may think you want to try it a little higher to start....that is when there are people in the market looking for a home like yours.  If those buyers think your home is too high they will opt for another home.  Once those buyers have purchased another home you may find yourself needing to reduce the price to appeal to more purchasers.

For highest and best price, price it right to start.  Don't opt to "try it a little high" in the beginning.  You will lose your best prospects in the beginning and it will stay on the market too long therefore bringing a lower price.

Check out these homes for sale in Hampton Cove.

Clean The Refrigerator

Have you ever wondered what people might look at when they are looking to purchase your home?  Did you think they wouldn't open the refrigerator?  The kitchen is the hub of the home.  Buyers gravitate toward the kitchen. They really look it over good.  They want to know it is where they feel comfortable cooking and eating.  The kitchen is certainly one of the main rooms to focus on when selling your home.  Maybe you didn't think much about the refrigerator.  Here is North Alabama the refrigerator does not generally convey at closing although many times it is negotiated as part of the deal.  Whether it conveys or not it is just a habit, you go to the kitchen, you open the refrigerator.  Generally when this happens there is always a commit.  It's either, "wow, look how clean the fridge is" or "yuck", or just a simple, "does the refrigerator go with the house?".  So, a clean refrigerator is more than you think.  Might want to take a few minutes to clean out the fridge, wipe down the shelves, throw out the old food and clean up the outside.  And, by the way, if you are trying to sell.....remove all of those unsightly stickers. 

Showing Off The Fireplace.

Yesterday in the cold of winter, I showed a beautiful home.  The homeowner had stepped out for the showing and turned on the gas fireplace.  What a wonderful idea on a cold winter day.  It felt so much like home and was warm and inviting.  You certainly wouldn't want to go out and leave your fireplace on all day but what a great idea if you are just stepping out for a showing or maybe try turning it on for the professional photographer. 

Working With A Realtor Team

Karen Harrison's team of experienced realtors has more than 30 years of experience between us.  We use the team approach and it has served us and our clients very well.  When one is not available another one can be. This allows us to be able to work open houses and keep all of our inventory of homes in mind as well we all of our buyers in mind as we come across new possibilities.  We each bring new ideas to the table and work diligently as full time agents to insure a seamless transaction. 

Unique Ideas For Selling Homes

Try a video similar to the one I prepared for a home near Guntersville Lake.  This gives the prospective buyers information for the home as well as the community.

Video Advertising

This video has been used on social media, emailed, and parked on youtube.  It has gotten lots of activity and comments.  I was also able to upload a portion of it to instagram.