Gas Cooktops and Selling Your Home

A gas cook top is becoming more and more popular in home sales.  The cooking is more even and easier to control the temperature.  Overwhelmingly a popular item in the home.

OPEN HOUSE

Yesterday was an unseasonably cold day in North Alabama.  It was our MLS open house weekend.  Even though we had a rainy stormy Saturday and a colder than normal Sunday, both days still brought in visitors.  Posting video to social media and a photo of our gorgeous fireplace at this beautiful listing just minutes from downtown Huntsville helped to bring attention to our listing on the web.  Even though some may have not ventured out and made it in to the home our views and click through was up on the internet. 

Click on this link to view more about this home 2607 Park Hampton

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  It actually works on formica counter tops and helps transform older outdated colors into look a like granite type colors.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Stay away from bright or outdated colors.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.