These 5 Tips Will Help Your Home Stand Out In A Crowded Market

The housing market is hot right now with lots of inventory and very motivated buyers. So if you’re putting your house up for sale, you have to make your home as attractive to buyers as possible, or they’ll simply move on to another house. Following these five tips will help you be more competitive in the market - moving your house more quickly and getting you the highest sale price possible.

Boost Curb Appeal

Pressure wash the siding and driveway to revitalize these surfaces. A clean exterior will signal to prospective buyers that your home was well-kept and that the interior is likely to be in great shape too.

If washing the siding isn’t doing enough to bring back the color, consider painting your home. While you’re at it, freshen up the trim, shudders, and entry door to make your home look like new again.

During the growing season, don’t forget to keep an eye out for overgrown trees and bushes as well. If you have sidewalks or paths that are partially blocked by any branches, think about trimming those back before house viewings.

Clear Out Clutter

Buyers will be turned off by excessive clutter and personal items. Removing larger furniture, decor, and family photos will make rooms look larger and it will be easier for those touring your home to envision their own items in that space.

Clean Everything Inside

Hiring a cleaning service is the fastest and easiest way to get your house sparkling. Simply call a local cleaner and ask for a move out cleaning. They’ll take care of the rest.

If you don’t have the budget to hire cleaners, then you’ll need to clean each room (including the garage and basement) yourself. Vacuum floors, wash light fixtures, polish woodwork, and clean out all appliances to brighten and deodorize your house.

Make Needed Improvements

Whether you want to add a fresh coat of paint to the bedrooms, update the bathroom, or make repairs in the kitchen, now is the time to do it. Renovating before you sell will be a big draw to buyers who are looking for a turnkey home.

Get Your Home Inspected

A home inspector can point out any issues that need to be addressed before potential buyers visit. You can then make the repairs, or let buyers know exactly what needs work. Though a home inspector can run anywhere from $300 - $500, it’s a great way to show buyers that your house won’t give them any surprises.

Putting a little time and money into your house before you sell can make it more attractive to buyers. Showing your house in its best light will get it more attention and maybe even a higher selling price.

When you’re ready to sell your house, contact a realtor from the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® at 815-744-4520 or http://www.trarealtors.net.

How To Get A Mortgage With Student Loan Debt

Time Magazine reports that the Student Loan Crisis is worse than ever.  More than 25% of students are graduating with too much student debt and the overall debt number has exceeded the $1 trillion mark.  While this issue may not seem related to being a homeowner, it is affecting the housing market in surprising ways.

When you apply for a mortgage, student loans can be the make or break factor for getting approved.  If you have student loans and are looking to buy a home, you’re in luck! Follow our advice for affording a mortgage while balancing student loans:

Managing Loans

If you are paying a high interest rate on your student debt, it may be time to look into refinancing and consolidating.  Refinancing your student loan reduces your debt-to-income ratio, lowers your monthly payment, locks in low interest rates and improves your chances of being approved for a mortgage.

Elevating Credit Score

How can you build good credit?  If you have student debt, one of the most effective ways to improve your credit score is by paying off loans.  Start by paying your student loans on time each month and make sure you keep your monthly balances low.  If you avoid paying off your balance each month, you might be faced with a fee.  

Reduce Your Debt

Lessening your total debt sounds harder than it is.  If you are ready to purchase your first home, cutting back on monthly expenses is a great place to start.  Reduce your living expenses by eating out less, avoiding online shopping or even taking on a part-time job for some extra cash.  All it takes is some money management and you can be a homeowner!

Don’t let student loans affect your ability to buy a home.  Contact the professionals at Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® for professional advice!  It is our goal to provide real estate solutions for those in Will & Grundy County.  For more information, head over to our website or give us a call at 815-744-4520!

The Difference Between a REALTOR® and a Real Estate Agent

Many people are not aware that the terms REALTOR® and real estate agent are different titles.  If you are entering the housing market for the first time, it’s important to know what you will get from a REALTOR® versus a real estate agent.  While they are both licensed to sell real estate, each professional offers different values for homebuyers.  

If you are browsing the housing market and want help from a professional, follow our tips for choosing between a REALTOR® or real estate agent.

What is a REALTOR®?

A REALTOR® is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.  They act as an intermediary between sellers and buyers of real estate while also following the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.  As a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, a REALTOR® must uphold the standards of the association.  The NAR’s Code of Ethics consists of principles that require REALTORS® to cooperate with each other to further the best interest of consumers and clients.  This includes treating all parties fairly, giving equal opportunity and upholding fair housing standards.

More than 1 million members of the National Association of REALTORS® are employed across the country.  REALTORS® must hold a valid real estate license, be actively engaged in the real estate business and have no record of unprofessional conduct.

What is a real estate agent?

A real estate agent is anyone who is licensed to help people buy and sell commercial or residential property.  In order to obtain a real estate license, agents must complete a minimum number of classes and a pass an examination prescribed by the state.  State requirements vary but anyone who earns a real estate license can be called a real estate agent.

Many real estate agents join the National Association of REALTORS® and become REALTORS® because of the great reputation members are known for having throughout housing market.  

When you are looking for a real estate professional, it is wise to work with a member of the National Association of REALTORS® who is committed to maintaining the professionalism of the real estate business.  At Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®, we are a professional trade association of over 1000 licensed REALTORS®.  We strongly believe in what the National Association of REALTORS® stands for including honesty, ethics and superior service for both buyers and sellers.  If you are a REALTOR® in Illinois, contact Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® to learn more about our services!