Auburn-Opelika Property Buying and Selling Articles

The Touble with Vacant Homes

Posted February 20, 2012


Today’s housing market makes it tougher to get the price for a home and, often, sellers can’t wait around while their homes are on the market. They may have a new job in a different location, may have already bought their next house or need to move to their new location so the kids can start at their new schools. If sellers already have a new home, it’s likely that they’ll take all their furniture and leave the property empty during selling process...

Tags: Vacant Homes, Home Sales



Staying on Top of Rugs

Posted February 13, 2012


It may not be the first thing one thinks about when decorating for a sale, but the addition of rugs to a home can go a long way. Rugs can help warm a dreary room, add a splash of color to a dull space, can tone down a room that already has strong and bright colored furniture, and create a new look to almost any room. Plus, it’s a quick fix to any floors that may need replacing. While there are Persian rugs that can cost thousands of dollars, many rugs can be purchased for prices in the hundreds...

Tags: Rugs, Home Decorating



Technology and Home Sales

Posted February 6, 2012


Today’s home buyers are often thinking about a home’s technology advantages as much as they are its floorplan, square footage and location. A recent survey by the Consumer Electronics Association of real estate agents showed that home-theater systems, home security systems, home automation management systems and energy management systems are selling faster than they ever have. “There is a strong relationship between home technologies and the real estate market,” said CEA’s Rhonda Daniel in a recent press release...

Tags: Technology, Home Sales, Tips



Home Theaters: Great for the Family, Desired by Home Shoppers

Posted January 30, 2012


One of the most in-demand requests that real estate agents are getting from those looking for new homes concerns home theaters, or at least the space to add such a multi-media room. With home-theater technology evolving and prices lowering over the last decade, the concept has evolved from luxury to near necessity for many households. It’s the place where the family comes together to be entertained, and is the most occupied room in the house after the kitchen and family room...

Tags: Home Theaters, Technology



A Glance at Green Benefits

Posted January 17, 2012


The U.S. Green Business Council recently reported that single-family homes are responsible for a little over 20% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. By living in a green home, people can help reduce the causes of climate change and studies show that more homebuyers are looking to purchase homes that have eco-friendly features. “We put out a homebuyer and seller survey annually and studies show people are more interested in buying green improved homes,” said Michelle Wardlaw, Public Affairs Associate for the National Association of Realtors...

Tags: Green, Benefits



Fireplaces Provide a Warm Glow to a Home on the Market

Posted January 17, 2012


With winter weather gripping most of the country the fireplace takes on greater importance in the sale of a home. The National Association of REALTORS® recently conducted a survey that found nearly two-thirds of homebuyers had a fireplace on their wish list. The fireplace has become a coveted amenity and homes boasting this feature see its benefits during resale. “The fireplace is a focal point when people come to see your home,” said Hillary Staats, an interior designer for Sanctuary on Church in Vienna, Va...

Tags: Fireplace, Safety



Complying with Lead Laws

Posted January 2, 2012


Back in the days before anyone knew better—we’re talking pre-1980—much of the paint used in homes contained lead. Over time, the paint would chip or crumble and the resulting dust caused serious health issues, especially for children and pregnant women. Lead-based paint was used both inside and outside of homes, most notably on windows, baseboards, trim and doors. Many layers of lead-based paint have been disturbed through the years during remodeling or home repair and it’s necessary for anyone selling a home to be aware of this...

Tags: Paint, Green, Health



Home Sellers: What About Your Pets

Posted December 26, 2011


Home sellers are advised to create the illusion that everything is new and fresh in their homes, but when pets are involved, it’s not always easy to keep things clean and orderly. The simplest solution for a pet owner who is selling a home is to relocate the pet to a friend’s or family member’s home or to pet daycare while the home is on the market. Keeping a pet in the backyard, the garage or in another room that you keep locked is insufficient, and is certainly not fair to the pet...

Tags: Selling, Pets



Winter is Approaching...Is Your Home Ready?

Posted December 19, 2011


Autumn winds blow a chilly reminder that winter is fast approaching. Perform the following maintenance tips each fall to protect your property's value and prevent major repairs. Roof, Gutters and Downspouts Rain, ice, snow and wind can all cause damage to your roof and gutters. Now’s the time to trim back all tree limbs and vegetation away from the roof. You also should remove debris, such as leaves and sticks from your gutters and downspouts...

Tags: Winter, Tips



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