preparation to selling

How to Leverage Color Science in Real Estate

August 26, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

Color can influence the human brain in a number of ways. Pay closer attention to the colors in your marketing and listings.

Most stagers recommend neutral colors such as beige or grey to attract more buyers. This advice isn’t always accurate.

Scientists have proven that color can influence up to 90% of homebuying decision. This has a greater impact than previously thought on people’s moods. The brain organizes and processes color signals in just a fraction of a second. Color is a universal language, and you can help clients use color science to sell their home.

You may have heard, for example, that exterior paint colors are best limited to only two or three options or that warm neutrals are the best choice if you’re looking to make your interiors look larger. This is usually true. Exteriors and interiors that are highly stylized and specific can be off-putting to buyers, especially if they do not match their tastes.

The right colors can be used inside and outside of a home to help buyers make a purchase decision faster. (Spoiler Alert: White does not always give the impression of more space.)

It is scientifically proven that color has a profound impact on our brains. Color science can be used to choose colors that will match desired outcomes. This could make or break sales on the highly competitive real-estate market.

Consider the following scientific findings.

The color green has a calming and soothing effect. However, it can be a bit sickening when used on walls. This is why you shouldn’t use it in medical facilities. Instead, use biophilic design–incorporating greenery from plants–which will support a healthier living environment.
Red stimulates the heart, increases metabolism and creates excitement. Too much red can cause anxiety. This is why it’s used selectively in retail signage and product labels. Consider Coca-Cola and Target. Use red sparingly as an accent.
Blue is a symbol of trust and stability. Women tend to prefer blue over men. Note: Many financial organizations use it as their primary hue, probably because of the subconscious message it sends.
Some lifestyle brands associate black with luxury. Some studies have shown that a black front door may even lead to a higher sale price and listing. ( Get ideas on how to use black.).
A calm hallway can make buyers feel more comfortable. Remember that the type and intensity of lighting can alter the color effects in a space. Warm tones, daylight or LED bulbs will have a huge impact on the color and shading of your space.

Visualize other colors

High tech tools such as virtual reality are able to take this a step further. They allow agents, brokers, and developers to customize properties according to the tastes and imaginative visions of home buyers. You can also use lower-tech versions to visualize the possibilities. You can find these tools by searching online for “paint visualization mobile apps”.

Consider obtaining painting estimates from contractors, or displaying paint chips at listings to allow prospective buyers to visualize how they could personalize the walls according their tastes.

Color can be used to drive sales in a variety of ways. You can help clients understand how they react to certain colors by incorporating a fun quiz into your sales process. This can also help clients see beyond the current colors or wallpaper of a property.

Add Color to Your Personal Brand

Color can be used by real estate professionals in their logos and marketing materials to create trust and excitement with clients and prospects. A signature color will help you stand out amongst a sea other brokers and agents. Ryan Serhant is a reality TV personality and the founder of his brokerage. He even invested in a car painted in “Serhant Blue.”

Try simple touches, such as colorful eyeglasses frames, jewelry or hats in your signature colors. These can be less costly and still memorable.

Color science is applied to multifamily communities, senior and student housing, commercial spaces and schools, as well as other structures. As researchers continue to learn about the functions of the brain, professionals will learn more about color and how it can affect our actions and reactions. This includes when it comes to real-estate.

Original Blog: https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/styled-staged-sold/how-to-leverage-color-science-in-real-estate

How To Handle The Stress Of Selling Your Home

August 8, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

Three things are certain in life: death, taxes … and undue stress caused by moving. Moving is stressful whether or not you hire a realtor to help you navigate the waters of the uncertain buy-and-sell processes. There’s little you can do about it. We’re not just talking packing and paperwork. Moving is an emotionally charged process. You may be trying to calm down your children while you are also reassuring yourself that you will meet people in your neighborhood, that you have bought the best home within your budget, and that the new school for your kids will be good.

While we’re dealing all these jitters, it’s easy to overlook the fact that moving can be an exciting adventure. It can also represent a chance for growth and a new beginning. After the dust settles, you will be entering one of your most memorable moments. You’re lucky if you’ve hired a Realtor, who is familiar with both the obvious and the insidious stresses. You should be able rely on your Realtor for more than closing the deal, depending on your relationship. Your Realtor should also be able calm your fears by providing you with the support you require. This includes giving you information about the new school district and reassuring that your nervousness is perfectly normal. They should also provide you with as much information as possible about your new home, increasing your familiarity.

During the entire process of selling and buying, it’s important to make time for your family and yourself. It is not a waste, but an insurance policy to ensure your happiness and sanity. Stress can sneak up on us, as we have all learned. Stress can be a killer during the most happy times of our lives, as any major life change is stressful. It can cause havoc on both an emotional and physical level if it is suppressed. There’s nothing worse than moving across the country with a grumpy, angry family. To maintain family unity, consider the following stress-relieving methods:

Remember that it is perfectly normal to be unsure about your decision at this moment. You’ve made a big commitment. We all have those last-minute “What in the world did I do?” worries after signing contracts or making life-changing choices. Reframe your decision to be a chance to start anew in a new environment. This is a perfect example of the old saying, “When one door shuts, another opens”. Ask as many questions as necessary throughout the process. Your Realtor is there to help you.

Keep an emergency fund if you can. You may run into unexpected costs. You’ll be ready if your buyer requests repairs after the home inspection. You may not agree with all the buyer’s demands, but you will avoid the stress of not having enough money to make the repairs if you save up some extra cash. You might set a goal of $2,500. It is probably best to not try to guess the repairs that a buyer will want and then fix them before the sale. It’s because buyers tend to isolate areas of your house that you would never have thought of repairing, and they don’t even notice the ones you expected. Save yourself money until you know what they want.

While we’re talking about finances, you should also prepare yourself for the initial costs that you will incur upon moving in. Accept that you will feel like you are holding your wallet upside-down during the moving process. This will be true for everyone involved — the movers, the contractor, the buyer, etc. The windfall is sat below, and everyone wants a bigger share. Remember that this is a long-term investment in your family’s future, and that the costs are an inevitability.

Remind yourself why you are moving. Is it a job transfer or a voluntary decision? Your outlook will be affected by whether you had any control over the decision. No matter what you answer, gather as much information about your new hometown as possible. What cultural offerings are available in the city/town? What are the city’s natural and historical attractions? Once you’ve settled, research some day trips that you could take with your family. If you live near state borders, you can easily explore other parts of the country.

Imagine your new home. Where will you put the furniture? Remember the main selling points of your home. Will you have more space in the home? More closets? A large backyard or swimming pool? What is the look of your new street? Are there many young families living in the area? Your children will likely be reassured if this is the case. Try to imagine yourself and your family adapted to the new environment as often as you can.

Enjoy yourself occasionally. Even if it feels like you have no money left, you can still have fun. Take the whole family out for a meal, a movie, or a picnic. Do anything to get everyone out of the house, away from boxes, paperwork and emotions. Make a “date” with your family to go out regularly — every Friday night before the move, for example. For a few hours, forget about your stress and remember that your family is also feeling the same emotions. Stress is often a companionable emotion, so take advantage of your time together. Remember that this stress will not last forever. The move will take place and everything will fall into place, no matter how you feel right now. The journey into the unknown can be rewarding. Trust your Realtor’s expertise, and your family’s resilience. Look forward to the adventure ahead.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1015764-20180312-how-to-handle-the-stress-of-selling-your-home?rtmpage=

Upsize or Downsize: Which is Your Best Move?

June 17, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

It isn’t always easy to decide if you should move up or down in your home. You may be tempted to make the move or to stay put. Here are some questions you should ask yourself if you’re thinking of moving to a larger home so that your family can have more space or if you want to downsize.

1. What are your current plans for the space you have?

Are your family members feeling that they lack privacy and space to do what they want? You’re tired of working on the dining room table. Do you need a workspace or office? Does it not work to have the children share bedrooms? Perhaps an upgrade is in order. You may also want to consider downsizing if you don’t use your rooms or you are tired of paying taxes on a larger house than you require. Look for the downsize section!

2. Have you thought about the cost of maintenance?

Consider the additional costs of maintaining a bigger home or property. This can be in terms of money and time. Will you be able keep up with the cleaning, lawn maintenance, and other general maintenance that comes with owning a house? You may be ready to move to a smaller property where you can do less maintenance or to one that has an HOA to help with some of it.

3. What is your outdoor space need?

Are you willing to sacrifice your yard or garden in order to move to a space that requires no maintenance? Have you got pets who need space outside? You need more space to let your kids play outside or for your dog to run. It’s not just about the size of your house, but also the land you have.

4. Have you ever looked into the future?

What are your expectations for your needs in five, ten or twenty years’ time? Will you spend your holidays and vacations at the homes of your children or grandchildren, or do you prefer to have a larger home? Do you plan to host friends or will you go out? Will you stay at home alone if your spouse dies?

5. Are you able to make the most of your financial situation?

Are you prepared to reduce your costs by downsizing or can you afford the higher costs of a larger house? You should also consider your current mortgage. You may be able to buy a home in cash, or you might want to start a new mortgage. What are the implications of your move for tax?

6. What is the best market for upsizing or downsizing?

It’s a seller’s market for those who want to downsize and sell their larger homes. In a strong seller’s market it may be more risky to upsize, but if you think your family will be happier with a bigger home, then the move might be worth it.

It would be an honor to answer any questions you may have regarding the purchase of your next home. Let’s make your next step the right one.

June Real Estate Market!

June 8, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

The June real estate market is expected to be a bit slower than the previous month, but still strong overall. There are a few factors that are contributing to this, including rising mortgage rates and inflation.

Mortgage rates have been rising steadily in recent months, and this is making it more expensive for buyers to afford a home. Inflation is also on the rise, which is reducing the amount of disposable income that buyers have available to spend on housing.

Despite these challenges, the June real estate market is still expected to be strong. There is still a lot of demand for homes, and inventory levels are still low. This means that buyers will still be able to find homes, but they may have to make some concessions, such as waiving contingencies or paying over asking price.

Here are some tips for buyers and sellers in the June real estate market:

For Buyers:

Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will show sellers that you’re serious about buying and that you have the financial means to do so.
Have a good understanding of the market. Know what homes are selling for in your area and what kind of features are in demand.
Be prepared to negotiate. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on the price or terms of the sale.
Be patient. The June real estate market may be a bit slower than previous months, so be patient and don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal if it’s not right for you.

For Sellers:

Get your home ready to sell. Before you list your home, make sure it’s in good condition and staged to show its best features.
Price your home competitively. The right price is essential for a quick sale.
Market your home aggressively. Use a variety of marketing channels to reach as many potential buyers as possible.
Be prepared to make some concessions. Buyers may ask for repairs or concessions, so be prepared to negotiate.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success in the June real estate market.

What to Look For on Your Final Walk-Through

May 25, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

The final walkthrough of your new home can be a very exciting experience. You have completed all the necessary steps, including negotiations, inspections and financing approval. Now you are ready to sign your closing papers. Most buyers have already thought about paint colors and furniture placement before the final walk-through. The walk-through is more than just ensuring that your favorite chair fits by the fireplace. Do your due diligence and make sure that there are no issues you need to resolve before the closing table. The final walk-through will ensure that the home is in the same condition as when you purchased it.

Check for the following:

1) Check that there is no damage to the house that the sellers should be responsible for. The weather or careless movers may cause damage. Old and forgotten damage can be discovered when the sellers’ possessions are removed.

2) Make sure that all appliances are in good working order and that no new electrical or plumbing issues have appeared. You don’t need to do a full home inspection but you can check visually for obvious issues that should be fixed before you move in.

3) Verify that all items conveyed by contract are present. If the sellers agreed that certain furniture, decor or equipment would be left, make sure it hasn’t been removed.

4) Verify that the sellers have removed their belongings. You don’t need to arrive at the property with your moving truck to discover that the sellers have left behind a variety of unwanted furniture and trash. The sellers are responsible for clearing out anything that does not go with the sale.

What is a Real Estate Agent’s Role in Helping Sellers?

May 19, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

You want to find a realtor that will make the process as easy as possible for you while maximizing your profit when trying to sell your home.

You may be a new agent, and wonder what sellers expect from you. They want you to represent them above all else. They want you to be transparent, to trust you and to minimize any headaches that they may experience.

The following are some of the skills that a great agent for sellers should possess.

Pricing

One of the best things a seller’s agent can do for you is to price your home properly. Many people describe pricing a home as both an art and science.

Agents use recent comparable sales to make their decisions. Knowing the local market and having experience are key to being able to use intuition.

A good agent will find the right price balance to keep sellers competitive while ensuring they get what their house is worth.

A real estate agent will conduct a comparative analysis of nearby homes that are currently on the market, have pending sales, or may have just sold. Your agent may have sold these comps, or at least seen them personally.

You might also wonder how an agent can be better than an online model of valuation. These tools have a high error rate. Zillow’s online calculator, for example, estimates the value of a home at around 20% of its actual value in 87.6% cases. This leaves a large margin of error. These tools cannot account for the nuances or variables that an agent experienced in pricing homes can.

Sellers’ agents should be present at inspections and appraisals in order to prevent any spin from the buyer agent. If an inspector states that a home will require a new air conditioner in five years, then the agent representing the buyer may spin the information by saying that the unit is defective. This can be prevented by a seller’s representative.

Get Your Home Ready

Cleaning a house is not enough to get it ready for the market. Listing agents are experts at maximizing the value of your home.

Listing agents can find out what improvements you should make and recommend who to contact to help.

Your agent will discuss the potential return on investment before you decide to make any improvements.

The agent will also stage the property if necessary. The agent can stage the property by removing clutter, furniture and other items that are not necessary. The agent knows how to help buyers imagine themselves and their belongings in the space.

Your agent can then hire a professional photographer to take photos of your home once it is in picture-perfect condition.

Marketing Expertise

Marketing is a key skill for a seller’s agent. They will know what buyers want and how to make your house appealing.

Your agent will showcase your home in the MLS as well as on social media. They do traditional marketing, such as open houses and flyers.

Buyers screening

It is stressful and time-consuming to try to sell your home. You don’t want to have to deal with unqualified buyers. Your agent will ensure that no one wastes your time. Even a buyer that is truly interested in buying your house might not be able to get financing.

The agents earn money by way of a commission. It is in both your and their best interests to eliminate and screen out unqualified buyers.

Your agent will only work with buyers who are pre-approved and have gone through financial verification.

A good seller’s representative can provide you with a great deal of value. Many of the things that they do, you cannot or may not want to do yourself.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1044820-what-does-a-real-estate-agent-do-for-sellers?rtmpage=

Preferred Properties of Texas