Category: Selling

Advantages of Selling Your Home In The Fall

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Selling your home in the fall has its perks. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the only time of year to sell a house is in May, June and July. Consider why putting your home on the market with Mel Foster Co. now is a great idea.

Buyers Are Motivated

While it’s true that real estate transactions typically slow as summer wanes, it’s also true that buyers still in the market in the fall are motivated. There tend to be fewer personal and professional distractions, allowing buyers to focus on the home search as a top priority. And in the Midwest, the looming winter weather prompts buyers to find a home and close quickly, allowing homeowners more opportunity to sell on their terms.

More Agent Attention

In the fall, sellers often enjoy heightened attention from real estate agents, appraisers, and loan officers, as these professionals typically have more availability. This allows for an elevated, more personalized level of service, making the transaction process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Plus, with fewer transactions during this season, lenders can often facilitate faster closings, helping sellers achieve their goals more quickly.

Fall Curb Appeal At A Peak

Autumn’s vibrant colors and variety of seasonal décor options allow sellers to really pump up the curb appeal. Pumpkins, mums, a seasonal doormat, and throw pillows on your porch furniture can create a welcoming, cozy first impression of your property. And since homes with good curb appeal can sell for 7% more on average than homes with less-welcoming exteriors, maximizing this time of year to sell is simply a smart decision.

End-Of-Year Tax Benefits

Closing before the end of the year has great benefits for sellers.

  • Selling costs like legal, escrow, advertising, agent commissions and home staging fees are tax-deductible if they make your home more marketable so you can ask for a higher sales price. Other tax-deductible costs include painting the house, repairing the roof or replacing the water heater as long as those upgrades are made within 90 days of the closing.
  • Capital gains are profits from selling your home. While these profits are taxed as income, you can exclude up to $250,000 if single and $500,000 if married from these gains as long as you lived in your home for at least two of the past five years.
  • You can deduct the amount you paid in property taxes last year up to $10,000 once you’ve sold your home.

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Downside Of Selling Without An Agent

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When you’re getting ready to sell your home, you have a lot of choices to make. Selling is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll face in your lifetime. There are downsides to selling your home without an experienced agent to guide you. A Mel Foster Co. agent can help you answer these questions.

How Do I Know The Right Listing Price?

Pricing your home correctly from the start is critical to a successful sale. Will I have the tools and market analysis to calculate and set an accurate home value? What happens if the price I set exceeds the value after appraisal? Work with a Mel Foster Co. agent from the start, and they can provide you with a free competitive market analysis to help you price your home in line with market activity.

Who Markets The Property?

Some sellers choose to get the word out about their property independently, without the help of an agent. But is word-of-mouth enough to find a buyer? For sale by owner is one option for selling, but the responsibility to market the home falls solely on the owner. A  Mel Foster Co. agent, with their extensive marketing resources and understanding of how to drive buyers to your home, can give you the confidence that your property will be marketed effectively.

What Projects Should I Do First?

Small improvement projects to get your home ready to sell can make a big difference in how it shows to buyers. But how do you know which projects will make the best impressions to buyers and yield the largest return on your investment? With their expertise and guidance, an agent will help you assess and make the right decisions, providing the support you need during this crucial stage of preparing to sell.

Why Does Negotiating Feel Overwhelming?

Most homebuyers believe it will be stressful to negotiate a home sale. Will I know the legal terms and regulations? Will I remain stern with my evaluations of fair pricing and practices? Know that a Mel Foster Co. agent is professionally trained and has negotiation expertise. They offer advice and are your advocate during the selling process.

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Downsizing When You Retire

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As you approach retirement, it’s a perfect opportunity to consider downsizing. This decision can bring about a range of benefits, from financial savings to a more manageable lifestyle. To help you make an informed choice, here are some key questions to consider. 

How Has My Lifestyle Changed?

If you purchased a larger home when your family was growing, you might now find yourself an empty nester that no longer needs four bedrooms. Or maybe you wish you had a single-level home with no stairs and where the laundry room was closer to access. The upkeep, both inside and outside the house, is feeling cumbersome, and you can think of so many other things you’d rather be doing. If you find yourself agreeing with these statements, it’s time to consider downsizing.

Can A Mel Foster Co. Agent Help Me Prepare?

Connect with a Mel Foster Co. agent to discuss your moving goals. An agent can help you weigh your options, advise you on market trends and list your home on multiple listing services. Your agent can also provide you with a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) to help you determine the most effective price for listing your home. Knowing your approximate sale proceeds will help create an accurate budget for buying your next home.

You can rely on your agent for advice on enhancing your home’s appeal to potential buyers and for finding a reputable staging source if needed. Agents can also connect you with reliable contractors if work needs to be done or photographers to capture images that best reflect your space. Agents can help you minimize your stress as you sell your home.

Why Could A Smaller Home Be Right For Me?

Downsizing can be a good way to cut down on expenses as you ease into retirement. Opting for a smaller home usually means a lower mortgage, less square footage to heat and cool, and may have lower maintenance costs. It means less yard to mow, leaves to bag, and weeds to pull. A smaller home often means fewer projects to complete giving you more time to spend doing things you really enjoy.

Plus, choosing to move on your terms has its merits. Move when you’re younger and healthier before life changes make it more difficult. Pass down family heirlooms you won’t need in a smaller home and enjoy watching the next generation appreciate these sentimental or functional items. Plan your next move now so you make the decisions and are able to choose your next home.

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7 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Spring Sale

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As the winter chill begins to wane, and signs of spring emerge in the Quad Cities and our surrounding areas, it’s the perfect time for homeowners to consider listing their properties. Selling a home involves strategic planning, and for those aiming to maximize their sales price, taking specific steps beforehand is crucial. Here are seven essential things you should do before listing your home for sale in the upcoming spring market:

Deep Clean and Declutter

A tidy and clutter-free home creates a positive first impression. Take the time to deep clean every room, decluttering spaces to make them appear more spacious and inviting. Consider organizing closets and storage areas to showcase the ample storage your home provides.

Curb Appeal Matters

Enhance your home’s curb appeal by investing in landscaping and outdoor maintenance. Spring is the perfect time to trim bushes, plant flowers, and ensure your lawn is lush and well-maintained. A welcoming exterior sets the stage for a positive viewing experience.

Fix Minor Repairs

Attend to any minor repairs or maintenance issues throughout your home. Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and any other noticeable wear and tear. A well-maintained property assures potential buyers that your home has been cared for.

Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection

Hiring a home inspector before listing your property can identify potential issues that may arise during the buyer’s inspection. Addressing these concerns proactively can prevent them from becoming negotiation roadblocks later in the process.

Showcase Natural Light

Maximize the natural light in your home by opening curtains and blinds during showings. Bright, well-lit spaces create an inviting atmosphere and make rooms feel more spacious. Clean windows to ensure optimal light penetration.

Highlight Unique Features

Identify and showcase the unique features of your home. Whether it’s a stunning view, a recently renovated kitchen, or custom-built features, make sure potential buyers are aware of what sets your property apart from the rest.

Call For A Free Valuation Analysis

Before you officially list your home, it’s essential to understand its market value. We offer a free, no-obligation valuation analysis. This comprehensive assessment includes a detailed evaluation of your home’s worth and a personalized list of enhancements that can further increase its appeal and sales price.

Give us a call today, and let our agents work with you to ensure your home is primed for success in the competitive spring real estate market.

It’s Time To Sell

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There are plenty of reasons to list your home for sale now. If you can relate to the most common reasons why people list their home for sale, it’s time to contact a Mel Foster Co. agent to begin the process.

Change Is Good

The only constant in life is change. Are you ready for a good change? Is it time to relocate for a new career or to be closer to family? You may work more from home and need a dedicated office. Ready to cash in, buy an RV and travel the country for retirement? Are you prepared to mix it up, live abroad or move somewhere warmer? This shortlist is why it’s a perfect time to sell. Spring and summer are the best times to get your home on the market.

Size Matters

Sell your current home when the topic of space keeps coming up, like when you feel there’s not enough room because you’re expecting a baby and need a larger home for your growing family. When you need more areas for entertaining, more garages for your retirement toys or more rooms for visiting guests. Sometimes, it’s as simple as wanting a home with a better layout, like when you’re ready for an open concept living area or a bigger backyard because you finally have a dog. Find the right-sized home and sell yours now.

Experience On Your Side

It’s always the right time to sell when you have an experienced and dedicated Mel Foster Co. agent on your side. Sometimes plans change and selling your home to adjust to new circumstances becomes a reality. New time commitments may no longer allow the opportunity to complete the DIY home upgrades. Financial struggles with unforeseen medical bills may create a new reality. Our Mel Foster Co. team has the local connections and savvy qualifications to help you find potential buyers quickly. We’re ready to get started helping you sell your home, whatever your reasons are.

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Selling Your Home

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It’s always a good idea to have a thorough list of what you can do to get your home ready to sell. Get prepared so you’re organized and can make the most of your free time now.

Find An Agent Right For You

Meet with a few different Mel Foster Co. agents to start. Grab a cup of coffee and do short interviews until you find an agent you click with. The agent will help ensure your home is priced right for sale and can promote your home through a variety of online marketing tools. They will guide you through the necessary paperwork and represent you during the negotiations for finalizing an accepted offer.

Navigate through the variety of Fake Patek watches to find the one that matches your taste and financial comfort.

Plan To Do The Work

Before you list your house, make sure it’s in the condition buyers expect. Investing some time and money before listing is a wise investment. Spend your energy on completing tasks like these to get the home ready:

  • Consider a pre-listing inspection to focus your to-do list
  • Have professional photos taken to use online
  • Do a deep clean, especially in the garage and main living areas
  • Hire someone to fix the leaky sink or uneven door if you can’t do it yourself
  • Apply a fresh coat of paint on walls in high-traffic areas

It’s All In The Presentation

First impressions matter when selling a home. The first few seconds of viewing a home set the tone for buyers. And since you get only one chance to make a first impression, make the most of your time boosting curb appeal. Tidy up your landscaping by trimming shrubbery and adding another layer of fresh mulch. Ensure your front walkway is clear of debris and peppered with seasonal accents or flowers so it’s welcoming. Take the time to clean the windows and replace the lightbulbs on your outdoor lighting so things sparkle and look fresh.

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Set The Stage For Top Dollar Returns

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Set up your home for sales success. Staging your home can help buyers visualize how space can be used with furniture and make the house more attractive to potential buyers. Try these five staging tips when preparing to sell.

Eliminate Clutter

No one likes clutter, especially when looking at a home. The disorder could turn potential buyers away as they see the home as messy and in need of more storage. Instead, get rid of unnecessary items in storage areas, cabinets, on shelving, and table decorations. Depersonalize the area so buyers can visualize their belongings in the home.

Rethink Furniture Placement

When staging your home, the furniture placement makes a difference. Enable space for potential buyers to easily move throughout the home’s rooms and configure the furniture to make the area seem bigger and the most functional. Removing unnecessary furniture that makes the space seem more cluttered (as mentioned above) can allow for different furniture reconfigurations.

Add Funcational Office Space

Dedicated office space has become a necessity for many home buyers. Having an office space set up can help buyers visualize the use of the office space and check off a box on their must-have list. Or create an area in a guest bedroom or a corner of a room to stage an office.

Show Off Storage

Having ample storage is one thing that many home buyers search for when looking at a house for sale. People want space to store all their items, so showing how various areas can be utilized for maximum storage potential throughout the home is key. However, ensure these storage spaces are organized to appeal more to the buyers.

More Lighting

Great lighting is vital to making a home look warm and welcoming. When staging a house, ensure that the natural light from the outside can flow into the inside spaces. In every room of the home, a variety of lighting options should be turned on, such as lamps and overhead lights, to make the rooms as bright and inviting for buyers.

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What Buyers Want In A Home

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Most buyers looking for a home seek specific features. The following summary is what buyers want, and this may help prioritize your home improvements to attract those buyers.

Structural Features

  • Separate laundry room on the first floor
  • Open floor plan between the kitchen and dining room 
  • Patio space for outdoor entertaining
  • Walk in kitchen pantry
  • A front porch or covered outdoor space

Accent Preferences

  • Exterior lighting
  • Ceiling fans
  • Hardwood or tile in main living areas
  • Stainless steel appliances
  • Smart home technology

Energy Elements

  • Energy-efficient windows
  • Programmable thermostats
  • Proper insulation

Contact a Mel Foster Co. agent if you’re ready to sell.

How To Prepare A Home To Sell

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Get organized to make the most of your time preparing your home for sale. Prioritize tasks that establish a straightforward method to the madness and will get buyers’ attention.

Contact a Mel Foster Co. Agent

Rely on a Mel Foster Co. agent to help identify projects that will ready your home to impress and get it on the market. Take advantage of your agent’s market experience to help ensure the asking price is right from the start. Then let Mel Foster Co.’s network promote your property and find you prospective buyers.

Identify Repairs

Nearly every home requires some repairs before going on the market. Tackle repair projects that impact daily life, like replacing the sump pump, or present a danger to the house, like correcting the issue with the electrical box. Fix the wobbly front door handle and replace the sliding door to the patio that no longer closes smoothly. 

Declutter And Clean

Purge your excess items by donating to your local charity so your home is clutter-free during showings. Make your home feel spacious, even if it means renting a storage unit until you move. And deep clean the house both inside and out. First impressions of your yard and the path leading to the front door should offer a welcoming vibe. 

Take An Inventory For Insurance

As you sift through your belongings, inventory the valuable items. Now is the time to revisit your insurance coverage and consider updating your home insurance policy to keep your property value current. Mel Foster Insurance can provide you with a no obligations quote so you know you’re covered.

Set The Stage

Make your house feel like a home and think about keeping it staged for showings. Staged homes see a 5-15% return on investment when professionally staged as opposed to homes not staged, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

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What Does A Real Estate Agent Do For You?

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Real estate agents play an important role in the home selling process. For example, in 2021, 92% of homes sold in the U.S. used an agent to get the job done. But what exactly is an agent’s role, and what do they do for you?

What is a Real Estate Agent?

Real estate agents are professionals certified to oversee real estate transactions between sellers and buyers. Agents who represent sellers are called listing agents. Sometimes real estate agents are referred to as REALTORS®. Real estate agents and REALTORS® perform the same general functions, but REALTORS® are agents who are also members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). As of October 2021, there were 1.56 million members of NAR.

How will a Mel Foster Co. agent help me sell my home?

Mel Foster Co. agents are liaisons between sellers and potential buyers. Some key benefits of working with an agent are:

  • Assists with and manages all the required paperwork, saving you time
  • Prepares a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) to determine the listing price
  • Provides expert recommendations regarding local real estate availability 
  • Negotiates on your behalf during offers and counteroffers
  • Supports the seller through the closing process

How does my Mel Foster Co. agent market my home for sale?

Your agent will develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to get the word out about your property. They also suggest inspections that enhance the home’s marketability. Over 93% of people looking for houses begin their search on the internet, and Mel Foster Co.’s website receives over one million page views each month. In addition, your listing will be shared on multiple social media platforms to attract the most potential buyers.

Find a Mel Foster Co. agent to help begin the selling process.

REALTOR® means member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.


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