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Know Why You are Selling

If you know exactly why you are selling then it is easier for you to follow the right plan of action for getting what you want.

If you are a seller who needs to close a sale as quickly as possible, then you should know that getting the highest price possible is not one of your priorities. It does not mean that you won’t or cannot get the highest price, but it means that the price is not the deciding factor.

A buyer who can give you a quick closing time will appeal much more to you than a buyer who can offer you more money but the negotiation and closing time drag on.

It’s always good to know how low you will go, in terms of selling price. This will help to eliminate some of the offers that you find simply offensive or ridiculous. Even though you should consider all offers seriously and take into consideration the terms of each offer, sometimes, if you know the bottom line and are strict about it, you can save yourself time.

Once you know what your limits and reasons are, discuss them with your agent so that they can help you set your goals realistically. If you decide to list your home on your own, make sure you do research on the current market, and you get the proper advice you need in terms of legal issues, etc. The key is to be realistic and to know what your goals are so they can be met.

Plan of Action

  1. Analyze why you are selling – If you understand your motives, you will be able to better negotiate and to get what it is that you want, whether it be a quick sale, high price, or somewhere in the middle.
  2. Prepare your home for the buyer – Maximize the strengths of your property and fix up its weaknesses. You want the buyer to walk away from your home with a lasting good impression.
  3. Find a good real estate agent that understands your needs – Make sure that your agent is loyal to you, and can negotiate to help you achieve your goals. In addition, they should be assertive and honest with both you and the buyer.
  4. Be prepared for negotiation – Learn and understand your buyer’s situation; what are their motives? Can you demand a big deposit from them? Try to lock in the buyer so that the deal goes through.
  5. Negotiate for the best price and the best terms – Learn how to counter offer to get maximum value from every offer.
  6. Make sure the contract is accurate and complete – Be honest with your disclosures; you do not want to lose the deal because you were lying or diminishing your home’s defects. Insist the buyers get a professional inspection. This will protect both you and the buyer.

Finding the Right Agent

Not all agents work the same way. The most important attribute of an agent is that he/she is well connected to the real estate industry. He/she should know the market and provide information on past sales, current listings, his or her marketing plan, and at least 4 solid references. In addition, you also want to look for an agent that is honest, assertive, and one that best understands your needs.

Try to go with a local agent. They can better serve your needs because they should be more familiar with the local market conditions, local prices, and what’s hot or not in your community.

Considering Offers

When reading an offer, keep in mind that you are out to get the best price AND the best terms for you. If you focus solely on the price, you may overlook terms that could be favorable to you as a seller.

Some terms that may work in your favor:

  1. higher-than-market-interest in a second mortgage for your home

  2. the buyer will pay for most or all of the closing costs

  3. the buyer will take care of any repairs

  4. quick close – the buyer is pre-approved, ready to close in a timeframe that best suits you

  5. all-cash deal

When reading through offers, remember to look at the whole package. Take the time that you need to assess what is being offered and if it meets your needs.

Setting the Price

The price is the first thing buyers notice about your property. If you set your price too high, then the chance of alienating buyers is higher. You want your house to be taken seriously, and the asking price reflects how serious you are about selling your home.

Several factors will contribute to your final decision. First, you should compare your house to others that are in the market. If you use an agent, he/she will provide you with a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis). The CMA will reflect the following:

  1. houses in your price range and area that were sold within the last half-year

  2. asking and selling prices of houses

  3. current inventory of houses on the market

  4. features of each house on the market

Questions About A Property

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For Sale By Owner – A Good Idea?

FSBO (pronounced fizz-bo), or For Sale By Owner, is a way of selling your home without the use of a professional real estate agent or broker. The idea behind FSBO is that by selling your home yourself, you save the approximate 6% that would be the agents’ commission.

6% may not sound like a lot, but it can add up, especially on more expensive homes. But before you run off and decide to sell your home FSBO, you must remember that to get savings like that, there must be a cost. So what’s the catch? Selling FSBO is hard. A lot harder.

Only about 10% of sellers that decide to do FSBO are successful at it. And not all of them end up saving themselves money. FSBO sellers often end up accepting a lower price for their home than they would with an agent.

There are of course other issues as well. Can you afford to make selling your home your full-time job? Because for a lot of FSBO sellers, that’s exactly what it is. Do you have the time and capital to spend on the marketing, advertising, inspections, paperwork, phone calls, showings, and problems that come up when any home is sold?

Selling with a professional agent also has other advantages. An agent can get your home listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and other popular websites where not only homebuyers but also other agents can easily find it. Professional real estate agents also have an extensive network that allows them to more easily find a buyer.

So before you decide to sell your home yourself, thoughtfully consider just how much time and effort you can spare for selling your home, as well as how important it is that your home sell sooner rather than later.

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Understanding the Impact of a Home's Orientation on Energy Efficiency

November 27, 20234 min read

A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children. - John Jame Audubon

Introduction:

Energy efficiency is a crucial element in home design not just for the environment but also for saving money. In this article we will delve into how a home's orientation affects energy efficiency and how the direction it faces can have an impact on heating, cooling, and overall energy usage.

The direction a property faces can significantly affect heating, cooling, and overall energy consumption.

The direction a property faces can significantly affect heating, cooling, and overall energy consumption.

What Does Home Orientation?

Home orientation refers to how a house is situated on its lot and the direction it faces. It plays a vital role in determining a homes energy efficiency. The cardinal directions - North, South, East and West -dictate how sunlight interacts with the property throughout the day, affecting temperature and energy requirements.

The Role of Solar Energy

A home's orientation directly influences its exposure to solar energy. Properties facing south receive the sunlight throughout the day making them ideal for harnessing power. This exposure can be utilized for winter heating while minimizing cooling needs during summer months thus contributing to energy efficiency.

Efficiency in Heating and Cooling

 Proper positioning of a home can greatly impact heating and cooling efficiency. For example, a south facing house can naturally absorb heat from the sun during winter months reducing reliance on artificial heating methods. On the hand, a house that faces west may encounter excessive heat gain in the afternoon which can result in higher cooling needs.

Passive Solar Design

Passive solar design refers to an architectural approach that takes advantage of a home's orientation and design features to optimize energy efficiency. It involves strategically placing windows, utilizing materials with thermal mass (such as concrete or tile), and incorporating shading devices like awnings or overhangs. By doing so, homes can naturally regulate their temperature and reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems.

Energy Savings and Cost Reduction

One of the benefits of properly oriented homes is the potential for substantial energy savings and cost reduction. Research has demonstrated that well-oriented homes can decrease energy bills by up to 20% compared to poorly oriented ones. Over time these savings can accumulate significantly making an energy-efficient home orientation a smart investment.

Common Mistakes in Home Orientation

Regrettably, many homeowners underestimate the importance of home orientation when purchasing or designing their houses. Common mistakes include placing windows in the wrong positions, disregarding the angle of the sun's path, or neglecting effective shading strategies. These errors can result in increased energy consumption and discomfort within the house.

Tips for Improving Home Orientation

To enhance home orientation, homeowners should consider seeking professional guidance for practical insights and recommendations. Here are a some steps that individuals can consider;

1. Landscaping: A great way to optimize your homes energy efficiency is by planting trees on the west side of your house. This will provide shade during the summer while still allowing sunlight to enter during the winter months.

2. Window Placement: Another important aspect is strategically positioning your windows to maximize light and ventilation while minimizing direct exposure to the sun.

3. Insulation: Investing in high quality insulation is crucial for maintaining an temperature throughout the year.

Technological Solutions

Modern technologies can further enhance energy efficiency in homes complementing orientation. Smart thermostats, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and programmable lighting can greatly reduce energy consumption when combined with a well oriented home.

Environmental Benefits

Not only do energy efficient homes benefit homeowners financially, they also have positive environmental impacts. By reducing energy consumption, these homes contribute to fewer greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint, helping create a sustainable future for all.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is crucial for homeowners to understand how a homes orientation affects energy efficiency. By considering factors such as, directions, solar exposure and passive solar design principles homeowners can create living spaces that are both comfortable and energy efficient. This not only saves money on utility bills, it also contributes to a more environmentally friendly future.


FAQs

1. Can the orientation of my home really impact energy efficiency?

Yes, the orientation of your home can significantly affect energy efficiency by influencing heating, cooling, and overall energy consumption.

2. What cardinal direction is best for energy efficiency?

South-facing properties receive the most sunlight and are often ideal for energy efficiency, but the best direction depends on your location and specific design considerations.

3. How can I improve my home's orientation if it's already built?

You can still enhance energy efficiency through measures like strategic landscaping, window treatments, and improving insulation.

4. Are there government incentives for energy-efficient home improvements?

Yes, many governments offer incentives, tax credits, or rebates for energy-efficient home improvements. Check with local authorities for available programs.

5. Can I combine technological solutions with proper home orientation?

Absolutely. Technological solutions like smart thermostats and energy-efficient appliances can complement a well-oriented home and further reduce energy consumption.

Home Energy EfficiencySolar PowerWinterizationCooling your home

Mary McMichael-Liston

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Getting the Highest Price in the Shortest Time

In order to get the highest price in the shortest time, you need to know how to market your home. The better you market your home, the more offers you will get. And the more offers you get, the more choices you have to get the price and terms you want.

The most important factor of marketing your home is pricing it right. Your price should be adjusted to reflect the market and your property’s worth. The key is to get as many people as possible checking out your fairly priced property. If your property is not priced fairly, there will be no buyers because your price is set too high.

Another important factor is the condition of your home. Make sure that your home looks ready to be sold. Fix any defects (peeling or faded paint, cracks, stains, etc.) Condition alone can sometimes prompt fast buying decisions. Not only should you fix any defects, but consider upgrading your home by making major repairs and cosmetic improvements before selling. A nice looking home triggers the emotional response that can lead to a financial response.

Learn how to negotiate the best terms for all parties involved. Terms are another factor that may be adjusted to attract buyers. If you insist on getting your asking price, think of what you can offer to the buyers. For example, improvements you’ve made or even offering seller financing at a lower than market interest rate on a portion of the sale price. Convince them why they should be paying the price you have set.

Lastly, get the buzz out about your home. List your house with a hot agent that ensures your house is listed on the MLS and on the Internet. On your own, get the word out. It should always be visible to passersby that your house is for sale, whether it is through signs, local advertisements or you telling friends, family, and acquaintances.

1349 W. Lane Ave, Suite 1125, Columbus, OH, 43221

(614) 769-7766

(614) 768-6531

www.livingincolumbus.com

As an agent with over 25 years experience and who's an expert in the Greater Columbus area, we bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate here. Our love for the communities we live and work in are why we do what we do. Stop by the office and experience The McMichael Team way of Columbus and Franklin County area real estate.