Tag Archive for: Curb Appeal

What Does “Move-In Ready” Really Mean?

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Ah, those were the good old days! When you could move right into your home, set up shop, and begin life anew. Leaving the closing table and settling into a home immediately is certainly an added bonus, especially when the new homeowner doesn’t need to tackle any significant work. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option for everyone. And quite frankly, even in years past, move-in ready living wasn’t as common as it perhaps is today. So what are the advantages of buying a move-in ready home, and what does move-in ready really mean?

Define “Move-In Ready”

Let’s look into the latter, first. In real estate, “move-in ready” refers to properties that require little to no repairs and would be classified as being in good condition. Often these homes have functioning utilities and are plugged into them. They might also have more modern touches, such as updated fixtures, appliances, and fresh paint. Essentially, the new owner wouldn’t necessarily need to undertake any work to bring the house up to snuff before occupying it. Modern homes frequently fall into this category, as they’re built or renovated to meet the needs of today’s buyers.

Is The Home You’re Considering “Move-In Ready”?

If it’s important to you, you’ll want to assess whether a home you might consider purchasing is ready for immediate occupancy. There’s a barometer of evaluations that a prospective homebuyer can utilize to gain a better sense of a home’s status. Obviously, there are a number of visual tests that someone can perform while previewing a home. First, the exterior of a property should be canvassed. Taking into account the condition of the landscaping, siding, windows, and roofing provides a sense of how the upkeep has been and when upgrades could be necessary.

Next, a buyer would want to consider not only the structure of the home as well as its exterior, but its interior health too. What shape is the flooring in? What’s the status of the major appliances? Has the home been repainted recently? Is the home relatively clean? Are there any signs of insect or pest infestation? The prospective party would also want to know if the home was updated in any way and if the security features, like smoke detectors or cameras, were installed properly and functionally. In many cases, move-in ready homes overlap with modern homes that feature sleek designs and state-of-the-art systems, providing convenience and appeal.

Finally, buyers should always request a copy of the seller’s property disclosure, if one exists. This is where they can discover what issues the seller knew about and what remedies, if any, were taken to correct them.

Advantages Of Buying “Move-In Ready”

While there could be reasons why moving on from a “move-in ready” home is the wiser choice, such as budget flexibility or making significant changes and tailoring a home to your specific tastes, it often resides with a person’s lifestyle. When financial considerations don’t hinder the home-buying process, a buyer might need to move quickly on a purchase. They might not have the time to pursue renovations because of a demanding work schedule or other commitments. Thus, the ability to immediately occupy a property is one sure advantage for buying a move-in ready home.

Another advantage of buying something that’s move-in ready is some added peace of mind. Typically, move-in ready is synonymous with well-maintained. These properties present lower risk, as hidden issues are generally less likely to rear their ugly head. Additionally, many modern homes marketed as move-in ready often feature energy-efficient systems and high-quality finishes, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs or upgrades in the near future.

A further benefit of purchasing a move-in ready property might be the new owner’s ability to refrain from either renovating areas of the home themselves or overseeing projects as they’re being performed by licensed contractors. Move-in ready homes, especially those aligned with the design and functionality of modern homes, provide buyers with convenience and a home that’s in line with current trends. Finally, a move-in ready home will appeal to a larger pool of buyers, which would be of benefit to a buyer if they needed to quickly resell a home soon after they themselves purchased it.

To Wrap Things Up

Move-in ready homes are usually modernized and align with some of the current trends in the industry, but they won’t entice everyone. Whether you’re a homeowner potentially looking to sell or a buyer searching for a property that will suit your needs, you’ll want to have some familiarity with what makes a home move-in ready and how this information could affect your situation. As always, it’s important to work with a trusted guide who has your best interests in mind. Modern homes, especially those marketed as move-in ready, often present an ideal opportunity for buyers seeking convenience and minimal maintenance.

The licensed professionals at Realty Network Group are experienced and equipped to handle a variety of scenarios as they relate to your home, whether it be move-in ready or not.

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Making Your Property Pop

Realty Network Group’s newest REALTOR®, Joe Walsh, is extremely goal-oriented and goal-driven. As a business owner of a landscaping company, he understands first-hand the desires of many homeowners locally. He’s had a knack for making properties pop – highlighting the exterior features of homes (maybe in your neighborhood), drafting recommendations to owners about how to enhance their properties and actively listening to his clients’ needs as they seek to operate within a certain budget. Of course, landscaping and real estate are more associated than most would care to admit.

We recently sat down with Joe to understand more about this connection as well as learning about what he brings to the table as he begins a new career path in real estate. “Landscaping is a lot like selling your real estate services,” remarks Joe. “I help owners discover what it takes to elevate their home’s appearance. How can we make it more appealing for every season? Likewise, in real estate, I’ll need to aid sellers in drawing buyers to their doorstep. How can we make the home pop and stand out to potential buyers?” His landscaping venture has helped him with his business side. He believes his reputation in real estate will flourish just as it has with running his landscaping business.

Joe knows that building a credible reputation marketing and selling homes for his clients will entail building connections and collaborating through both businesses. Joe is a highly motivated individual and our Realty Network Group family is excited to see what he can accomplish in the months and years ahead. Furthermore, he has an appreciation for the uniqueness of each home in Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA). “The diversity of homes in our region is fascinating to me. We have older homes with character, exquisite homes you won’t find anywhere else, newer construction… you name it! I’ve always had a great appreciation for much of the architecture in NEPA and I look forward to beginning this journey with buyers and sellers alike.”

Joe is a well-rounded individual. He loves to ski, golf and travel. He’s an avid mountaineer and hiker. He believes there’s endless possibilities out there and many things to see and do.

Joe exemplifies much of what we look for in a real estate professional: He’s knowledgeable about the area; he knows it well. He grew up in the Green Ridge section of Scranton and now resides in a lake house at Lake Spangenberg in Jefferson Township. Moreover, his landscaping enterprise has clientele throughout much of our region. Through his family and schooling, he’s learned the importance of treating others the way you would want to be treated, and that’s a motto he lives by, and it shows. He understands the value of hardwork and dedication to his clients’ needs. Finally, he brings a diverse skill set to the table. This will serve his clients well as they seek his services.

“Realty Network Group made me feel like I found a home base from the moment I sat down for the initial interview. The support I’ve received from Amy (Kiesinger Bohenek), Halle (Stevens) and others has me very excited to be part of the ‘team.’ The success I’ve witnessed from other agents, who started with this company in recent years has me motivated. It’s a tribute to their training and support staff.” Training is a key to becoming a successful real estate agent, but again, so are other intangibles. Joe possesses many great qualities, which should serve him and his clients well.

If you’re in search of an enthusiastic and determined professional to help you find your next home or sell your current one, contact Joe Walsh today at 970-787-5098 or via [email protected].

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Why Homes Sit on the Market: 5 Fixable Reasons

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 Don’t let your home sit—let it stand above the rest of the competition and be noticed. If there’s one thing we counsel our clientele on today, it’s making a distinction between their home and others “on the market, not selling.” What are the unique selling points of their home? What is the state of the market, even as granular as their neighborhood? Are there comparable properties selling right now? Putting together a vivid picture of the subject property and how to elevate it above other similar homes could mean the difference between fewer days on market and maybe even a multiple offer situation. Understanding why homes sit on the market can help sellers create an effective strategy.

1. Pricing

This is the obvious. The elephant in the room. We’d be deceiving ourselves if we didn’t mention this one first, because it’s the most important and for good reason. Remember, the whole process for a buyer begins (or should begin) with an honest assessment of what they can afford and tailoring their search around that benchmark. The buyer consults a mortgage lender, discovers how much they’re pre-approved for, compares that to their financial situation, determines their must-haves when previewing homes, and investigates the market. Homebuyers, especially if they’ve been searching for some time, have an eye for present circumstances and how compatible properties have fared.

Sellers who better understand what buyers are witnessing in terms of pricing can better estimate and position their property for its initial release. That’s why having a REALTOR® generate a competitive market analysis (CMA) tailored to the seller’s home is ideal for understanding how to price it correctly. Although we might be in a period of correction, the market still favors sellers. Because of this, real estate professionals may advise homeowners to set their list price toward the higher end of its value range.

2. Repairs

When owners anticipate selling, they should review all aspects of their property to determine what needs repair and what could benefit from an upgrade. Ideally, this should be done months ahead of time. Consulting a REALTOR® can help owners judge which repairs or updates would help sell the home and which ones to avoid. Sellers want to skip changes that buyers won’t care about or that might negatively affect value.

Some homeowners pursue a “pre-listing” inspection, where a professional evaluates the home and pinpoints potential issues to address before listing. Though less common, this step can be extremely beneficial in certain cases and prevent scenarios where homes sit on the market due to condition concerns.

3. Curb Appeal

We emphasize this often—because it matters. Do you want increased engagement and more prospective buyers to see your home? One of the quickest ways to attract attention, both online and for in-person showings, is to create an inviting atmosphere. The exterior facade will either captivate or deter onlookers. It’s that simple. A fresh coat of paint on the front door, fresh landscaping, trimmed shrubbery, and a new garage door can all enhance appeal.

However, homeowners shouldn’t go overboard. Changes that don’t appeal to most buyers or that seem too high maintenance could turn people off. Sellers should avoid spending on upgrades that won’t deliver a return on investment. Enhancing curb appeal the right way can make a difference in why homes sit on the market or sell quickly.

4. Buyer Incentives

Offering buyers and their agents meaningful perks can help your home stand out. One popular incentive is a home warranty, which covers the home while it’s listed and provides coverage for the buyer after closing. This protects both parties and adds peace of mind.

Other incentives include seller concessions or closing credits. These financial boosts help buyers cover costs and may tip the scales in your favor. Some sellers offer a buyer’s agent bonus, which encourages agents to prioritize showing your home. These strategies can help minimize why homes sit on the market for extended periods.

5. Marketing

Investing in a knowledgeable real estate professional who understands current market conditions can reduce time on the market. Experienced agents know how to position a property for maximum exposure and understand what’s selling—and why.

Sellers should choose a REALTOR® and brand with a track record of attracting a large pool of buyers. Aggressive, strategic marketing and a willingness to go the extra mile are must-haves. Agents should have a clear plan for how to get your home noticed and shown. Without strong marketing, it’s easy to see why homes sit on the market unnecessarily.

Take Action Now

As a homeowner, some factors—like location or costly upgrades—may be out of your control. But the five listed above are well within reach. Sitting down with your agent to create a strategy based on these tips can ultimately reduce the number of days your home stays listed. Understanding why homes sit on the market helps sellers prepare and adjust before listing.

If you’re considering selling, even if it’s months away, it’s never too early to plan. Contact one of our professionals today to get started!

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Time, Patience & Magic

Theresa DeMario Plisko becomes the newest addition to join Realty Network Group. As someone who has more or less lived her whole life in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Theresa knows the communities and markets well within this region. Though she excels in areas such as Moosic, Taylor and Old Forge, she looks forward to assisting homebuyers and sellers throughout the Greater Scranton area as well.

Over the past five years, Theresa has grown into her role as a successful REALTOR®. Prior to that she worked with her husband’s construction company for over twenty-five years. Through this experience, she understands how to coach sellers to effectively list and buyers on what to look for when searching for a home. “The reward in this business comes when my clients discover what they’re looking for,” exclaims Theresa. “The timetable varies from person to person, but the important thing I like them to remember is we’ll achieve our goals if we take it one step at time.” To her buyers, she reviews the pros and cons of homes presently on the market. To her sellers, she’ll have candid conversations about pricing, staging, among other things, even if it’s not what they want to hear.

Theresa’s approach to real estate over the years has defined her together with how she cares about her clients and their investments. She has many other strengths, including an understanding of market trends, effectively pricing a home, curb appeal, home construction, home staging and design. “I sought out a company with a strong reputation, who is respected among my peers,” underscored Theresa. “This was one of the reasons I became part of Realty Network Group. They’re a smaller company, which has similar camaraderie to the real estate business I first worked with, The Agency Real Estate Group.”

Real estate is the perfect match for agents like Theresa, who truly enjoy pairing buyers with properties that make sense for them and their families. Buying a home is a huge investment and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, choose a real estate professional who is easy to work with and who has the expertise to deliver the results you’re seeking. Contact Theresa DeMario Plisko today at 570-851-8511 or via email at [email protected].

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