Pros And Cons Of Open Houses

Open houses have been an integral part of attracting interest when selling a property. Presently, however, there has been debate as to whether they play a role in the sale of a house, as importantly as they did in previous years.

The opinions about this matter vary, depending on the real-estate agent or person selling the house. On one side, some property owners still cherish the idea as a tool for selling houses, while others may prefer digital marketing methods.

The other side has the realtors who love the idea, and always try to push the property owner to have an open house. The event is not a sure way of selling, and may or may not result in a sale. Below are some of the factors Rebeccas Realtor encourages you to think about, as you decide whether to have one or not.

Pros Of Hosting Open Houses

#1. Buyers Can See The Property First-Hand

Nothing can beat the experience of physically moving around the premise when you are interested in purchasing a house. You get to feel the space, the ambiance, and the environment, among other factors.

In most cases, buyers go in undecided about what they need their house to be. By conducting a walk through, they are able to make a decision, and reach out to the agent or seller.

#2. All Are Welcome

With an open house, anyone can enter and survey what is on offer. The beauty of this is that not only are buyers accommodated, but brokers as well.

The sale of a house requires those two parties and financial institutions, like banks, to make a success. The brokers may provide some crucial advice on how to get the house off your hands quicker.

#3. More Exposure

For such an event to be successful, you need great marketing in traversing a vast area. The agent can place posters around the area, put an ad in newspapers, and post advertisements on social media, among other platforms. The property gains exposure, since more people will know about its sale.

#4. Gaining New Customers

You can receive unexpected drop-ins from people on the streets or driving by, who end up being interested in the listing. The process of securing a home can be relatively difficult for buyers attempting it for the first time.

You can explain to them what they need to do, while also making them comfortable with the whole process and the house.

The Cons Of Open Houses

#1. Unqualified Buyers

In most cases, the people coming to view the property are not eligible, due to lack of mortgage pre-approvals. A pre-approval is a crucial initial step when considering the purchase of a house.

Since screening those attending your open house as drop-ins is near impossible, the event may be nothing but a waste of time. However, some only do open houses by appointment, and make sure that the potential buyers are already approved.

#2. Limited Chances Of A Sale

Although your home may attract viewings, it rarely ends in a sale. The open house system has seen a decrease in sales as years go by, as other preferences shift.

Many buyers usually request a more private showing of houses, which are arranged between the buyer and their real-estate agent.

#3. Security Drawbacks

Since the attendees may not be screened properly when entering or leaving, some individuals may take advantage and steal some items. Also, the large numbers in some of these events makes it difficult to monitor and track all movements. They can steal anything, so it is advised that all valuable things are stored away from reach.

In some cases, criminals have used such events to map out houses for future break-ins. With a layout of the house, they can get in and out easily to steal fixtures, or wait for the new tenant to settle in.

#4. Nosy Neighbors

Another downside is it may engage nosy neighbors, who merely want to know what you own and what your house looks like from the inside. They never intended to make a purchase at all.

Some people only desire to kill time when they are free, and think an open house might be as pleasant as any other activity.

#5. Stress

Finally, getting from the preparation to actually executing the event is quite stressful, especially if there are no positive outcomes.

Conclusion

One needs to weigh the points outlined here carefully before embarking on an open house, as it is also not necessary. Since it may or may not bring a sale, and the agent needs to sell the house, the decision is yours.

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How To Develop A Great Relationship With Your Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents have become one of the most important professionals that we rely on to help us better our lives, providing us with the opportunity to buy the home of our dreams, or sell the ones we already have.

Before we delve further into this topic, here’s a quick reminder that if you are looking for property on sale in Cape Coral, Florida, contact us today. Back to the topic at hand…

When buying or selling your home or piece of land, a real estate agent is one of the most important people that you will have to work closely with. The agent that you pick will guide you toward achieving your dream in the real estate market.

However, the success of your project will entirely depend on the relationship between you and your agent. For this reason, it is essential to ensure that you build and maintain a good relationship with your real estate agent. Not sure on how to go about it? Consider the four tips below.

Maintain A High Level Of Trust

Trust is the backbone of any healthy relationship. Unfortunately, trusting someone who you have not worked with before is easier said than done.

However, for you to strengthen the relationship between you and your real estate agent, you need to trust them. This is because you will have to share some information, such as your preferences with the property that you intend to buy or sell, not to mention your budget.

Without trust, it will be impossible for you to provide your agent with the information that they need to work with you. On the other hand, when your agents realize that you trust them, they will, in turn, trust you and will be able to serve you better.

Avoid Being Tight-Fisted

When dealing with a real estate agent, it is important to remember that they base their livelihood on the commission that they make.

For this reason, if you’re adamant and insist that the agent drop their commission, it is likely that they will lose interest in you.

It is, therefore, important to ensure that you are considerate enough and agree on a term that will be fair for both parties.

Otherwise, your agent will work under pressure to try and maximize their commission. This way, they will not be in a position to give you the perfect work you need.

Be Punctual

In the course of your time working together, you will have several meetings with your agents to discuss any progress. More often than not, clients disrespect the time plan that they have with the agent, and blame their tight schedule.

This might end up jeopardizing your relationship with your agent, as they will take it that you have no respect for their time. Instead, always ensure that you avail yourself in time for all the appointments that you have.

Though you are the boss of your agent at the moment, do not take advantage of their time. Otherwise, the agent will have to cut your meetings short, or lose another client for your sake.

Be Open Minded

When working in a high-pressure market, such as real estate, it is essential to ensure that you remain open-minded. Being humble enough to listen to your agents will save the day.

For instance, in case the agent reports that a certain price is too high, do not be quick to anger and automatically shut them down. Instead, hear them out and try to voice your thoughts on the best way forward.

By remaining open-minded, you will improve your relationship with your agent, and thus become more invested in the project.

Conclusion

Finding the right agent to help you sell or purchase your dream home is not a walk in the park. However, even after finding the right agent, a good relationship is paramount for you to succeed in your project.

Additionally, with an excellent agent-client relationship, you will ensure that your agent sticks around until the end of the project. Follow the tips above to maintain a stable relationship with your real estate agent.

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Utilizing Pub Sheds To Save Space And Entertain Guests!

Ever heard of the kind of extreme remodeling that allows you to release the clutter in your shed, and transform it into an entertainment haven? That is how pub sheds are created. All you need to do is move the old mess out and create a unique sanctuary to relax in.

Building A Pub Shed

Wondering where all the clutter will go? You can create storage space by keeping a steep roof, or well-made loft to provide loads of storage space.

However, you will need to be more organized this time. Keep what is essential and trash all the redundant things that are just filling space. Maybe you will want two sheds, one for storage of outdoor equipment and one for entertaining.

A pub shed design and décor is dependent on your preferred style. It can be modern, traditional, or contemporary. Whatever style you choose, make sure it is warm, positive, relaxing and naturally inviting.

You should consider a fine counter and exclusive footrests to complement it. Just make sure you have a plan before you start the transformation process.

Do not limit your imagination, just let it wonder and the ideas will flow in naturally. You can install a bar, a tv, and some couches, among other comfortable items.

Is It Expensive To Build?

You do not need a huge amount of money to build a pub shed, unless you don’t have a shed to begin with. Otherwise, all you need is a cleaned shed, and a small pinch of creativity.

Start with family and friend’s opinions and ideas, and soon you will be an entertainment expert. Stocking drinks can be expensive, but you do not need to fill up on quality brands. Stock what you can with the extra money you have for each event.

The pub shed will consistently be a source of fun, and a cool place to hang out for sports, or parties. You can easily entertain a small group of friends or host a family event.

Is It Hard To Get Started?

Many people are afraid to embrace this new trend, because they think the process is cumbersome and expensive. Pub sheds are easier to create than you might think.

Surprise yourself and your family today by facing that fear. Take that broad, yet easy step that everyone is skeptical about. Entertaining events will never be the same again, and you can take pride in the fact that you have a very unique space for people to enjoy.

Conclusion

What makes pub sheds unique is their diversity. The freedom that comes with creating it is endless. It allows you to customize and craft a masterpiece of your choosing. The sheds can be classified into she or he sheds.

As a side note, if you’re looking for real estate in Cape Coral specifically, check out our Rebeccas Realtor Cape Coral page for more information.

She or he sheds… this does not mean that they are restricted to a specific gender. It is basically the kind of touch you want to give your pub shed.

It can a feminine or masculine touch. You choose! Bring bliss to your backyard by creating a pub shed today. Your home will never be the same again

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4 Ways To Keep Your Home Organized On A Budget

For you and your family to enjoy your home, organizing the place is vital. However, the more items you purchase for your house, the higher the chances will be of making the house messy and disorganized.

A disorganized house not only steals the beautiful look of your home, but also slows down your day. Unfortunately, arranging everything that you own, to ensure that you maintain order in your house, could end up costing you a fortune.

However, even on a tight budget, it is possible to manage everything you own in a systematic order. Here are four items that you can purchase to help you turn your house into a comfortable home, without leaving your wallet empty.

1. Plastic Drawers

Plastic drawers are one of the most cost-effective storage units on the market today that could help you organize your home. For instance, you could use the drawers to store some essentials such as keys, wallets, purses, and more.

These are some of the items that could cause you to waste a lot of time when trying to trace them. With a drawer, however, you will always place them in one spot, thus making it easy for you to find them when needed.

Additionally, a beautiful drawer will greatly improve the look of the room where it is placed. This way, you will remain organized and enhance the beauty of your home.

2. A Planner

In every given situation, without a plan, you can end up having such a disorganized day. A planner is a cheap and available item that will help you make a schedule of all the activities that you intend to do in a day. This way, you will achieve an organized day that has every minute accounted for.

Additionally, you can use it to note down where you have placed certain items in the house. You can also record reminders of events, appointments, or activities that you are supposed to attend on a specific day and time.

By following all the steps in the plan to the letter, everything in your house will run smoothly and remain organized.

3. Plastic Carry Basket In The Bathroom

Your bathroom is an essential room, that if ignored, could get out of hand quickly. This is a major part of the house that needs to remain organized at all times.

By purchasing a plastic carry basket in your bathroom, you can keep all paraphernalia out of sight when they are not in use. Use the bucket to store your deodorants, hair sprays, makeup, and razors, among others.

You can later store the basket under the counter. This will help ensure that your bathroom stays organized and easy for you to use when you need something from the basket.

4. Clothes Hangers

If not taken care of, clothes can easily make your home look completely disorganized. For this reason, whenever you are trying to organize rooms, the Rebeccas Realtor suggest that your first step should be looking for ways to handle your clothes.

Hangers are the cheapest method to keep your clothes in order. You can use them to arrange your clothes, according to the categories that fit you best.

For instance, you could arrange them according to formality, type, color, or others. This will not only ensure that your closet is organized, but it will also save you time by not having to iron your clothes, or try to find them when they’re all over the place.

Not only that, but it will also make it easy for you to note some of the items that you need to renew in your closet. You’ll always be ready for any occasion.

Conclusion

An organized room is the first step toward enjoying your time in your home. However, ensuring that your house is always arranged is easier said than done.

This is mainly due to the cost that is incurred to purchase the necessities of keeping rooms organized. Fortunately, even on a tight budget, you can comfortably keep your home organized.

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Quick Ways To Disguise Flaws In Your Home

People’s prized possessions can include everything from their cars to jewelry. For others, it is their homes, because that is where they are most comfortable.

After a long day at work, all you may want to do is come home and relax on the couch with some dinner and a nice glass of wine. But some homeowners may not be able to relax if their home has superficial flaws.

Maybe the wood floor is warping in the kitchen by the sink, or the living room wall paint has spots from hanging pictures. Rebecca’s Realtor suggests that if you have a new or older home with flaws, you should give these techniques a try, to help disguise them.

#1. Walls

If your living room has awkward or off center windows, invest in some flowy curtains. Hang them above to create a more centered look. You can also use curtains to mask window units when they aren’t being used, or on radiators.

Now let’s talk plain walls, nicked paint, boring switches, and outlet covers. If you are having friends or family over and want to impress them with something (or even for yourself), create a gallery wall.

Pick out some of your favorite photos and arrange them in your own pattern on the wall. You can mark the wall beforehand, so you know exactly where to place the photos when it comes time to hang them.

If you are going to paint the walls, try to stick to a matte paint. Glossier paints will only highlight imperfections.

Wallpaper is also a fun and effective way to decorate. There are tons of options to choose from, and can add personality to almost any room.

Light switch covers, as well as outlet covers, are a basic necessity in any home. If needed, you can slide a coffee table, or even the couch to cover the outlet.

#2. Floors

Floors see the most wear and tear of any area in your home, because everyone is walking on them every single day. However, some floors hold character better than others.

Whether you have wood or tile floors, you can use an area rug to hide imperfections. Rugs come in many shapes, sizes, patterns, and materials. Choose which is best for you, and cleverly hide that ugly spot on the floor.

#3. Lights And Cords

Lighting can also play a huge role in how your home is perceived. Try to keep a small room well lit. You can make almost any room feel larger by adding floor or table lamps, adding more light to the space.

In every home, there can be many unattractive cords that can be quite an eyesore. One way to hide cords, especially under a computer desk, is to hang a black cloth behind it.

This allows you to still have everything plugged in on your desk, but the cloth will mask the pesky cords. You can also use power strips or stylish bins and boxes. Another option is to use garbage bag twists to tie the cords together.

Conclusion

Every home has its flaws, but it’s important to remember that that is what makes a house a home. Embrace dingy floors and coffee tables, because sometimes it actually looks better with some character.

Love your home and always invite your family and friends over for a fun time. The home is where many memories are made. Enjoy it!

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Current 2018 Real Estate Concerns And Their Upsides

Investing in real estate involves purchasing properties and renting or selling them to make a profit. In truth, real estate has limited liquidity when compared to other forms of investments.

However, it is an attractive investment, because over time, the value of the property can go up. In addition, real estate is far more predictable and stable than most other forms of investments. For any questions, contact Rebeccas Realtor and we will be happy to answer any questions!

Like with any other form of investments, information will be the key to your success. Therefore, today we are going to cover some of the concerns in the real estate market. You will also find valuable information on how to overcome these challenges.

Interest Rates Have Gone Up

Interest rates are influenced by the economy. Currently, the economy is not doing so well, and the real estate market is already feeling the change.

The demand for property has decreased, and the mortgage rates have increased. Increased interest rates make housing less affordable, and limit the appreciation in value of real estate properties.

An increasing interest rate is not all bad news for investors, though it is true that it is more costly to acquire properties. However, the increased rates attract higher rental prices, which is good news for any property owner.

Lower Rent In Big Cities

In most big cities, rent has dropped. What used to be the rent in 2016, in New York City, has fallen by around 15%. Before investing, look at the rental rates curve to see if rental prices has fallen or if they have gone up.

That does not mean you should wait until the rent rates hike so you can invest. Transfer the drop in rental rates to the buying price. That is to say, you should buy property at a price that is 15% lower than the price of peak rental periods.

Buying property at a peak price, when rental prices have gone down, translates to you paying for the property at a higher valuation. The bad news is that situation could last forever, slowing down the increase in your yield on the property.

Homes Are Selling Faster

Even with the increased interest rates, homes are selling more quickly, compared to similar periods last year. Millennials are looking for larger spaces to expand their families, which might be the reason behind the fast rate of homes sold.

Sellers are ecstatic with new trends. Not only is the trend reducing the pressure that comes with selling a house, but it also means a home could sell at a higher price.

But for buyers, the trend means there is a lot of competition, and the prices are going up. To beat the competition, you have to prepare your finances in advance, and be sure of the kind of house you want.

Also, consider hiring an experienced real estate agent. Real estate agents are pros in negotiations, and are more likely to find better deals.

Conclusion

Whether you are an investor, a buyer, or you are merely looking to sell your home, these trends and challenges should concern you.

Real estate is capital intensive and in the case of buyers, a lifetime decision. So, study the market or work with professionals to avoid making costly mistakes.

The post Current 2018 Real Estate Concerns And Their Upsides appeared first on Rebecca Silva.

6 Tips On How To Make Rooms Look Bigger

Rebeccas Realtor understands that designing a home can be challenging at times, especially if you are confined by the space that you are living in. Fortunately, the internet is filled with invaluable information that can help you make the best out of any space that you are given.

In fact, if you do your homework first, you can easily transform a small room in a home to a room that anyone can enjoy. So, for those of you who are interested in what can be done, here are 6 tips that can help you make a small space look roomier.

1. Brighten Up The Room With Light Color Schemes

Even though you may prefer to use darker colors in the room that you are decorating, you should always resist the temptation.

While darker colors can signify the need for a cozy feel, they will also make the room feel smaller. Therefore, when preparing the color scheme for the smaller sized rooms, go with light colors.

Light colors in a small room will simply make the room look and feel more airy, while also giving it the feel of more space too.

2. Position The Furniture Away From The Wall

Another temptation that many people may have to fight is the need to open the space up in a room by pushing the furniture tightly against the walls.

Though this may appear to seem like a great idea for opening up the room, it can actually do the opposite. In fact, when the owner pulls the furniture a few inches away from the wall, it looks more open.

3. Use Hidden Storage Spaces Effectively

To open up a room in a home for more space, you should use hidden storage areas wisely. By incorporating the added storage space into furniture, closets and other things, no extra space will be required, and the rooms will look much cleaner and brighter.

You can put all your clutter into these storage areas, including remotes, toys, video games, and whatever else might be lying around.

4. Avoid Having Too Many Decorations

Some people enjoy putting decorative items all over the room, to support the theme that they are creating. These decorative items may be small, cute trinkets, while others can be almost too big to be decorative.

In either case, whatever you do, you need to make sure that you keep these items down to only a few, in strategic places.

5. Eliminate Overhead Lights

When decorating a room, you will always need to consider what types of lighting to use in each space. The lighting that a designer uses is done with much forethought before it is placed.

Specifically, when the room that they are working with is small and confined, the position can make a major difference in the appearance.

For instance, to make the room look more spacious, the lights need to be positioned closer to the floor, and not high up near the ceilings.

6. Place Mirrors Strategically

Mirrors are great for opening up a space in virtually any room. One of the best ways to make the room look much larger is to position the mirror across from a window, in order to reflect the light.

Conclusion

When you are designing a small room, you may encounter quite a few challenges that you will need to address, as you choose the proper decor.

One of the first is transforming a small space into a large place to reside in. Typically, there are some tricks that many professionals use to give a larger appearance.

Some of the more notables include lighter colors, eliminating overhead lights, placing mirrors in strategic locations, using hidden storage solutions, and positioning the furniture away from the walls. Try to utilize these tips and see what they can do for you!

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