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Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent

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HOW ARE YOU BEING REPRESENTED BY YOUR REALTOR? UNDERSTANDING AGENCY RELATIONSHIPS

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – August 15, 2018

HOW ARE YOU BEING REPRESENTED BY YOUR REALTOR? UNDERSTANDING AGENCY RELATIONSHIPS

Realtors in New Jersey are required to disclose how they work with Buyers and Sellers.  There are four types of agency:

  1. A Seller’s Agent lists the Seller’s home and is representing the Seller. Any information that a Buyer gives the Seller’s agent will be provided to the Seller.
  2. A Buyer’s Agent represents the Buyer. Any information that the Sellers provide the agent will be given to the Buyer.
  3. Disclosed Dual Agency is when the Realtor’s Agency represents both the Buyer and the Seller. The Realtor is not permitted to disclose whether the Seller is willing to accept an offer lower than the list price.  In regard to the Buyer, the Realtor is not permitted to disclose that the Buyer is willing to pay more than the list price.
  4. A transaction broker does not represent either the Seller or the Buyer and all information provided by the Seller and Buyer can be provided to either party.

Next time you meet a Realtor, at an open house or otherwise, ask them how you are being represented.

 

 

SIMPLE STEPS FOR HOME STAGING

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – August 8, 2108

SIMPLE STEPS FOR HOME STAGING

When in doubt take it out.  The old saying, “less is more” is telling when getting your home in tip top shape to present to the market and potential buyers.  According to the National Association of Realtors, for every $100 invested in staging, the potential return is $400. … “A staged home will sell for 17% more on average than a non-staged home, and 95% of staged homes sell in 11 days or less. That is statistically 87% faster than non-staged homes.” Why you ask? The psychology behind it suggests that our minds are not able to focus on the home. When there is an overwhelming number of collectibles and furniture, our mind gets distracted. We are not able to focus on the home and its functionality.

How do I start you may ask?  Create three piles, one for keepsakes, one for donations and one for landfill. Be sure for pack the keepsakes away and remove the donations and landfill items before taking next steps of furniture placement.

 

IDEAS THAT WILL ENCOURAGE OFFERS

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – August 1, 2018

IDEAS THAT WILL ENCOURAGE OFFERS

Make sure the lawn is mowed and the gardens are weeded. If you have hardscape, be sure that the path to the home is debris free and inviting. Power wash the exterior, and have the windows washed inside and out. The front door should be freshly painted in an inviting color. Be sure to touch up the trim. If you have outdoor lighting fixtures, be sure they are clear of cobwebs and rust.

A clean & fresh smelling home is key. Be sure to clean your home, ceiling to baseboards, and everywhere in between. If this seems like a daunting task, there are services that will gladly make your home sparkle. Paint in one of the most inexpensive ways to freshen up your home. Be sure to pick neutral colors, so buyers can imagine themselves moving right in. Let the light in! Take down dated drapery and shades. Natural light is inviting and visually increases the size of a room. Replace dated lighting fixtures consistent with the style of your home.

Declutter and remove large pieces of furniture. Each room should have a clear path to walk through. Remember you are trying to show off the functionality of the room.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR LAWN: TO DIY OR HIRE A PROFESSIONAL

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – July 25, 2018

TAKING CARE OF YOUR LAWN: TO DIY OR HIRE A PROFESSIONAL

When it comes to beautifying your lawn it can be overwhelming deciding whether you should take on the task by yourself or hire a lawn care professional. This decision may depend on your schedule, what kind of work your lawn needs, and yard size. Attempting to upkeep your yard by yourself may lead to expensive fixes or dangerous mistakes if you do not have experience trimming hedges and bushes. A professional will also do a much better job of tidying up after since they have it down to a routine. However, many have found gardening and lawn care to be a relaxing activity, time to spend outdoors. Also, by taking on the task by yourself you can save money (about $160 to $200 per month, according to Angie’s List) and feel accomplished by creating something beautiful on your property.

Based on what kind of work your lawn needs, DIY may be the way to go, but other tasks require a professional’s expertise. Whether you choose to take care of your lawn yourself or hire a lawn care professional, the most important thing is to have a beautiful space that feels like home.

 

FINDING THE BEST HOME INSPECTOR

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – July 18, 2018

FINDING THE BEST HOME INSPECTOR

The home inspection process is an important step in buying your dream home. During the inspection, an inspector identifies problems in the house, suggests fixes, and estimates how much repairs might cost. But how do you decide who to hire for this essential task? When deciding who to hire to conduct your home inspection, your real estate agent can recommend reliable and established inspectors in your area. Online sources like the American Society of Home Inspectors’ website also has information about inspectors who are certified in your area.

Before hiring an inspector, you should interview at least three inspectors before deciding who to hire. Each state has different requirements for inspector certifications and licenses so ensure that the inspector meets the state’s requirement. You should also ask how long they have been in the business and how much they charge. Another important thing to ask is what, specifically, the inspector does and does not check during a basic inspection. You may also ask if you can see a sample report to see how thorough the inspector is.

By having a thorough and qualified inspector you will be in the best hands through the inspection process.

 

Weichert Insights: Converting Your Garage into Living Space

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Converting Your Garage into Living Space

Nearly everyone is looking for more room in their home, and converting the garage into a living space is tempting. After all, it’s already under the roof, walled on three sides and there are no load-bearing walls in the way. Before embarking on a garage conversion remodel, there are many things to consider.

Perhaps most important is the impact on your home’s value. When converting a garage, you are essentially trading out one kind of usable space for another. While you may not prioritize a protected place to keep your car, someone else might never consider purchasing a home without a garage. When it comes time to sell your home, you may be punished with a low offer.

There are also zoning and legal issues to consider. What’s more, while it may seem simple, converting a garage can actually be as costly and take as long to complete as a new addition. For example, most garages are not insulated and because garages tend to be lower than the house, it would be advisable to elevate the floor to match the height of the rest of the home.

On the positive side, expanding into the garage instead of building an addition provides for more living space without taking away from yard space that you use for outdoor activities. In addition, the location of attached garages make them perfect to expand the family room or kitchen in a way that flows naturally.

Wherever you stand, a full assessment of the pros and cons of a garage conversion should be conducted prior to any final decision.

 

Beatrice Bloom