Why Your Home Isn't Selling: 7 Common Mistakes and Solutions
Are you frustrated because your home has been sitting on the market for what feels like an eternity? Selling a home can be a stressful process, especially when you're not seeing any offers come in. However, before you throw in the towel, it's essential to understand why your home might not be selling and what steps you can take to turn things around. In this blog post, we'll explore some common reasons why homes fail to sell and provide practical solutions to get your Home SOLD! 1. Overpricing / Underpricing: One of the primary reasons why a home doesn't sell is pricing. If your home is priced too high, potential buyers may be scared away. Meanwhile, in some housing markets, pricing it too low could raise suspicions about the property's condition or result in financial losses. Solution: Work with your real estate agent to conduct a comparative market analysis and set a realistic listing/starting price based on current market conditions. Get your FREE Comprehensive market analysis HERE: https://www.dawnnowak.com/evaluation 2. Seller’s Motivation: a. Seller don’t really want to move b. Availability for Showing Limiting the availability for showings can be a major obstacle. Buyers may have busy schedules, and if they can't view your home at a convenient time, they might move on to other options. c. Negotiation is Part of the Selling Process If you're unwilling to negotiate on price, closing costs, or other terms, you may be turning off potential buyers. Solution: Be open to negotiating with buyers and consider their offers carefully, even if they're not exactly what you were hoping for. Be flexible with showings, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and open houses to accommodate a broader range of potential buyers. Flexibility is key when selling a home, especially in a competitive market. The goal is to get as many potential buyers in the house as possible. This creates a bidding war. Additional Tip: Seller should not stay for showing. This makes the buyers and their Realtors uncomfortable. They want to discuss your home & price strategies. 3. Staging - Nonexisting a. Staging If your home is poorly staged, cluttered, dirty, or has outdated interiors, it might be harder for potential buyers to envision themselves living there. b. Curb Appeal If your home lacks curb appeal, it may struggle to attract prospective buyers. The exterior of your home is the first thing people see, and if it looks neglected or uninviting, it can deter potential buyers from even stepping inside. c. Unaddressed Repairs or Issues If your home has significant maintenance issues or deferred repairs, it can be a major turnoff for potential buyers or lead to lowball offers. Solution: Invest time and resources into landscaping, fresh paint, and minor exterior repairs or interior updates to enhance your home’s overall appeal. You may also consider hiring a professional stager to arrange your furniture and decor in a way that maximizes the appeal of each room. Be proactive in fixing any issues such as leaky faucets, peeling wallpaper, or electrical problems before listing your home for sale. A well-maintained home signals to buyers that it has been cared for and is move-in ready. Simple improvements can make a significant difference in creating a positive first impression. Details really do matter. Get your FREE Homestaging consultation when you list your home with Dawn Nowak. 4. Poor Timing: Timing can play a significant role in the success of a home sale. Factors such as seasonality, economic conditions, and local market trends can all impact how quickly a home sells. Solution: Work with your real estate agent to identify the best time to list your home based on market conditions and buyer demand. Stay informed about current market conditions and adjust your strategy accordingly. 5. Odor of any Kind a. Cat/Dog odor Use white vinegar & water on floors and subfloors. Carpets may also need to be removed. Keep litter boxes clean. b. Cigarette Smoke: Do not smoke in house or garage while the house is on the market, or even a few weeks before. Have carpets professionally cleaned. 6. Water Drainage/Mildew/Mold Buyers know a roof leak with ceiling stains is a red flag and that replacing a roof is very expensive. If repairs aren’t made, it can lead to mold - an additional and expensive fix. If a basement is damp with mold or mildew, try to use hydrogen peroxide & water on block foundation. Use Drylok to “seal” the pores in the block. Mold is extensive, contact mold professionals: CMM Mold owner Ken Bird - 585.489.3666 7. Ineffective Inexperienced Realtor: Not all real estate agents are created equal - and choosing the wrong one can hinder your home-selling efforts. a. Marketing Subpar Discuss marketing first. b. Lack of Marketing Simply listing your home on the MLS isn't enough to attract buyers in today's digital age. Effective marketing is crucial for reaching a broader audience and generating interest in your property. 92% of buyers see the home and decide to see it or not depending on pictures. Solution: Work with an agent who has a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes professional photography, drone pictures, video walkthrough, online listings, social media promotion, targeted advertising, signage, brochures, beautiful open houses and reverse prospecting to all the Realtor in your area with a potential buyer. Do your research and select an experienced, reputable agent like Dawn Nowak of the Dawn Nowak Team who has a track record of success in their local market. Learn more about Dawn and our team at: https://www.dawnnowak.com/about Check out our Client Testimonials at: https://www.dawnnowak.com/googlereviews Identifying the reasons your home isn't selling is the first step toward making positive changes. By addressing these common pitfalls and implementing the suggested solutions, you can breathe new life into your listing. Remember, selling a home takes time, patience, and a proactive approach, so don't get discouraged if things don't happen overnight. With the right adjustments, strategy and mindset, you can increase the attractiveness of your home and attract the right buyer. Are you ready to sell your home? Give The Dawn Nowak Team a call at: (585) 317-7749 (Rochester) | (716) 288-6881 (Buffalo) Visit our website at: www.DawnSoldAnother.com
11 Inexpensive, Easy Changes to Save Money in your Home
Ever thought about how your home affects the Earth and your wallet? Our blog spills the beans on everyday habits you might not realize impact the environment. In the middle of our busy lives, it's easy to forget that our homes play a big role in keeping the planet healthy. We'll show you an easy way to check your house and find where you're using too much water and energy. Fixing these things doesn't just help the Earth – it saves you money too! Join us in the blog to discover simple tricks to make your home eco-friendly without the fuss! 1. Energy Efficiency: 1.a. Inspect Your Appliances: Start by checking your household appliances, such as the refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine. Ensure they are set to the most energy-efficient options. Older appliances tend to be less energy-efficient. If your budget allows, consider upgrading to Energy Star-rated appliances. These appliances are designed to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines, helping you save both energy and money while reducing your environmental impact. You should perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning air filters in HVAC systems and dryer vents, as well as cleaning the coils of your refrigerator to maintain optimal performance, improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption. 1.b. Unplug Unused Electronics: Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when turned off - using "phantom" or "vampire" energy. Unplug chargers, appliances, and electronics when not in use, or use smart power strips to completely cut off power to these devices. This small step can contribute to a significant reduction in energy consumption over time. Shop here: https://www.amazon.com/smart-power-strip/s?k=smart+power+strip 1.c. Seal Leaks and Gaps: Go around your home and check for drafts around windows and doors. If you find any, use weather stripping or caulk to seal those gaps. This helps keep the warmth in during winter and the cool air in during summer, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning. 1.d. Switch to LED or CFL Bulbs: Traditional incandescent bulbs consume more energy and have a shorter lifespan compared to LED bulbs. Make the switch to LED or CFL lighting throughout your home. These alternatives consume less energy, last longer, and produce less heat. Making this simple switch not only conserves resources but also saves you money on your electricity bill in the long run. 1.e. Conduct a Water Heater Check: Water heaters also use up a lot of energy in homes. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) to save energy while still staying cozy. Consider using programmable thermostats for better temperature control. Additionally, consider insulating your water heater and the first few feet of hot and cold water pipes connected to it to reduce heat loss and save energy. 2. Water Conservation: 2.a. Fix Leaks: Start by checking for any leaks in your plumbing fixtures. Even a small drip from a faucet, pipes or a running toilet can waste a lot of water over time. Check the pipes under sinks, around toilets, and in the basement regularly for leaks or wet spots. Also, see if there are leaks in outdoor faucets and hoses. Make sure your sprinklers are spraying the right way and not watering the sidewalk or driveway. Fixing these problems right away can save tons of water every day and can make your water bill lower. 2.b. Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures: Consider replacing your older faucets and showerheads with low-flow alternatives as well as a dual-flush toilet to reduce water consumption. These fixtures are designed to maintain water pressure while using less water, helping you save both water and energy used to heat it. 2.c. Garden and Landscaping: Outside your home, you can do things to save resources too. Plant native plants in your yard – they usually need less water and care. Put down mulch to keep the soil moist so you don't have to water as much. You can also set up a rain barrel to collect rainwater for your plants. It's an easy way to save water and not always rely on treated tap water for your garden. Check this out for native plants you can plant on your yard: https://www.epicgardening.com/new-york-native-plants/ 3. Waste Reduction: 3.a. Practice Recycling: Make sure your home is part of recycling efforts. Keep recyclables separate from regular trash, and know what can and can't be recycled in your neighborhood. 3.b. Compost Kitchen Waste: Instead of throwing organic kitchen waste into the trash, start a compost bin. Composting not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also provides nutrient-rich compost for your garden. 3.c. Choose Reusable Products: Choose reusable items such as water bottles, shopping bags, and containers. This way, we reduce the use of single-use plastics and make less trash. Conducting a quick house check to identify areas of resource wastage is a simple yet impactful step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. By making smart choices and implementing these simple changes, we help the planet, save money on bills, and make our homes work better. Remember, even little actions can make a big difference when it comes to protecting our planet.
10 Essentials Before Taking the Plunge as a First Time Home Buyer
Are you considering taking the leap into homeownership? Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a daunting process if you're not adequately prepared. From financial readiness to understanding your preferences, there are several crucial steps to take before diving into the world of real estate. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the 10 essential things you must do to prepare for your first home purchase. 1. Work with a Real Estate Agent: This should be your 1st step. Once you have an agent, they can help your offer stand out in a competitive market. A Realtor will save you time by recommending the best mortgage lenders. Also, if needed, they will start a credit restoration program so you are ready to purchase sooner. Enlisting the help of a knowledgeable real estate agent can streamline the homebuying process and provide valuable guidance. Look for an agent who specializes in the neighborhoods you're interested in and has a track record of helping first-time buyers. Read the Google review to pick a Realtor that has the qualities that are important to you. Read our Google Reviews HERE: https://www.dawnnowak.com/googlereviews 2. Assess Your Financial Situation: Before beginning your home search, it's very important to evaluate your financial health. Take a close look at your income, savings, and existing debts. Determine how much you can comfortably afford for a mortgage payment each month. Remember to consider additional costs like property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance expenses. 3. Check Your Credit Score & Credit Utilization Ratio: Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining the interest rate on your mortgage loan. Before applying for a mortgage, review your credit report and address any errors or outstanding debts. Aim for a credit score of 620 or higher to qualify for favorable loan terms. Lenders will check your credit utilization ratio - credit debt divided by available credit less than 30% ideal. 4. Save & Seek Downpayment Assistance and Closing Costs: Saving for a down payment is one of the most significant financial hurdles for first-time homebuyers. Aim to save at least 20% of the home's purchase price to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). Additionally, don't forget to budget for closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price. There are many first-time Home Buyers programs and grants available. Your Realtor & mortgage lender will guide you if you qualify. 5. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a crucial step in the home-buying process. It not only helps you understand how much you can borrow but also demonstrates to sellers that you're a serious buyer. This document must be attached to any purchase offer you wish to submit. In a normal housing market, shop around and compare mortgage rates from different lenders to find the best option for your financial situation. If the housing market is competitive, work along with your Realtor’s guidance. Pick a top Lender that has a great reputation can be a large piece of the puzzle to get your offer accepted over others. 6. Research Neighborhoods and Property Types: Take the time to research different neighborhoods and property types that align with your lifestyle and preferences. Consider factors such as proximity to schools, family & friends, shopping centers, and recreational amenities. Determine whether you prefer a single-family home, condo, townhouse, or apartment. 7. Attend Open Houses and Tours: Once you've narrowed down your search criteria, attend open houses and schedule tours of properties that catch your eye. Pay attention to the layout, condition, and potential renovation costs of each home. Take notes and ask questions to gather as much information as possible. If you love the house and want to see it again, your Realtor will schedule a showing to review the home with you. 8. Make an Offer In This Seller Market: When you find a home that meets your criteria, work with your real estate agent to craft a compelling offer. Currently, there is still a housing shortage. You will most likely be in competition with multiple buyers. Your Realtor’s experience is essential to writing the best possible offer to “win” and have your offer accepted over the other buyers' offers. You have one chance typically to write the best offer you can, the seller picks the one that addresses their situation. 9. Complete the Home Inspection: Given the current competitive housing market, discuss this step with your Realtor. Once your offer is accepted, schedule a home inspection to uncover any potential issues with the property. Additionally, your lender will require a home appraisal to ensure the property's value aligns with the purchase price. Review the inspection and appraisal reports carefully and address any concerns with the seller. 10. Close the Deal and Move In: Finally, it's time to close the deal and officially become a homeowner! Work with your lender, real estate agent, and attorney to complete the necessary paperwork and finalize the transaction. Your Realtor will assist you over the 45-60 days during the closing process. Once the keys are in your hand, celebrate your accomplishment and start planning your move into your new home. Purchasing your first home is a significant milestone that requires careful planning and preparation. By following these essential steps and seeking guidance from professionals, you can navigate the homebuying process with confidence and make your homeownership dreams a reality. Ready to buy your first home? Work with our team now and talk to Jim Nowak to get started. Contact him at 585.439.0619 (Rochester) or 716.563.6264 (Buffalo). Or email him at JamesNowak@kw.com. Visit our website at www.DawnSoldAnother.com. The Dawn Nowak Team’s First-Time Homebuyers: “ Dawn and Jim helped us get our first home in Berkshire Park. As first-time home buyers, we were a little anxious but Dawn was always available and we could call & text her any time. She also gave us very helpful advice on interior design once we closed on the house.” -Muhammad Samir Khan “They assisted us in finding a wonderful home in a great neighborhood. We were highly anxious about winning the home, since we knew there would be a bidding war… We hired Dawn to represent us as our buyer’s agent. She listened patiently to our needs and wants…She came up with a game plan… She produced a creative solution…Her strategy worked and we were beyond elated. “ -Sam Mudvary
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