Selling in the Offseason

While spring and summer may be considered the peak selling seasons, the end of Winter can offer surprising advantages for motivated sellers. Facing less competition and potentially encountering serious buyers, a winter listing can be a strategic move. But first, you need to prepare your home to shine, even amidst the chill. Here are some key steps:

Boost Curb Appeal:

• Embrace the season: Clear snow and ice from walkways and driveways. Add festive touches like evergreen wreaths or outdoor lighting, but keep it tasteful.
• Tame the landscape: Trim overgrown bushes and remove dead leaves. If possible, plant winter-blooming flowers for a pop of color.
• Brighten the entrance: Ensure your porch light is working and add a welcoming doormat. A fresh coat of paint on the front door can also do wonders.

Declutter and Deep Clean:

• Less is more: Pack away unnecessary personal belongings and furniture to create a sense of spaciousness. Aim for clean lines and uncluttered surfaces.
• Deep clean everything: Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Sparkling floors, sanitized surfaces, and gleaming windows create a positive impression.
• Neutralize your scent: Avoid strong odors like pet dander or cooking smells. Opt for subtle, inviting scents like fresh baked cookies or vanilla candles.

Enhance Indoor Appeal:

• Maximize natural light: Open curtains and blinds during the day and consider adding lamps for warm evenings.
• Stage strategically: Arrange furniture to highlight the functionality of each room. Consider hiring a professional stager for expert advice.
• Cozy up the atmosphere: Play soft music, light a fireplace if you have one, and add plush throws and pillows for a comfortable feel.

Winter-Specific Touches:

• Show off winter features: Highlight cozy fireplaces, functional snow removal equipment, or winter-ready amenities like heated floors or sunrooms.
• Address potential winter concerns: Ensure heating systems are functioning properly and address any drafts or leaks.
• Showcase virtual tours: Consider professional virtual tours that capture the best of your home, even if snowy weather limits outdoor shots.

By following these tips and embracing the unique charm of February, you can effectively showcase your home’s strengths and attract serious buyers ready to make a move, even in the winter months.

3 Reasons to Buy a Home in Idaho Right NOW!

Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, and for good reason! With its stunning scenery, affordable cost of living, and strong economy, Idaho has become a popular destination for people of all ages. If you’re thinking about buying a home in Idaho, now is a great time to do it. Here are three reasons why:

1. Idaho’s housing market is still relatively affordable.

While home prices in Idaho have been rising in recent years, they are still below the national average. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median home price in Idaho in August 2023 was $443,700, compared to the national median of $436,700. This means that Idaho homebuyers are getting more for their money than they would in many other parts of the country.

2. Idaho’s economy is strong and growing.

Idaho’s economy has grown significantly in recent years, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The state’s unemployment rate is below the national average, and its job market is expanding. This is good news for homebuyers, as it means that there will be plenty of opportunities for employment and income growth in the future.

3. Idaho is a great place to live.

Idaho is known for its stunning natural beauty, with its mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. The state also has a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and theaters. Idaho is also a great place to raise a family, with its excellent schools and safe neighborhoods.

In addition to these three reasons, there are a number of other factors that make Idaho a great place to buy a home. For example, Idaho has a relatively low cost of living, with low property taxes and other expenses. The state also has a friendly business climate, which makes it a good place to start or grow a business.

If you’ve been trying to decide if it’s a good time to buy a home in Idaho the best way to find out is to start the conversation with a qualified Idaho REALTOR – like me!

Waiting Until Spring?

Many people have been thinking about relocating over the long Winter, whether it’s buying a new home in Idaho or selling their current home, it seems like Spring is the time when things really “start to happen”…buy why wait? Why not get the jump on things NOW? Well, there’s a lot going on during Spring! You’re barely caught up from the new year, taxes, and then Spring Break! Next thing you know it’s mid-July and you’re wondering if you’re ever going to move. If you’re on the fence about things we’ve put together some good reasons why you might not want to wait for the grass to start growing to make your move.

No Better Time Than NOW
That’s the case with a lot of things, and really even if you’re not ready to even start looking for a new home, or selling your current one, there’s still plenty you can do right NOW to work towards things. If you’re buying start checking out the area you plan to move to; if you’re selling start cutting back the clutter before time to pack.

The Market is Moving
Real estate doesn’t care about the weather. Sure, if you live in a remote region the snow will likely keep prospective buyers away but hopefully your Idaho real estate professional has created an evergreen marketing campaign so it stays at the forefront of people’s minds over the cold months. Don’t rest on your laurels in the “slow season”, if anything crank up your efforts to either find your own new place or to get yours sold – because the market is still moving even if you’re not ready to yet!

The Early Bird?
They say the early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese. Sometimes it’s about lasting power, about just being there, and staying there. If you’re buying, you simply can not start early enough looking and planning to find your Idahome. If you’re selling time is also of the essence because it will move faster than you think!

Either way, the best thing to do is establish a connection with an experienced and knowledgeable Idaho real estate professional, like me! So let’s get acquainted – contact me about your home needs, ideas, and dreams so we can start making them a reality today!

Is NOW the Time to Sell?

Spring has sprung in Idaho! And while traditionally Spring is always a time when the real estate market begins to tick up there is some uncertainty in the industry here in the Treasure Valley. Low inventory and high prices have maintained over the cold months, but we could be in for more than a thaw!

One thing to keep in mind is that if you’re already thinking of selling there’s no reason to not be getting ready to sell now. That means making sure things like your credit score are in order, finding a Idaho real estate agent you like working with, and of course starting to get your home prepared to list.

If you’re not having to relocate due to work or life changes you may be asking whether it even makes sense to be thinking about selling – the answer is YES. With inventory being as low as it is you have unprecedented leverage in the market, and by all signs interest rates will not stay low.

You might also be thinking of selling because you’ve had offers on your home, offers you couldn’t even believe, and if you’ve been unhappy where you are this may be the sign you’ve been looking for that it’s time to make the move.

If you’ve been thinking about it, if you just aren’t sure if it’s time, or even sure what you might get for your home we can help! Get a FREE market analysis of your home right here or get in touch today!

Little Things That Could Be Sabotaging Your Home Sale

A thousand and one things go into selling your home quickly and for the best price; unfortunately that means there’s at least a few hundred things that can sabotage things as well. To help you get your home ready for sale we’ve put together a few of the little things that you may not have thought about that can throw a wrench into the selling process.

A Bad Yard
Dead grass, dog piles, and general unkempt appearances in your yard can really stop things in their tracks – especially if it’s the front yard. Make sure to spend a little time getting the outside of your home looking good as well as the inside.

Cobwebs
Speaking of the outside of your house! Spiders are great for keeping bugs away, but they can scare away buyers too. If people see a bunch of cobwebs and dead bugs everywhere it can be a bit of a concern. A quick dusting or soft wash of your home can really make a big difference.

Clutter
Clothes piled on the couch, boxes stacked in corners, and just general clutter make spaces feel smaller and more cramped. Make sure you clear surfaces of personal items and anything that may detract from the open feeling of the home. Consider using organizer cubes, or move things into the garage while showing the home.

No Furniture Feng Shui
It may seem silly but having your furniture arranged awkwardly can make it hard for potential buyers to envision themselves in the space. While you don’t have to hire a home stager (necessarily) you may want to consider how your furniture creates a flow through the home and remove any bulky pieces. You may love your fuzzy footstool and Chicago Cubs food tray beside the couch, but unless it’s included with the house you may want to go ahead and clear them out as it may not be to the buyers taste.

These may seem like little things, but they can add up. Most importantly you want to present your home in a manner that allows prospective buyers to be able to see themselves living there. If you’re having trouble getting your home ready to sell, or just don’t know where to start get in touch!

Tips for a Cozy Winter Home

Make Your Home Cozy This Winter!

Winter is quickly on its way and for a big part of the country it looks like it might be a cold one! There is always plenty to do around the house, and getting ready for Winter kicks that into high gear. While there are any number of things most home owners know to do at this point – like closing foundation vents, and servicing the furnace – we’ve put together a different list! Our list here is more about adding to the COZY factor of your home – so let’s get to it!

Add Area Rugs
They really tie the room together for one thing, but otherwise they can also add a layering effect to your home decor. You have Winter coats that you put on just for the season; area rugs can be much the same for your home – just a little different pattern to enjoy and add to your visual pleasure.

Bring In Scents
It’s easy to over-do, so be careful! But adding a few scented cedar candles or having some cinnamon spices simmering fill your home with the most amazing fragrance and believe it or not that alone can lift your whole mood!

Upgrade Your Fuzziness
Winter is a harsh time so it’s a good idea to up the fuzzy factor in your home! Get those plush throw pillows, drape a super soft blanket over the recliner. Adding soft, warm fabrics to your living spaces helps keep things cozy.

Change The Lighting
No, not just the direction the ceiling fan spins, although that is a good tip too, but rather the lights itself. Whether it be just having more candles lit in the room you’re in, adding a lamp shade, or changing to a softer wattage bulb,  changing the illumination in a space can really change the mood. Think warm!

There are any number of things you can do to your home once you’re in it to make it all you want it to be! As your real estate professional I want to be here for you long after the paperwork is done – if you have questions or ideas about your home don’t hesitate to get in touch. And if your home is one of the things you’re looking to change let’s talk!

Home Buyers! Location Isn’t All There Is!

If you’ve even thought about real estate at some point you’ve likely heard the old tried and true: “Location! Location! Location!”…well, it’s a great saying and location is definitely a big factor, but it’s no longer the be all end all factor that it once was.

What is? These days it should go more like Location, Condition, and PRICE. Confused? What changed? Don’t worry, we’ll lay it all out for you here below…

Location of course is still the first and foremost thing people consider, no one wants to have the perfect place that’s 2 hours from town, uphill both ways, on bad roads with no street lights. But fact is, you can’t change the location of listings any more than the real estate agent can – so it might be one of the items to have a little wiggle room on.

Condition! This is the keystone thing. The home can be in the perfect spot, corner lot and close to everything…but if it’s a total dump do you want it? Sure, there’s “good bones” but do you want – and are you really prepared – to move and then have months of updates and construction to deal with? Likely not. Just the same, there’s wiggle room here too as you can always work with a basic home and really get a lot of return.

Price. Yes! This is the one everyone is concerned about. If it’s in the perfect spot, and in good condition, but is way out of your budget it’s no good after all. While there’s no getting blood from a stone you can find ways to negotiate, especially if you’re working with an experience REALTOR®.

Location may have been all it was about in the old days, but there are so many more available properties being built, with more every day, and that means more options for buyers. As you can imagine, it’s really best when these three factors all come together in equal amounts – the right home in the right place in good condition at a fair price. If you’re struggling to find home, or just don’t know where to start get in touch today to see what can do done to get you on the right road home!

Renovations to Get Your Home SOLD!

With Spring time quickly approaching many homeowners have already started looking into the prospect of selling their home on the fresh market. It’s always a good idea to take a look down the road and plan early for this transition before it’s time to make the move…and of course, when you sell you want to get the most back for your investment.

Good news! We’ve put together 3 renovations that will help you not only get that home sold FAST but also likely for even MORE in your pocket…

PAINT!
There’s nothing quite like some fresh color to breathe new life into things! You will be amazed at how this most simple of changes can make a big impact. You can certainly do this on your own and save a few bucks but it never hurts to at least check into a professional painter – they’ll have insight into the latest color trends and more.

The Master Bath…Or Shower!
A dark, drab bathroom is no way to show things off; considering the large amount of time we will spend in this room over the years it really makes sense that you want it to look nice. This can be as easily done as some fresh paint and fixtures or all new cabinets and tiles – a little goes a long way!

Quartz Counter Tops
Quartz has been a hot trend for a few years and in 2020 it’s tops! This material is a great choice as it is strong, durable, as well as easy to maintain. New styles of quartz are even able to mimic the patterns and textures of marble for an extra rich detail. Even if you don’t go quartz you may want to redo your counter tops if they’re looking outdated. The kitchen after all is one of the other rooms we spend most of our time in!

Don’t know where to start? Know you need to sell your home but feel completely lost? Don’t Panic! We can help – just get in touch!

Home Selling Tips For Fall!

Just because the hot hot hot real estate market of Summer is over and people are focusing on school and the coming holidays doesn’t mean the chance to sell your home is gone too!

No! Truth be told, these Autumn months are often when people turn towards the warm thoughts of home even more, making it a great time to sell!

To help you decide if selling your home this Fall is the right time we’ve put together some great things to consider!

There’s Less Inventory
Traditionally there is less inventory in the cooler months, this means buyers will be more keenly interested in what offerings do come available – making it a good time to list!

Buyers Are Motivated
Less inventory, a timeline of potential weather changes and holidays…all these things motivate buyers to find a home and get in it before the snow flies. Despite what some may think all of these things factor in to make Fall a great time to sell!

Fall Colors Make Everyone Look Good
Beautiful colors, the fabulous sunsets for contrast – Fall really can make things look great! Take advantage, be sure to keep your yard neat and include seasonal touches of color in your decorating. A warm home that smells of sweet apple spice never hurts either!

Don’t think that just because Summer is over that you can’t sell! Working with an experienced real estate professional can make all the difference no matter what time of year it is – find out, get in touch!

Hot Home Trend: Kitchen Backsplash

Staying up on all the latest hot home decorating trends? Plugged into the HGTV, TLC? Love the Flip or Flop shows?

Then you have got to know about Kitchen Backsplashes!

That’s right say it with me: Back Splash! And just like it’s name they’re making a big impact on the home styling scene.

It’s easy to see why too! Your kitchen is one of the prime focal points of your home, some call it the heart of the home even, so it’s no wonder that it is also one of the best places to add a little personality beyond functionality.

Sure, a backsplash protects the wall behind the stove, keeps things tidy, and generally makes what accidents that do pop all over much easier to clean up, but beyond that they can really add a much needed burst of inspiration to what can sometimes be an otherwise utilitarian space.

There are any number of amazing tile options from plain to wild that you can use to dress up your space. Geometric patterns are popular, and bright pops of color are all the rage; patterns like Azulejo are timeless.

We love being able to offer these tips and insights to help you enjoy your home long after the paperwork is signed! We hope that you will rely on us for years to come and count on us as a trusted community resource to assist you whenever you have home questions.