Buying • Real Estate • February 12, 2024

5 Common Mistakes First-Time Home-buyers Should Avoid

by Holly Heberlie

While embarking on this journey is undoubtedly thrilling, it’s essential to be aware of potential pitfalls that can arise along the way. I am sharing insights into the five most common mistakes that first-time home-buyers often make, hoping to guide you through a smoother path to home-ownership.

1. Rushing the Decision-Making Process:

I understand that the prospect of owning your first home can be exhilarating but resist the urge to rush through the decision-making process. Take your time to explore different neighborhoods, look into schools/ratings and consider your long-term needs. Patience is a virtue in real estate, and it pays off when you find the perfect home that aligns with your lifestyle and budget.

2. Thinking the First Step to Buying a Home is Seeing Homes:

While looking at homes is very exciting, it shouldn’t be the first thing you do as a buyer. If you want to look online to research, that is great. Looking at homes in person is a different story. Finding a good Realtor and meeting with one or more of them is essential before looking at homes. I like to meet with buyers to talk about the market in the areas they are looking in, learn more about what they want in a home and discuss what they can expect in terms of how long it will take to find a home and go under contract. I also go over what inspections will cost, when a deposit is due and how much money will be needed for buying a home. Knowing what to expect, makes the buying process go smoother, faster and less stress for you!

3. Skipping the Pre-Approval Process:

Securing a mortgage pre-approval is a crucial step that some first-time buyers neglect. Knowing how much you can afford helps you narrow down your search and strengthens your position when making an offer. Don’t skip this important step, as it can make the difference between securing your dream home and missing out on a great opportunity. If you are in need of a lender I would be happy to provide you with some that I trust and many of my teams clients have used and really liked.

4. Neglecting Home Inspection:

In the excitement of finding a potential dream home, some first-time buyers may be tempted to skip the home inspection to secure an offer. However, this is a critical step to uncover any hidden issues that could turn into costly problems later on. Investing in a thorough inspection can save you from unexpected expenses and ensure you’re making an informed decision. I am more than happy to provide you with trusted inspectors for this part of the home-buying process.

5. Failing to Consider Future Resale Value:

While it’s exciting to envision your life in a new home, it’s also essential to consider its resale value. Trends in the real estate market change, and life circumstances may lead you to sell in the future. Choosing a property with strong resale potential ensures that your investment remains sound and allows for greater flexibility in the years to come.

Embarking on the journey of home-ownership is a significant milestone, and we want to empower you to make informed decisions. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enhance your home-buying experience and set the foundation for success!

Ready to start your home-buying journey with confidence? Contact me today for personalized guidance and expert advice. Your dream home is closer than you think!

Real Estate • Selling • February 5, 2024

5 FREE Tips to Prepare Your Home for the Spring Market

by Holly Heberlie

As a real estate agent I understand the significance of making a lasting impression when it comes to selling your home. With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to prepare your property for the bustling real estate market. Here are five invaluable tips I give clients to help them appeal to more buyers and get top dollar for their home:

1. Curb Appeal is King: Spring is a season of renewal, and your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see. Take advantage of the blooming season by ensuring your front yard is in top-notch condition. Trim overgrown bushes, add colorful flowers, and give your entryway a fresh coat of paint. Fresh mulch goes a long way. Are your shutters and front door faded from the sun? Consider a fresh coat of paint. A well-maintained or freshened exterior sets the stage for a positive first impression and pulls buyers into your home on a positive note.

2. Declutter and Depersonalize: Buyers want to envision themselves living in your home, and that can be challenging if personal items clutter every surface. Clutter can also lead buyers to believe there isn’t enough storage space. Pare down on personal photographs and knick-knacks, creating a clean, neutral canvas that allows buyers to imagine the possibilities. The easiest tip I give clients is that surfaces should be 75% cleared/empty. For this tip, think end tables, coffee table, countertops, bathroom vanities, dressers,… Organize closets, pantry and storage spaces to showcase the ample storage your home offers.

3. Let the Light In: As the days get longer, natural light becomes a powerful selling point. Open curtains, clean windows, and let the sunshine highlight your home’s best features. Consider updating light fixtures and adding mirrors to enhance the perception of space and brightness. Also, a cheap fix can be to replace lightbulbs with brighter incandescent or LED light bulbs. A well-lit home feels welcoming and spacious.

4. Address Repairs and Maintenance: Spring cleaning is not just for the inside of your home. Take a walk around your property and address any necessary repairs. From leaky faucets to peeling paint, tackling these issues shows potential buyers that your home has been well-maintained. A home in good condition is more likely to instill confidence in buyers and help you get more for your home.

5. Highlight Outdoor Spaces: With warmer weather on the horizon, outdoor spaces become an essential selling point. Spruce up your patio or deck with fresh furniture and potted plants. Create inviting spaces that showcase the potential for outdoor entertaining. A well-staged backyard can be the tipping point for a buyer. Remember your front porch too when it comes to fresh pots of flowers.

Do you feel like you would benefit from me walking through your home with you to provide suggestions on getting it ready? Just reach out by sending me a message or giving me a call at 314-737-7323.

*Pictures are of a home and agent our team sold in Dardenne Prairie. They went room by room with the seller to get the home ready for professional pictures and showings. You can see it looks great. The house sold for full price at $725,000 which was the highest price for this style of home at that time in their neighborhood.

Real Estate • January 31, 2024

Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent

by Holly Heberlie

Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent: 5 Things to Make Sure Your Agent Has

We understand that selling your home is a significant decision, and finding the right real estate agent is key to a successful and stress-free experience. As a team of seasoned real estate agents, we’ve gathered the top 5 most important things to look for when selecting an agent to sell your home.

Local Market Knowledge: Our first piece of advice is to choose an agent with a deep understanding of your local real estate market. A qualified agent should be well-versed in the neighborhood’s trends, recent sales, and the unique factors that can affect property values. They should also be aware of area amenities, conveniences, and attractions. This knowledge enables them to accurately price your home, ensuring you get the best value.

Effective Communication Skills: Communication is the cornerstone of a successful real estate transaction. Look for an agent who excels in keeping you informed every step of the way. From market updates to potential buyer feedback, a skilled communicator ensures you’re never left in the dark. We pride ourselves on our transparent and open lines of communication with our clients. You can read up on the agents’ reviews from what their previous clients said it was like to work with them. This will give you insight into how well an agent communicates.

Proven Track Record: Experience matters in real estate. Seek out an agent with a proven track record of successful home sales. Ask for references or check online reviews to gauge the satisfaction of past clients. Look where an agent sells homes at. They should sell in your neighborhood or close to it. Our team has a rich history of achieving outstanding results for our clients, and we’re happy to share our success stories with you.

Negotiation Skills: Selling a home involves negotiations, and having a skilled negotiator on your side can make a significant difference in the final sale price. Choose an agent who has honed their negotiation skills over years of experience. Our team takes pride in securing the best deals for our clients through effective and strategic negotiations.

Marketing Expertise: To ensure your home gets the exposure it deserves, pick an agent with strong marketing skills. This includes a solid online presence, professional photography, and a comprehensive marketing strategy. Our team leverages cutting-edge marketing techniques to showcase your property to the widest possible audience. Our proven marketing shows that we not only sell our clients’ homes faster, but we also sell them for more money than what homes sell for on average with other agents. That is how effective our marketing plan will be for your home.

Choosing the right real estate agent is the first step towards a successful home-selling journey. We are here to guide you through the process and deliver results. Get in touch with us today for a personalized consultation.