Eric Lowry's Articles Archives

Best Home Updates For Increasing Your Property Value

March 19, 2017 by Eric Lowry

If you are looking to have work done on your home in order to increase its value for a future sale, you need to make sure you are choosing the updates that will have the greatest impact. Not all improvements to your home will be reflected in its resale value. If you want to see a return on your investment, keep in mind these best home updates for increasing your property value.

Many homeowners who aren’t looking to have extensive work done choose to make simple updates to their home in order for it sell faster and for more money. These simple updates include a fresh coat of neutral paint, new carpets or flooring. However, if you’re looking to have more extensive work done on your home, consider the following options:

Kitchen Remodel
Average Return at Resale: Minor Remodel – 98.5%, Major Remodel – 91%
Update the cabinet faces, counter tops, appliances, fixtures, and flooring.
Bathroom Remodel
Average Return at Resale: Minor Remodel – 102%, Major Remodel – 93.2%
Replace the tub/shower, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures.
Exterior Improvements
Average Return at Resale: 95.5%
Update/replace vinyl siding, paint, update the front entry, replace railings, etc.
Landscaping
Average Return at Resale: 100%
Lay sod if necessary, add flower beds and plant flowers for a pop of color, etc.
Basement Remodel
Average Return at Resale: 90.1%
Finish the walls and ceiling, add recessed lighting, add flooring, consider extras such as a wet bar or half bath.
Replacement Windows
Average Return at Resale: 89.6%
Replace old, drafty windows with new energy efficient windows.

Questions about selling your home for the most money?
Call or text Eric Lowry at 513-368-3751.

Will we save money if we sell our house without a Realtor?

March 16, 2017 by Eric Lowry

Q. Will we save money if we sell our house without a Realtor?

A. Studies have shown that if you list your home for sale with a real estate agent you get signficantly more money for your house than if you sell it without a Realtor or “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO). According to U.S. National Association for Realtors, for-sale-by-owner transactions typically result in a considerable cut in price–as much as 28% less than what may have been made by contacting a realtor, Eric Lowry and The Lowry Team for example. Saving a little bit of money on the real estate commission is actually costing thousands on the actual sale price.

In addition, if you list your own house for sale, you may be able to get a few buyers to find your house on the Internet or driving by. However, 88% of buyers are using a real estate agent. This means if you sell FSBO you are missing out on 88% of the potenial home buyers that are out looking. In order to get the best price for your home, you need to make your house available to as many buyers as possible.

Q. Why do homes listed by real estate agents generate more at sale time?

A. There are several reasons that Realtors are able to get sellers those higher sale prices. One reason is that they have immense access to current data regarding the housing market and accurate appraisal tools for assessing the home’s value. While most homeowners do at least some market research, they aren’t likely to have the access to the scope of information databases that Realtors do. Statistics show that without this information, many homeowners just aren’t asking enough for their property.

On the other hand, the opposite is also true. Many homeowners ask a much higher price for their home than it is worth in the current market. A real estate professional is an expert at advising homeowners about pricing strategies and can help make sure the home is priced right. Asking too much for a FSBO home typically results in the home sitting for a long time on the market and may not sell.

Finally, many Realtors are excellent marketers. They are experts are providing homes with the exposure they need to help generate the highest sale price and quickest possible sale. The yard signs and Craigslist ads that many for-sale-by-owners rely on are just not enough to produce a steady stream of potential buyers. Professional Realtors use a wide variety of means to generate interest in a home. A real estate agent’s day-to-day work with home buyers also provides them with a regular opportunity to show homes listed in their area.

The fact is that most home sellers are happy to pay their Realtor’s commission. Realtors have the tools to effectively market the home and the skill to manage open houses, showings, home inspections, negotiations, and much more. If you are thinking of selling your home yourself, you might want to reconsider and contact Eric Lowry and The Lowry Team. Call/text 513-368-3751.

10 Things That Turn Off Home Buyers

March 16, 2017 by Eric Lowry

If you are planning to sell your home in the near future, you want to make sure both you and your home are prepared. To sell your home faster and for more money, avoid these 10 things that turn off home buyers:

1. Poor Curb Appeal – Curb appeal provides your home’s first impression to potential buyers. Spruce up the yard before putting the house on the market. Trim the trees and freshen up the flower beds with fresh mulch.

2. Odors – Odors are huge turn off for buyers. If you are a smoker, consider smoking outdoors while attempting to sell your house. Also, hide away pet toys, bowls, etc. Vacuum and clean regularly so that the home does not smell of cigarette, pet, or kitchen odors.

3. Outdated Fixtures and Appliances – A potential home buyer does not often want the added expense of having to purchase new ceiling fans, light fixtures or kitchen appliances immediately after moving in. If your appliances are old or outdated, consider putting in new ones – this can help your home sell faster and for more money.

4. Wallpaper – Wallpaper is usually very outdated and personalized to the present owner’s tastes. Chances are most buyers would want to remove it entirely which can be a big, time consuming job.

5. Bright/ Unique Paint Colors – A lot of people prefer neutral paint tones as it brightens the room and matches more decor. Having to paint over dark or really bright colors can be a tedious task that many potential buyers would rather not bother with.

6. Carpet Stains – One of the top updates that a home seller can do before putting their house on the market is replacing or cleaning the carpets.

7. Personal Items – Having a lot of personal items and family photos out on display can make it hard for potential buyers to picture themselves in the home. It’s suggested that you put many away so home buyers can more easily imagine their family living there.

8. Dirt, Grime and Filth – If your home is on the market, it should sparkle! Home owners need to give the house a once over deep clean. Pay especially close attention to cleaning the kitchens and bathrooms. Buyers are turned off by dirty showers and tubs.

9. Clutter – Clean off the bookshelves and clean out the closets. Remove extra items from counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms. By doing this, it will appear as if there is a lot more room and storage in the home.

10. Seller Stays Home – It makes potential home buyers extremely uncomfortable when the seller stays home during the showing. Buyers do not feel at ease talking about their likes, dislikes and concerns while the home owner is present. They also often feel very rushed due to feeling uncomfortable. Hanging around during the showings on your home is doing yourself a disservice.

Questions about selling your home? Call or text Eric Lowry at 513-368-3751

6 Steps to Staging Your Cincinnati Home For Sale

March 10, 2017 by Eric Lowry

Preparing your home for sale properly can net you considerably more money at closing. Some rooms in your home are more important than others in the preparation process and some home improvements are a much better investment as you prepare to sell your home. However, don’t spend your money unnecessarily; consult with a Realtor who can help guide you. In the meantime, keep in mind these 6 steps to staging your Cincinnati home for sale.

The first step in staging your home is to maximize the curb appeal. This can be as simple as keeping your lawn trimmed and edge. The curb appeal of your home will provide the first impression to potential buyers. Make it a good one!

Next, you will want to remove any clutter from your house. Start packing up anything you are not currently using. Taking down family photos will help potential buyers picture themselves living in your home. Once you de-clutter, your house will appear larger, neater, and more organized. You are going to have to pack it up eventually anyway, so why not get started?

If you have transformed one (or more) of your bedrooms into something other than a bedroom, such as a sewing room or exercise room, change it back. If you are listing your house as a three bedroom, you want the home buyer to be able to easily visualize the three bedrooms.

Clean up and organize the counters in the bathrooms and kitchen. They should appear neat, clean and sparkly! Put items that are generally sitting out on the counter tops away out of sight; this will maximize the appearance of counter space.

After all of the steps are completed, do one last final clean up. Deep clean your house from top to bottom; yes, even the windows! Repair any nicks to the walls and cover them with a fresh coat of neutral paint.

Lastly, add a pop of color. For example, this could be some colorful towels in the half bath or fresh flowers in a vase in the entrance way. Add color outside by planting some flowers. Place a new welcome mat by the front door or add a splash of color with a pillows on a chair.

Homes that are properly staged sell faster and for more money than homes that are not.

Questions about selling your house? Call or text Eric Lowry at 513-368-3751.

7 Dan Court Fairfield OH 45014

March 6, 2017 by Eric Lowry

513-368-3751 to Connect with a Top Realtor in Fairfield

Home Values	Map Search	Contact Us
Just Listed in Fairfield	Under $200,000	Under $300,000
Under $400,000	Under $500,000	Condos in Fairfield

7 Dan Court Fairfield OH 45014

Just move in! This terrific 3 bedroom home located on a cul-de-sac will not last! Warm, inviting family room with fireplace; bright, open kitchen; a fantastic 4-Seasons room; living room and much more ~ all located on a wooded, fenced lot. Newer roof (2012), carpet (2012) & windows. One year home warranty. Close to schools, shopping & dining. Don’t Wait To See This Beautiful Fairfield Home For Sale!

Property Photos – 7 Dan Court Fairfield OH 45014

Click Here To View More Pictures: 7 Dan Court Fairfield OH 45014

For more information about this home or to schedule a private showing, please contact The Lowry Team and we will get back to you as quickly as possible. You may also reach us by calling or texting 513-368-3751.

Property Map – 7 Dan Court Fairfield OH 45014

See All Single Family Houses For Sale In Fairfield OH Here

See All Condos For Sale In Fairfield OH Here

What’s My Fairfield Home Worth? See For Yourself!

3684 Tammy Rae Court Fairfield Township OH 45011

March 5, 2017 by Eric Lowry

513-368-3751 to Connect with a Top Realtor in Fairfield Township

Home Values	Map Search	Contact Us
Just Listed in Fairfield Township	Under $200,000	Under $300,000
Under $400,000	Under $500,000	Luxury Homes in Fairfield Township

Fairfield Township Ohio Houses For Sale

3684 Tammy Rae Court Fairfield Township OH 45011

Just move in! Fantastic 4 bedroom home featuring large family room with fireplace, finished lower level with full bathroom, master bedroom with adjoining bathroom & walk-in closet, formal living & dining rooms, large deck great for entertaining, overlooks a terrific fenced rear yard. One year home warranty. Minutes to Bridgewater Falls shopping & dining. New roof (2016), new deck (2014). Don’t Wait To See This Beautiful Fairfield Township Home For Sale!