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Preparing Your Home For Sale: 10 Tips For Staging A Home

January 7, 2015 by Eric Lowry Leave a Comment

Preparing Your Home For Sale: 10 Tips For Staging A Home

Staging a home correctly can result in selling the home faster and at a higher sold price. Here are some tips to get you started:

1 – Create Curb Appeal – Weed your gardens and mow the lawn. Make sure that the yard is nicely landscaped. Power wash the exterior of the house so that it is nice and clean.

2 – Make the Porch Pop – The entranceway should look warm and inviting. Paint the front door. Add seating and plants to the porch. Place a welcome mat or nice indoor/outdoor rug in front of the door.

3 – Make The House Shine – This is Spring cleaning at it’s finest. Mop the floors, vacuum, and dust every room of the house. Clean the carpets and wipe the baseboards. Wash the windows and window treatments. You want your house to sparkle!Tips for staging a home

4 – De-Personalize – Put away family photos and heirlooms. Replace items as needed with other home decor. It is important for the potential home buyer to be able to visualize living in your house.

5 – Get Rid of Odors – Remove the smell of pet, food or other odors from the home. Replace stale, unpleasant odors with the smell of fresh flowers or baked goods.

6 – Pets – Keep the pets and any of their items such as toys and litter boxes out of sight when showing your home to buyers.

7 – Neutralize – If needed, paint a fresh coat of paint on the walls in a nice, neutral color.

8 – De-Clutter – Clutter makes the house look small and it appears that there is not enough storage. Clean out and organize the closets. If you have too much furniture in a room, find another place for one of the pieces.

9 – Bedrooms – If you have taken a bedroom and made it into an office or exercise room you may want to change it back. It is helpful for the home buyer to see all of the bedrooms in the home. 

10 – Update – Update the hardware in the house. Change the knobs, handles and light fixtures if they look outdated. Updating appliances, especially in the kitchen, is very appealing to home buyers.

This may seem like a large list of tips for staging a home but most of the items are easy and relatively inexpensive. When selling a home, you want it to be as appealing as possible for potential home buyers. You only get one chance to make a great first impression.

You can always simplify matters by hiring a house cleaner while your house is on the market. Some people also choose to hire a home staging company such as Design to Market prior to listing their house for sale.

For more staging tips on preparing your house to sell for more money in less time, contact Eric Lowry, CEO and Listing Specialist for The Lowry Team. Eric can do a FREE Comparative Market Analysis to find out what your house should sell for. Ask about our 88 Day Sales Guarantee Program! 

Find Your Home's Value Now!

The Lowry Team – Keller Williams Realty is an award winning, full service real estate firm specializing in West Chester, Liberty Township, Mason, Monroe and the Northern Suburbs of Cincinnati. The Lowry Team’s culture is that of a fun, high energy group who prides themselves on providing personal, professional real estate service.

The Lowry Team is “Different By Design”… taking a team approach to home buying and selling. The Lowry Team consists of members that are focused on areas of specialization including Listing Specialists, Buyer Specialists, Transaction/Listing Coordinator, Inside Sales Associate and a Marketing Director.

Don’t Hire an Agent…Hire a Team.  The Lowry Team.

Buyers and Sellers can reach The Lowry Team Keller Williams at 513-874-1830.

Other Articles You May Be Interested In:

Top Home Updates

Make Your Porch Pop

Tips For Selling Your House Fast

Best Places to Live in Cincinnati

10 Ways To Improve The Resale Value Of Your Home

The Lowry Team Keller Williams: Love It Or List It

The Worst Home Projects For The Money

The Lowry Team Keller Williams: Red Flags For Home Buyers

Search the Cincinnati MLS for Homes For Sale

Find Out The Current Market Value Of Your Home

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on YouTube

Connect with us on Twitter

Filed Under: Eric Lowry's Articles, Home Improvements, Preparing Your Home For Sale, Sellers Tagged With: CMA, easy and inexpensive ideas for upsating your home, Eric Lowry, Eric's Hassle Free Listing, Free CMA, how to sell your house quickly, Keller Williams Realty West Chester Ohio, listing a home for sale, LowryTeam.com, market analysis of my home, Market Value Of My Home, preparing a home for sale, sell your house for more money in less time, Selling A Home, Should I hire a home staging company, Staging a home for sale, The Lowry Team Keller Williams, The Lowry Team Keller Williams: 10 Tips For Staging A Home, Tips For Moving, tips for staging a home for sale, Top Selling Realtor

10 Ways To Improve The Resale Value Of Your Home

December 29, 2014 by Eric Lowry Leave a Comment

How To Improve The Resale Value of Your Home

ways to improve resale value of your homeIf you are planning on putting your house on the market either now or in the future, I am sure you are looking for ways to improve the resale value of your home. However, you need to choose your projects wisely. The following is a list of inexpensive ways to make small improvements that will help with the resale value of your home.

1. Kitchen – Update the hardware, lighting and fixtures.

2. Appliances – Update the kitchen appliances. Make sure that they all match.

3. Carpet – Clean or replace as necessary.

4. Bath – Update hardware, lighting and fixtures.

5. Painting – Freshly paint the rooms of your home with a neutral color.

6. Storage – Create additional storage with shelving and cabinets.

7. Flooring – Replace old, worn tile floors. A vinyl floor can be an inexpensive fix.

8. Entranceway – Make your porch pop with color and a nice seating area.

9. Curb Appeal – Be sure that your lawn is neatly trimmed and landscaped.

10. Hire a Professional – Have a real estate agent take a look at your home. Ask for their professional advice!

Call Eric Lowry, CEO and Listing Specialist for The  Lowry Team, Keller Williams Realty. Eric can offer you a FREE Consultation to help you through the entire process. 

Ask about our Guaranteed Sale Program. The Lowry Team will sell your home in 88 days or sell it for free! 513*874*1830

Find Your Home's Value Now!

The Lowry Team – Keller Williams Realty is an award winning, full service real estate firm specializing in West Chester, Liberty Township, Mason, Monroe and the Northern Suburbs of Cincinnati. The Lowry Team is “Different By Design”… taking a team approach to home buying and selling. The Lowry Team consists of members that are focused on areas of specialization including Listing Specialists, Buyer Specialists, Transaction/Listing Coordinator, Inside Sales Associate and a Marketing Director.

Don’t Hire an Agent…Hire a Team.  The Lowry Team.

Buyers and Sellers can reach The Lowry Team Keller Williams at 513-874-1830.

Other Articles You May Be Interested In:

Tips To Make Your Porch Pop

The Worst Home Improvements For The Money

Top Home Updates

The Worst Home Projects For The Money

Tips For Selling Your House Fast

Where Will 30 Year Mortgage Rates Be In 12 Months?

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Are Offering 3% Down Programs

Search the Cincinnati MLS for Homes For Sale

Find Out The Current Market Value Of Your Home

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on YouTube

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Filed Under: Eric Lowry's Articles, Home Improvements, Sellers Tagged With: 10 Ways To Improve The Resale Value Of Your Home, Curb appeal, guaranteed sale program, home improvements, home value, Keller Williams Realty, LowryTeam.com, preparing your home to sell, resale value of your home, Selling A Home, The Lowry Team, Top Selling Realtor

The Lowry Team Keller Williams: Love It Or List It

December 22, 2014 by Eric Lowry Leave a Comment

The Lowry Team Keller Williams: Love It Or List It

Home ImprovementMany of you have seen HGTV’s Show Love It Or List It. For those of you that haven’t, the show is a competition between an interior designer and a real estate agent.

During the show, the interior designer works on transforming a home into something that will make the home owners want to stay in their current home.

Meanwhile, the real estate agent works on finding the home owners a new home that will appeal to them more. Unfortunately, very few of us are going to have the stars of the show show up on our doorstep. So, for us it is the do-it-yourself version of Love It Or List It!

Love It?

Perhaps you have been putting off some projects, large or small, around the house. The lack of resources such as time and money make it difficult for a homeowner to keep up with all of the maintenance and updates that we would like. So, home improvements have been put on the back burner. Now you are at a point that you must do something or move on. Would you want to stay in your home longer if you updated a bathroom or renovated the kitchen? Talk to a professional. Find out how much the project would cost and how long it would take to complete.

List It?

Talk to a real estate agent. Let them know up front that you are trying to decide between updating and selling your home. Specify what exact changes you would like to see in your home. Together, with your real estate agent, tour some homes with those particular desired features. Narrow down exactly what you want and like in a home. Have your real estate agent do a comparative market analysis for you. Find out what other homes similar to yours are listed for and what they have sold for. Also, find out how long the other homes were on the market.

Love It or List It?

Compare the time and money involved in both your home projects and putting the house on the market. Remember that either way you are either opening your home to workers or to buyers. Whatever you choose to do, there is bound to be some stress and inconvenience involved. In the end, choose the route that will make you and your family happiest in the long run.

In a love it or list it situation? Call Eric Lowry, CEO and Listing Specialist for The  Lowry Team, Keller Williams Realty at 513-874-1830. Ask about our Guaranteed Sale Program. The Lowry Team will sell your home in 88 days or less, or sell it for free! 

Find Your Home's Value Now!

The Lowry Team – Keller Williams Realty is an award winning, full service real estate firm specializing in West Chester, Liberty Township, Mason, Monroe and the Northern Suburbs of Cincinnati. The Lowry Team is “Different By Design”… taking a team approach to home buying and selling. The Lowry Team consists of members that are focused on areas of specialization including Listing Specialists, Buyer Specialists, Transaction/Listing Coordinator, Inside Sales Associate and a Marketing Director.

Don’t Hire an Agent…Hire a Team.  The Lowry Team.

Buyers and Sellers can reach The Lowry Team Keller Williams at 513-874-1830.

Other Articles You May Be Interested In:

Top Home Updates

The Worst Home Projects For The Money

Tips For Selling Your House Fast

Where Will 30 Year Mortgage Rates Be In 12 Months?

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Are Offering 3% Down Programs

Search the Cincinnati MLS for Homes For Sale

Find Out The Current Market Value Of Your Home

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on YouTube

Connect with us on Twitter

Filed Under: Buyers, Eric Lowry's Articles, Home Improvements, Preparing Your Home For Sale, Sellers

The Worst Home Projects For The Money

December 17, 2014 by Eric Lowry Leave a Comment

The Worst Home Projects For The Money

Worst Home Projects For The MoneyHome renovations and projects are never a sure guarantee that you will recoup your money invested. If you sell your home down the road, you may or may not get your money back. When you invest a large sum of money into home renovations, be sure that it is for something that will bring you a lot of enjoyment. In the end, it may make you more comfortable while you live in your home but will not be a financial boost to your home’s resale value.

According to a 2014 study done by Remodeling Magazine, the following renovations brought the worst returns on money invested. Please note that all of the projects were moderate to high end renovations done by professionals. These were not do it yourself home projects. All figures are national averages.

Office remodels – An upscale professional grade office remodel will cost $28,000 (national average) and return less than 50% of the cost at resale. One reason for this is that buyers are not as interested in a home office as they are in an updated kitchen.

Sunroom addition – This addition will average $73,000 nationally and yield just a little over 50% of it’s investment. This is, however, a national average. It really depends a lot on the region the home is located in.

Moderate master suite addition – Here is that word addition again! Anytime you add on to the home and it’s foundation, it is going to be a costly project. Remodeling Magazine’s study found that the addition would average $100,000 and you get about a 60% return at the time of resale. Buyers are interested in an updated master just as they would be a kitchen or bathroom. Consider updating or renovating the existing space rather than an addition. The project will cost considerably less that way.

Moderate garage addition – This project will cost around $48,000 and net you a 64% return at resale. If you live in an area where homes do not have garages or lack other storage areas such as attics and basements, this project could really help with resale.

Bathroom addition – Regardless of whether upscale or not, return on investment is around 60% Usually, a homeowner does not just add on a bathroom. It is usually a part of a much larger project. Consider adding a bathroom along with a new master suite addition. First floor masters are increasing in popularity and can be appealing to the home buyer.

In the end, it is your home and you want to enjoy it and be comfortable living in it. Reduce the cost of some of these projects by scaling back on the extras and by doing them yourself. Just be aware that you will most probably not recoup all of the money spent when and if you choose to sell your home.

Thinking of buying or selling a  home? Contact The Lowry Team!

Find Your Home's Value Now!

The Lowry Team – Keller Williams Realty is an award winning, full service real estate firm specializing in West Chester, Liberty Township, Mason, Monroe and the Northern Suburbs of Cincinnati. The Lowry Team is “Different By Design”… taking a team approach to home buying and selling. The Lowry Team consists of members that are focused on areas of specialization including Listing Specialists, Buyer Specialists, Transaction/Listing Coordinator, Inside Sales Associate and a Marketing Director.

Don’t Hire an Agent…Hire a Team.  The Lowry Team.

Buyers and Sellers can reach The Lowry Team Keller Williams at 513-874-1830.

Other articles you may be interested in:

Top Home Updates

Red Flags For Home Buyers

Home Improvements That Are Worth The Investment

Tips To Make Your Porch Pop

The Lowry Team Offers Tips For Selling Your House Fast

Find Your Home’s Current Market Value

Search The Entire Cincinnati MLS For Homes For Sale

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on YouTube

Connect with us on Twitter

Filed Under: Eric Lowry's Articles, Home Improvements, Sellers Tagged With: do it yourself projects, home projects, Keller Williams Realty, LowryTeam.com, preparing a home for sale, return on investment, sell your house for more money, Selling A Home, The Lowry Team, The Worst Home Projects For The Money, updates for the home

The Lowry Team :: Cheap Ways To Heat Your House

November 21, 2014 by Eric Lowry Leave a Comment

Cheap Ways To Heat Your House

Cheap ways to heat your houseThere are a number of things that you can do yourself to keep warm this Winter. Here are a few tips that will heat your house for less.

A lot of your heat escapes through the attic and basement of your home. Make sure these areas are well insulated. You can seal gaps and holes in your home’s foundation with spray foam insulation. You can purchase spray foam insulation at your local hardware store for around $5.

Have your furnace checked annually. It will run more efficiently if it is in good working condition. You should clean the heat registers and replace the furnace filters on a regular basis. Depending on the type of furnace you own, two packs of furnace filters start at around $3 and go up from there.

If you feel a draft, install weather stripping around the doors and windows to keep the cold air out. This is a quick, easy and very inexpensive fix. You can purchase enough weather stripping for one window for less than $2.

A lot of the time, cold air seeps in under the doorways. You can install a rubber strip along the bottom of the door for under $10. Another option is to fill a tube of fabric with sand or rice. Place this at the bottom of your door to keep out the draft. 

A programmable thermostat will keep your house warm and cut down on your gas and electric bill. Program the thermostat to automatically go to a lower temperature at night or for when you are not home. Programmable thermostats start at $20 and go way up from there depending on what type you purchase. 

Throw rugs on the bare floors and heavy drapes on the windows will also help to keep your home warm this Winter. Soft blankets, a cozy fire and a warm drink go a long way as well.

The Lowry Team hopes you will utilize a few of these cheap ways to heat your house this Winter so that you stay warm and toasty all season long!

The Lowry Team is an award winning, full service real estate firm specializing in West Chester, Liberty Township, Mason, Monroe and the Northern Suburbs of Cincinnati. The Lowry Team’s culture is that of a fun, high energy group who prides themselves on providing, personal, professional real estate service.

The Lowry Team is “Different by Design”…taking a team approach to home buying  and selling. The Lowry Team consists of members that are focused on areas of specialization including Listing Specialists, Buyer Specialists, Transaction/Listing Coordinator, Inside Sales Associate and a Marketing Director.

Don’t Hire an Agent…Hire a Team.  The Lowry Team.

Buyers and Sellers can reach The Lowry Team, Keller Williams at 513-874-1830.

Other Articles You May Be Interested In:

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Filed Under: Eric Lowry's Articles, Home Improvements Tagged With: cheap ways to heat your house, home improvements, how to heat your home cheap, Keller Williams Realty, preparing your home for Winter, The Lowry Team, The Lowry Team :: Cheap Ways To Heat Your House

The Lowry Team Keller William Realty :: It’s Time To Fall Back This Weekend

October 31, 2014 by Eric Lowry Leave a Comment

Fall Back 2014 Is This Weekend

fall back 2014It’s Daylight Saving Time!  The original purpose of Daylight Saving Time was to make better use of daylight and to conserve energy. Each year we fall back in the Fall and spring forward in the Spring! Before you go to bed Saturday night, November 1st, move all your clocks back one hour.

In addition to changing the clocks, there are other life saving tasks that homeowners should perform this weekend as well.  Check and change the batteries of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes without smoke detectors or the detectors were not working. Smoke detectors should be on each level of your home and inside the bedrooms.

Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer.  You cannot see or smell this poisonous gas. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that from 2008 to 2010 162 deaths occurred from items such as portable generators and home heating systems.

So, set all of your clocks back one hour when you go to bed Saturday night and make the time this weekend to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.  The few minutes it takes can be the difference between life and death.

Please share this article with your friends and family! The Lowry Team wishes you a happy and safe weekend!

The Lowry Team is an award winning, full service real estate firm specializing in  West Chester, Liberty Township, Mason, Monroe and the Northern Suburbs of Cincinnati. The Lowry Team’s culture is that of a fun, high energy group who prides themselves on providing, personal, professional real estate service.

The Lowry Team is “Different by Design”…taking a team approach to home buying  and selling. The Lowry Team consists of members that are focused on areas of specialization including Listing Specialists, Buyer Specialists, Transaction/Listing Coordinator, Inside Sales Associate and a Marketing Director.

Don’t Hire an Agent…Hire a Team.  The Lowry Team.

Buyers and Sellers can reach The Lowry Team – Keller Williams at 513-874-1830.

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The Lowry Team’s Top 10 Fall Home Maintenance Tips

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Cincinnati Ohio Is Best City For Recreation

This Month In Real Estate October 2014

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Filed Under: Eric Lowry's Articles, Home Improvements Tagged With: carbon monoxide detectors, change batteries, daylight savings time, Fall back 2014, Keller Williams Realty, LowryTeam.com, smoke alarms, The Lowry Team, The Lowry Team Keller William Realty :: It's Time To Fall Back This Weekend, tips for homeowners

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