Author: tkauffman

As a home seller, you most likely want to close as soon as possible, and that’s entirely understandable. But there’s that thing known as “escrow” that stands in the way. It’s that period between the time when the purchase contract is signed and closing, during which the seller basically just waits. But many sellers just … Continued

What does it cost home sellers to work with a real estate agent? Some will contend that it costs quite a lot while others will say that it costs very little considering what you get for your money. Just don’t go into it blind. You should have an understanding of how much agent fees/commissions are, … Continued

An inevitable part of selling a house is the negotiation process. Some house sellers who like the back-and-forth drama find negotiating exciting. Others find it tedious and draining and just want to get it over as quickly as possible. Whichever camp you find yourself in, you’ll come out ahead if you’re forearmed with some knowledge … Continued

It’s no secret that staged homes sell quicker and at higher prices than homes that aren’t staged. But (you may be protesting) you don’t have a bunch of money to spend on new furniture, rugs, and drapes or on a professional staging service. Never fear – there’s still a lot you can do on your … Continued

If you’re a homeowner looking to sell your home, you know that improvements will increase its value so that you can sell for more. And if you’re like most of us, you don’t have the money lying around for major renovations, which can cost many tens of thousands of dollars. But don’t despair: there are … Continued

Not only is selling a house a stressful undertaking, but it can also be pretty costly. Some estimates for the cost of selling a house run as high as $20,000 – and that makes the cost of selling prohibitive for many homeowners. There are, however, according to knowledgeable agents, a number of budget-friendly things you … Continued

Conventional real estate wisdom has it that, like the weather, the housing market cools off considerably during the winter months. And there is a lot to this: spring and summer are typically the best times to sell your house in most markets. But the fact remains that many houses sell during the winter. And there … Continued

The effectiveness of open houses is a topic of debate among both home sellers and real estate professionals, with some claiming they’re great selling tools and others maintaining that they’re practically worthless. As with anything, though, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. So should you or shouldn’t you hold an open house? Understanding … Continued