Buy Owner Blog

In this economy, every decision you make affects your chances of selling your home. Potential buyers, wary of getting involved in the housing crisis, have become more knowledgeable and better informed than ever. That means sellers need to pull out all the stops.

One way to do that is add eye-catching, expensive landscaping to your yard. Landscaping is one of the first elements of the home that people will see, so it adds instant appeal and makes your home stand out. However, if it significantly raises the price of your home in order for you to receive revenue, it may turn wary buyers toward simpler and cheaper options. The decision is yours, but here are some thoughts to consider. [...more...]

If you want to protect your car/boat and don’t have the money or expertise to build a garage, opt for a carport that is cheaper and less hassle! A carport still adds extra space. [...]

In terms of getting and keeping buyer interest, the first 24 hours after a bid could be called the most crucial. Here’s why. [...]

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines the last year or so, not sure if you were ready to dip your toes into the real estate market, now is the time. The return of spring brings more than just flowers and green grass; it signals the start of one of the busiest times for real estate all year. In spring, more homes are on the market and more buyers are at the table.

Need more convincing? Here’s a quick overview of four reasons and explanations for why you want to get out there and house-hunt… NOW! [...more...]

Throughout most of the country, the weather is warming up, and along with it, the interest of buyers. Spring tends to bring buyers out of hiding, so it’s a very important time in terms of home marketing.

Are you prepared for increased interest? Is your home?

As you make the important decisions in marketing and attempting to sell your property, take a look at this tongue-and-cheek list, and don’t make the same mistakes.

Here are the ways to keep your home on the market and not sell this spring:

Price It Too High
Nothing will scare potential buyers away faster than a home that’s overpriced. Rather than examining the market and comparing your residence to similar ones in the area, choose an asking price that you just wish you could get. If you advertise your home for more than two months without any interest at all—especially this time of year—don’t weaken. Just wait out the busiest selling season with a too-high price tag, and you’ll be sure to keep your home.
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As spring brings increased interest from potential buyers, what do sellers need to do to prepare homes? In a word: declutter. [...]

Host a green Saint Patty’s party this year! [...]

When searching for a new home or when designing a new home this spring, you should definitely consider the floor plan.

Viewing an array of houses can cause each different floor plan to be forgotten or jumbled up with the rest, but paying attention now will save you from discomfort later. Before visiting a house, think about what you love most about your current floor plan and what you want to change. Consider your lifestyle and what a floor plan must accommodate for you. Then, when viewing houses, remember what you decided you need from a floor plan and actually imagine yourself living in each one.

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If you’ve recently purchased a new home, leaving your old one on the market, you need to take care of your empty residence. Likewise, if you’re about to take a vacation while your house stays for sale, there are steps to take before leaving.

Follow these helpful guidelines on how to prepare your house for being empty while you’re away:

Check all the locks before you leave. Though this may sound like a giveaway, you need to check windows, doors, screens, garages and even sheds. If a lock seems loose or rusty, replace it or tighten it. more

“Our house … closed on February 20, 2009. It was only listed for less than 4 months and we got the price we wanted. Thank you, Buy Owner!”

Angela, Houston, TX
February 2009