Posts tagged top ten

Top 10 Moving Tips

Feb24
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Becky

moving

After you’ve found and purchased the right home for you, it’s time to move in. Are you ready? Although an estimated 42 million people move each year, this transitioning process still ranks as one of the most stressful life events we go through. The often-tedious process of organizing, packing, transporting, unpacking, reorganizing and moving into a new residence can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.

Here are 10 tricks to making the moving process as stress-free and as painless as possible:

1. The first step is to plan ahead. Make a list of everything you will need to do, from calling the movers to packing an overnight bag. Making a detailed list will spare you a lot of stress later on.

2. Declutter and hold a garage sale to get rid of anything you don’t need or want anymore. The less stuff you have to worry about taking with you, the easier the move will be.

3. Make sure you have plenty of supplies on hand. Of course you’ll need tons of boxes. You may also need bubble wrap, packing tape, scissors, markers, rags/paper towels and cleaning supplies.

4. Label all boxes clearly and keep like items together for ease when unpacking. You can write the contents directly on the box, or make a categorized list of items you put in each box and then mark each box with a number.

5. When packing boxes, color coordinate for each room. For example, you could use blue tape and blue markers to mark the boxes for the kitchen, and use yellow to designate stuff that belongs in the master bedroom.

6. Investigate the cost of movers in order to get the best possible deal. Also, be sure to find out what things they will and won’t move, as some moving companies have restrictions on certain items.

7. Ask your friends to help you with the move. That way, you can cut the cost of movers and maybe have some fun in the process.

8. In order to keep your important items in a safe place, you should designate a special section for valuables. You definitely don’t want these items to get lost in the shuffle.

9. Use up all perishable items the last week you’re in the house. You can’t take these things with you, so you might as well get some use out of them while you still can.

10. Pack an overnight bag of things you will need immediately when you arrive at your new house. When getting ready to move, make sure you have the power turned on and the phone lines hooked up so you’ll be ready to make the transition.

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , , , ,

Top 10 Improvements Needed to Market Your Home

Feb23
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

Home Improvement

Whether you decided to sell your home today or you’ve had it on the market for a month or more, there are always opportunities to improve it for sale. You may need to make some major improvements, or you may just need to put some thought into the process.

Either way, Buy Owner® is here to give you a head start with the Top 10 Improvements Needed to Market Your Home:

1. Change your home’s first impression. What’s the first thing buyers will see when they pull up to your home? Throughout your property’s listing, you need to keep up with the yard work. Mow the lawn and trim bushes regularly. You do not want to run the risk of having overgrown shrubs crowd your front lawn and block buyers from even getting into your house! If the yard is looking a little bare after a long winter, plant some new flowers and perennials. Windows get dirty over time, as well. Polish your picture window with some glass cleaner every week. Make sure that the first thing buyers see is a well-kept home that invites them inside to see everything else it has to offer.

2. Price aggressively. If your home isn’t selling, price may be an issue. Compare the prices of other homes that are for sale in your town. Pricing your property just below those homes gives you an advantage. Many homes nestled within the same community have almost identical floor plans. If your house is selling at a lower price, a buyer is that much more likely to attend your open house instead of the one that is down the street. If your competition lowers their price, you may have to, as well. Also, be ready to accept all serious offers.

3. Declutter! Take a look around and make sure that your entire house is clean, tidy and ready to be shown to a prospective buyer. If you accumulate things from shops, garage sales, etc., put as much as possible into storage. Remember that buyers need to be able to imagine their stuff in your house! And here’s another tip: If you have designated a nice-sized room in your home as storage space, it’s time for a change! This room could be a potential bedroom, a home office or a workout room. A buyer shouldn’t have to work to imagine the possibilities: you need to make it easy for him or her.

4. Make the necessary repairs. If you were offering a carpet or paint allowance, and your house is still unsold, perhaps it’s time to do the repairs yourself. Buyers will always be attracted to a home that is move-in-ready. The less they have to do to improve the home, the better! If you take the time to do home improvements yourself, you may find that you could sell your home a little faster. Rather then letting the buyer fix up the house, get them excited about decorating! After you have decluttered, repainted and installed new carpeting or tiling, buyers will be able to begin planning on the design of each space.

5. Keep it neutral. If you have yet to get rid of bold accent colors and wallpaper, do it now! Some buyers may not have the same tastes as you. So while your crimson and beige living room walls may be a big trend right now, some buyers may prefer a light, neutral tone that complements different-colored furniture pieces. Because you’re looking to appeal to the most possible buyers, neutral is best.

6. Stage your home. Don’t personalize it. You may have placed a few picture frames on the coffee table in the living room to spruce up the space. However, doing this actually takes away from the buyer’s experience of walking through your house and imagining where their own picture frames might go. Take a look at these two Buy Owner Blog posts: Smile for the Camera and Depersonalizing for a Home Sale. If you give buyers ideas, they will picture their own personal belongings in each space.

7. Go Green. Many people appreciate a home that is friendly to the environment. For example, get rid of any appliances made before 1990. Newer models use less energy and don’t have to work as hard. Buyers will appreciate the reduction of future energy bills! Here’s another tip: the Buy Owner Blog is full of Green Living articles.

8. Let people know that your house is for sale! If you have not listed your house with Buy Owner, you should consider it now! By using Buy Owner, you can market your home through not just a yard sign, but also professional photographs, descriptions, virtual tours and more. What’s more, your advertisement will appear on the highly popular site BuyOwner.com, drawing views from around the world.

9. Check the Buy Owner Blog regularly. The Buy Owner Blog gives countless tips for homeowners who are looking to sell their own properties. The site is updated on a regular basis, and lots of helpful ideas are posted each week!

10. Use Buy Owner to your advantage. When you sell your home with Buy Owner, you are utilizing the best tool in the FSBO business to help you sell on your own! With Buy Owner, you have total control over the entire process: You can choose the photos. You can change the text. No matter how long your home has been on the market, you can call Buy Owner and make changes to your ad. Every staff member is committed to giving you the best advertisement possible for your home.

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , ,

Top 10 New Ways to Use Wallpaper

Feb20
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

wallpaper

Rumor has it that wallpaper is making a comeback! With so many colors and designs to choose from, each room can display its own theme or atmosphere. But what you may not realize is that there are tons of other uses for wallpaper! Here are the top 10 ideas for wallpaper usage, besides covering your walls.

1. Buy a small strip of patterned wallpaper and use it to accessorize. Cut into squares, frame, hang on the wall and admire your original piece of artwork!

2. Design your kitchen! Place it on the inner moldings of your cabinets, on the sides of your counters or as a magnet on your refrigerator. A splurge of color here and there can really spruce up a dull space.

3. If your home contains uncarpeted stairs, place wallpaper on the risers of your staircase. This adds décor while staying out of the way of stepping.

4. Pop off the back of a clock and glue wallpaper onto a piece of cardboard. The wallpaper design will now act as the background of your clock!

5. Wallpaper the top of shelves or behind shelves for an extra pizzazz to bedroom or bathroom shelving units. Make sure the glue is completely dry before placing anything on the shelves.

6. Glue or tape two pieces of wallpaper together and use the pieces as placemats! When they get dirty, just create more. This gives you ample design and color options for your table.

7. If you enjoy wallpaper but don’t want to cover your walls, opt to wallpaper your ceiling! This offers color and pattern, but in a unique way.

8. Place a sheet of wallpaper underneath a glass table for a sleek design or over the glass for a full-size coaster!

9. Decorate a small box to create a jewelry box, a cigarette box, a makeup case or anything you desire. Or, stash it away and use it for wrapping paper later!

10. Host a party to show off your new décor and send invitations made of wallpaper or inside wallpaper envelopes. This gives your guests a sneak peek at your hard work!

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , ,

Top 10 Most Unique Decorating Ideas

Feb20
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

The slow month of February puts some of us into a funk. Winter isn’t gone, spring hasn’t arrived and the holidays are over. If you’re looking to fill your spare time and spruce up your home, now is the perfect time to redecorate! These top 10 unique decorating ideas are fun, original, easy and full of inspiration!

1. Spruce up your walls with some color! Solid paint is okay, but colorful stripes can really make a room bright and inviting. Wallpaper can get messy, so do the job in a snap with Permacel tape, which is basically colorful masking tape! The rolls come in numerous colors and widths so that your only worry is making sure your lines are straight.
2. Always wish that your bed displayed a headboard? Create your own and add spunk to your bedroom! Place a crafty tapestry behind your bed or create your own art on a blank canvas. Not artistic? Have a photograph placed onto a canvas. For something simpler, use a screen or paint an old headboard.
3. Go all out with a bookcase door! Whether you create a hidden “mystery room” or just add storage to a small area, you can buy or create your own bookcase doors. To make your own, use burly wood or plywood that you can paint. You’ll need strong hinges, like steel, for strength and smoothness when moving books.
4. If you are known for having a strong passion, make it the theme of a room! Bring your love for nature inside by wrapping vines up your walls, displaying art or statues of wildlife and accenting with bright colors! Or create the vision of a basketball court by drawing the court’s lines on a hardwood floor and hanging a basketball hoop. Just make sure it’s a passion that won’t soon die out.
5. Prices are high if you want to cover a wall in stone, but now you can pretend with laminate designs! Cover a wall with laminate panels that looks like stone, leather, metal or any other design you love! Laminate is cheap and easy to care for.
6. Make the kitchen table more fun by placing a builder’s dust sheet over the table as a tablecloth. Then, sketch a design into the material, or just sketch around a plate and silverware so that each seat has a permanent place setting! Dust sheets also pick up dirt and are machine washable.
7. Add color to a room without going overboard by designing your own lampshade! Paint geometric shapes or little circles using watercolors. Watercolor paints are easy to use and the design doesn’t need to be perfect. For less hassle, just spray paint a shade to add extra oomph to the room.
8. If you rent your home and cannot paint the walls, leave them white and add an accent color to a room. Hang bright accessories from wall sconces or buy bright fabric for throw pillows. A bright accent color will bounce off the white walls!
9. Bring the look of stained glass into your home with glass tiles. Glass tiles come in an abundance of designs and cover countertops or hang as backsplashes. They can also hang from accent windows to bounce colors around the room or can decorate stainless steel appliances!
10. Do some history research and design a room in a particular time period. Decorate a room from the Gothic period with dark colors and gargoyles, or add columns and art for a Roman and Greek period. Whatever you decide on, shop around and have fun with it! Shopping at garage sales, flea markets and antique shops will probably bring you the most original materials.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , , ,

Top 10 Ways to Make a Room More Spacious

Feb13
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Becky

Add Space to Your Home

When you’re thinking about buying a home, chances are, one of the most important factors is space. From the garage to the kitchen to the bedroom, everyone is looking for more space throughout. And even if your home feels small, you can create the illusion of space simple by working with what you’ve got.

Here are the top 10 ways to make a room look more spacious:

1. Decluttering: This should be obvious, but in case it isn’t, you should be sure to declutter the room and clear out anything that isn’t being used. This is the first step to creating more space in a room.

2. Lighting: The lighting scheme in a room is key to creating an open feel and depends on the purpose of each room. For example, a chandelier might make a stunning focal point in a formal dining room, while track lighting can illuminate a fireplace in the family room.

3. Windows: To let in the maximum amount of natural light and therefore make the room appear brighter and more spacious, windows should be kept sparkling clean.

4. Mirrors: Use mirrors and other reflective surfaces to reflect the light coming into a room and create the illusion of more space.

5. Flooring: A great way to create more space is with seamless flooring from one room to the next. Another flooring trick: if you’re using tile, lay the tile on a diagonal for a more expansive feel.

6. Neutral colors: You should consider neutral tones when it comes to choosing both the paint color and the flooring. Try painting the ceiling a shade or two darker than the walls to give the room more height.

7. Monochromatic color scheme: Coordinating colors on the walls, floors and furniture will allow separate pieces in a room to blend together, while contrasting colors tend to break up a space.

8. Furniture arrangement: Simply by moving furniture to the outside of a room so that it isn’t blocking walkways, you can immediately create more space. Also, choose pieces that don’t take up the whole room. The more floor space you can see, the more spacious the room will seem.

9. Shelving: If you’re thinking about incorporating shelving into the room, make sure you install shelves that expand vertically instead of horizontally. This will draw your eyes toward the ceiling and expand the space.

10. Fabrics: When searching for window treatments, avoid heavy draperies and instead look for light, airy fabrics. The pattern of the fabric is also important, as anything too busy will detract from the open feel.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , , ,

Top 10 Green Purchases

Feb05
2009 1 Comment Written by Alicia

Think-Green

Are you trying to make your home green but just don’t know where to start? We’ll give you a boost in the right mindset! Here are the top 10 purchases you should make as an eco-friendly homeowner. After these exist in your home, you are well on your way to living a greener lifestyle!

1. Programmable thermostat. With these, you can control the heat and air while you sleep or while you’re away at during the day. Some even allow you to keep track of your usage on the computer so you know exactly how much energy you’re using.
2. Insulation. Purchase eco-friendly insulation that doesn’t contain toxins that could disrupt your air quality. Fiberglass uses recycled materials and spray foams are non-toxic. To learn more, click here.
3. Paint. Choose low-toxic paint with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. This is an easy change that makes a huge difference in your air quality.
4. Flooring. Recycle that old carpeting and opt for easier to clean choices, like linoleum, bamboo or cork. These are renewable sources that don’t collect dirt and dust. Throw rugs are ideal for comfort and cleanliness. For more information on green flooring, click here.
5. Cabinetry. Instead of the usual oak and maple choices, opt for materials that grow fast so that no trees go extinct. Wheat and bamboo are both stylish choices.
6. Linen. Buy some new bed sheets that are made from organic cotton. This type is free from the pesticides and chemicals that you breathe in from other sheets.
7. Lights. Switch all of your lights to fluorescent bulbs that don’t use as much energy and that last longer. You’ll notice a difference on your energy bill too!
8. Furniture. Buy new furniture made out of reclaimed wood or opt to shop in flea markets and antique shops!
9. Water filter. Choose a filter that you mount on the sink. It needs to be changed every so often, so it helps you keep track of how much water you use. You’ll be drinking cleaner water for a healthier you! To learn more, click here.
10. Cleaning supplies. Switch your old cleaners with new eco-friendly cleaners that don’t contain dangerous chemicals. Create your own products that are safe and effective! For more information, click here.

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , ,

Top 10 Considerations before Buying a Condo

Feb03
2009 7 Comments Written by Carrie

Buying-a-Condo

Why rent a tiny apartment when you can own a spacious condo? If you have never lived inside of a condo complex before, there are many factors to consider before you purchase one.

Here are the Top 10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Condo, brought to you by Buy Owner®:

1. Floor location: This depends on the location of the condo! In one scenario, a first-floor condo may be ideal. If there is no elevator, who really wants to move all of their belongings up a few flights of stairs? However, if you are going to live in a big city, condos on the higher floors may be more desirable so you get breathtaking views of the waterfront or the city skyline.

2. Location of the condo within the building: Corner units are often preferred for several reasons. You may only have one neighbor, you get more windows (sunlight) and you get better city views!

3. H.O.A. fees: Most subdivisions require residents to pay a small fee in order to gain access to certain amenities (pools, sport fields, workout rooms), to have trash picked up, to have the lawn cared for, to use water/cable/electricity and more. Fees vary, and so do the amenities.

4. Amenities: Many communities offer residents access to plenty of amenities. You may move into a neighborhood that boasts a swimming pool, a dining facility, an 18-hole golf course and more! You need to find a condo community that suits your needs. If you are very active, you will want to look for tennis courts, a workout room, etc. If you would rather participate in community events, you may want to look for a place that has a huge clubhouse!

5. Maintenance of the grounds and facilities: Take a stroll around the neighborhood. Are the communal grounds nicely landscaped and well-kept? Is the equipment in the workout room in good condition? If the maintenance of the land and the facilities are included in the Association dues, and they are very unkept, you may want to consider searching for a condo in a different community.

6. Architecture: Older condos will feature straight-walled, four-sided rooms, possible plant shelves and standard ceilings. Newer ones will showcase angled walls, decorative wall cut-outs and cathedral/vaulted ceilings. It is up to you whether you want a more traditional or more modern looking home.

7. Construction: Not all of the buildings inside a condo community may have been built at the same time. There will most likely be a higher demand for condos inside the newer complexes. But keep in mind, the older condos could be upgraded to suit your own styles and needs!

8. Upgrades: Has the condo been updated? If you want a move-in-ready home, look for recently renovated condos that boast newer flooring, upgraded appliances and fresh paint. If you would rather do most of the redecorating yourself, you may want to look for a condo that comes with an allowance for upgrading. Lots of sellers are offering buyer incentives such as new carpeting or a painting allowance upon closing.

9. Rules and Regulations: Before you move into your new condo, you need to know all of the rules and regulations of the community. Do they allow pets? Is there a stipulation on outdoor furniture and decorations? Can you have a barbecue grill? Before you incur a fine, make sure you know all of the rules!

10. Buy Using BUY OWNER: While searching for a condo through the Buy Owner website, you can choose several features to be included in the search! For example, let’s say you would like a two-bedroom condo in Chicago that is nestled on the waterfront and offers access to a pool. All you do is check a few boxes and pick a price range. With Buy Owner, finding your dream home is just a few mouse clicks away!

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , , ,

Top 10 Home-Marketing Tips

Feb02
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

marketing

While it’s true that winter traditionally sees less action, at least in terms of real estate, January and February mark a strong increase in buyer interest. Pent-up demand from holiday distractions brings new buyers to the housing market, and the homes that are listed well stand out amongst the competition.

If you’re selling a home, here are the 10 hot marketing tips you have to have. Listen up: They could make the difference between seen and sold!

1. Go Online! The Internet is the single best resource in advertising your home because it offers a simple way to reach the world. Not only does it give key exposure to anyone with a computer, but it’s available anytime, anywhere, 24/7.

2. Easy Contact! Real estate advertising should emphasize contact information of the seller (you). This is another great point with Buy Owner® listings: the buyer will contact you directly. There are no middlemen to worry about, so you have all the control.

3. Key Information! When you talk with your Buy Owner marketing professional, be sure to stress the key selling points, as you see them. If there are things you feel are worth mentioning, make sure that comes across. You’ll want upgrades, valuable features and unique characteristics of your home to be highlighted in your text and the features listed online.

4. Community Knowledge! Along with key highlights of your property, your advertising should communicate the value of your property’s location. This is of course important to out-of-town buyers, who are viewing your home from a remote location. But it’s also valuable to local shoppers, who can get your perspective on the area attractions.

5. Showcase! Here’s where the customizations you choose for your BuyOwner.com advertising really matter. Did you that real estate advertisements with photos are much more likely to be viewed by potential buyers? One Realtor.com survey actually stated homes with photos are viewed 299% more often than homes without. Choose quality photos that show off your residence!

6. Make technology work for you! As stated in the Wall Street Journal, many owners are borrowing tools that were originally marketed to real estate agents to make them more interactive and compelling. You don’t have to use a real estate agent to use virtual tours, something Buy Owner has been promoting for a long time.

7. Yes, Use a Sign! To reach the greatest pool of buyers, don’t overlook old-fashioned methods of advertising, too. Putting a sign in the front yard isn’t the only thing you should do, but you should do it. The front yard will reach drive-by visitors and let your neighbors know you’re selling (and they might have friends who are looking)! Plus Buy Owner provides our famous talking yard signs, giving a phone number to access a description of your home.

8. Create Flyers! Using your BuyOwner.com seller tools, you’ll be able to customize and print out flyers that repackage your online advertising. Use these handouts to give physical reminders to buyers of what you’re offering!

9. Schedule Open Houses! Holding an open house gives you an opportunity to draw in a large pool of buyers at one time, as well as garner feedback in a low-key environment. For more information on holding an open house, check out this Buy Owner Blog article.

10. Talk. A Lot. Even in today’s information age, word-of-mouth remains one of the most trustworthy and powerful ways to spread news. Couple this idea with technology (aka: social media), and you can reach networks of people, from your Facebook connections to those on LinkedIn, Twitter, StumbleUpon, Digg, etc.

The key to keep in mind when selling is that you are the one in control. You choose how to market your home, so you can choose to make the most of it. Follow these tips, and you’re well on your way to a successful sale!

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

About the BuyOwner.com Blog

Welcome to the BuyOwner.com Blog, your source for regularly updated market information!

Founded in 1984, BuyOwner.com® is the leading provider of real estate marketing services. We pioneered the "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) market, which today represents over 20 percent of all residential real estate transactions.

You can read more about BuyOwner.com here.

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