Real Estate Blog

The Kuchar Team

We Like to deliver potential home buyers information that will help them feel not only more comfortable but more familiar with the housing market and the terms that are commonly used in the Real Estate industry. With over 20 years of real estate experience there is a lot to give to our home buyers, our Real Estate Blog is the best way to share our knowledge. Colorado has many housing options with the cities ranging from Highlands Ranch to Denver and Brighton, you need to know not only what to look for in a house, but also a investment. Our Real Estate Blog focuses on on language that anyone can understand, and strategies that can be used for the betterment of a home buying experience.

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Real Estate Tips for 2013

2013 has shown to be a promising year. With real estate movements up, demand is starting to finally catch up with the supply and there have been significantly fewer distressed properties weighing down the real estate system. The real estate market is beginning to thaw out so with a new year upon us, here are some real estate tips for 2013.

Stop Waiting

For those good credit buyers who are currently waiting for the bottom of the market, heads up, it’s already passed. But the good news is that home and interest prices are still very low. For sellers who are currently waiting for market improvements, it’s here! So if possible, get ready to jump back into the game. The rules have changed though. Lenders are currently wanting buyers to put a little more into the game so expect to make a higher down payment than those before. Do note that sellers will more than likely discover that buyers are having a harder qualifying for mortgages.

Buyer Qualifications

Save your time and potential money. Make sure all of your buyers are pre-approved. This means they’ve already had their credit and employment checked and they know how much they can borrow. You should have your agent call their loan officers. Those who are serious will find this acceptable as it shows they are ready to buy.

Impressions

Almost the entirety of home searches begin online. Be wary of bad qualify photos. Consider hiring a professional photographer or videographer to create the best presentation of your home. Think about how to capture the different seasons. When in winter, show how the sun shines down onto the snow. In the spring, show your blooming blossoms. Summer shots could show your shimmering pool or beautiful lawn. Show off those vibrant autumn leaves. Always make sure to think vividly, not deceptively. Photos should always accurately show the true depths. Interiors should be right and uncluttered and highlight the absolute best outdoor views. Debate removing some of your furniture for your photos and brighten up any dark rooms.

Renovations

Sometimes a remodel can help you sell your home but these days it rarely pays for itself. The average remodeling payback has dropped from about 82% down to 57%. Unless your home is a complete disaster, only focus on the smaller things. Sellers will often underestimate the large positive impact from simple home improvements such as repainting or minor fix-ups.

Your Team

Before selecting your team, check out your potentials at the BBB or Angie’s List. Interview at least three different real estate agents, appraisers, title company, and if needed, an attorney, surveyor, or energy auditor. Read their reviews wisely.

Be Logical

Never use false hope. Make sure to price your home correctly from day one. Pricing needs to be based on comparable sales, neighborhood market trends, and an up-to-date appraisal. Never have a bloated price tag. Lower your price if no serious offers come through after the first 30-45 days

We’re working hard on the economy and are all very determined to pull out of our recession. With the home market improvement, this is the first step forward. If you’re looking to purchase a home in the Highlands Ranch area, contact The Kuchar Team today, your Highlands Ranch realtor!

8 Tips on How to Choose a Realtor

Choosing a Realtor to sell your house is a hard process. You cannot tell whether he or she will sell your house right away, but you can take precautions to make sure you are not settling for the wrong Realtor. Below, I have listed several tips to follow when choosing a Realtor.

Friendship is not enough

Even though you may want to give your friend a break, it is not going to be enough if they have not established professional credentials. Make sure you have high standards for your selection process. If they are a good enough friend, they will understand that you are making a professional decision and you need to explore your options.

 

Do not move too fast

People often make the mistake of settling on a Realtor immediately. This normally happens when they are caught up in the moment. Make sure you do not make a decision right away. The best thing to do is meet with at least one more Realtor and weigh the options. Think of the advantages and disadvantages and make your decision from there.

Do not be stubborn

I know that most people have a specific selling price, but it might be too high. Try not to get caught up in the Realtor agreeing with your selling price. They are the experts and they know what is best for the market in your area. This is how they will suggest a list price.

Judgment is not enough

People are extremely trusting. Make sure you are not making a decision based on what a great person they are. Make sure you look at their references. This is important to see if they have been successful and if they are a professional.

Do not settle for cheap

Try not to list with the Realtor that has the lowest commission. Although this is a plus, that does not mean that the company is credible. Try to list with someone who has moderate pricing if you are looking to save a little money.

Make sure they are knowledgeable

Real Estate is changing more and more all of the time. You need to make sure that the Realtor you choose is up to date on all of the latest education. When a company makes their Realtor continue their education, you know that they may be a great fit for you.

Does not have to be in the neighborhood

Knowledge of a local area does not need to be gathered from living their. Through extensive research, a Realtor can easily acquire information on the recent sales, schools in the area. and much more. Convenience, though nice, should not be a necessity when choosing a Realtor.

I really hope this post has helped you make a decision in selecting a Realtor. If you are looking around call us, The Kuchar Team, at 303-710-3810, today!

Rightsizing Your Housing

A Personal Perspective

About two years ago we had a huge six bedroom four bath house that met our needs well with three teenagers and a constant flow of their friends visiting etc.  We loved our big house with mountain views, finished basement and large yard and felt very comfortable there with plenty of friends in the neighborhood.  We realized looking ahead that our housing and financial needs would change in coming years and began to make plans for a transition.  Those plans anticipated an increase in expenses as our children entered college along with a decreased need of housing space as they moved out.  We now live comfortably in a three bedroom three bath home about half the total size we once had and couldn’t be happier.

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Market Sizzles as Summer Winds Down

Despite the anticipated seasonal slowdown usually expected toward the end of summer, the home market remains hot, with Metrolist reporting that the average days on market (DOM) is around 65 days. Just think: in a few months from now, your home could have a SOLD sign in the front yard.

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Upgrades That Matter When Selling Your Home

It’s no surprise that updated homes sell faster and for a higher price. However, it’s difficult to know which home improvements will give you the best bang for your buck. In general, you should start with any structural, mechanical or electrical issues.

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