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Home » Sellers

Do I Have to Accept the Highest Offer?

November 16, 2020 by Karen Baker 1 Comment

Do I Have to Accept the Highest Offer?

We know that this may seem like a silly question, however, there are a few reasons as to why a seller may wonder if they have to accept the highest offer that is placed. Ultimately, most sellers want to make as much off of their sale as possible, however, there are a few reasons as to why even the highest offers may not always be the best offers.

Related: Why Was my Offer Rejected?

A common misconception with selling a home is that you have to accept the highest offer that is placed; however, this isn’t true. As the seller, you have a right to accept whichever offer you want to, regardless of if it is the highest or the lowest as this is your right as the property owner. There are quite a few reasons why you may want to accept an offer that isn’t the highest that is placed, however here are a few of the most common examples.

Selling to a Friend or Family

Even if you plan to sell your home to a friend or family member, oftentimes you will still receive additional offers, especially if your home has been listed through the MLS. This could result in receiving higher offers than that of the price your friend or family was going to pay. This does not mean you have to accept the higher offer and can move forward with the sale as planned.

The Highest Offer Contains Contingencies

In some instances, the highest offer may be scattered with multiple different contingencies. These contingencies are set to protect the buyer, but often the seller will decide to accept a lower offer solely because it has fewer or no contingencies as this is a “safer” offer to accept.

Related: 5 Ways to Get Your Real Estate Offer Accepted

An All-Cash Offer Has Been Placed

If an all-cash offer has been placed, even if it is lower than other offers, oftentimes the seller will choose to accept the cash offer. All-cash offers can not only move along the closing process faster but without the need of approved financing, all-cash offers are generally safer and don’t fall through as often as regular financed offers.

Whether it be friends and family, contingencies, or an all-cash offer, ultimately it is up to you as the seller to decide which offer would suit you and your wants the best. In some cases that may be the highest placed offer, however, when it comes to accepting an offer, you have the final say.

If you’re currently searching for a qualified seller’s agent to assist you with the sale of your property, are searching for a new home, or have general questions regarding North Carolina real estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time. 

Additional Tips for Sellers:

  • Is it Safe to Sell a House Right Now?
  • How Does a Real Estate Listing Go Viral?
  • What to Do if Your House Isn’t Selling
  • How to Sell a Beach Home FAST
  • Accent Walls that Add Value
  • This One Thing Might Decrease Your Home’s Value
  • How to Improve Your Real Estate Listing Photos
  • Home Stagers Offer 5 Tips to Selling a House

Filed Under: Sellers Tagged With: real estate offer, seller

4 Things to NOT Pack When Moving

October 5, 2020 by Karen Baker Leave a Comment

If you are planning on selling your home, you may be starting to plan your packing lists, however, you should always make sure to leave a few items in the home. Contrary to common belief, you shouldn’t pack absolutely everything, as there are a few things that should always be left for the new homeowners upon closing.

Owner’s Manuals/Warranties  

This is the one thing that might be the most commonly thought of. All owner’s manuals for appliances throughout the home should be left for the new owners. This includes things such as kitchen appliances, portable AC units, central air, furnaces, washing machines, etc. If any of the appliances are currently under warranty of any kind, you will also want to be sure to leave the warranty information with the manuals.

Related: 4 Benefits of Staging Your Home4 Things to NOT Pack When Moving

Paint

Leaving touch up paint in the garage is a huge bonus for new homeowners. Should you freshly paint the home prior to selling, make sure to leave a can of paint in the same color so that the new owners can easily touch up any spots that may be needed. In addition, if you have an accent walls, as well as different colors in the bathrooms or bedrooms, leaving paint for those walls as well will be highly appreciated by the buyer.

In-Ground Items

Unfortunately, all in-ground items such as a mailbox, fire pits, light posts, etc. all need to be left. Anything that is attached to the ground is always considered part of the property and not your personal belongings. If there is something specific that you want to take with you that is attached to the ground, you should discuss that with your seller’s agent to make sure that it is listed within your selling contracts and agreements.

Related: Do I Need a Seller’s Agent?

Light Fixtures

Anything that is attached to the house, especially light fixtures are always expected to stay with the house. This does exclude floor lamps or table lamps, as they are not physically attached to or installed into the home. While light fixtures are expected to remain within the home, should there be a specific fixture you wish to take with you, be sure to express this to your real estate agent so that they can inform the sellers of the change.

As a general rule of thumb, you should never leave a mess for the buyers to walk into, however, by providing them with a few key things as mentioned above, you will make it easier for them to settle into their new home.

If you are currently searching for a new home, are in need of a qualified buyers agent or listing agent, or have any questions regarding today’s markets, please feel free to contact our office at any time. 

Additional Tips for Sellers:

  • 5 Design Trends Buyers are Looking For
  • What to Do if Your House Isn’t Selling
  • How to Sell a Beach Home FAST
  • Accent Walls that Add Value
  • This One Thing Might Decrease Your Home’s Value
  • How to Improve Your Real Estate Listing Photos
  • Home Stagers Offer 5 Tips to Selling a House

 

Filed Under: Sellers Tagged With: packing, relocating, sunset beach

4 Benefits of Staging Your Home

September 16, 2020 by Karen Baker Leave a Comment

4 Benefits of Staging Your Home

 

When it comes time to sell your home there quite a few key factors that will play a role in both the success, profit and efficiency of the sale. While hiring a knowledgeable seller’s agent is of course a vital key component to any successful real estate sale, one tool that sellers can use to help excel their listing, and thus result in a faster and potentially more profitable sale, is by choosing to stage the home.   

Related: Do I Need a Seller’s Agent?

Allows Buyers to Really See the Home

By staging your home, it removes any and all personal belongings and set’s the home up to look as if the buyer was about to move in. This allows the potential buyer to visually see themselves in the home without picturing the life someone else may have had. By showcasing the potential your home has and by staging each room you are essentially creating a beautiful blank canvas where buyers can mentally plan out a life prior to moving in. Instead of seeing a nursery, buyers could envision an at home office, or a guest room to fit their personal needs.

Related: How to Improve Your Real Estate Listing Photos

It Sells the Home Faster

 If you are hoping for a fast sale, staging your home is another great tool to success. Homes that are staged generally sell 90% faster than those that aren’t. While this percentage does vary pending on the current market and homes available, generally a staged home will always sell exceptionally faster than those that are not. Not only are the seller’s personal belongings already out of the home, but the home staging provides a fresh appearance and buyers will generally place an offer sooner simply by the aesthetic of the space.

It Provides a Higher Offer

While there are costs involved when it comes to staging a home, by choosing to stage the property you can also receive a higher offer and thus sell your home for a higher profit. On average, staged homes sell for 6% more than homes that are not. Staging your home will allow the space to be amplified, features will be highlighted, and the functionality of the space will cause buyers to spend more thus boosting the value.

Related: This One Thing Might Decrease Your Home’s Value

It Expands the Curb Appeal

You’ll often see articles about how important curb appeal is when it comes to selling your home, however, the wow factor shouldn’t stop when you walk through the front door. By staging your home your potential buyers will have a first impression that is sure to last and thus will set your home apart from the rest.  In an industry where first impressions mean everything, there is no true downside to choosing to stage your home.

If you are searching for a seller’s agent, have questions regarding today’s markets, or have any other questions regarding the buying or selling process, today’s markets, or tips on buying and selling, please feel free to contact our office at any time.

Additional Tips for Sellers:

  • 5 Design Trends Buyers are Looking For
  • What to Do if Your House Isn’t Selling
  • How to Sell a Beach Home FAST
  • Accent Walls that Add Value
  • This One Thing Might Decrease Your Home’s Value
  • How to Improve Your Real Estate Listing Photos
  • Home Stagers Offer 5 Tips to Selling a House

Filed Under: Sellers Tagged With: staging

How to Sell a Beach Home FAST

July 26, 2020 by Karen Baker 1 Comment

With every home sale, the goal is generally to sell your home for top dollar as quickly as possible to make for a fairly painless sale. Long drug out sales can result in flaky buyers, lower than wanted offers, and put a kink in any potential moving plans.

First, and arguably most important, is to make sure your home is priced properly. Pricing your hHow to Sell a Beach Home FAST ome too low can make potential buyers think there is something wrong with the house, that it is too dated, or that it needs more work and repairs than they are willing to invest. By pricing your home too high you could also drive away buyers who think the home is out of their budget, or risk losing the buyer to a different home that is similar and priced properly.

Related: 3 Things to Consider When Buying a Beach Home

We all have an idea of what we want to sell our homes for, how they should look, how to market, etc. however, when it comes to having a successful and quick sale you should always listen to the advice of your listing agent. They know the market and have more experience in understanding what buyers are looking for and thus will be able to play to buyers wants and in turn, sell your home faster.

Home staging may seem pointless to some, however, homes that are staged nearly always sell faster than homes that are not. By staging a home you are showing buyers all of the potential the home has to look “perfect.” Play on the beachy feel and beach decor and tell your stager you want the home to feel airy, bright and beachy, this will help your home feel bigger and more appealing to many buyers who are looking for a beach home.

Related: How to Improve Your Listing Photos

Cosmetic upgrades really do make a difference when it comes to selling a home. From old carpets to outdated hardware, by upgrading some of the cosmetics within a home you are likely to have a better first impression with potential buyers which could result in a faster and more profitable sale.

Related: This One Thing Might Decrease Your Home’s Value

Schedule a home inspection prior to listing your home so that you can be made aware of any repairs that your home may need. If there are any large ticket items, be prepared to either price your home accordingly, or pay to have them fixed prior to listing. Your home inspection is a great way to make sure that your home is market-ready and turn key.

New construction homes are sweeping through America and drawing attention away from older homes. Make sure to highlight the character or any special features of your home that would otherwise not be found in new construction homes. Using these to your advantage will make your home more appealing than the cookie-cutter new homes down the block.

Selling your home doesn’t need to be a stressful experience, use this as a guide to prepare to sell your beach home not only for a great profit, but a fast turn around.

To connect with a listing agent, find more information on a successful home sale, browse homes for sale, or for any questions please feel free to contact my office at any time.

 

Filed Under: Sellers Tagged With: beach house, sellers

Accent Walls that Add Value

July 23, 2020 by Karen Baker Leave a Comment

Accent Walls that Add Value

As a homeowner one of the things that brings the most pleasure is adding value to your home. This can be done in a million different ways, but the ways that seem to be the most enjoyable are when you can visually see the difference in the upgrade. 2020 has brought many challenges, however, it has given homeowners more time to be at home which has resulted in lots of DIY and home improvement projects. Accent walls seem to be a statement piece that aren’t going to be going anywhere anytime soon, and if done correctly, can add value and visual appeal to your home.

Related: Making your Home the Best on the BlockAccent Walls that Add Value

There are hundreds of different styles and ideas when it comes to adding an accent wall to your home, however there are three that are currently the most coveted, and most value boosting within today’s markets.

Reclaimed wood has been a highlight for the last decade, however, the lighter wood finishes have only become more popular within the last few years. Instead of a dark stained wood, try a light finish, or even white washed wood to create a full reclaimed wood accent wall. This statement piece is sure to be jaw dropping and command attention from everyone who sees it. In addition to its beauty, by using a lighter or white washed wood you are also brightening the room allowing it to feel airy and whimsical. This is the perfect addition to any beach home and you can even create driftwood shelving units to play on the wall and add to the wood/beach theme.

External: 4 Important Upgrades Sellers Should Make Before Listing

If reclaimed wood isn’t your cup of tea, exposed brick is becoming more and more popular. Much like with the wood, lighter is better. While some more metropolitan towns are in love with the classic red bricks, beachy and small towns have fallen in love with painted brick walls. Try light neutral tones to not only brighten up the space, but add a one of a kind brick accent wall. This will give your home a rustic chic look that will be coveted by all. Try getting a brick drill and add in some floating glass shelves to give the wall an extra pop.

Related: This One Thing Might Decrease your Home’s Value

As with any home improvement, you should always plan out your ideas prior to execution, so be sure to think through the project before starting to ensure you have all the material needed to complete the accent wall of your dreams.

For more information on boosting your home’s value, to browse current homes for sale, or for any real estate needs, please contact my office at any time. 

External Related: Top Renovations for 2020

 

Filed Under: Sellers Tagged With: accent walls, homeowners

This One Thing Might Decrease Your Home’s Value

May 28, 2020 by Karen Baker 1 Comment

This One Thing Might Decrease Your Home's Value

Whether you are purchasing or selling a home, the two main areas of a home to keep your eyes on are the kitchen and the bathroom(s). These two areas of a house are the most likely to either add or decrease the home’s value.

As time goes by trends naturally are going to change, make sure you don’t get stuck selling a home for less because you have outdated bathrooms, and likewise, don’t buy a home that won’t give you equity because it lacks modern touches. So what should you avoid when purchasing, or what should you upgrade when selling? We’ve accumulated a list of the top five things to avoid when it comes to your bathroom(s).

This One Thing Might Decrease Your Home's Value

Hollywood Lighting –

I think we all had the round Hollywood dressing room style lighting in our bathrooms at some point in life, however, this popular trend has since expired. By switching to a more modern light fixture above the mirror you can instantly change the whole look of the room! Another good tip is to add a dimming switch, this allows for nice relaxing baths, or bright lighting when needed.

This One Thing Might Decrease Your Home's Value

Granite Countertops –

Granite was the most coveted countertop for the last decade if you didn’t have granite, you wanted it! Recent buyers however see no value in granite countertops and would prefer to have Marble or Quartz.

This One Thing Might Decrease Your Home's Value

Block Glass Windows –

This trend has been out for quite some time now, however it is still common among many homes. The block glass gives a gawdy look to a bathroom and often can become discolored easily, mostly throughout the grout and seals, which can make your bathroom go from “fab to drab.”

More: Home Stagers Offer 5 Tips to Getting a Home Sold

This One Thing Might Decrease Your Home's Value

Glossy Finishes –

The shinier the better seemed to be the way to go, however, in recent years bathroom finishes seem to have shifted to a more matte finish. Regardless of the color, black, grey taupe, or otherwise, try to make sure that you have matte finishes throughout the bathroom, primarily the floors and cabinets.

More: Should you replace the carpet before selling?

This One Thing Might Decrease Your Home's Value

Multiple Shower Heads –

While having multiple shower heads might still be a dream for some, a lot of buyers are currently looking for more environmentally friendly options and unfortunately, with multiple shower heads, you aren’t exactly saving any water. Try purchasing an eco-friendly showerhead and market that the bathroom is already outfitted to save water, you’d be surprised how many people want this!

While these looks range from a quick fix of a showerhead, to completely replacing the countertops, bathrooms should always be up to date for the current market before they are ever listed for sale. Ensuring that you have up to date features, flooring, cabinets, and lights can substantially increase the value of your home. Don’t get stuck in the past, look to the future, and enjoy all the features and fixings that come with it.

Related: 5 Steps to Selling a House

Concerned you might have other things bringing down the value of the home? Let us help! We know what buyers are looking for and if you’re thinking about upgrading a room or two in your home before selling, let us help you put your remodeling dollars to the best use.

 CONTACT US

 

Phone: 910-612-1931

Phone Alt: 910-612-1906

 

Filed Under: Sellers Tagged With: bathroom, home value, kitchen

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Ken and Linda Foltz

“Life will lead you to where you belong. Five years ago life led me to meeting Karen Baker at an...
Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty
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“Life will lead you to where you belong. Five years ago life led me to meeting Karen Baker at an Open House. Our relationship continues as Karen and her husband Frank have been outstanding not only in helping my husband and I find the right retirement relocation home, but we have watched their commitment in helping many others find their homes. She and Frank treat every client as if they are the only ones that exist. They provide thorough research of areas and homes of interest and present you with the options. They are not your typical hard sell, must-buy-now realtors. They are here to help you find your next home?. You won’t go wrong with the Bakers!
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“The Bakers treated us like family during our whirlwind weekend of looking at houses. Prior to our on-site visit to Sunset Beach they created a portal and populated it with properties that met our ever-evolving criteria. By time we arrived we had a good feel for what we could afford and what was available that met our criteria. The Bakers, especially Karen, were able to make sense of what we thought we were looking for and eventually matched us with a house that we ended up purchasing — Karen called it the “This is it” house and she was right. We are loving our 2nd home and appreciate how painless Karen and Frank made the process. All the paperwork was done seamlessly and quickly and the closing went off without a hitch. The Bakers do not believe in the hard sell — they gave us the knowledge we needed and the guidance we needed to make our dream a reality.”
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Amy and I have bought and sold four properties in the past twelve years. Both of you are the best...
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Amy and I have bought and sold four properties in the past twelve years. Both of you are the best realtors we have ever dealt with. Amy and I both felt we could trust you to look out for our interest. The level of service you provided was outstanding, from taking the trash out, helping the buyer with inspecting the irrigation system, dealing with our tenants, always being there if we needed to ask a question, providing constant updates on the market and always keeping us informed on the sale of our house. I think your next venture should be training other realtors, because both of you have mastered the art of providing excellent service. I will be sure to recommend the Frank and Karen team to anybody looking for a trust worthy, knowledgeable and top performing realtor. It was a pleasure working with both of you.”
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“Karen & Frank Baker are the best. They are very knowledgeable with the area & showed us many homes. When...
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“Karen & Frank Baker are the best. They are very knowledgeable with the area & showed us many homes. When we made up our minds which one we wanted, they got us the best deal on it. We were very satisfided with them. After the purchased was made & we moved in, they were still there to answer any questions or problems that we might of had. Like I said, they are the BEST.”
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“Thanks again for all the time you spent with us, As overwhelming as it was, you two made it fun”
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