Category Archives: Sell Smart™

Prepare and sell a Rhode Island home with a disciplined plan. Explore repairs, records, presentation, pricing, appraisal exposure, offer comparison, inspection strategy, closing preparation, downsizing, and market-timing decisions.

RI Living shares tips for moving

Current Rhode Island homeowner guidance: This archived article may contain dated examples or requirements. For current practical guidance, visit the Rhode Island Homeowner Guide.

RILivingLogoBlackSource: https://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%3D%3D“>RI Living shares tips for movingRILivingLogoBlack Source: https://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%3D%3D“>RI Living shares tips for moving Tips to get ready to move The Fall home selling season will soon be upon us. If you’ve been thinking about moving – perhaps you want to move to a larger home, downsize, or even sell a vacation home – now is a great time to start getting ready. Joe Luca, President of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors, will provide some tips to help you get your home, and yourself, ready to move this fall.
-Enhance curb appeal Do some end of season clean-up of your yard Make sure entry ways are clean, uncluttered and appealing. Fresh paint goes a long way, (inside or out) so if your front door is peeling or faded, etc., give it a coat of paint -Staging Declutter Clean out closets Find a secure or hidden place to put valuables and prescriptions Clear off counters of all but a few things. Get rid of pet smells – wash slipcovers, washable floor coverings, etc. (and never leave your pet home during showings.) -Prepare for the buyer home inspection – It’s a good idea to get your own home inspection prior to selling to determine what issues could cause problems. The more you can take care of ahead of the game, the better of you will be. On the buying side – The supply of homes for sale is beginning to grow so you will have more options to choose from. -Double check your credit history. Make sure there are no issues that need to be addressed. -Narrow down the area you’re interested in and register on RILiving.com. You can input what you’re looking for and get emails when a new home comes on the market or the status of an existing listing changes.
John Dolbec will get you Pre-approved for a mortgage.  401-266-4413 Gentry Moving will move your belongings. 401-785-1600 Source: RI Living shares tips for moving RIAR-MLS-Logo-SmallTips For Moving

What Do Sellers Need To Do Before Listing Their House?

Current Rhode Island homeowner guidance: This archived article may contain dated examples or requirements. For current practical guidance, visit the Rhode Island Pre-Sale Preparation and Pricing Guide.

So you think you want to sell your house; “NOW is the Time To Sell” the headlines claim.  Where do you start? What do you do first?  The FIRST thing ALL prospective sellers should do is to find an experienced, credible, Full Time, REALTOR®.  Why Full Time? The sale/purchase of a house is usually the largest financial transaction of a person’s life.  There is a significant amount of money involved, and even more potential liability if something is over-looked, forgotten, or omitted during the transaction.  This is true for EVERY transaction.  If the REALTOR® is “part time”, working only on weekends, or summers, is the amount of potential liability reduced?  Does the part-timer only need to know some of the regulations, only use some of the most current forms, and only comply with some of the laws? No, No, and No.  None of these factors are static, and in fact, changes occur on a regular basis as our culture, the economy, methodologies, and technologies evolve and advance.  Will the part-timer take time away from the “real-job” to keep up on the aforementioned items? Hmm   As a Full Time REALTOR®, it is a big commitment for me to keep up on everything while still providing my Clients with top notch service.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!! Time To List Your Home For Sale

Finally, the northeastern part of the country is experiencing seasonal weather. For two consecutive days the sun has shone and it’s great to feel the warm rays on my skin.  This warm weather also harkens the season for home-selling; the busiest time of year for REALTORS.  Lawns become greener, tree buds appear, and hopefully all those yard projects were completed if you were thinking about putting your home on the market.  

It definitely is a seller’s market, so NOW is the time to call a REALTOR to take the final steps to put your house on the market. In the event that you haven’t done anything, don’t despair, there are some simple things you can do to “put your best foot forward.” 

  1. CURB APPEAL should be at the top of your list because the first thing that people will see when they look at an online listing is typically a picture of the front of your house.  Make your house “Pop” with a nice green lawn (you can always fertilize it yourself) straight edges along walkways, the driveway, and curbs. Trim shrubs so they are not overgrown. Scrape peeling paint and touch it up with a matching color. 
  2. AIR QUALITY is something that may seem trivial but if it is not fresh it will leave a lasting, negative, impression.  If there are smokers in your house, lingering pet odors (especially urine), mold/mildew odors, dampness odors, or other smells, get rid of them! You don’t want your house to be remembered for a bad smell; and don’t try to “cover them up” with fragrances or scented candles because buyers and their REALTORS can “smell right through” those tricks. 
  3. PAINT- chipping and peeling paint is noticeable and easily rectified. You can attempt it yourself or hire a pro.  It shouldn’t take long and won’t cost much.
  4. CLEANLINESS is also super important. Dirty windows, dusty sills, dust-bunnies on the floor, are things by which you don’t want to be remembered. If you don’t have time, hire someone to do it for you because it will be worth it.

If you have any questions about preparing your home for sale email me at JosephLuca@remax.net

The FED Raised Rates – Is It Still A Good Time To Buy/Sell A Home?

As was widely expected, The Federal Reserve raised interest rates, and indicated that they will continue to do so throughout the year.  This actually indicates that things are good in our economy… a positive sign that consumers are spending money, and prices are being pushed upward by the forces of supply and demand.  Interest rates are like a “brake system” on a train, when things start moving too fast apply the brakes, to slow the train down.  Likewise, when the economy starts to “move too fast”, prices are getting pushed higher (Inflation) so a slight increase in interest rates will temper, or slow down, these price increases.  Inflation, like our debt, diet, and data, needs to be managed so it  doesn’t become a problem.  Which was why The Fed repeatedly lowered interest rates during the depths of The Great Recession – to spur economic activity (buying stuff.)

1st Home Mortgage

What will this mean for me?  If you have a 30 year mortgage of $250,000, at a fixed interest rate of 5%, the monthly payment (not including taxes and insurances) would be about $1,342. A rate increase to 5.25% would raise your monthly payment by about $35.  Most consumers spend more than that on coffee every month.  Will that be detrimental for some consumers? Probably.  However, rising incomes, should mitigate that affect.  The US unemployment rate is 4.1%, and Full Employment is considered to be about 5%.  Many economists believe that this dynamic pushes wages higher so (theoretically) more people should be able to afford the extra $35/month.

resnick logo

If you are considering Selling your house, you should act sooner and not later. Inventory is tight, so there is not much competition at this time; but more people may list their homes for sale increasing the competition. You best option is to contact a Full Time, Experienced, REALTOR® to get the answers to your questions for your situation.  Feel free to call me, Joe Luca at 401-580-9797.  All questions are welcomed and answers are free and without obligation.

GentryMoving

Coming Soon Listings!!!

REALTOR® Colleagues and Consumers alike have had questions and comments since the RI Statewide Multiple Listing Service (MLS) introduced the “Coming Soon” status on the MLS. First of all, for the Consumer, a “Coming Soon” status is nt an Active Listing, it is considered to be “Off Market”; which means the house CANNOT be shown by the Listing Agent. This is probably fine if you are not ready to show your house because you need to de-clutter, make repairs, or take care of other “last minute” items…as long as it is completed in less than 30 days, because the listing will automatically switch to Active and will have to be shown to Buyers. A Coming Soon listing is NOT an opportunity for the Listing Agent to show the home to Buyers without other REALTORS® haveing the opportunity for their Buyers to see the house. If the Listing Agent attempts to do this, he or she is doing the Seller a disservice because other Buyers will not have an opportunity to make a potentially higher offer on the house. If this happens to you, or someone you know, call the local Board of REALTORS® because it is a violation of MLS rules and the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.

The REALTOR® Code of Ethics is the demarcation line between individuals buying and selling their own real estate, licensees selling the real estate of others (who are required to only abide by the law,) and REALTORS®. We are held to a higher standard of conduct. We “police” our members for the protection of the consumers and other members.

REALTORS® demand a higher level of business conduct and professionalism from our members, and we are always striving to provide better service for the consumer. Full time REALTORS® treat the job as the profession it is by continually taking classes and attending webinars in addition to the required Continuing Education classes mandated by the state licensing body.

If you are interested in a Coming Soon listing feel free to give ma a call at 401-580-9797.

Why Should I Use A Full Time REALTOR® To Sell My Home?

Current Rhode Island homeowner guidance: This archived article may contain dated examples or requirements. For current practical guidance, visit the Rhode Island Pre-Sale Preparation and Pricing Guide.

The short answer is: “You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know”For the purposes of this discussion, when I refer to a REALTOR®, I am referring to a full-time, experienced REALTOR®, who averages at least 11 closings per year. For what it is worth, over 70% of RI REALTORS® do less than 5 transactions per year, which is why you should seek out an experienced full-time, REALTOR® to handle, what for most of us, is the largest financial transaction of our lives.In essence, sellers are potentially exposing themselves to liabilities that may be unnecessary.  Either as it relates to disclosure of information, utilizing correct forms to expedite the transaction, and the general practice know-how that protects buyers and sellers from liability. Experienced full-time REALTORS® guide and control their client’s transaction so purchases and sales happen on schedule, and the buyer and seller can easily transition to the next stage of their life.  Additionally, REALTORS® know the market; we know houses, and we know sellers and buyers.  It’s our job.  Those of us that take our job seriously are continually learning, studying, reading and taking classes, so that we are aware of new regulations, financial instruments, and mortgage programs that best serve our clients.The short answer is: “You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know” For the purposes of this discussion, when I refer to a REALTOR®, I am referring to a full-time, experienced REALTOR®, who averages at least 11 closings per year. For what it is worth, over 70% of RI REALTORS® do less than 5 transactions per year, which is why you should seek out an experienced full-time, REALTOR® to handle, what for most of us, is the largest financial transaction of our lives. In essence, sellers are potentially exposing themselves to liabilities that may be unnecessary.  Either as it relates to disclosure of information, utilizing correct forms to expedite the transaction, and the general practice know-how that protects buyers and sellers from liability. Experienced full-time REALTORS® guide and control their client’s transaction so purchases and sales happen on schedule, and the buyer and seller can easily transition to the next stage of their life.  Additionally, REALTORS® know the market; we know houses, and we know sellers and buyers.  It’s our job.  Those of us that take our job seriously are continually learning, studying, reading and taking classes, so that we are aware of new regulations, financial instruments, and mortgage programs that best serve our clients. As a full time REALTOR®, I make it my job to be aware of the latest financial incentives from housing authorities, tax incentive programs, mortgage programs from various lenders, and the latest guidelines from the government backed loan products (FHA and VA.) Being current on these programs gives me the tools to work with a full spectrum of clients, being able to assess their needs and help them best maximize goals. REALTOR® Associations frequently change forms to accommodate the needs of members and consumers, so it is also part of my job to be aware of these changes and use the latest forms.  These forms frequently have time triggers with deadlines which, if missed, could cost the buyer or seller A LOT of money.  I take classes, attend webinars, and go to conferences to remain sharp and have the best skills, training, and tools for the benefit of my clients. I’m proud of this because it makes me extremely qualified to assist them with what I’ll mention again is likely the biggest financial investment of their lives.  This requires a large time-commitment and a significant amount of mental “focus.”  Most, if not all, of my top-producing colleagues approach their job in the same professional manner. If a part-time REALTOR® has a “real” or “full-time” job, where would he/she find the time to do this?   I say this not to throw anyone under the bus.  I am not disparaging any REALTOR®; I am simply asking the aforementioned question. These are just some things to think about as you consider hiring /working with a REALTORS®. I hope this post has giving you some food for thought, and I would love to discuss any of this with you and how it relates to your personal real estate needs and objectives. I look forward to hearing from you!

Five Crucial Home Selling Decisions if You Want to Sell in 2015

Five Crucial Home Selling Decisions if You Want to Sell in 2015

If you’re planning on selling your home in 2015 there are five crucial decisions that can help you maximize your sale price, get your home sold quickly and do it all without the mountain of stress that often comes with the sale of your home.

Decision #1 – Decide to prepare sooner than later. Home sellers who wait until spring to get their home “ready” are already behind the curve. The real estate year is in full swing by March 1st and homes that sell quickly and for top dollar during the “selling season” are the homes where the owner had a plan, got their home ready, staged, and listed early in the year.

Decision #2 – Decide to prepare yourself emotionally. Selling your home can be very emotional. When you receive an offer for less than you think your home is worth, it generates a whole host of negative emotions. You can feel angry, frustrated, and think everyone is trying to steal your home from you.

Well, they’re not. Buyers just want to know they’re getting the best price. We all feel similar when we make a big purchase. So be careful to manage your emotions. And if you get a “low-ball” offer rely on the help of a trusted professional. A good agent can often gently negotiate the price into a range where everyone wins. The key is to keep your emotional swings in check.

Decision #3 – Be realistic and price your home accordingly. One of the big keys to getting your home sold quickly, for the most money, is pricing it correctly. If you price your home too high, thinking you’ll “test the market,” it can be costly. Your home can sit on the market too long and get labeled as a “no-need-to-show” because you’re viewed as being unrealistic.

You see it all the time. Sellers think they are going to “hold out” and get a better price. Well, you need to consider how soon you want to sell? The reality is you can get just about any price you want if you’re willing to wait long enough. If you wait 5-7 years your home will very likely sell for a more than it will today. But if you want to sell in 90-120 days for top dollar, pricing is a crucial issue that you should discuss at length with a trusted real estate professional.

Decision #4 – Reconcile reality quickly. This is somewhat similar to decision #2, but it’s actually more practical and actionable. Emotions can be hard to define and control, like in point #2. But what is fairly easy to judge is your market’s numbers, and the realities of value.

Agents always hear things like, “But my home has this, this and this. Therefor it should be worth a lot more.” In theory that’s somewhat true. However, the reality you have to be prepared to reconcile is, if people won’t pay more for those things, it doesn’t make your home worth more.

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to soften you up so you give your home away. The goal is to help you get the highest possible price, in the shortest time, with the fewest hassles. But something that’s very important to deal with is reality, not wishful thinking. Wishful thinking backs tens of thousands of home sellers into very difficult positions every year.

Having a clear objective view of reality, as well as a trusted professional to help guide you through the emotional ups and downs, can help you avoid a massive mountain of emotional stress, while your home just sits on the market.

My encouragement is, prepare yourself for the true realities, while maintaining high standards throughout the process. It’s a balancing act that with the help of a trusted professional can be far easier to navigate.

Decision #5 – Trust your gut. When interviewing agents there are few things more important than a deep level of trust between you and the agent you choose to represent you. And trust comes in two crucial parts. The first is professional competency.

To trust someone with what is likely the single biggest financial transaction of your life, you need to have confidence that the agent you choose has the skills, technology and ability to fight hard and win what’s in your best interests. That’s why choosing someone just because they’re a “friend of the family” isn’t always the best choice.

The second layer of trust is personal. When you work with someone on something as important as the sale of your home, you need to know you can trust that person personally.

You need to feel a deep sense of confidence that your agent puts your needs in front of their own. It’s not about flash and glitter, or how many homes that agent sold. What’s important is, “Can I trust this person with my financial future?”

That’s where “listen to your gut” comes in. most of us can sense authenticity and integrity. It comes out in many ways and generally when you’re in the presence of it you know in your gut. Sometimes the person might be a little quirky, other times they’re not, but again it’s not about flash and charisma.

The bottom line, choose someone you trust on both a professional and personal level and “go with your gut.”

I hope you found these suggestions helpful. Selling your home is a life altering series of decisions. The better prepared you are to make those decisions effectively, the better the end result.

And as always, if there is anything at all I can do to help you, please feel free to call me at 1-401-580-9797. The conversation is always free and you’re under no obligation of any kind. My entire objective in our conversation is always to help you in any way that I can.

Also, if you would like to know approximately what your home is worth before meeting with an agent, feel free to check out my offer below. It’s a free over-the-phone market evaluation. Just call anytime 24 hours a day and if I don’t pick up leave a message with your email address and I’ll get that evaluation out to you ASAP!

Is Now A Good Time To Buy Or Sell A Home?

This past week I came across two separate indications about what may happen to the residential real estate market in southern New England, and elsewhere, in 2015.  The first was actual data that demonstrated that while sales were down in 2014 compared to 2013, the prices had risen close to 5%…and this is in Rhode Island, traditionally one of the “lagging indicators” of all states and historically one of the last to exit from economic downturns.  See the below:Median House Prices and Sales 2013-14

Rhode Island has been hit especially hard since the last downturn because the unemployment rate has been one  of the highest in the nation, and it has been ranked last by CNBC on several occasions for business attractiveness.  Next I read the predictions for interest rates from several different sources and they all indicated that rates are going up from .3% to 1.2% by the 2015 4Q.

Mortgage Rate Predictions 2015

So to extrapolate: In a “worst case scenario”, if the price of a house increases from $200,000 to $210,000 AND interest rates increase 1.2% (NAR) the monthly payment excluding taxes and insurance would increase from $948/mo today to $1,143/mo at the end of 2015.  That is an extra $2,340/year, $35,100 over 15 years, and a whopping, uncompounded,  $70,200 over 30 years.  Wouldn’t it be better to have that money in your retirement account, or use it for a vacation home?  Since we have been at historic lows for a few years, and prior to the downturn the “Fantastic Rates” were well over 5%, this is not that outlandish.  It is also not outlandish to think that we will not be returning to rates this low for generations since prior to 2010 we had never had rates in the 4% range (BankRate.com.)  So what do you think is now a good time to buy or sell a home???  If you have questions about buying or selling a home, email Joe@JoeLucaRealEstate.com or voice/text at 401-580-9797.

5 Easy Ways to Increase Your Home’s Resale Value

Current Rhode Island homeowner guidance: This archived article may contain dated examples or requirements. For current practical guidance, visit the Rhode Island Pre-Sale Preparation and Pricing Guide.

This is a really good article I found on “Porch”
Written by Judith Burzell on 01/19/15
Graciela Rutkowski Interiors - sell your home faster with these five tips
Are you getting ready to sell your home? Do you want to get it sold quickly, and for the price you want? Did you know that most buyers form their first impression of your home within minutes of first seeing it? Years ago sellers would list their homes for sale in “as is” condition. In today’s market, that no longer works. Today you need to make the best possible first impression to get the sale you want – and you only get one chance to make a great first impression. If you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, here are 5 great tips to help you sell it fast and get what you asked for–or maybe even more!
This is a really good article I found on “Porch”
Written by Judith Burzell on 01/19/15
Graciela Rutkowski Interiors - sell your home faster with these five tips
Are you getting ready to sell your home? Do you want to get it sold quickly, and for the price you want? Did you know that most buyers form their first impression of your home within minutes of first seeing it? Years ago sellers would list their homes for sale in “as is” condition. In today’s market, that no longer works. Today you need to make the best possible first impression to get the sale you want – and you only get one chance to make a great first impression. If you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, here are 5 great tips to help you sell it fast and get what you asked for–or maybe even more!

1. Deep Clean

Graciela Rutkowski - sell your home 6 Buyers want to see a fresh, clean home – a dirty home will turn buyers off.
  • Kitchens sell homes. Give special attention to countertops, grout lines, appliances, and cabinets, inside and out. Clean the refrigerator and pantry, and hide any trash cans.
  • Clean floors until they shine, and clear away pet areas. Dust all surfaces, including those above your line of sight. Don’t forget the ceiling fans!
  • Make bathrooms look good and smell fresh. Scrub toilets, and clean shower doors. Invest in fresh bedding, linens, and towels. Odors will turn off buyers. Refresh the space with room deodorizers, but don’t use heavy scents.
  • Clean corners, doorways, and window frames. Don’t forget the garage!
  • Clear out closets, and store what you’re not using. A half-filled closet looks much larger than one that is stuffed.

2. Add Curb Appeal

Graciela Rutkowski Interiors - curb appeal When buyers drive up to your home, you want them to be excited to come in!
  • Invest in professional landscaping. Make sure the lawn is mown, re-seed where the grass looks thin, and trim hedges, trees, and anything that blocks the view to your home. Add colorful flowers along pathways and by the front entry.
  • Power wash the outside of your home, including paths and driveways. Wash windows to make them sparkle and let in light, and clean gutters and walkways.
  • Give your front porch a makeover. Add a bench or chair and a decorative touch. Don’t forget the mailbox! Give it a touch of paint, and be sure it’s standing up straight.
  • Park cars in the garage–or even better, out of the way entirely.

3. Fix What’s Broken

Graciela Rutkowski Interiors - sell your home 3 You want buyers to focus on the best features of your home, and not on problems from deferred maintenance. This is the time to do those ‘fix-it’ projects that you’ve been putting off. It may cost a bit up front, but it will pay off in the long term.
  • Walk through your home with a fresh eye to see if there are obvious maintenance issues. Fix the things you can yourself, and hire a handyman for larger projects. A fresh coat of paint in a neutral color will go a long way!
  • Small details add up. Replace worn, dated hardware and knobs with new pieces that suit the style of the home. Replace worn switch plates and old heating and air conditioning registers with new ones that are clean and uncracked.
  • Lighting makes all the difference. Replace old bulbs with higher wattage, full spectrum light bulbs. Open curtains to let in natural light.
  • If the weather allows, open the windows for fresh air.

4. Stage It!

Graciela Rutkowski Interiors - sell your home Home staging is one of the best steps you can take when preparing to list your home. Statistically, a staged home will sell 80% faster, and for 10% more than an un-staged home! The cost of staging is one of the best returns on investment a seller can make over any other improvements. If you can afford to, hire a professional stager. You will be surprised at the difference they can make for a small investment. A stager will:
  • Showcase the best features in your home, placing furniture to define focal points and maximize the space.
  • De-clutter to help create a feeling of spaciousness.
  • De-personalize the home so that potential buyers can envision themselves in your home, rather than focusing on the things you own
  • Highlight the best features of your home–a beautiful kitchen, a stunning view, a great fireplace, or whatever it is about your home that makes it special.
  • Organize furniture placement so that it helps to create visual space and good flow, and define rooms, so that buyers can see how each room in your home can be used.

5. Invest in Professional Photos

Graciela Rutkowski Interiors - sell your home 2 Today’s buyers are more likely to see your home for the first time on the internet. Great professional photos will make your listing stand out over similar homes, and encourage potential buyers to come see your home. Once you get your home looking its best, be sure to keep it “show ready” for a quick sale. Put out some fresh flowers, and you’re ready to go! All photos courtesy of Graciela Rutkowski Interiors