The Chip & Joanna House Flip! What Buyers are looking for in Today's Market!!

If you are like the majority of Americans who love to indulge & watch HG-TV with Chip & Joanna Gaines, made popular from their famous Fixer Upper Tv show, and you have dreamed of owning one of their homes then you will know what style of home we are referring to! 

In today's market for a Seller you have to be above the edge if you expect to get the highest priced home in your neighborhood. First realize is your home or neighborhood what most first time home buyers are looking for? If you are unsure I will tell you, as I help first time home buyers daily and can tell you exactly what they are truly looking for in your home! They want to fall in love from the second they enter your home. If they don't have that moment, the rest of the home is just blah to them and they are thinking about the other 8 homes they are going to see today or another day! 

#1. First time home buyers under the age of 40 are looking for: Stainless steel appliances, newer roof, newer AC Furnace within the last 7 years, grey modern colored walls ( not always the case but often) white trim, granite or granite looking countertops, cabinet color varies, hardwood floors definitely are the largest selling points for most buyers. Again this is not everyone but the majority in that age range that is what they are looking for! 
#2. First time home buyers want Location, Location, Location, often they are not thinking too far ahead into children's schools if they do not have any. They want a good location as far as interests, work distance, biking trails, dog parks etc. 
#3. What are the items in the home that need to be redone, most first time home buyers do not want a large project, more decor, painting, items, carpet doesn't scare them but the rest of the home needs to not have too much work ie. foundation is a no go. Most first time home buyers will shy away from any foundation work that needs to be completed, even if it is minor, so as a seller to get the most for your homes value on the market often you will want to partner with a realtor to get someone trusted who does insure their work and will get it done at an affordable rate for you. Do not.. I repeat do not ..start calling the yellow pages, it often does not get you the best results or best service!
#4. What does your home look like from the outside? Does it look like this? 

or This? 

The condition of the exterior of your home landscaping can reduce your sale price by 10% at least! So clean up the yard, plant bright colored flowers and just make sure it looks sellable! Again Contact your local agent and they can be your second pair of eyes to let you know what will look best! 

Contact Homes by The Sarah Boston Home Team 

913.424.0427 

www.sarahbostonhomes.com Ask for a FREE Estimate on what your home will sell for in today's Market! 

Flip This House! Income and Investment Properties! Act Now!

The Realities of Income Properties Many homeowners consider investing in an income or rental property as a means for extra income. Many real estate markets throughout the U.S. have seen tons of growth in recent years, with rental properties highly sought-after in some popular markets. Generally, real estate is a solid investment in terms of ROI (return on investment) over the long term. While a rental property might seem like a sure thing for extra income, there are advantages as well as disadvantages to income properties. If you've been toying with the idea of investing in another property, consider some of the points below before making your final decision. Advantages of Rental/Income Properties Direct Income Stream One major advantage of an income property is a direct income stream. Monthly rent checks go directly to you, which based on whether or not the property has a mortgage, go directly into your business account. Should the property be continually rented throughout the year, the monthly payments will add up to a pretty sizeable sum by the end of the year, which is extra income in your pocket. Even if the property has a mortgage, the difference between the mortgage payment and rent check will undoubtedly be a positive addition to your account. Property Value Increases One of the biggest draws for real estate is the expected property value increase over the long term. In a good real estate market, a property should increase in value a specific percentage in accordance with the market. If you're able to purchase a property while the market is down, the long term return on investment (ROI) could be quite significant if you plan on keeping the property for some time. If you live in a popular market, the value increase could be significant in only a couple years, and if you have a mortgage on the property, you will be able to leverage your ROI even more since the property value increase is based on the total value of the property and your initial investment may have been a small percentage. Sweat Equity As you maintain and upgrade the property, you'll likely recoup some of the costs you've put into it. Regular maintenance (things like exterior painting, new siding, upgrading a roof, landscaping, etc.) help to increase the overall value of the property. Pair sweat equity with a property value increase, and the overall value of your investment property should grow over the years, garnering you more money in the long run. Tax Deductions As a property owner, tax deductions are always a good thing. When it comes to rental property, tax deductions are a for sure thing. With the current guidelines, property owners have the ability to write-off interest on the mortgage or credit card used to make purchases for the income property. Things that can also be written off: insurance, any maintenance repairs, expenses for travel to and from the property, any legal or professional fees, and of course the property taxes. Disadvantages of Rental/Income Properties Risk of Asset Concentration For many of those interested in a rental or income property, the ability to purchase the property outright is not a reality. Many owners will need to have a mortgage on the property; and for those able to buy in cash, the amount needed will likely eat into the majority of a person's total net worth. Because of the huge concentration of assets in one item, there is a potential to see no return on the initial investment, especially if the real estate market as a whole takes a drastic turn or the economy goes into a recession. If you're looking at an investment property as a financial investment, having the majority of your assets concentrated in one item is not advised and a poor investment scheme. Also, real estate requires a sufficient amount of funds on the side to handle any periods of time when you, as a property owner, need cash. Tenant Issues The only way to make money off a rental or income property is to have tenants. While the Internet provides a number of ways to find tenants, as a property owner you want your tenants to be responsible (pay the bills on time, take care of the property, and be long-term renters). Finding the right tenant can be a process: from running advertisements to credit and background checks, the tenant process can take some time and can cost a property owner a considerable amount in a short time. Should the tenants end up being a nightmare, you'll see additional costs to fix any wear and tear. Taxes, Fees, Insurance Regardless of whether or not the property is rented, as the owner you'll have regular payments for property taxes, home insurance, HOA fees, and regular upkeep. Property insurance on rental properties can be higher than non-rentals, and overall taxes, fees and insurance eat into the overall income generated by the property. You are able to write some things off on your taxes, but that only happens once a year, not every month. Being Involved One of the biggest parts of owning an income property is maintenance. Maintaining the property is a challenge, especially when it has to be done regularly. From major appliances to structural components like the roof or the driveway, the property owner maintains and covers the cost. If you have tenants that don't like fixing things, it's likely you will be called when something goes wrong - from a clogged toilet or sink to leaking appliances or major property damage. Not only does maintenance take time, it also takes money. Owning an income or rental property has its advantages and disadvantages. It's important, as a potential investor, to know the real estate market you're looking to invest in. You should take your time to thoroughly consider your financial resources, the real estate market and economy as a whole, and all the pluses and minuses of owning a rental home before you take the plunge. For More Information Contact Homes by Sarah Boston  913-424-0427 WWW.SARAHBOSTONHOMES.COM

Expert Tips on Interior Painting Before Putting Your Home on the Market! Sell it Now!

Expert Tips For Painting Your Home To Sell

1. Choose your paint last. When you choose paint first, you limit your options for everything else. Choose everything from throw pillows to window treatments before you choose your paint color. Then, match the paint to complement the room and all the features.

2. Use only one swatch at a time. Most of us have been taught that painting multiple swatches on the wall is the best way to compare and choose paint color. Not so, says the painting experts. Using one swatch at a time will give you a better feel for how every color will work in the space.

3. Be mindful of your lighting- Paint will look different on your walls than it will in the store. And it will also change with the light throughout the day. Always test two-coat swatches on the walls of the room you intend to paint. This way, you’ll see exactly how different colors perform in different lighting. Also leave these swatches up for a couple of days before deciding, that way you are sure you love the way it looks in different lighting etc.

4. Consider your ceiling the 5th wall-  Stark white ceilings can be disruptive, especially against darker walls. To create a more integrated look, the experts suggest, taking lighter colors all the way up through the ceiling and trim. For ceilings against darker walls, they say, going a few shades lighter on the color card can yield outstanding results.

5. Use a higher-quality paint and application products- Always use a high-quality paint and application products. You can choose the most beautiful color there is, but it simply won’t look good if you don’t invest a little extra in higher-quality materials.

Any questions with the Best Ideas to List Your Home Contact Homes by Sarah 

913-424-0427 

www.sarahbostonhomes.com 

New Years Resolutions..Is One of Your Resolutions to Sell Your Home?? Look No Further!

If your goal is to sell your home in 2017, there are few things you will need to know on what buyers in today's market are looking for. #1. Curb appeal, study from Harvard University stated a buyer sums up your home within the first 3.5 minutes of stepping out of the car as to whether they will like it or not! So get a professional on your side of getting the most for your money with some lawn maintenance! 

For a free copy of Today's Market 2016-2018 what a seller should know. Go to> www.sarahbostonhomes.com - what's my home worth>> 

Find out Exactly what you can get for your home in the spring market of 2017!! 

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913.424.0427 

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