Top Tips for Selling a Home in 2016 Want to sell your house in 2016? It’s a great year to sell your home and if you go about it the right way you’ll get what it’s worth and maybe more. Now I could write this post and do the usual “do this, “do that” type stuff but I wouldn’t be doing you any favors. Because unless you know your numbers and the value of your home, you could wind up leaving money on the table or even losing it. So here you go. If you want tips for selling your house in 2016, listen to me - a guy who has bought and sold hundreds of properties as a full-time professional Real Estate Investor. Before you repair anything or call a real estate agent… ...you have to know your numbers. Tip #1: Know the After Repair Value (ARV) of Your Home If you’re going to get the right amount of money for your house, you have to know the After Repair Value (ARV). Essentially this means that you should know what your home can sell for after it’s is 100% rehabbed. If you have a house that you can sell for $120,000, you need to know that. If it will sell for $350,000, you need to know what you need to do to your house to get it there. At the same time, you don’t want to overdo it. If you have a house that’s currently worth $100,000 as is and it can sell for $115,000 when it’s all fixed up, you may or may not want to put the money into a rehab job. If you put $10,000 in just to make an extra $5,000, it might not be worth the hassle. So whatever you do, know what it’s worth now (as -is) and know what it’ll sell for afterward. If you want to find out how much your house is worth, there are plenty of agents out there who will give you comps (Comps is a term that is short for “Comparisons” that lets you determine an appraisal value for your home by comparing it to recently sold homes in your area that are similar to yours) or advice for free, so ask them. So don’t over do it, but don’t be hesitant to put money into your house if it’ll yield a big payoff when you sell it. TIP #2: Make Your Agent Work For You After you determine your ARV and enlist a good agent to help you sell your home, It might be worthwhile to hop in their Escalade to drive around town and look at some high end houses in your area to see what kind of upgrades they have. And when you see a common theme, you’ll have a good idea as to what kind of upgrades you might want to do to be able to sell your house. Granite? Concrete? Tile? Carpet? Wood floors? It depends. I don’t know your area or market so you have to do the research, ask your agent questions, and exercise wisdom. Every market is different and you don’t want to put money into an upgrade or rehab if it’s not the type of thing people in your area are looking for. So talk to a competent agent, and even offer to pay them a bit more in commissions if they can sell your home for a higher price. This is not a waste of money. A good agent with a proven track record is worth every penny because they know exactly what needs to be done to sell your home for the most money. Tip #3: Interior Improvements So once you have an idea about what your home is worth, have a good agent, and have toured homes in your area to see what kind of upgrades homes in your area typically have, it's time to look at your interior to decide what you should and shouldn’t do to sell your house in 2016. No matter what you do, you need to be wise about it. Maybe you live in non-traditional or funky house. That’s fine. Just go through 2 or 3 times with a notepad, write down the frustrations you have with it, and do what you need to do to make it functional, warm, beautiful, and inviting. Interior must-haves: 1. Make sure your kitchen is functional. 2. Always have (or add) a 2nd bathroom: If you don’t have a second bathroom, build one. Sure it could cost you $5-$6k, but it could net you an additional $20k when you sell. No matter what you do, make sure there is a second bathroom. It’s a must. 1. Open floor plans are huge in 2016: If you don’t have one, first- make sure it’s right for your area, and if it is, create one. This might mean building or breaking down a wall, but it’ll pay off in the end. 2. Stage your house: Just do it. Staging your home means that you hire a home stager and/or an interior design consultant (like the lady on Love It or List It) to set up your home in the most inviting way possible and tell you everything you need to do to make it sell. You’ll pay some cash up front but staged homes are shown to sell for 6% to 10% higher according to realtor.org. Tip #4: Exterior Improvements Just like the interior, you have to make sure the exterior of your house looks appealing if you want to get the most value of your house in 2016. Exterior must haves: 1. Add curb appeal: When people pull up to your house, most won’t even want to go inside or look at it unless it looks good from the curb. So make sure it looks gorgeous. Rake the leaves, plant some flowers, mow the lawn - make it inviting. 2. Make sure the picture on the MLS listing matches what your house currently looks like: People don’t want to look at a picture and pull up to your house, only to be disappointed. 3. Hire a professional photographer: This is crucial. It could mean the difference between someone viewing your house, or someone skipping it because the pictures look like a child took them. Hire a pro - it’s worth it. Ask me how I know. 4. Don’t paint your house diarrhea green or brown: This is just common sense. If you’re going to paint, use a neutral color. You don’t want to make your house unsellable because you chose an odd color or made a bad decision elsewhere. Tip #5: Common Sense, Common Sense, Common Sense No matter what you do or do not do, don’t make any hasty decisions. Ask your agent questions, look around, be observant, and don't do anything extreme. If you need to fix up your house to see a big profit, do it. If you have a modest budget and improvements won’t raise the value or your house (the ARV) anyways, don’t go crazy. 2016 is a great year to sell your house. Do it right and do it wisely. Cheers, Nate --- Nate Pyles is a long term Real Estate Investor who made it through the crash in 2008 and spends his week buying and selling houses for profit in the Boise, ID area. He runs House Flip Mentor, has 4 kids, a gorgeous wife, loves to fly, and even built his own Irish pub on his property.

Symbiotic by Jon Allen (JAC 281) The Jon Allen Collection is an exclusive, hand-selected group of my most personal work to date. Each piece is hand-painted on aluminum. My art itself and my chosen medium, aluminum, are blissfully married. You may not think of the word organic when you hear the word metal, but this is some of my most organic art and that’s simply because metal allows my work to achieve true sentience. Aluminum’s naturally reflective nature enables each color, shape, and stroke to reach its full potential. A new aspect of the painting will reveal itself to you as it basks in the light that surrounds, evades, or envelops it in that moment. When you see the piece from different angles, you will appreciate how vibrant, dynamic, and environmentally influenced these pieces are. What you may see and feel by morning is not what you’ll see or feel by dusk and in many ways, and as such I feel these pieces capture the ever-ebbing and complex nature of human emotion and perception. Some of these pieces are truly abstract while others are modern takes on traditional landscapes, marine life, and portraits. I hope you enjoy them a fraction of how much I enjoyed creating them. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Number of Pieces: 1 Dimensions: 48" x 48" x 2" off the wall Care & Cleaning: Clean with a soft cloth and plain soap & water Other Features: Hardware is pre-installed for simple hanging and art will “float” 2” off the wall

Example of a mid-sized transitional open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room design in Other with gray walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Handmade original painting directly from Artist Created using Acrylic paints on Canvas. Signed and dated by Artist Preethi Mathialagan from USA. • Gallery Wrapped professional high grade Stretched Canvas • High grade acrylic paints and medium is used and the sides of the canvas are painted with black or white depending on the artwork. • No need to frame it - just hang it • A final varnish is applied to protect the painting's surface from UV light, moisture, and dust. • This artwork has been created with a palette knife and brush strokes in my style • Please note that the room views are illustrative, may not be to exact scale. For more paintings... https://www.houzz.com/pro/preethiarts I also take custom orders - different size and colors. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me, I'd love to hear from you. PreethiArts © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The use of any image from this site is prohibited Thank you for your interest in my art! ~Preethi Mathialagan

A modern home that exudes warmth, gives our homeowners the comfort to ‘do’ life in their space. This professional couple with a young daughter wanted to make their newly-purchased house an expression of their contemporary style, filled with warmth and personality. They didn’t want mix-and-match big-box retailer style and they needed pieces that would hold up to their little one. That’s where Pulp comes in. Beth and Carolina created a design that pushed their style boundaries, taking them from sleek contemporary to warm and modern using pattern, textural elements, and color. Though initially hesitant, some of the items that were the biggest leap of faith (such as the lighting and drapery) have come to be the pieces they love the most. With customized cleanable and wipeable pieces, they and their young one can live life in their space without fear.

If you are looking for a general home remodeling contractors company in Monterey Park who can handle a delicate project of yours, please contact Prez Builders without any worry or hesitation. We have a wide range of home remodeling, kitchen makeover and bathroom renovating services in Monterey Park which are not only of the best in quality, but are also very affordable. Home and ADU Remodeling in Monterey Park, CA - https://www.prezbuildershome.com/

The kitchen features stunning white oak cabinets, a large island, and a butler pantry. We've also included concealed appliances and exceptional millwork, including laundry units on the second floor, to add both practicality and beauty to this modern home. The attention to detail and high level of finishes continues in the renovated bathrooms, showcasing the top-notch quality offered by Preferred Home Builders. If you're interested in starting your own home remodel project, don't hesitate to contact us today!

Amba Elory Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions regarding towel warmers.
Example of a mid-sized minimalist bathroom design in New York

The existing 2nd floor guest bath was transformed from a cramped space to one that is bright and open. "Dan Tibma and his team are true craftsmen and professionals. I would not hesitate to hire Dan again or to highly recommend him." – S. C., Needham, MA

This beautiful home located in the Beechmont Neighborhood of Louisville features our American Harvest GAF shingle system. As is shown here, the quality workmanship is well worth the call. Don't hesitate to contact Brownstone Roofing if you are in need of gutter or roofing services. We will be happy to help you! (502) 443-9222

Elegant living room photo in Austin

Sip into Style: Maple Latte Remodel Kitchens are often the centerpiece of our homes, a place where culinary creativity meets family gatherings. Yet, many kitchens fall victim to outdated designs and worn-out finishes. If you’re feeling uninspired by your current space, it’s time to consider a remodel that can elevate your kitchen from drab to fab. Let’s explore how we transformed this client’s kitchen into a posh, stylish retreat that featured a combination of stunning materials and thoughtful design choices that truly elevated the space. Creating an Open Concept One of the most significant changes anyone can make in a home remodel is to modify or remove walls. Even though there were two points of entry into this client’s kitchen, the space was closed off. Opening up the wall instantly created a more open and inviting layout that allowed for the installation of a large island. Eliminating the barrier between the kitchen and the adjacent living area, provides a seamless flow that is perfect for entertaining guests or simply keeping an eye on the kids while cooking dinner. A Showstopping Island At the heart of this kitchen remodel is an expansive 9 ft. island, designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The island features a stunning White Pearl natural quartzite countertop that radiates elegance. With its unique veining and shimmering finish, this stone serves as a beautiful focal point and adds a touch of luxury to the space. A beverage cooler and dishwasher are tucked underneath, concealed from the view of the living area. Three 12” deep and 36” wide cabinets line the front of the island providing additional hidden storage. This multifunctional design makes the island an essential part of daily life in the kitchen, making it a cozy spot for casual dining or morning coffee. Complementary Perimeter Countertops To enhance the overall look, the perimeter countertops are topped with Silestone Eternal Charcoal. This material offers a striking contrast to the lighter island, featuring rich, dark hues that ground the space and create depth. The durability and easy maintenance of Silestone make it an ideal choice for busy kitchens, ensuring that the surfaces remain beautiful and functional for years to come. Beautiful Cabinetry The cabinetry in this remodel plays a pivotal role in both style and storage. We opted for Waypoint Cabinetry in a Maple Latte finish, which adds warmth and sophistication to the kitchen. The soft, neutral tones of the cabinetry complement the countertops beautifully and create a cohesive look throughout the space. The cabinets are thoughtfully designed to provide ample storage, with pull-out shelves and organizers that maximize accessibility. Finishing Touches No remodel is complete without the right finishing touches. We chose sleek, modern matte black Top Knobs hardware that enhances the cabinetry's clean lines while adding a touch of contemporary flair. The 2 ½” x 10” San Marcos Tortora stylish backsplash tile, a striking black hood with brushed gold accents and brushed gold large pendant lighting tie together the colors and textures of the room, adding visual interest. The Result: A Dream Kitchen The result of this kitchen remodel is nothing short of spectacular. The combination of the open layout, stunning island, and thoughtful materials creates a space that is both functional and beautiful. Whether you’re considering a full kitchen remodel or simply looking for inspiration, this project highlights the transformative power of thoughtful design and quality materials. If you’re ready to create your dream kitchen, don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can help bring your vision to life. Happy remodeling! Cabinetry: Waypoint Living Spaces: Maple Latte Stain Finish Countertops: Stone Showcase - Atlanta Natural Quartzite White Pearl & Engineered Quart Silestone by Cosentino Eternal Charcoal Tile: San Marcos Tortora B&F Ceramics Design Showroom Inc. Faucets: Delta Faucet

If you are looking for a general home remodeling contractors company in Palos Verdes Estates who can handle a delicate project of yours, please contact Velazquez Construction without any worry or hesitation. We have a wide range of home remodeling, kitchen makeover and bathroom renovating services in Palos Verdes Estates which are not only of the best in quality, but are also very affordable. Home and ADU Remodeling in Palos Verdes Estates, CA - https://www.velazquezconstruction.com/

If you are looking for a general home remodeling contractors company in Palos Verdes Estates who can handle a delicate project of yours, please contact Velazquez Construction without any worry or hesitation. We have a wide range of home remodeling, kitchen makeover and bathroom renovating services in Palos Verdes Estates which are not only of the best in quality, but are also very affordable. Home and ADU Remodeling in Palos Verdes Estates, CA - https://www.velazquezconstruction.com/

Not a day goes by that we do not recognize the quality of the workmanship in this house. After almost two years, we are still discovering small details in our home that show how much care and consideration went into the renovation. We couldn’t be happier here. All the choices, from materials to layout to design, were absolutely perfect. And not only is the house of incredible quality, but any questions or issues we had were immediately dealt with, long after the point of sale. We wouldn’t hesitate to buy another home from Cafasso Designs. Indeed, it would add considerable peace of mind. The clear theme of their work is craftsmanship and quality. Jake and Julia, owners Cafasso Design Group T 617 640 4033 F 617 876 4033 E info@cafassodesign.com http://cafassodesign.com

Maletz Design
Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in New York

Handmade original painting directly from Artist Created using Acrylic paints on Canvas. Signed and dated by Artist Preethi Mathialagan from USA. • Gallery Wrapped professional high grade Stretched Canvas • High grade acrylic paints and medium is used and the sides of the canvas are painted with black or white depending on the artwork. • No need to frame it - just hang it • A final varnish is applied to protect the painting's surface from UV light, moisture, and dust. • This artwork has been created with a palette knife and brush strokes in my style • Please note that the room views are illustrative, may not be to exact scale. For more paintings... https://www.houzz.com/pro/preethiarts I also take custom orders - different size and colors. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me, I'd love to hear from you. PreethiArts © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The use of any image from this site is prohibited Thank you for your interest in my art! ~Preethi Mathialagan

Photo Credit: Nicole Ausherman
Inspiration for a small timeless open concept light wood floor family room remodel in DC Metro with blue walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a tv stand