In today’s competitive real estate market, many homeowners go to great lengths to help their home stand out from the competition, from staging to landscaping to replacing windows. An important place to start, however, is at the top. Does your roof add or subtract from the salability of your home?

Any signs of aging or staining will alert a buyer to a potential “leaky roof” issue and/or mold in your attic…and nothing scares away a buyer quicker than mold. Following are some tips for making sure your roof is in showing condition, courtesy of GAF, a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing.

• One of the first things a prospective buyer notices, a home’s roof can represent 40 percent or more of your home’s curb appeal, so make sure it is cleaned before putting your home on the market. Nothing turns a buyer away faster than a black or dirty looking roof. Get rid of any black staining or signs of debris on the roof.
• Head into your attic and look for signs of a leaky roof. This is the best spot for noticing water damage. Have any leaks repaired right away. Even if leaks go unnoticed by a buyer, they will be discovered by the home inspector and cost you more money to fix quickly or could potentially lead to losing the sale all together.
• Investigate your roof for missing granules on shingles, curling on the edges of shingles or shingles that have come loose. Again, it is best to make these repairs quickly before heading into the sales process.
• Make sure to keep records of all repairs/enhancements made to your roof prior to your home’s sale. Have your real estate agent add these details to the listing information. A sound, attractive roof can be just the competitive differentiation your home needs.

By Keith Loria

While today’s real estate market is full of low mortgage rates and attractive prices, purchasing a home is still out of reach for many Americans who are putting off purchasing a home and going the rental route instead.

According to a 2010 study of the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, over the last five years, the number of renter households rose nearly 10 percent (3.4 million).

A good rule of thumb when considering whether to rent or buy is to predict how long you will stay in the home. If you plan on moving and selling in less than five years, renting is probably a better option right now.

One of the main factors keeping people from buying is the difficulty in obtaining the mortgage they want to afford the property they desire, causing them to either shop for something smaller and less expensive, or rent for a while until they can improve their financial situation.

The main problem most people have with renting is that you won’t be gaining equity and it feels like you’re throwing your money away. Plus, there’s no tax advantage to renting and you are limited with what changes you can make to the home.

Still, there are many benefits to renting. For one, you don’t need to make a long-term commitment, and it gives a future homebuyer the flexibility and time to figure out the best course of action both personally and economically. Other positives include being able to move when the lease expires, there’s less maintenance work required, and you don’t need to have a large sum of money available up-front to live in a nice home.

For those that choose to buy, over time the mortgage balance decreases and equity builds. You also have the freedom to make any decisions you want—including tearing down walls, building decks and remodeling any room the way you have always dreamed.

On the downside, property values can decrease and you can find yourself owning a home worth a lot less than you paid over time. You also need to have a lot of money up-front and it can sometimes take a lot of time, money and effort to sell if you want to move quickly. Plus, if something breaks or goes wrong, there’s no one to bail you out—you must fix the problem yourself.

While every situation is unique, there are a plethora of rent vs. buy calculators available on the Web that can also help make your decision easier.

To discuss whether renting or buying is right for you, contact our office today.

If you’re like many homeowners, the start of the new year finds you ready to finally tackle those home-improvement projects that have lingered on your wish list. But where do you begin?

First, prioritize those renovations that will have a maximum impact, both in terms of aesthetics and investment values. Also prioritize the projects that will enhance the livability and enjoyment of your home.
Next, decide whether or not it makes sense to handle these projects on your own or call in a professional for help. According to the experts at Sears Home Services, while taking on home remodeling yourself can seem daunting , enlisting the right help can make the process simple and seamless.
Here are three areas of the home to put at the top of your list this year:

The Bathroom

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, one of the best investments in a home is a bathroom renovation. Remodeling a bathroom that’s more than 25 years old substantially increases the value of your home. While your bathroom may not need a complete makeover, updating cabinets, lighting, tiling or countertops can go a long way toward improving design and functionality. Or, consider a few quick fixes, such as a new towel bar, shower-curtain rod, robe hooks or showerhead.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home. And kitchen renovations don’t need to be dramatic to be impactful—updates such as new countertops, cabinets, appliances or flooring can all dramatically improve the kitchen. These improvements can also help yield increased functionality and space throughout the kitchen. For a simple refresh, homeowners can give their kitchen a new look by replacing the hardware on cabinets, painting or updating fixtures. The Floors A great way to upgrade an area of your home and pull a room together is to install new floors. There are myriad options to choose from: carpeting, tile, laminate, porcelain or ceramic tile, vinyl or hardwood. Consult a home-improvement retailer or flooring expert to help make the best choice and to ensure proper installation.

When you are in the market for a new home, you may be going back and forth about whether to buy a newly constructed home or a pre-owned home. What are some of the benefits of newer homes?

Advantages of New Construction

New homes have always had the advantage of modern amenities. The same can be said of today’s energy efficient homes. Thanks to improved building codes and the evolution of green technologies, today’s new homes are far more efficient than homes built just ten years ago. Energy efficient insulation and windows prevent heat loss in winter and maintain cool temperatures in summer. Tankless water heaters and low-flow plumbing fixtures help conserve water and lower utility costs.

New homes with geothermal heating and cooling systems also enjoy greater savings. Geothermal HVAC systems take advantage of the natural heat stored underground, and they are up to 60 percent more efficient than conventional electric or gas systems. Solar electric photovoltaic systems convert sunlight to electricity for more energy independence. With fully integrated systems, some new homes achieve a Net-Zero qualification, which means the structures produce as much power as they consume.

Even if a home you are considering doesn’t have solar panels or geothermal HVAC systems, odds are they are still more efficient than their older counterparts.

New Homes Offer Custom Design Options

If you think the freedom to pick and choose design elements is only reserved for custom-built homes, think again. Builders who work from existing stock plans usually provide buyers with the opportunity to choose cabinetry, flooring and paint color. Some builders even allow buyers to make layout changes or add room additions. Builders like customization because it engages buyers and encourages them to stay involved in the construction process. Buyers appreciate the chance to make design decisions that reflect their own special tastes.

There’s Nothing Like Buying Something New

Let’s face it – there is nothing like buying something brand new. That feeling of “newness” brings with it its own sense of pride. When you buy a newly constructed home, it really feels like it’s yours. No one else has ever lived there. You are the first person to hang pictures on the walls, cook food in the kitchen and shovel snow in the driveway.

Can Be More Economical

In addition to monthly utility savings, often times newly constructed homes are a better value for the dollar. You get new and up to date amenities, and when you do the math, many newer homes are less money per square foot than older homes.

Contact Prudential Preferred Realty

The real estate professionals at Prudential Preferred Realty in Southwestern PA have many newly constructed homes available for sale. Contact us today to learn more about the Prudential Preferred Buyers Advantage and to find out how we can help you find the new home of your dreams.

The phrase, “It’s the little things that count,” applies to so many aspects of life, but it also plays important part in selling your home.  Taking the time to make small improvements can make your home seem more inviting and appealing to potential buyers.

Make Your Entrance Way Appealing

One of the very first things that someone will notice when they approach your home is the front door and entrance area. Make sure that your door and the surrounding trim have a fresh coat of paint. Sweep walkways, trim back bushes, and place a welcome mat at the door. A person that feels as if they were invited into your home will feel more “at home” when they enter.

Check the Garage Door

A shabby garage door leaves the impression that the property is not cared for, and a broken door indicates to potential buyers that other improvements probably need to be made elsewhere on the property. Paint and repair your garage doors and take the time to straighten up the garage before placing your home up for sale.

Bathroom and Kitchen

These are two of the most important rooms of your home when it comes to selling. Replace old fixtures and make sure that the cabinets are organized and the counters are spotless. Fresh paint, new switch covers, and clean windows in these areas will also give your kitchen and bathroom an instant update. Many sales are made or lost based on the opinion the buyer has on these two rooms.

Personal Clutter

When a potential buyer walks into a home they try to picture themselves living in that home. It is an automatic reflex. If you have family pictures displayed everywhere and if personal belongings are strewn about, potential buyers cannot “picture” themselves in the home. It is important to make your home as neutral as possible before you begin to show the home. Make sure that personal belongings are packed away and minimize unnecessary furniture.

Landscaping

You do not have to re-landscape your home to make it attractive to buyers, but you do need to make sure it is well groomed and clutter free. Make sure the grass is cut and bushes are trimmed. Remove dead plants and tree limbs. If there are children’s play-things in the backyard, make sure the area is tidy. You want to make the impression that maintaining the yard is very easy, and the only way to do that is to make sure it is neat.

Small Improvements Go a Long Way

If you take the time to make some small, inexpensive improvements to your home, you can make potential buyers feel more at ease and at home when they view your property. When it comes to real estate, a little can go a long way when buyers decide what to offer for your home.

The real estate professionals at Prudential Preferred Realty in Southwestern PA can offer you even more tips on how to make your property attractive to buyers.  Contact us today to learn more about the Prudential Preferred Sellers Advantage and to find out how we can help you sell your home.