Spring Cleaning Survival Tips For Sellers You NEVER Need To Do

Once you have decided to take the plunge, selling your home can be a long and complicated procedure.

Most people will tell you that in current market conditions to sell your house fast you will need to declutter, clean, depersonalize and make repairs or update old, outdated features.

Spring Cleaning Survival Tips For Sellers 

You NEVER Need To Do

There is a huge list of things to do that can become a nightmare - especially if you need to sell your house fast!  

Some experts recommend that you clean out your closets and rooms to show how spacious they are. The big buzz word depersonalizing means that you have to get rid of everything that makes that house your home! 

A clean house is a sign of a wasted life

Others may suggest scrubbing down every square inch of your house to remove all offending dirt and odor. 

Bathrooms can be prime offenders to picky buyers. They all want to think they are walking into a high end spa!

Kitchens are another place where fussy buyers want to see everything clean and sparkling like new - including all the appliances you still use every day!

Then there are all the nuisance fixes like loose hinges or broken switch plate covers and dents, scratches or other marks that you never had time to fix in the first place. 

Don't forget fixing and cleaning all the floors, walls doors and windows. 

Then there is maintaining the exterior including the foundation and the roof. 

No matter how pretty the tools, cleaning your house for someone else sucks!

Never mind all the yard work of trimming, clearing and planting to create curb appeal that can drive any home seller nuts!

Cleaning, painting, washing windows, making repairs and renovations and gardening for someone else to enjoy is crazy!

If your house is older, experts recommend updating features by painting or even renovating. This can turn the household into a nightmarish danger zone filled with ongoing construction and workmen.

Not only can this be overwhelming, but it can take a lot of time and money. It will be very disruptive to your family life for your last few months in your old home.

Home sellers are so bombarded with what is considered to be the “right way” to sell their houses through traditional advice and media campaigns.

Wouldn't you rather enjoy your last days in your house than clean, declutter and renovate? 

There is a much easier solution for anyone selling a house that is not in picture perfect condition. There is a lesser known solution to sell your house without any fuss. We will evaluate your house based on its potential worth and offer you a fair price for its current condition. That means we take the market value and deduct the cost of all the work you don’t want to endure financially.

What that means for you is that we are going to figure out how much it would have cost you to get the house ready. 

• You don't have to pay for materials. 
• You don't have to pay for labor. 
• You don't have to pay for storage for your belongings while the work is being done.
• You don't have to suffer through living in a construction zone. 
• You get to keep your memories of your house the way you loved it and not have to think about tearing it up for picky buyers. 
• You get to enjoy where you live until the day you are ready and willing to move.

Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy their home until moving day without cleaning, fixing and rearranging. 

We are here to help you get the exact outcome you are looking for.

When you're ready to sell your house, we are ready to buy it at a fair price.

We pride ourselves on making this the easiest real estate transaction you will ever take on.

If you have come to the realization that it is time to sell right now to have a better life, but your house isn’t ready for the traditional market, we can help. We are ready to buy your house right now!

If you are juggling too many responsibilities to sell your house yourself this spring, then we are people who specialize in buying properties "as is" - usually within a week to resolve your stressful situation quickly.  We have a team of expert professionals able to assist you immediately so that you can move on with your life. Contact us and tell us what you need!

Contact us now to put your problem house behind you!

So thanks for reading this post. If you have any questions or would like a free, no-obligation consultation, just contact us through one of the methods below! 

You will be surprised how easy it is to 

Turn Your House To $OLD!

Contact us to find out more!

📞 Turn My House To SOLD 623-335-2662

📧 Turn My House To Sold by email

👍 Turn My House To Sold on Facebook

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❓  More Info

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Article Sources:

Linda Bathory

You Have Just Inherited A Property!

You Have Just Inherited A Property!

What do you do now???

After the passing of a loved one, you may learn that you were remembered in their estate planning. You probably are not in a frame of mind to make quick decisions regarding a property following a loved one's passing.

If you are lucky, the estate trustee was able to settle all debts associated with the property, such as the mortgage as part of the execution of the will or through the probate process.

Most people know that when the original borrower dies and leaves the house, ownership and obligation is legally transferred. If there is still an amount owing on the mortgage after the estate is settled, the new owner may discover an unwelcome surprise: The new owner may also have inherited mortgage debt.

Due On Sale Clause

What some don’t realize is that you might be required to either pay off the mortgage or sell the property if you are unable to get financing yourself. 

This happens when there is something called a due-on-sale clause is included as part of the mortgage or any refinance agreement. 

This clause in a loan or promissory note stipulates that the full balance of the loan may be called due (repaid in full) by the lender upon the sale or transfer of ownership, including inheritance, of the property used to secure the note. 

The Cost Of Inherited Property

Even if you received this property free and clear of debt, the unfortunate reality is that you will have to decide relatively quickly what to do with an inherited home. 

Most people know that a vacant house is just inviting trouble. Apart from potential vandalism or squatters, a property needs constant monitoring for issues that may be caused by the weather or just normal wear and tear on systems like plumbing and ventilation.

The Emotional Turmoil of Inherited Property

Before you can do anything with the property, it will need to be cleared out of any remaining belongings. This in itself may be challenging for you and your family. 

Sometimes clearing out the possessions of a loved one who has passed can be emotionally crippling. There may be disagreements or resentment about who gets what.

You may, at first not realize that emptying out this inherited house may bring up many emotions and reminders associated with the death. 

It takes time and strength to go through all the possessions. 

In the case of large families, deciding who gets what of the remaining possessions can be very time consuming and emotional.

In some cases, families find they cannot handle the stress that comes with cleaning out inherited property. They become emotionally paralyzed and may not be able to resolve the situation for months or years.  

This holding pattern can be very costly not only in terms of personal wellbeing, but also financially as the house still must have maintenance, taxes, utilities, and insurance paid on the vacant property in the interim.

The Prudence Of A Home Inspection

Depending on the condition of the house, you may wish to have it inspected by a certified inspector. It would be a good way to learn more about the property you now own. 

This inspection would be important to determine if there is any hidden damage, such as foundation issues, mold, fire hazards or crumbling plumbing. It may also be wise to have it checked for necessary upgrades, such as replacement of an old or damaged roof. It may even be helpful to check on outdated features such as old heating or air-conditioning systems, or an old hot water heater.

You may be tempted to hold off on this inspection until you decide what you plan to do with your property. Knowing the condition of your property is important to avoid any potential risk, damage, or loss. In this way you will know and be able to plan and calculate any additional costs for ownership.

Three Choices For Inherited Property

Once all the contents have been removed from the house and you have a report on the condition through an inspection, as the new owner you will realize you have three options regarding this property. You can:

• Move in
• Rent it
• Sell it

Moving In To An Inherited Property

If you are the sole owner of the property, moving in can be a great option if you don’t already have a home. Even if you do, you now have the choice to sell your old house and move. 

Before you move in, make sure that you will be able to live with any reminders or memories of the previous owner. Consider this very carefully and honestly. 

Those who are renting a home may not realize that homeownership comes with many responsibilities. You may be surprised to find that owning a home is expensive. Taxes and insurance, combined with regular maintenance and utilities can be a considerable expense -- even if you're not paying a mortgage.

If you inherited a property out of state or in a different city, this may not be a practical solution, unless you were already planning to move there.

If you are splitting the ownership with siblings or other relatives, moving in may not be an option. In this case you may need to choose from the other two possibilities: renting or selling.

Renting Out An Inherited Property

If you are sharing ownership of inherited property, or it isn’t in a location you wish to live, you may want to rent out the house until you decide what to do with it.

Renting the house to someone else may be a good solution. It can provide some monthly cashflow income that will offset the cost of ownership.

Once you have cleared out the house, it will need to be prepared for rental. This may simply mean a good cleaning, but more often, a house requires repairs and renovations to be attractive to the modern rental market.

You need to be aware that you will still be responsible for maintenance, taxes, and any repairs. 

In addition, if you do not choose a responsible tenant, you may be left with devastating damage and costly repairs once they leave. 

It may also be possible that there will be vacant periods in between tenants when you will need to assume all expenses.

You will need to decide if using the house as a rental is worth your time and effort with the property. You may realize that this type of management is not something you wish to take on. This is especially true when the property is out of town, or out of state. 

In this case, you are left with one last option. Sell the property.

Selling An Inherited Property

You may find that neither of these two options will work for you.

You may find that selling the house is the easiest way to move on with your life.

This is especially true if you have inherited mortgage debt, or are not the sole owner of the property. Selling the house will liquidate any equity so that you can use the money as you wish or divide it with the co-owners, so you may go your separate ways.

Most people think the only way to sell a house is through a real estate agent. You may have heard that you need to renovate it to have it sell. This is likely true if you are listing on the open market. Your property needs to be in a similar condition to other comparable properties in the area if you want a quick sale.

What you may not realize is that you can sell your inherited house without putting it on the open market. 

In fact, you don’t need to clear out the possessions, have it inspected or renovate!

Selling a house “As-Is” may be the best solution for inherited property. It frees you from all the time and cost associated with selling a house. 

You don’t need to go through the mental anguish of removing the contents of the departed owner. Simply take what you want, and leave the rest. We will take care of removing it.

You don’t need to concern yourself with the condition and any problems. You don’t need to fix anything or renovate. We understand that the property may not be perfect. We like them that way!

You don’t need to pay realtor’s fees and you most certainly don’t need to furnish and stage it and wait for fussy buyers to go through with the sale! We are ready to buy your property with cash on the day of your choice.

It is a great way to have all the cash benefit from an inherited property without all the work and anguish. By selling the inherited house as is, you can continue your life with a minimum of further disruption.

You receive a fair cash offer and you choose the day you want to complete the transaction. No stress or pressure to accept anyone else’s time frame. No worries about whether the buyer will qualify for financing, or back out of the deal.

To learn more about selling a property you don’t want in an easy and stress-free way, contact us!

Conclusion

Inheriting a property may be a blessing following the loss of a loved one, but it also comes with responsibility. With the property you may have also inherited mortgage debt. It may not be in top condition and might require costly repairs.

Whether you are the sole inheritor, or it is given to several people, one thing is sure: It cannot remain empty for long without developing some issues.

Depending on the specifics of your inheritance, you have the option to move in, rent it or sell the property. 

You will need to decide how you will deal with emptying the contents. You will need to evaluate the condition of the property through a professional inspection. If you decide to keep it, you will need to get the property ready for the next occupant. If you want to list it on the open market, you will need to get it in similar shape to comparable properties in the area.

If you don’t want to deal with it at all, you can sell the property As Is and take the money.

If selling an inherited property isn't something you can deal with right now, we can help.


If you have come to the realization that it is time to sell now to have a better life, we can help you. If your inherited house isn’t ready for market and you can't afford the expense to get it ready, we can help.

If you are already juggling too many responsibilities to sell your inherited property by yourself, then there are people who specialize in the sale of properties "as is" - usually within a week to resolve the situation quickly. We have a team of professionals able to assist you immediately.


Contact us for details.

Turn Your House To $OLD!

Linda  623-335-2662

Write to Turn My House To Sold

Turn My House To Sold on Facebook

More Info

Oversized or Opulent

I worked for an architectural presentation company when I was much younger. We would create 3D presentations of un-built homes for buyers - virtual model homes that they could tour with a keyboard and mouse.

I was astonished by the size of these homes. They always had master ensuites, numerous bedrooms, and what I considered to be dream kitchens. Some had billiard rooms; others had “bonus” rooms. My boss would sometimes correct me when I referred to them as mansions. These are just big houses, he would smile and say.

So what is it that separates a “big” house from a luxury home?

Luxury Home Must Haves

Location, Location, Location!

The most obvious differentiation between a big house and a luxury home is probably location. There are several key considerations:

Luxury homes are usually located in the vicinity of other luxury homes. There may be several reasons for this. The immediate community may offer certain lifestyle choices and amenities. The shared infrastructure would serve all members of the immediate community.

Proximity to beaches, lakes or spectacular mountain views is often a highly desired feature for luxury homes. Certainly for the sake of serenity and air quality most of these houses would be far from more mechanical types of industry, such as refineries and major highways.

Whether urban or a more remote ranch, luxury home owners want to be undisturbed when they choose to be home. Enough land to plant some trees between neighbors, nestled on an ocean-side beach or perched on a hillside, the luxury home offers privacy and tranquility to its occupants.

Availability of golf courses, private clubs and other often exclusive amenities are a consideration. Proximity to exceptional medical services, high end shopping and restaurants would also factor in.

The close proximity of top rated schools would be another important distinction.

Safety and Security

While harder to manage, a low crime rate would be highly desirable for the area the luxury home is in.

Certainly a private police force would be a notable service to offer peace of mind to the residents. Many luxury homes are within gated communities and some have security guards at the gate to greet guests and service providers.

In addition to these features, luxury homes have high end internal and external security. 

Entry points such as windows, doors and garages are monitored. There is usually external motion sensors for video surveillance in addition to lighting triggered by motion detectors. 


These luxury homes may come equipped with safes for valuables, safe closets, or safe rooms where the residents may take refuge in case of emergency.

Technology

In addition to the high end alarm system, luxury homes embrace advances in technology. 

Most already have wiring for speakers and other media applications throughout the home. Luxury homes often have electronic systems to control window treatments.

Now more modern luxury homes are blue tooth enabled. Not only do they have smart appliances in the kitchen, they have very specialized pieces that perform unique functions.

Remote controlled climate, lighting control and electronic door locks are all executable from a cell phone and customized by zones or rooms.

These luxury homes are quickly becoming showcases for science fiction-like advances. 

They offer the home owners the opportunity to stay connected at all times. Imagine catching up on Facebook while brushing your teeth!

Interior Features

The very architecture of these homes is different. Doorways are grander and rooms boast walk in closets or built-ins that ordinary big homes just don’t have. There are more dedicated and designed ancillary spaces such as entries, laundry facilities, work rooms, mud rooms, pantries and other storage.

Details such as moldings, tile and electric or electronic interfaces are precisely and meticulously finished. Custom tile work or trim accentuates the architecture.

Master Suite

The master suite is much more spacious sanctuary – and equipped with more features than the “big” home. 

Rather than having a walk in closet, these homes offer dressing rooms with custom cabinetry specifically suited for Madam’s and Monsieur’s garments and accessories.  There may be a vanity area for the application of makeup and storage of jewelry.

Master baths are spacious with top of the line cabinetry and fixtures incorporated into the design. Radiant floor heating and heated towel racks are desirable features. 

One of the top features in 2014 was the luxury shower. Sporting multiple shower heads, seating and controllable lighting, these large shower spaces are replacing spa tubs in terms of preference.

Kitchens

Kitchens are professional caliber. In addition to expansive cabinetry and storage, these sumptuous kitchens feature top of the line materials. 

Equipped with high end smart appliances, these kitchens include multiple ovens, side by side dishwashers, warming drawers, wine fridges coffee bars, and plenty of custom cupboards for smaller appliances. 

Walk in pantries can include enough extra storage for party and holiday feast necessities - including space for caterers to work.

Workspaces

The luxury home will offer a large workspace, or his and hers offices for the owners. Alibrary may still be prominent in some older homes. There may be a “teen room” for the children to entertain friends or study. These spaces may include custom built-in cabinetry for computers and other office equipment, gaming systems or books.

Recreation and fitness

Luxury homes have specific features most “big” houses only dream of. The gyms, cinemas, billiard rooms, home offices and servant’s quarters are more than re-purposed extra bedrooms or basements. These rooms have ample space and come equipped with the necessary amenities and perks, such as wet bars, built in mini fridges, or build in wiring for electronics that an ordinary re-purposed bedroom may not have. 

The home cinema and/or game room may include wet bar, or feature equipment for snacks like popcorn and sectionals have replaced the movie theater-type seating popular in the past.

In addition, the luxury home may include extravagant specialty rooms such as a spa room with wet and/or dry sauna and whirlpool tub, massage room and salon space for the styling of hair and nails. 

The enthusiast may have spaced dedicated for particular interests, such as a wine cellar, including a wine tasting room, or humidor closet and smoking room. 

These specialty rooms all have very particular requirements including climate control, ventilation and other special systems that ordinary rooms just do not have.

These rooms all offer the luxury home owner the conveniences of custom tailored recreational facilities without the need to go off property.

Exterior Features

Entertaining

Outside the house, the distinction could be a cabana, casita or guest house near the pool and spa. In 2014 the outdoor feature “must have” was the exterior kitchen equipped with grill, fridge, prep area, sink and even TV with the seating area. Additional features include a pizza oven, full bar, smoker, and burners amongst the must-haves. Also gaining in popularity are poolside fire pits or fireplaces.

Physical Activity

The private playground amenities are one of the biggest draws for the professionals, business executives and well-to-do families. Tennis or basketball courts or other playing surfaces may be incorporated into the luxury home grounds.

Other Features

Depending on the geographical location, the luxury house may also afford a boat house or dock. A four car garage or larger would not be unexpected. Gardens may be manicured or left in a more natural state.

If you are putting your luxury home on the market, consider current trends before listing. If your home does not have the features expected from today’s luxury market, you may have what is considered to be a “big house”. If updating isn't something you wish to consider right now, we can help.

If you have come to the realization that it is time to move right now to have a better life, but your house isn’t ready for market, we can help. 

If you are juggling too many responsibilities to sell your house yourself this fall, then there are people who specialize in the sale of properties "as is" - usually within a week to resolve the situation quickly. 

Contact us for details.

Next time we will look at ways to add value to your house.

So thanks for reading my post. I'm so glad you're here! 

And I really look forward to getting into more great stuff in future posts -- so that you can 

Turn Your House To $OLD!

Feel free to ask me any questions through the contact info below. I would be very happy to help.

Linda  623-335-2662

Write to Turn My House To Sold

Turn My House To Sold on Facebook

More Info

_____________

Article Sources:

Lynda Bathory

Top 10 Luxury HomeDesign Trends of 2014

10 Must-Have Items That Luxury Home Buyers Want Most

How To Sell Your House Without Enough Equity

Most people know that in traditional real estate sales, the seller pays for most of the costs associated with the transaction. Typical costs include the real estate commissions for both the buyer’s and seller’s agents, title insurance, escrow fees, real estate taxes, and often even fees for the buyer’s new loan.

In most cases, these costs can be about 10% - or more of the negotiated selling price. In today’s economy, money is tight for everyone. Particularly with FHA buyers, an additional 3% can be negotiated and come out of your sales proceeds.

This means that for every $100,000 in the selling price, between $10,000 and $13,000 will be taken out of your proceeds at the closing table! 

Do you feel so underwater that you are expecting

marine animals to visit you?

Imagine what you could do with that money– and more – depending on what price your house can sell. It’s crazy to give it to some rich agent just for showing your house a couple of times to a few people!

And this doesn’t include any repair or renovation costs a seller must pay for just to get the house onto the market! These days buyers are very fussy in the competitive market. They want move-in ready houses that are modern, well-maintained and clean.

No wonder many sellers simply cannot afford to sell under these conditions. If you’ve bought your home with 100% financing in the last 5 to 10 years you most likely don’t have enough equity to cover these costs. And even if you’ve put up a 5% or 10% down payment, you may still be under water ” due to the flat markets and no appreciation.



We don’t need you to pay your closing costs. We don’t care what shape your house is in. No need to renovate, repair or clean!


That’s why we are the best option for you. We have a variety of solutions for many different distressed seller situations – we likely have a solution that will work well for you!

If your property meets our buying criteria, we can buy your home even if you cannot afford to pay for the cost of selling, and we will even cover any closing costs for you. In some cases, we may even be able to help you with some additional moving money!

So, before you go through all the time, stress, work and expense to list your house with an agent – or worse yet, try to sell your house by yourself as a For Sale By Owner – contact us for more information!


If selling just before the holiday season isn't something you wish to consider right now, we can help.


If you have come to the realization that it is time to move right now to have a better life, but your house isn’t ready for market and you can't afford the expense to get it ready, we can help.

If you are juggling too many responsibilities to sell your house yourself this fall, then there are people who specialize in the sale of properties "as is" - usually within a week to resolve the situation quickly. We have a team of professionals able to assist you immediately.


Contact us for details.

Turn Your House To $OLD!

Linda  623-335-2662

Write to Turn My House To Sold

Turn My House To Sold on Facebook

More Info