Serenity Thompson's (ren7175) Blog

Buying a home needn't be a high-risk venture. With a little planning, preparation and the use of a knowledgeable real estate agent, you can avoid these common buying blunders. Procrastination How many times have you called on a property only to learn it was already under contract? It happens more...

While the burst real estate bubble might be bad news for the economy, it could be good news for first-time homebuyers. In fact, now might just be the best buying opportunity of a lifetime. Follow these steps to determine where to begin: Establish a Realistic Budget. Owning a home involves more co...

Staging has become commonplace when selling a home, but with the recent downturn in the economy and continued sluggishness in the real estate market; staging is more important than ever. Here are the top reasons why home-staging matters, and how you can make it work for you: A picture is worth a ...

I had a little difficulty with today's topic. Then it occured to me that most buyers are more concerned with coming up with their down payment and closing costs, but forget that they have to live in the home afterwards. So here are some reminders of what you may need to budget for after you close...

Selling a home in a down market takes more planning and preparation but with a little know-how it's still possible to get a great response with these quick tips: Price Matters Without a doubt, the most important consideration is to price the house right...especially if you want a quick sale. When...

Learn how to add value to any home with these quick tips:  Deferred Maintenance: Small repairs and the general neglect of a home can make it appear less appealing than it really is. Don't be detracted by deferred maintenance; instead, perform an inspection to eliminate the risk of serious problem...

Selling a home with a pet in residence can be a difficult undertaking. Many home buyers - even those with pets of their own at home - can be put off by yours.  Pets Can Make Visitors Nervous No one thinks of their own pet as scary. But even the mildest mannered cat or dog (not to mention snakes o...

The decision of whether to remodel an existing home or buy another one has become more difficult because of the price of real estate declining across much of the nation. A few years ago, the benefits of remodeling were quite simple due to the cost savings. Today it isn't as straightforward. The f...

Poor curb appeal Buyers won't even go inside if the outside of the house looks unappealing. So clean up your front yard by tidying plants and pulling up weeds. Make sure the outside of your home looks well cared-for by painting the trim, mowing the lawn and placing attractive potted plants by the...