Three answers for your most common real estate questions

Whether it’s buying a house for the first time or trying to increase property value, the real estate business can be tricky to navigate.

Are you looking for advice that ensures you’re heading in the right direction? My years spent in the real estate business include city level experience as a planning commissioner, time as a real estate investment coach, and 15 years as a real estate specialist.

As owner of Utah Summit Group, I enjoy helping clients who are looking to invest in, buy, or sell real estate. Here are three answers that are sure to give you an edge in your home buying or selling experience.

What are some common dos and don’ts for first-time homebuyers?

Buying a home for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-racking. Taking the time to sift through advice from friends, family and online information is helpful for a successful purchase, but my first piece of advice is not to always believe what you hear at the water-cooler.

Each transaction and scenario is case-specific. With a good realtor, you can navigate through each scenario safely.

It’s important to find a full-time realtor who is experienced in buying or selling, but he or she also needs to be someone who is worthy of your trust.

When a family prays and works hard to be where they feel they need to be, I know there is something special in the works for that family, and being a part of that transition is rewarding. Finding a realtor who makes your family’s best interests a top priority will help you make real estate decisions that are also the best fit for your family’s needs.

What home projects boost value for a seller?

While buying a house is exciting, it’s also fun to see your property value increase as you invest in your home over time.

Through my experience with homeowners, landowners, developers, planning commissions, and city development, I have found that the most worthwhile projects are those that are most essential. Unfortunately, they are also the projects that are likely to be placed on hold. These especially include remodeling the kitchen, finishing the basement, and repainting or re-carpeting.

If you want to optimize the sale of your home, make these home improvement projects a priority.

How can I create curb appeal in the winter?

Typically, when we envision curb appeal, we think of colorful flowers and a well-kept lawn. But what adds curb appeal in the snowy months?

In my opinion, keeping the driveway and walkways clear will optimize winter curb appeal. Cars, shovels, snow and anything that distracts the eye from the beauty and access of the home should be removed to enhance the exterior of the home.

Also, what limitations you may have in a visual outdoor appeal can be compensated by displaying a well-kept interior with fresh flowers in the entry and a welcoming scented candle in the kitchen or bathrooms, for example. Use the cold weather as a way to enhance the warmth your home creates — a perfect fit for a potential buyer.

We understand the challenges that often accompany the home buying and selling experience. That’s why we are here to help. The knowledgeable staff at Utah Summit Group and Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate can help guide you through the steps needed to make this transition a positive experience for you and your family.

Source: heraldextra.com, Dallin Nelson
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