Sometimes, thought provoking questions come in from readers with national or Orlando homes for sale. I thought I’d answer a few of the questions I’ve received recently. Maybe you have some of the same questions.
Is a mural considered a personal touch or a selling point?
This is a hard question to answer. It really depends on the mural, the room it’s in, and if it could be considered part of the décor. For instance, would a rooster painted on the wall of a country-style kitchen add or detract?
If you have a real estate agent, ask his or her opinion. If you don’t have an agent, I strongly suggest you hire one to walk through and give you suggestions. For most Orlando homes for sale, the answer will be “paint over it.” However, you never really know when an image might be that extra touch that makes the room special. So, get a professional opinion from someone who can actually go to your home and see it.
Some murals can add to the room, such as whimsical rabbit murals in a child’s bedroom. Others can severely detract from a room, such as a large mural of Elvis on the bathroom wall. Tons of people like Elvis, but I’m not so sure they’d all like an image of him in the bathroom.
On a side note, one of the good things about having an agent is that he or she just might know a really big Elvis fan who would love the home as is.
My budget is really tight. I read about home staging, but I can’t afford it. Is it absolutely necessary to sell a home?
No. Real estate agents often talk about that “extra touch.” Home staging is one of those extra touches. If your budget is severely limited, don’t break the bank to have a professional stage your home. Although I do suggest staging your home, a cheaper alternative is to borrow a book on home staging from your local library (free), or buying a book on home staging ($40 at the most). Much can be done by you once you have the right information. Or, hire a real estate agent, like me, who is a professional stager.
I’m getting ready to put my house on the market and am trying to make sure all the repairs are done. Should I hire a home inspector before or after I do the repairs?
Hire the home inspector first. The inspection report will include an overview of needed repairs, as well as an estimate of what those repairs will cost. This way, you can better prioritize the repairs rather than using a “hit and miss” approach.
Thank you all for your questions. I hope my answers are helpful. With Orlando homes for sale, the most important advice I can give is to remember that no home is exactly alike. Everything has a unique selling point and unique selling detractor. Finding out which is which can make all the difference.
Have questions of your own? You can add them as a comment here, email them to us at 407-876-5771. We promise to answer promptly!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Buying an Orlando Home for Sale versus Renting
Should you buy an Orlando home for sale? Maybe yes, maybe no. People don’t live in cookie cutter situations; everyone has a unique set of circumstances. For that matter, you may not even need a house. Maybe an apartment is a better fit.
Here are four factors to consider before deciding whether to buy or rent:
1. Maintenance: One factor you might use to decide whether or not you want to buy an Orlando home for sale is maintenance. As a homeowner, you’re responsible for the roof when it leaks and the plumbing when it’s clogged. As a renter, you have a landlord who takes care of all that.
2. Frequency of relocation: Another factor to consider is how long you plan to be in the area. For example, if you plan to move in less than five years and don’t fancy renting out the home after you move, buying may not be for you.
3. Tax deductions: The interest you pay on your mortgage is usually tax-deductible. As well, when you close on a home you have the option to pay “points” to reduce your interest over the life of your loan. The amount you pay to cover the points is also usually tax deductible for the year in which you buy the home. Now think about renting… none of your rent is tax deductible. You don’t get money back for living in a home; you get money back for buying a home. With that money, you could further pay down your loan, make repairs or any number of things you need to do.
4. Home decor: When you own, you can decorate any way you want. You can paint, hang pictures or even knock down walls. When you rent, you must live by the rules and regulations established by the landlord, which are usually very restrictive.
So, should you rent or buy? I could tell you buying is the best thing to do, but I could be wrong because I don’t know your particular situation. However, if you can afford an Orlando home for sale and want to buy one, don’t pass up the best mortgage rates the real estate industry has ever seen!
Still confused as to whether renting or buying is best for you? Give us a call at 407-876-5771, and we will personally help you figure it out.
Have you decided owning a home is right for you? Let us help you find and buy a great home at a great price. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Here are four factors to consider before deciding whether to buy or rent:
1. Maintenance: One factor you might use to decide whether or not you want to buy an Orlando home for sale is maintenance. As a homeowner, you’re responsible for the roof when it leaks and the plumbing when it’s clogged. As a renter, you have a landlord who takes care of all that.
2. Frequency of relocation: Another factor to consider is how long you plan to be in the area. For example, if you plan to move in less than five years and don’t fancy renting out the home after you move, buying may not be for you.
3. Tax deductions: The interest you pay on your mortgage is usually tax-deductible. As well, when you close on a home you have the option to pay “points” to reduce your interest over the life of your loan. The amount you pay to cover the points is also usually tax deductible for the year in which you buy the home. Now think about renting… none of your rent is tax deductible. You don’t get money back for living in a home; you get money back for buying a home. With that money, you could further pay down your loan, make repairs or any number of things you need to do.
4. Home decor: When you own, you can decorate any way you want. You can paint, hang pictures or even knock down walls. When you rent, you must live by the rules and regulations established by the landlord, which are usually very restrictive.
So, should you rent or buy? I could tell you buying is the best thing to do, but I could be wrong because I don’t know your particular situation. However, if you can afford an Orlando home for sale and want to buy one, don’t pass up the best mortgage rates the real estate industry has ever seen!
Still confused as to whether renting or buying is best for you? Give us a call at 407-876-5771, and we will personally help you figure it out.
Have you decided owning a home is right for you? Let us help you find and buy a great home at a great price. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
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