Latest news with #homeselling
The Sun
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
The 10 interior design blunders that make your house unsellable – from fake plants to ‘sloppy' curtains
WITH summer fast approaching, brighter days and warmer nights are on the horizon - which means the housing market is starting to come alive. And experts have said that now is the perfect time for homeowners to put their properties up for sale as the longer days make the whole process more enjoyable. 10 10 But did you know that there are several interior design blunders that could be making your house unsellable? A well-styled home can make a huge difference when it comes to attracting potential buyers, but there are a few design errors that could have the opposite effect. So, if you're thinking of putting your home on the market, then you might want to take note. Estate agents have shared their top ten common interior design mistakes that can make your home less appealing. Property pro James Benson, of Five Star Cash Offer, revealed that even the smallest design missteps can be enough to turn someone off your home While some of these mistakes may seem minor, they can add up, ultimately lowering the attractiveness of your home and potentially impacting its resale value. Ignoring foul odours One of the first things that people notice when they walk into a home is the smell - and a bad odour can be a dealbreaker for a potential buyer. James explains that smells from pets, cooking, and dampness can linger and make people uncomfortable. He said: "If your home smells bad, no amount of fresh paint or beautiful decor will save it. "Before showing your home, make sure it's aired out, and consider using neutralising scents like fresh linen or citrus. A clean, fresh-smelling home is always more inviting." I'm a DIY fan and swear by a seven colour room that makes any home feel like it's been designed by a pro Overloading your walls with photos We all love having personal touches and photos around our house - they make our spaces feel meaningful, and they can bring back happy memories. But having too many family photos and personal mementos can make a room feel cluttered and overly intimate. The experts say: "Personal photos are best kept in albums, not displayed throughout your home. "Too many pictures can make a space feel crowded and cluttered, which could deter potential buyers who want to imagine their own lives in the space". Skipping privacy in your bathroom You might not realise it, but separating the toilet from the rest of the bathroom area can make a significant difference when it comes to selling your home. James advises: "Privacy is key. If possible, create separate areas for the toilet, shower, and sink. "This ensures a more functional and private space, which is something that buyers will appreciate. 'While this may not always be feasible in every home, considering this separation when designing or renovating can pay off.' 10 Letting your curtains drag on the floor This might seem like a really minor issue, but curtains that hang too low or drag across the floor make a room feel smaller and less polished. James suggests: "Curtains should hang just above the floor, ideally an inch or two. "This allows them to flow freely and adds a touch of elegance to the room. "When they drag along the ground, they look sloppy, which is definitely not the impression you want to give when showing your home." Ignoring proper lighting in your rooms Any interior designer will tell you that lighting can be a game-changer for any room in the house. Spaces that aren't properly lit can make the home feel gloomy, whilst hiding the beauty of its natural design. James explains: "Good lighting is essential for creating a welcoming atmosphere. "Using white walls, clear furniture, and glass doors helps reflect natural light, making the space feel airy and open. "Without proper lighting, even the most stylish room can feel dreary". Using artificial plants Fake plants may be considered a super-easy way to add some greenery to the home while being low-maintenance. But James warns that it could actually be doing more harm than good. The property pro says: "Fake plants can look cheap and are often magnets for dust. "They can make your home feel less authentic, and when it comes to selling, buyers will notice. "If you're looking to add a bit of nature to your space, opt for real plants instead." Overdoing it with colours and patterns Most of us like adding a pop of colour to our home to brighten up the place, but having too many clashing colours and patterns can be off-putting for buyers. James explains: "You want to create a cohesive look that appeals to a wide range of buyers. "Stick to a simple colour palette with subtle contrasts. Try mixing light colours with one bold accent for a modern yet inviting space. "Too many contrasting colours and patterns can overwhelm a room, making it hard for potential buyers to imagine themselves living there." 6 ways to make a tiny bathroom look larger & feel cosier Olivia Crosher an expert interior designer at Naturewall, shared six ingenious tips to make your bathroom feel bigger. 1. Unified Colour Scheme - 'Choosing a light, soft hue and pale colours can further enhance this effect, making the bathroom feel airy and open." 2. Embrace Texture with Tiles or waterproof wall panels - "Opt for panelling or tiles with subtle, natural textures or patterns to add interest without overwhelming the space, it can add layers to the room, making it feel cosy.' 3. Strategic Mirror Placement - "Consider positioning it opposite a window or in a spot where it can catch and bounce light around the room. This not only makes the space appear larger but also brighter.' 4. Minimalist Fixtures - "Wall-mounted taps and sinks can save space while adding a modern touch that's both functional and stylish." 5. Smart Storage Solutions - "This helps maintain a serene and spacious atmosphere without sacrificing functionality.' 6. Soft Lighting for Warmth - "This approach allows you to adjust the lighting as needed and adds a cosy ambience that's perfect for relaxing baths. Overloading your sofa with cushions Cushions can make your sofa super comfy and cosy, but having too many can actually be overwhelming, experts warn. James suggests: "Interior designers follow the rule of three: one large cushion, one medium, and one small. "This balance gives your sofa a neat, sophisticated look without overwhelming the space. "Excess cushions create clutter and make the seating area uncomfortable." Hanging artwork in the wrong spot Hanging artwork is a great way to add character to any room, but experts say making sure it's put up in the right place is very important. James recommends: "When displaying artwork, ensure it's at eye level, or centred with the furniture. 'Hanging pieces too high or low can make the room feel out of balance. "For the best look, artwork should be easy to view without straining your neck or eyes, and it should enhance, not overpower, the room's decor.' Skipping small repairs When you've been in your home long enough, small things like cracked tiles, leaky faucets, or chipped paint are easily forgotten about. However, these imperfections will quickly be noted by a potential buyer, and it can create a sense that the house has been neglected. It also might lead them to think there could be bigger issues behind the surface, which could put them off buying your home. James advises: "Even if these repairs seem minor, they can add up to make a significant difference in how buyers perceive the property. "Fixing them before listing your home can help you achieve a smoother sale and even increase your asking price".
Globe and Mail
24-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Agent's photo shoot turns up a buyer for Edmonton home
7338 May Common N.W., Edmonton Asking price: $1,325,000 (March, 2025) Selling price: $1.31-million (March, 2025) Taxes: $10,550 (2024) Listing agent: Clare Packer, Re/Max Excellence Agent Clare Packer wanted flattering shots of this three-bedroom house to enchant potential buyers, but the photographer she hired gave her something even better at the end of a two-hour photo shoot: the name of a friend's father hunting for a property like this one in the neighbourhood hugging Whitemud Creek. 'I said we could bring him through for fun, and get some good feedback,' said Ms. Packer. 'They totally fell in love with it, wrote a really good offer, and then it was done.' Off-market sales are not unheard of but are a blessing for buyers hungry for real estate in Edmonton. 'It's really active here,' Ms. Packer said. 'It's a total seller's market. 'We're still seeing really low inventory levels and low days on market. And in a lot of cases, for more affordable properties, multiple offers are the norm.' This two-storey house has a contemporary design with an enclosed den on the main floor, and open entertaining areas on two levels, including the basement. There are four bathrooms and a kitchen with an island and a walk-in pantry. The double garage can be accessed directly from inside, as well as a partially covered, rear deck with privacy screens. 'It's about ten years old, but it was unbelievably well maintained. Like, in perfect, brand-new condition,' Ms. Packer said. '[The owners] picked classic, luxurious finishings throughout.' The irregular-shaped, corner lot – measuring more than 7,900 square feet – is also close to schools, parks and river trails. 'It's in a very safe community with a lot of higher-end homes,' Ms. Packer said.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Finding Truth Amid Noise: A Guide to Kris Lindahl Guaranteed Cash Offer Reviews
BLAINE, MN / ACCESS Newswire / May 17, 2025 / When planning your next vacation, would you trust a hotel review from someone who's never stayed there? Of course not. You'd seek out verified guests who've actually experienced the property - people who checked in, slept in the beds and used the amenities. Their firsthand experiences matter far more than someone speculating from their couch. Yet when researching one of life's biggest financial decisions - selling your home - the internet oddly prioritizes unverified opinions over authenticated experiences. For example, I recently searched "Kris Lindahl Real Estate Guaranteed Cash Offer reviews" and was surprised by the results. After scrolling past sponsored links, I found myself knee-deep in unmoderated forums filled with anonymous commenters sharing second-hand information. Lots of "my cousin's neighbor said this … " and "Someone I met at a party told me that … " Only by scrolling farther did I discover what should have appeared first: verified reviews from the Better Business Bureau and Google Reviews, where Kris Lindahl Real Estate boasts a 4.9/5 rating from about 2,000 reviewers. This reverse-prioritization of reviews makes no logical sense. For trivial decisions, maybe anonymous opinions suffice. But a for significant financial transactions like a home sale, shouldn't verified customer experiences carry more weight? Why Verified Reviews Matter Forum posts and message boards lack accountability. Without verification processes, anyone can claim anything - even competitors or people with personal grudges who've never used the service. It's like reading hotel "reviews" from people who've only seen the building from the highway. Lindahl himself has become a target because of what he (rightly) calls his "Inescapable Brand." The irony is that his omnipresence, which irritates some, directly results from his success. Companies can only sustain major marketing investments when they get results. According to Lindahl, inquiries about the Guaranteed Cash Offer program continue to rise, as do acceptance rates. The program's growth speaks to its effectiveness. Myth vs. Reality Examining claims about the Guaranteed Cash Offer program, context matters when it comes to two of the more widespread claims: Claim: "Guaranteed Offer programs aren't truly guaranteed." Truth: Like most acquisition programs, Lindahl's has a qualification process. "Our guarantee is actually more meaningful," he says. "If we give you an offer, we're going to get you to the finish line and pay you that exact amount with no commissions, closing costs or surprise fees. Other programs can't make that guarantee." Claim: "Cash offers are always lower than open market sales." Truth: It's common sense that a cash buyer should pay less for a house in exchange for the speed and convenience they offer, but Lindahl offers a surprising take on the issue: "We just had a case where a homeowner rejected our cash offer of $580,000, went on the open market, and six months later had to sell their house for $450,000 before commissions and closing costs. In a shifting and uncertain economy, the open market becomes the home of risk, and the certainty of a Guaranteed Cash Offer grows even more valuable." Lindahl also warns about less reputable, non-guaranteed buyers who lure sellers with inflated initial offers, only to reduce them later or fail to secure financing. What Verified Reviews Actually Say Verified reviewers consistently highlight several benefits of accepting a Guaranteed Cash Offer: Certainty: Once the offer is accepted, the sale is assured - no financing contingencies or cold feet from buyers. Flexibility: Adjustable closing and moving dates accommodate sellers' timelines. Convenience: Sellers can take what they want from the house and leave everything else behind. No Preparation Required: No repairs, staging or showings necessary. Privacy: Many reviewers, particularly those navigating difficult life transitions, appreciate the discrete transaction process of a Guaranteed Cash Offer. No one knows you sold your house until the moving trucks show up. Speed: As one reviewer noted, "I got a job offer and had to relocate right away. My home wasn't ready to sell, and I knew it would take time and needed work. The Guaranteed Offer was the best option for my situation." Neighborhood Improvement: Most properties Lindahl purchases undergo renovations, ultimately enhancing communities. In Conclusion Just as you'd trust hotel reviews only from actual guests, you should rely on property acquisition reviews from people with firsthand experience. While search algorithms may prioritize unvetted forum discussions, the most reliable Kris Lindahl Guaranteed Cash Offer reviews come from verified customers who've actually worked with the company and completed successful transactions. CONTACT: Kris Lindahl : pr@ SOURCE: Kris Lindahl View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
News.com.au
16-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Melbourne property market divided: Suburbs where sellers win big and buyers bargain hard
Melbourne homesellers in dozens of suburbs are headed to a winter bonanza as their local area delivers unexpectedly strong sales — but others won't be so lucky. New analysis from SuburbData has revealed the city's best and worst performing suburbs to sell a home, highlighting the gap between asking prices and final sale figures. Fraser Rise in Melbourne's outer west delivered the strongest result in the city, and one of the nation's 10 best, with vendors typically selling homes for 18.3 per cent more than they had expected. At the other end of the list, sellers in Mont Albert, Point Cook, Collingwood, Lilydale and Altona faced some of the biggest reductions – making them among the best places for buyers to target as the weather cools. In those areas, price cuts pushed close to 19 per cent as weaker demand and oversupply limited buyer urgency. Other areas where markdowns were more common included parts of the southeast and inner suburbs with older housing listings or higher proportions of investor-owned properties. Despite the mixed results, agents said overall sentiment had shifted in favour of sellers in many family-oriented growth corridors. Ray White Taylors Lakes agent Ratip Cileli said Fraser Rise had become one of the city's most active markets in recent months, driven by strong buyer demand and improving local infrastructure. 'There's still a lot of development to come, and that's only going to keep pushing values upward,' Mr Cileli said. 'It's moving in a really positive direction.' A recent listing for a four-bedroom home in the area attracted more than 30 groups. 'We had buyers trying to negotiate early, but we stuck with the auction because the interest was there,' he said. 'With buyers competing and vendors confident, it's one of the strongest markets we've seen in years.' Fraser Rise has also drawn increased interest from first-home buyers and upgraders priced out of neighbouring Caroline Springs and Taylors Hill. Mr Cileli said many of the homes were new builds or recently constructed, reducing the need for renovations and adding to their appeal. 'You can get something modern here without needing to renovate,' he said. 'It's great value for money and buyers are realising that quickly.' SuburbData analyst Jeremy Sheppard said low markdown levels often signalled a seller's market, where buyers drove up prices and listings were tightly held. 'There is a correlation between higher discounts and softer demand,' Mr Sheppard said. 'Whatever situation the market is in, whether it's oversupply or some other factor, higher discounts reflect that buyers are in control and sellers have to take what is given to them.' Mr Sheppard said suburbs with tight competition and minimal price reductions were often markets where sellers had the upper hand, and values could rise quickly as a result. 'Properties selling for well above the advertised prices indicates the buyers are often desperate. As a seller, you will hear from new buyers in hours,' he said. 'Agents don't give buyers the time of day in these markets because demand exceeds supply and they know there are plenty of buyers competing on every listing.' The SuburbData analyst added that while buyer-leaning suburbs might seem appealing for affordability, they lacked the same potential for quick equity growth. 'Buyer's markets are ironically not so good to buy into if you want the value of the property to go up quickly,' Mr Sheppard said. 'It's one of those counterintuitive concepts. We call it a buyer's market because it's easy to buy into, but the best markets for capital growth are very hard to get into.' 'There's a big difference between buying cheap and buying smart,' 'The suburbs with the tightest competition are the ones that tend to grow the fastest.' Melbourne buyers' advocate Simon Murphy said many of his clients were targeting suburbs like Fraser Rise, Derrimut, Deer Park and Glenroy, where prices were still accessible and capital growth looked promising. 'With the southeast getting more expensive, people are heading west where they can still get something decent 30 minutes from the CBD,' Mr Murphy said. 'Anywhere between $700,000 and $900,000 is still considered affordable, and buyers are definitely active in that bracket.' Mr Murphy said recent listings were fuelled by first-home buyer schemes and increased market confidence. 'A lot of buyers don't realise they qualify, but if you're under $600,000 and your servicing is strong, you can get in with around $30,000 saved,' he said. The Melbourne said he had saved clients more than $30,000 each across recent purchases, but warned the opportunity to negotiate would narrow. 'If you're in a position to buy, don't wait, the $600,000 affordable house is going to be a thing of the past very soon – just like we now laugh about $400,000 homes from 2016.' MELBOURNE SUBURBS BEST TO BUY Suburb Property type Discount % MONT ALBERT Units 18.8 POINT COOK Houses 17.7 COLLINGWOOD Units 15.3 LILYDALE Units 14.8 ALTONA Units 13.8 CLAYTON Units 13.7 MORNINGTON Houses 12.4 NEWPORT Houses 12.3 DONCASTER Houses 11.8 PRESTON Houses 11.4 Note: Data excluded homes that went to auction. MELBOURNE SUBURBS BEST TO SELL Suburb Property type Discount % FRASER RISE Houses -18.3 IVANHOE Houses -8.5 BROOKLYN Houses -8.5 FRANKSTON SOUTH Houses -5 FAWKNER Houses -4.9 FITZROY Units -4.2 TOOTGAROOK Houses -3.9 OFFICER Houses -3.8 CROYDON Units -2.1 TEMPLESTOWE LOWER Houses -1.8 Note: Data excluded homes that went to auction.
Forbes
08-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Delisting A Home: Why It Occurs And How To Avoid It
Learn how to avoid delisting your home. Although it is still a seller's market, with demand for homes steadily outpacing supply, another trend is emerging. Sellers are delisting their homes. 'Delisting a property means it is removed from the market,' says Brett Ringelheim, licensed real estate salesperson at Compass in New York. He notes that there are numerous reasons why a delisting may occur. And according to Amit Arora, chief investment officer at Opendoor, nearly 73,000 homes were removed from the market in December, 2024. Admittedly, some sellers may have delisted their homes for the busy holiday season. However, Arora says delisting is on the rise. And he points to Opendoor data showing a record-breaking 22% of homes delisted in July 2024 — nearly 60% higher than typical rates for that time of year. These are some of the reasons a home may be delisted, and advice to help avoid delisting. The reasons for taking a property off the market are plentiful. Vickey Barron, licensed associate real estate broker at Compass in New York, provides an extensive list of possible reasons. Sometimes, Barron says the seller just changed their mind, and decided that they no longer want to sell their it may be for a personal reason that they don't wish to share. 'In other instances, a family member or close friend wishes to buy the property off the market,' Barron explains. Or in the event of a divorce, she says one spouse may decide to keep the house. The real estate market may also affect the decision to delist. 'The market may not be in their favor, and they cannot get the price they need to make a move,' Barron says. In fact, some homeowners may decide to delist the property and then rent it out until the market picks up. 'This strategy makes sense if they do not need the money out of the home and believe the market will improve,' Barron says. Winter is my favorite season (no oppressive heat or flying insects), but it's not one of the best selling seasons for everyone. 'Perhaps the home looks particularly gloomy in the winter months, and sellers prefer to take a hiatus and wait until the spring to re-list,' Barron says. If a home isn't doing as well as expected on the market, it may need some work – and Barron says this could be significant or cosmetic. 'It is better to do the work first, and not have the days on the market accumulate,' Barron advises. There are also other possible reasons why a home may be delisted. For example, Barron says the listing may have expired, and the owner is delisting and then relisting wth a new agent/firm. 'The seller may have a good offer but can not find a place to move to, so they reject the deal and stay put,' she notes. Barron also provides a humorous reason. 'Their dog psychic tells them it is a no-go – and don't laugh, this really happened,' Barron says. 'Their astrologer, accountant, or friend advised them not to move, or at least not at this time.' In addition, it's possible that they were never genuine sellers and were testing the market out of curiosity. Often, Barron says the house was significantly overpriced, and the sellers were hoping to get lucky. However, it may not always be the case that the home was overpriced. 'Factor in high interest rates and home prices, and buyers increasingly can't meet sellers where they want to transact due to affordability,' Arora explains. It's not always possible to avoid the factors that may cause a property to be delisted. However, Ringelheim says real estate agents can reduce this risk by maintaining clear, open communication with sellers. 'Discuss potential buyer concerns early, price the property competitively, and address issues upfront,' he advises. Arora agrees, and says it's essential to price the home based on current market data and comparable sales. 'Being open to adjusting expectations and staying informed about local market trends can help keep your home attractive to buyers,' he says. In fact, when selling your home, Arora recommends that you consider the three C's: content, competition, and condition. Context: 'Homes sell most quickly from April through June, so sellers should be ready to go by the spring,' Arora says. He recommends determining if it's a buyer's or seller's market in your desired area, since this will help to determine your pricing strategy. Competition: 'Be aware of similar homes nearby that buyers might be considering, and how many of them there are,' Arora advises. The stronger the competition, the more you'll need to stand out, and he says this can be achieved with either price or condition. Condition: 'Buyers need to fall in love with the home, so it should be clean, highlight the key features that make it special, and be as close to a blank canvas as possible so buyers can easily envision themselves there,' Arora says. He notes that condition can also include upgrades and renovation trends.
