Q & A with Dottie Herman

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Q1 - I have just listed my home because I heard spring is the best time to put your home on the market, however, now there are tons of homes in my area for sale! What can I do to make mine stand out, besides lowering the price?

A - Go out and see the comparable homes on the market so that you can determine what features distinguishes your home from the competition. Making your home show ready should include colorful plantings, clean windows, fresh paint trim on the outside; as well as de-cluttering and paint touch-ups on the inside. Buyers want to be able to open closets, walk easily throughout and visualize themselves living in your home.

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Q1 - I just put my house on the market. I am concerned about selling my home as my neighbor's house is a nightmare. They do not do anything to keep their house looking neat and clean and I feel it may impact my sale. Is there anything I can do?

A - It has been said that "good fences, make good neighbors," and if you have exhausted attempts to enlist your neighbor's cooperation in cleaning up their property, and there are no violations of local laws you can fall back on, you might want  to investigate how landscaping techniques and perhaps fencing, can improve the view. 

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Q1 - My house has been on the market for about a week, and now my next door neighbor just put their house on the market as well for 20K less than my asking price. Do you think I have to meet their price? My house has an updated kitchen which that home doesn't have, but is that work 20K to a buyer?

A - Many buyers do not want to do extensive renovations, but are willing to refresh a kitchen with new appliances. If your kitchen is not truly worth $20,000 in today's marketplace and that is the only difference between the two houses, it may be worthwhile to be price competitive and yours may sell first because it may show better.

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Q1 - I am thinking of putting my house up for sale, but we currently have a large equity loan. Should I pay off the loan before I sell the house? Are there any advantages to doing so?

A - All of your loans will be paid off at closing and there is no advantage to paying it off for the purpose of marketing and selling your home.

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If you have a real estate question for Dottie, please send it to; Reporters@WorldPropertyChannel.com

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