MENU

Should You Still Buy or Sell

It’s no secret that the current housing market is more complicated than ever. Numbers alone do not tell the whole picture. We are still experiencing low inventory, and properties are selling – days on the market have not shifted significantly, but it’s important to price smartly. Buyers want to buy but are more risk-averse and less willing to reach past their comfort zone. The good news for buyers and sellers is we are in a market area that has traditionally been resilient. Although the 4th quarter may not see a price increase, we at CHS believe we will hold steady. Buying a home is not a short-term investment – even though this is a cautious market, we will have sellers who want to sell and buyers who need to buy. Things to keep in mind: Over the last year and a half we haven’t seen an increase in market price like this. In some areas the market is up almost 35%. So, as a seller it’s important to remember the value of your home today is already greater than it would have been at this time last year. As sellers voice concerns about missing the market window, we would say […]
Read More ›

It’s Never Too Early

It’s never too early to start thinking about how to prepare your home for going on the market. One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need to know the exact time you plan to sell before starting the preparation. We’re here to tell you that that’s not true! We understand that getting started is the most difficult part; here are some tips on the early steps you can take to make the eventual process of selling easier. 1. The Semi-Annual Purge Things pile up. One of the most challenging obstacles when preparing your home for the market is figuring out what to do with all your stuff! Our friend, Professional Organizer Lisa Linard, wrote a blog for us on how to get rid of stuff fast once you’ve determined you want to sell. A great alternative is to stay on top of decluttering on a more regular basis. Take that spring and fall cleaning seriously and try to get rid of those unused items that are just sitting in the back of your closet. Once you decide to sell, the decluttering becomes way less stressful. 2. Taking it one room at a time Some spaces in your home do […]
Read More ›

The Clutter Isn’t Cute

We’ve talked about the importance of curb appeal — that you only have “one chance to make a first impression” with the exterior of your home. Well, the same can be said for the interior. And one of the first things buyers will notice in your home is clutter. Clutter can be unappealing to some and can also give potential buyers the impression that your house has inadequate storage. Now is the time to start chipping away at those organization projects you’ve been putting off. Here are some tips to help you get started: Visualize what you want the room to look like — Having a goal for a space will make you feel motivated to tackle those unsightly messes. Start with the most unorganized room in the house — If you can get through that room, you can get through anything! Take it one step at a time — Remember it’s not a sprint. Take it slow, take your time, and do it right. Even if it’s only 10-15 minutes a day. Every minute counts. So if you’re planning to sell your home, take some time to get organized and give the right impression, it makes a HUGE difference.
Read More ›

You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression

We can always count on the New England weather to throw us for a loop. The combination of blizzards, bomb cyclones, and freezing rain this April has not only delayed spring but also shortened what is typically the busy season for the real estate industry. Now that we’re FINALLY starting to see some peeks of sun, it’s the perfect time to assess your home and edit, edit, edit. Exteriors took a real beating this winter. Painting, landscaping & yard work, gutter repairs, driveway improvements, front porch sprucing, and fence replacements are the most common damage that affects homeowners during the winter, and if you are trying to sell your home, it is crucial to make these projects a priority. The phrase, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” couldn’t be truer when putting your home on the market. So, think carefully about that first impression. It starts the moment someone steps out of their car — take a look at your home through the eyes of the buyer and ask yourself, “is this home well cared for?” “is it in good condition?”. That perception often starts on the outside even before a buyer has stepped through […]
Read More ›