No Worries - Investors aren't the "Big Bad Wolf" of real estate!

We all have preconceptions, its a fact of human nature. Sometimes they can be accurate, and other times they are FAR from the truth.

One thing we've heard more than once is the idea that real estate investors (like us) are nothing more than greedy evil people out to take advantage of unfortunate homeowners. Personally, this notion really gets our feathers ruffled. Sure, there are a few slime-balls out there who have pulled terrible heists on unsuspecting home owners and padded their own pockets at someone elses expense. Its a shame these few bad apples have ruined the whole lot for the rest of us and in some cases soiled our profession's good name.

Most real estate investors, from ourselves to our many peers throughout the city, state and country, are ethical and honest people. Ask any investor at a local real estate investing group and its likely that one of their top reasons for getting into "the business" is to actually HELP people. Swindling is absolutely not on the list. Doing things like helping distressed owners out of sticky situations, providing safe and affordable rental housing, trying to boost the economy out of its housing crisis and helping people buy the home of their dreams all give us a huge sense of satisfaction from our work. Most real estate investors truly want to make the world and their cities a better place to live.

So, what if you are one who already has the idea that real estate investors are just "Big Bad Wolves" coming to your house to blow you over and gobble you (or your house or your money) all up? Our best advice: Shop around and ask around. Talk to more than one investor and/or investment company and choose one that you feel comfortable with. You should absolutely feel at ease with the entire process! Feel free to ask for references from other investors or previous clients, and you can also contact some local investment groups to inquire if the investor you've chosen is a member in good standing.

Don't let the stigma wrongly attached to some real estate investors prevent you from reaching out to one when the time comes to sell a home. We like to think of ourselves more as real estate super hero's, swooping in to save all your real estate problems in one fell swoop. Just don't be surprised if we show up at the closing table with a red cape on our backs!

For more information about selling your home, visit REstore Property Group online.

Pretty houses sell faster, but what should I fix up?

With so many houses on the market today, it is a fact that those listed in "as-is" condition and in need of lots of updates and repairs will sit with no offers MUCH longer than those that look pretty and are in move in condition. There's no denying that buyers have their choice of more houses than they could possibly wish for, so it is only common sence that they will choose the nicest house they can and ignore a percieved fixer-uppper.

If you are looking to sell your home and want to do it in a reasonable amount of time, you should take steps to freshen, update and repair all the major things buyers look for in a home. In many cases this will be a daunting task, but it is well worth the investment of time and money if you can manage it.

Aside from any structural or safety issues that must be addressed to sell your home, here are a few things that will also help to get your home sold faster and their average costs:

• Paint - The easiest and most cost effective fix-up. Paint interior and exterior (if wood siding) in a neautral or earth-tones color scheme. Every wall, ceiling and trim surface should be repainted to lend a freshness and newness to the home. Estimated average cost: $400-$800 for supplies if done yourself, $2,000-$4,000 if you hire professionals.
  
• Kitchen - The "big ticket" item that wil cost you the most but also be the biggest selling point for your home. Depending on the age and condition of your kitchen and appliances, you may be able to do a quick spruce up by painting cabinets and replacing countertops, hardware and older appliances. In many cases, though, the entire kitchen must be replaced in order to compete in today's marketplace. Estimated average cost: $2,000-$50,000 depending on original condition, type of finishes chosen and amount of work done yourself.
  
• Bathroom(s) - Usually the second biggest item(s) that you will have to tackle. As with the kitchen, a lot will depend on the age and current condition. Estimated average cost: $500-$5,000 each bathroom depending on original condition, type of finishes chosen and amount of work done yourself.
  
• Flooring - Ideally all carpeting should be replaced and all wood floors refinished. Dated or worn tile, vinyl and linoleaum should also be replaced. Replacing carpet in common areas like the living and dining rooms with hardwood floors is also an excellent way to attract buyers faster. Estimated average cost: $1,200-$10,000 depending on square footage, items to be replaced and original condition.
  
• Curb Appeal - The beauty of your home from the street is the single most important factor to bring buyrs to your door. Some "fixes" in this catagory may include repaving driveways, adding trees, shrubs and flowers, pruning or removing existing trees and shrubs, installing or repairing walkways, and/or adding architectural elements to the home's exterior. Estimated average cost: $2,000-$10,000 depending on original condition and amount of work done yourself.

In addition to these mostly "cosmetic" items, you also may need to consider some other costly items that buyers will be looking for. These include replacing the roof, replacing old single pane windows, removing old sheds and/or freestanding garages, repointing old brick, upgrading elecrtical and/or plumbing, installing central air and many others. Sometimes these things will need to be addressed immediately in order for the home to have a chance at selling, while in other cases you may be able to wait and negotiate the repairs in the contract if or when you get an offer.

Very few home owners are able to sell their homes today without making at least a few of these major changes. As you can see, the average amount you can expect to invest in fixing up and repairing your home would range from a minimum of about $6,000 to as much as $75,000 or more depending on the overall condition of your home.

If you are able to use a credit line or home equity loan to make these types of changes, they are well worth your investment of time and money. With your home in top shape you can then list it with an agent and sell reletively quickly and (hopefully!) for top dollar.

Understandably, not everyone has the ability to make the needed changes to their homes in order to hasten a sale. Whether because of financial propblems or lack of time to address them, these repairs are sometimes an insurmoutnable hurdle to some home owners. In these cases you may want to consider contacting a local real estate investor and getting an offer on your home in its current condition. Chances are that after you factor in the repair costs and the holding costs of 6 or more months while the property would have been repaired and listed, the investor's offer will be very fair for your peace of mind that the home is sold.

visit REstorePropertyGroup.com for more information on selling your home