Lindee Bess — 2012 July

5 Ways to become a pro house shopper

July 31, 2012 by lindee

Sometimes first time homebuyers (or even second, third, or fourth time homebuyers) can get discouraged when shopping for a new home. Buyers aren’t used to looking at a wide variety of houses all at once and the details and features can all get mixed up. In this post we are going to give you some of our favorite house shopping secrets because we have a lot of experience that most buyers may not have.

1. Use the pictures that homeowners have already provided

Whether you decide to ask your relator for a burned CD of pictures of all of the houses you are going to see, have the house listings on your mobile device, or have them bookmarked on your computer or Pinterest make sure you use the pictures that you already have. Why is this important? Because details become hazy and it’s stressful to worry about taking pictures everywhere you go and try to remember what house they belong to. This is also a great way to include family members in your home shopping, especially if they live far away, you can share pictures with them and they can still feel like they are a part of your journey.

2. Create your own rating system

The best way to shop for a home is to list the features that you must have in your new home BEFORE YOU SHOP. This allows you to think more clearly and rationally as you go house shopping. As you visit each home go down your checklist and rate the house by each category on a scale of 1-10 how did the features of the home compare to your expectations? This will make shopping for a home more of a numbers game and less of an emotional rollercoaster. To make things easier for yourself, throw out listings that rank below a certain score immediately so you wont buy a home that will ultimately disappoint you.

3. Take more than one look at homes that you are truly interested in

Go back with your agent, friends, and family members for a second look at a house you could see yourself in. The first viewing should be just you and your significant other and your agent. You need to do most of the work yourself at first to avoid being influenced by others, however, when it comes to the final buying decision, you definitely want a second look and a second opinion.

4. Give feedback to your agent

Your real estate agent is working for you and they get satisfaction out of helping you find your dream home, so make sure you communicate with them along the way. Tell your agent what you really think about each house you see, tell them what you like what and what you don’t like. This will help your agent paint a clearer picture of what you are looking for and they can search for the perfect home for you and your family.

5. Don’t be afraid to be nosey

When you are looking at a house for the first time you may feel a little like you are intruding, but don’t let that stop you! You are a potential buyer of any house that you see so you should get to know all of the quarks that each house has. Check out all of the closets, open the drawers, knock on a few walls, bring a flashlight, check for signs of mold in the basement, etc. Any problems that exist in the house when you see it will most likely be there after you buy so don’t be afraid to check out the home from every angle.

We hope this quick guide to becoming a pro house shopper will help you as you continue on your quest to finding your perfect home! If you need any further help or advice, call the Besst team!

For this and other articles from Lindee Bess a real estate agent in Northern Utah please go to www.LindeeBess.com. Lindee is a professional real estate agent working out of her North Ogden Utah office. Lindee Bess and her team of professional agents stand ready to help you whether you are looking to relocate to Utah or you already live in Northern Utah and you’re simply looking to buy or sell your home. The lindee Bess team stands ready to help, please call 801-782-4574.

Filed Under: advice for buyers, Buy & Sell Tagged With: agent, buy a house, Homes for sale, Lindee Bess, listing, North Ogden Utah realtors, northern Utah homes for sale, Ogden Utah, Professionals, Real Estate, real estate agent, real estate agents, real estate in Ogden, realtor, realtors, sell a house, Utah home

How To Sell Your Home (Even In Tough Times)

July 24, 2012 by lindee

It seems like everything we’ve heard about the real estate market over the past few years has been highly negative, but what’s bad for sellers can be great for buyers. This also means that you need to appeal to savvy buyers who are trying to take advantage of the market if you want to sell your home. Here are our top tips for selling your home.

Create a visually appealing home listing online

A study by Trulia.com shows that listings with more than 6 pictures are twice as likely to be viewed by buyers as listings that had fewer than 6 pictures. When you are creating your home listing, don’t be afraid to fill it with pictures. More is more in this category, however, be sure that you take pictures at the time of day when there is an abundance of natural light in your home and clean up the clutter!

Record your feelings about your home

Buyers want to fall in love with their next home, so what better way to show them how loveable your home is than to create a YouTube love letter to your home? Walk around your home (and neighborhood) and point out all of the features and benefits that you love about your home and surrounding area. Don’t be afraid to go into detail about how you love the school system, and the quaint diner down the street, as well as the vaulted ceilings and abundance of windows in your home. Be creative and you will surely draw attention to your home.

Use social media

Sites like Facebook and Twitter are for more than connecting with friends. They are great networking tools that can help spread the word fast about your home.

Let your neighbors do the talking

If you are planning on hosting an open house, invite your neighbors! Your neighbors will love that they can help choose their future neighbors and they will help sell the area with their warm and welcoming personalities (just don’t invite neighbors you don’t get along with).

Include extras

To outshine your competition in the housing market, try offering bonus swag like leaving behind the stainless steel appliances, or even throwing in a golf cart if you live on a golf course. Leaving behind some goodies for your buyers can seal the deal.

Make sure your home shines in person

Wowing buyers with pictures of your home is great, but you need to make sure that your home looks even more stunning in person. Stage your home inside and out, amp up your curb appeal, DEEP clean everything, paint the walls with neutral colors, and remove items that are overly personal (like family photos).

Listen to your agent

Our final piece of advice is to listen to your real estate agent. Hire an agent that you trust or one that comes highly recommended from a friend. Real estate agents have more selling experience than you do and are willing to help you or give advice in any area that they can.

If you are trying to sell your home in these tough economic times, we hope this post gave you some good advice to help you outshine the competition and get the most out of your home. If you would like any further advice or help selling your home, contact the Besst Reality Team.

Filed Under: advice for sellers, Buy & Sell Tagged With: agent, buy a house, Homes for sale, Lindee Bess, listing, North Ogden Utah realtors, northern Utah homes for sale, Ogden Utah, Professionals, Real Estate, real estate agent, real estate agents, real estate in Ogden, realtor, realtors, sell a house, Utah home

Hikes for all ages in Ogden Utah

July 17, 2012 by lindee

One of the many features that attract outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to Ogden Utah is the abundance of beautiful hiking trails that surround the city. In this post I will be introducing to you some popular Ogden Utah hikes that are suitable for any experience level.

Beginner Hikes

Birdsong Trail- This hike is only 1 mile round trip, and gives hikers access to beautiful views of the east bench in Ogden. While on this trail you will pass several springs, ponds, and some forest areas that are filled with songbirds (hence the name of the trail).
Ogden River Parkway-This is a paved trail that runs along the Ogden River. This trail can go on for miles so the length you decide to walk is entirely up to you, and you can begin the hike from several different trailheads along the way. This is a perfect hike to take children who still need a stroller because of the smooth paved surface. The trail runs by grassy soccer fields, cultivated gardens and picnic pavilions, as well as Ogden City’s Dinosaur Park, swimming pool, skateboard park, and rodeo grounds.

Moderate Hikes

Indian Trail- This trail gets its name from the Shoshone Indians who used this trail to avoid the high waters at the mouth of the canyon. The length is 4.3 miles one way, so be sure that you bring plenty of water if it is a hot day. From this hike you can expect beautiful forest views and interesting geology.
Malans Peak- If you like hiking for the views, then this is the hike for you! The Malans Peak trail is 4.8 miles total and offers several viewpoints along the way. From the summit you will be able to see breathtaking views of the valley, Great Salt Lake, and the surrounding mountains.

Strenuous Hikes

Waterfall Canyon-This hike is only 2.4 miles round trip but it is a pretty steep climb over rocky terrain. The climb is worth it when you reach the top, and you’ll see why this is one of Ogden’s most popular hikes when you witness the grand 200 foot waterfall at the end.
Beus Canyon Trail- The Beus Canyon Trail is part of the Great Western Trail. The Beus Canyon segment runs from the east side of Ogden City up to a saddle just south of Mt Ogden Peak. From that saddle it is just a short climb to the summit. This hike is the longest of the bunch at 11.2 miles round trip, so come prepared for a long hike and awesome views.

I hope you enjoyed this brief introduction to some of the many amazing hiking trails that Ogden Utah has to offer. Residents of Utah love the rocky mountains in their backyard and if you come for a visit, I’m sure you’ll find yourself falling in love too!

Filed Under: North Ogden, Northern Utah Features Tagged With: agent, buy a house, Homes for sale, Lindee Bess, listing, North Ogden Utah realtors, northern Utah homes for sale, Ogden Utah, Professionals, Real Estate, real estate agent, real estate agents, real estate in Ogden, realtor, realtors, sell a house, Utah home

How to make a house into a home

July 12, 2012 by lindee

When you are selling your home and trying to de-personalize every room so that potential buyers can envision themselves living in your home, you may start to feel a little out of place. You may also start to lose sight of what it was like to feel comfortable and welcome in your own home. Chances are if you are selling your home you are also moving into a new one. This post is to give you some light at the end of the tunnel and to offer some advice on how to make your new house into a home.

Personalize

The first thing you should do in your new home is paint the walls your favorite colors, hang pictures, and line the shelves with your favorite keepsakes. This is a near guaranteed way to feel more at home no matter where your new home may be.

Spend time in your new home

It’s hard to feel comfortable in a home that you haven’t spent time in. Kick back and relax, watch a movie, take a nap, take a bath, and just do whatever you need to do to feel like you can make yourself at home.

Throw a party

Surrounding yourself with your friends and family in your new home will help you feel comfortable and will be a great start to many parties and memories to come.

Signature scent

You know how every home has it’s own distinct smell that reelects the family that lives inside? Start making your new house yours by lighting your favorite candles, spraying the rooms with your favorite room sprays, and cook delicious smelling meals.

Get to know your neighborhood

Sometimes for a house to transform into a home you need to step out and get to know your surroundings. Go play at the local park, introduce yourself to your new neighbors, and take walks with your family to get to know the area better.

Don’t do too much at once

Perfect homes are not created overnight, but rather over time. Don’t stress yourself out by thinking that you need to makeover every room in the house in your first week living there. Pace yourself and do one project at a time, eventually your home will be the way you envisioned it in your mind.

Fall in love

Sometimes homebuyers will experience home love at first site, and other times relationships with new homes will start out as a tolerance that turns into a passionate romance. However you feel about your home when you move in, make sure you are giving it a chance and taking the time to fall in love.

I hope this post gave you some direction on how to convert your house into a home. Remember that this is a process that occurs over time and there’s no need to rush. I wish you the best in your hunt for your next home!

What are homebuyers looking for in 2012?

July 10, 2012 by lindee

This year buyers are looking for practical, functional homes that are comfortable and energy efficient. In this post we are going to highlight the 5 most sought after features in the home market for 2012.

1. Walk-in Closets

Homebuyers still want plenty of storage space and consider it one of the most important features in a home. Closet space keeps clothing organized and also helps keep rooms clutter-free. If a home has smaller bedrooms, a large closet can free up valuable space in a room by eliminating the need for bulky dressers and drawers.

2. Garages

Homeowners like being able to get into their cars without having to scrape ice off their windows during a Utah winter or having to sit on a car seat that is too hot in the summer. Having your car kept in a garage protects it from the elements and keeps its value longer. And of course a garage is the ideal place to store snow blowers, lawnmowers, tools, and recycling bins. Homebuyers also like the flexibility of being able to convert garage space into a home office or man cave.

3. A Working Fireplace

There’s nothing like a fireplace to make a house feel like a home. Homebuyers love the decorative appeal of a fireplace, but they like the practical side of having one as well. The winters get cold here in Utah and a fireplace can be used as a supplemental heating source. An insert can be installed in regular fireplaces to make them heat even more efficiently which can cut down on home heating costs.

4. Fenced-in Yards

Homeowners expect backyards to be extensions of their homes. Having a yard fenced-in makes it easier to envision it as additional living space. Homeowners are investing more in their outdoor living spaces with patios, gardens, and barbeque grills. A fenced-in yard helps define the space that belongs to the house. Depending on the style, fences can add privacy, security, and even help deflect sound. And it’s a must-have for buyers with small children or pets.

5. Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors continue to be on the wish list for homebuyers. They add warmth and beauty to rooms and are relatively easy to maintain. They make small rooms look larger and large rooms look inviting. Changing the look of a room with a hardwood floor is as easy as changing the style of the area rug. Homebuyers also appreciate that hardwood floors don’t collect dust, pollen, animal dander, or allergens.

If you are looking to sell your home this year, I hope this list of important features will help you get your home in tip-top selling shape and increase your home value.

5 Quick Tips for Creating Curb Appeal

July 3, 2012 by lindee

When you’re selling your home, good curb appeal invites buyers inside. But landscaping expenses don’t pay homeowners back as much as interior upgrades can. Knowing this, many homeowners are confused over how much effort to put into landscaping when selling their home. We’ve compiled 5 quick and easy tips to help create curb appeal and give a low maintenance but high class look to your yard.

1. Clean up debris

You don’t want your yard to look like it’s a lot of work to keep up. Start by raking up any fallen leaves, gathering pine needles, and collect any other plant debris that is lying around your yard. This will give your yard an instant clean look.

2. Trim everything back

Trimming back plants and bushes will give them a polished low-maintenance and just planted look. This will aid in making your yard look easy to keep up and will suggest to potential buyers that the plant are slow growing and will not need frequent trims.

3. Use the colors of the season

It’s amazing what a little color can do to create curb appeal. If your yard is looking a little monochromatic, start by planting an easy growing seasonal bloom. Keep it simple and choose one type such as impatiens or pansies, and depending on the season, even mums. You can break out a little and try alternating colors. Be sure to select a long-blooming variety, so your landscaping efforts will carry you through the entire season.

4. Don’t forget to make your (flower) bed

Refresh flowerbed mulch and re-edge for a clean look that pops. It’s a classic approach to enhance curb appeal and will slow down weed growth, so there’s one less thing to worry about. If you are doing this yourself and live in a termite area, remember to keep wood-based mulch pushed away from the side of the house. Other mulch choices include, pine needles, pea gravel, bark, and shredded hardwood mulch.

5. Go green

It isn’t easy to green your yard in a pinch, if your grass is dry, dull or has brown patches, but who wants to inherit a sickly yard. In this case, we suggest a little-publicized, quick fix: turf paint. The result is instantaneous, lasting and affordable. It’s commonly used on golf courses to maintain year-round greens, and can add luster to any dull yard, without damaging the grass. Most of the time regular care and lawn maintenance will do the trick.

We hope this post gave you some great ideas on how to create curb appeal. Remember that a well taken care of yard will invite potential buyers to view the rest of your home, so be sure to keep your yard in the best shape possible.

Coming Soon!