curb appeal of home

Fun Spring Ideas To Boost Curb Appeal

It is finally spring, aka project season!

There are numerous fun and easy ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Simple upgrades can combine to create a polished look you’ll be proud of. Boosting curb appeal is especially important if you’re selling your home. From landscaping to cosmetic enhancements, here are some projects to try that are not only easy, but you will enjoy doing!

Paint The Front Door

Give your entryway a pop of color by painting your front door to stand out while still playing nice with the rest of your house’s hues!

front door painting for curb appeal

Add Window Shutters

If your home lacks shutters, installing them will jazz up the exterior with symmetry and flair.

Shutters for curb appeal

Update Your House Numbers Display

House numbers are easy to make or replace, but make all the difference. A great way to make a big impact is to match the new numbers with the finish of your exterior light fixtures.

House numbers display

Update Existing Light Fixtures

Lighting has a significant effect on your home’s curb appeal. Make a statement on your porch with large lighting fixtures, and add accent lighting to your greenery to create a cozy, yet elegant atmosphere.

Make an Inviting Seating Area

Look at this step as “dressing up your porch”. Add the cozy feel of a living room with rugs, throw pillows, and end tables. Some color, texture, and print will perfectly brighten the porch for spring.

Cozy porch seating area for curb appeal

These are just a few things to spruce up your home’s curb appeal, and will make all the difference. So get out some tools, go shopping, and most importantly..keep it fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 month ago
Home Staging Richmond VA

Home Staging Richmond VA

Home staging is a part of our complimentary concierge services we offer at Tina Morris Co, and we consider it to be one of the most important steps in marketing your home. When we team up with our Professional Staging Team to create a plan for our clients, our main goal is to create a warm and inviting environment, focusing on the best architectural features and selling points. We want to help potential buyers visualize the property as their future dream home.

Let’s look at some statistics on why home staging is so crucial in the real estate market.

1. Homes Sell Faster

According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes typically sell 88% faster than non-staged homes. This statistic alone highlights the impact that staging can have on the speed of a home sale.

2. Increased Sale Price

Staged homes also tend to fetch a higher sale price. The Real Estate Staging Association reports that staged homes can sell for up to 20% more than non-staged homes. This significant increase in sale price is a compelling reason to invest in staging.

3. Enhanced Buyer Appeal

Staging helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. By creating a welcoming and attractive environment, staging can make a property more appealing to a wider range of buyers, increasing the likelihood of a successful sale.

40% of home buyers are more willing to visit a staged home they saw online.

Staging helps 81% of buyers find it easier to visualize a staged property as a future home. This means that staging can significantly impact how potential buyers perceive a property and envision themselves living in it.

Additionally, staging prompts 27% of buyers to overlook property faults. By highlighting the positive aspects of a home through staging, potential buyers may be more willing to overlook minor imperfections or issues.

Buyers also tend to linger in staged homes an average of 40 minutes—compared to just 6 minutes overall. This extended time spent in a staged home indicates that buyers are more engaged and interested in properties that have been professionally staged.

4. Competitive Edge

In a competitive real estate market, staging can give sellers a crucial edge over other properties. Staged homes stand out in listings and showings, making them more memorable to potential buyers and increasing the chances of receiving offers.

5. Positive First Impression

First impressions are key in real estate. Staging a home ensures that it makes a positive impact on buyers from the moment they walk through the door. This initial impression can set the tone for the rest of the viewing and influence a buyer’s decision-making process.

Tina Morris is a top real estate agent in Richmond, VA. Together, we can create a customized plan for selling and marketing your home, including the staging process.

Let’s look at some of our recent staging projects!

Staging Before & After, Tina Morris Co

Staging Before & After, Tina Morris Co

Staging Before & After, Tina Morris Co

Staging Before & After, Tina Morris Co

Staging Before & After, Tina Morris Co

Ask us about our complementary staging services at Tina Morris Co!

2 months ago
Preparing Home For Sale

How To Prepare Your Home For Sale – Spring Market Boom

Steps To Take Before

Listing Your Home

With spring approaching, it’s a wonderful time to start thinking about getting your home ready for the busy spring market. We often get asked, “What should we do first?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are six friendly tips from the specialists at Tina Morris & Co. to help you get started:

  1. Declutter: Start by decluttering your home to make it look more spacious. You can donate unused items, sell them online, or store them in a storage unit.
  2. Depersonalize Your Home: As much as you may enjoy looking at your family photos and favorite art, any personalized items can certainly be off-putting to prospective buyers. Seeing personalization in a home can make it difficult for buyers to envision themselves living in the home.
  3. Deep Clean: A deep clean of your home can make a big difference in how it looks and feels. Make sure to clean all the nooks and crannies, including windows, baseboards, and appliances.
  4. Paint: A fresh coat of paint can make your home look more updated and appealing to potential buyers. Choose neutral colors that can appeal to a wide range of tastes.
  5. Curb Appeal: First impressions matter, so make sure to spruce up your curb appeal. This can include adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door, planting flowers, and cleaning up your yard.
  6. Find a Good Real Estate Agent: The first and arguably most important step to listing your home is to find a reputable real estate agent. Referrals from trusted sources are usually the best ways to find a good agent. Working with a trusted real estate agent is the key to a smooth and successful transaction.

Prepare your home early and confidently for the spring market boom. Remember, the early bird gets the worm, so starting early will give you the best chance of success. You’ve got this!

3 months ago
man reading about today's foreclosure numbers

Today’s Foreclosure Numbers: What’s the Truth, Richmond?

 

You’ve likely seen headlines about the number of foreclosures climbing in today’s housing market. That may leave you with a few questions, especially if you’re thinking about buying a house in the Richmond or Midlothian area. Understanding what today’s foreclosure numbers really mean is mission-critical if you want to know the truth about what’s happening today.

According to a recent report from ATTOM, a property data provider, National foreclosure filings are up 6% compared to the previous quarter and 22% since one year ago. As media headlines call attention to this increase, reporting on just the number could actually generate worry and may even make you think twice about buying a home in Richmond for fear that prices could crash. The reality is, while increasing, the data shows a foreclosure crisis is not where the market is headed.

Let’s look at the latest information with context so we can see how this compares to previous years.

It Isn’t the Dramatic Increase Headlines Would Have You Believe

In recent years, the number of foreclosures has been down to record lows. That’s because, in 2020 and 2021, the forbearance program and other relief options for homeowners helped millions of homeowners stay in their homes, allowing them to get back on their feet during a very challenging period. And with home values rising at the same time, many homeowners who may have found themselves facing foreclosure under other circumstances were able to leverage their equity and sell their houses rather than face foreclosure. Moving forward, equity will continue to be a factor that can help keep people from going into foreclosure. In Greater Richmond, especially, home equity is strong.

As the government’s moratorium came to an end, there was an expected rise in foreclosures. But just because foreclosures are up doesn’t mean the general or Richmond housing market is in trouble. As Clare Trapasso, Executive News Editor at Realtor.com, says:

“There’s no reason to panic, at least not yet. Foreclosure filings began ticking up . . . after the federal foreclosure moratorium ended. The moratorium was enacted in the early days of COVID-19, when millions of Americans lost their jobs, to prevent a tsunami of homeowners losing their properties. So some of these proceedings would have taken place during the pandemic but got delayed due to the moratorium. This is a bit of a catch-up.”

Basically, there’s not a sudden flood of foreclosures coming. Instead, some of the increase is due to the delayed activity explained above while more is from economic conditions. As Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM, explains:

“This unfortunate trend can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as rising unemployment rates, foreclosure filings making their way through the pipeline after two years of government intervention, and other ongoing economic challenges. However, with many homeowners still having significant home equity, that may help in keeping increased levels of foreclosure activity at bay.”

To further paint the picture of just how different the situation is now compared to the housing crash, take a look at the graph below. It shows foreclosure activity has been lower since the crash by looking at properties with a foreclosure filing going all the way back to 2005.

While foreclosures are climbing, it’s clear foreclosure activity now is nothing like it was during the housing crisis. In addition to all of the factors mentioned above, that’s also largely because buyers today are more qualified and less likely to default on their loans.

Today, foreclosures are far below the record-high number that was reported when the housing market crashed.

Bottom Line

Right now, putting the today’s foreclosure numbers into context is more important than ever. While the housing market is experiencing an expected rise in foreclosures, it’s nowhere near the crisis levels seen when the housing bubble burst, and that won’t lead to a crash in home prices.  If you would like to discuss further or talk about selling and/or buying in the Richmond area or Midlothian, we’d love to help!

12 months ago
lower mortgage rates

What do lower mortgage rates mean for buyers?

Lower Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back to the Market

As mortgage rates rose last year, activity in the housing market slowed down. And as a result, homes started seeing fewer offers and stayed on the market longer. That meant some homeowners decided to press pause on selling.

Now, however, rates are beginning to come down—and buyers are starting to reenter the market. In fact, the latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows mortgage applications increased last week by 7% compared to the week before.

So, if you’ve been planning to sell your house but you’re unsure if there will be anyone to buy it, this shift in the market could be your chance. Here’s what experts are saying about buyers returning to the market as we approach spring.

Mike Fratantoni, SVP and Chief Economist, MBA:

“Mortgage rates are now at their lowest level since September 2022, and about a percentage point below the peak mortgage rate last fall. As we enter the beginning of the spring buying season, lower mortgage rates and more homes on the market will help affordability for first-time homebuyers.”

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“The upcoming months should see a return of buyers, as mortgage rates appear to have already peaked and have been coming down since mid-November.”

Thomas LaSalvia, Senior Economist, Moody’s Analytics:

“We expect the labor market to remain robust, wages to continue to rise—maybe not at the pace that they did during the pandemic, but that will open up some opportunity for folks to enter homeownership as interest rates stabilize a bit.”

Sam Khater, Chief Economist, Freddie Mac:

“Homebuyers are waiting for rates to decrease more significantly, and when they do, a strong job market and a large demographic tailwind of Millennial renters will provide support to the purchase market.”

Bottom Line

If you’ve been thinking about making a move, now’s the time to get your house ready to sell. Let’s connect so you can learn about buyer demand in our area the best time to put your house on the market.

1 year ago
Planning to retire soon? It may be time to make a move.

Buying & Selling Your Home During Retirement

If you are planning to retire soon it could be time for you to consider making a move.

Planning to Retire? It Could Be Time To Make a Move. | MyKCM

If you’re thinking about retirement or have already retired this year, you may be planning your next steps. One of your goals could be selling your Richmond-area house and finding a home that more closely fits your needs.

Fortunately, you may be in a better position to make a move than you realize. Here are a few things to think about when making that decision.

Consider How Long You’ve Been in Your Current Home

From 1985 to 2008, the average length of time homeowners typically stayed in their homes was only six years. But according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), that number is rising today, meaning many homeowners are living in their houses even longer (see graph below):

Planning to Retire? It Could Be Time To Make a Move. | MyKCM

When you live in a home for a significant period of time, it’s natural for you to experience a number of changes in your life while you’re in that house. As those life changes and milestones happen, your needs may change. And if your current Richmond area home no longer meets them, you may have better options waiting for you.

Consider the Equity You’ve Gained

Additionally, if you’ve been in your home for more than a few years, you’ve likely built up significant equity that can fuel your next move. That’s because the longer you’ve been in your home, the more likely it’s grown in value due to home price appreciation. Data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) illustrates that point (see graph below):

Planning to Retire? It Could Be Time To Make a Move. | MyKCM

While home price growth varies by state and local area, the national average shows the typical homeowner who’s been in their house for five years saw it increase in value by over 50%. And the average homeowner who’s owned their home for 30 years saw it almost triple in value over that time.  We here in Richmond and Midlothian have definitely seen healthy appreciation as of late.

Consider Your Retirement Goals

Whether you’re looking to downsize, relocate to a dream destination, or move so you live closer to loved ones, that equity can help you achieve your homeownership goals. NAR shares that for recent home sellers, the primary reason to move was to be closer to loved ones. Plus, retirement played a large role for those moving greater distances.

Whatever your home goals are, we can work with you to find the best option. We’ll help you sell your current Richmond or Midlothian house and guide you as you buy the home that’s right for you and your lifestyle today.

Bottom Line

Retirement can bring about major changes in your life, including what you need from your home. Let’s connect to explore your opportunities in Richmond or beyond.

1 year ago
update your house

Should You Update Your House Before You Sell?

Before you update your house for listing, call us for our professional advice.

Should You Update Your House Before You Sell? Ask a Real Estate Professional. [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights

  • You may be wondering what needs to be renovated before you sell your house. In today’s shifting market, making your house appealing is more important than ever.
  • That’s why it’s essential to lean on a real estate professional who has in-depth knowledge of today’s housing market. They know what buyers are looking for and how to highlight any upgrades you make.
  • Let’s connect so you know where to focus your efforts so your house will stand out in a today’s market.
1 year ago
sell before the holidays

3 Reasons to Sell Before the Holidays

Why you may want to sell before the holidays.

As you look ahead to the winter season, you’re likely making plans and thinking about what you want to achieve before the year ends. One of those key decision points could be whether or not you want to move this year. If the location or size of your current home no longer meets your needs, finding a house that better suits your lifestyle may be a top priority for you. But with today’s cooling housing market, is it really a good time to sell your house, or should you wait? If you’re ready to make your decision, here are three reasons you may want to sell before the holidays.

1. Get One Step Ahead of Other Sellers

Typically, in the residential real estate market, homeowners are less likely to list their houses toward the end of the year. That’s because people get busy around the holidays and deprioritize selling their house until the start of the new year when their schedules and social calendars calm down.

Selling now, while other homeowners may hold off until after the holidays, can help your house stand out. Start the process with a real estate professional today so you can get your house on the market and get ahead of your competition.

2. Get in Front of Serious Buyers This Season

Even though housing supply has increased this year as buyer demand has moderated, it’s still low overall. That means there aren’t enough homes on the market today, especially as the millennial generation reaches their peak home-buying years. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says:

“While not the frenzy of 2021, the largest living generation, the Millennials, will continue to age into their prime home-buying years, creating a demographic tailwind for the housing market.”

Serious buyers will still be looking this winter and your house may be exactly what they’re searching for. If you work with us to list your house now, you’ll be able to get in front of the eager buyers who are hoping to make a move before the year ends.

3. Seize a Great Chance To Move Up

Don’t forget, today’s homeowners have record amounts of equity. According to CoreLogic, the average amount of equity per mortgage holder has climbed to almost $300,000. That’s an all-time high. That means the equity you have in your house right now could cover some, if not all, of a down payment on the home of your dreams.

And as you weigh the reasons to sell before winter, don’t lose sight of why you’re thinking about moving in the first place. Maybe it’s time to buy a house that’s in a better location for you, has the space you and your loved ones have been craving, or simply gives you that sense of home. We, as experienced real estate advisors, can help you determine how much home equity you have and how you can use it to achieve your goal of making a move.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling your house so you can find a home that better suits your needs, don’t delay your plans. Call us today to accomplish your goals before winter.

1 year ago