How to Sell Your Home When Living with Pets

To my surprise, not everyone loves dogs and cats, and over the years of selling houses in the Northeast Ohio area, I’ve learned that our beloved pets can be a complete turn off to people looking to buy a house. So, when our pet lovin’ clients are ready to sell their house, we have them take some extra steps to make sure the house is appealing to a home buyer.

• Scoop the poop from the yard.

• Clean out the litter box. 

• When possible, take the animals with you during showing times. 

• And, take their dishes too (sometimes just the site of animal items will invoke ‘the house smells of ‘ and send a buyer running) 

• Have the house professionally cleaned and deodorized (we once had to have our client repaint their family room because their dog would lay and rub against the walls and leave an oily film on the wall causing a dog odor). 

• Have a friend who would tell you the truth and that has a great nose, come over for a sniff test. 

• Vacuum daily to pick up the pet hair. 

• Have the carpets cleaned 

• Whatever you do, Don’t use one of those plugins, or the like to try to cover up pet smells, it really turns a buyer off. We’ve had some buyers refuse to look around a house because the smell is sickening. 

• For stubborn pet odors, we have purchased an ionizer for our clients to use. 

• Don’t leave your pets in a specific room where people can’t get in to see it. More times than I can count, homeowners have left their pets in the laundry room, garage, bedroom, basement, with a note stating not to open the door, which means a Mayfield Heights OH home buyer cannot see in the room, leaving the room to their imagination (and that is just not good, turns out, most buyers will think the worst and turn away from the house). 

• If you cannot take your pets with you during showing times, crate your pets so your potential home buyer can see in every room.

• Odors of any kind have a negative impact on people, and pet odors are at the top of the list of why a home buyer won’t buy a Mayfield Heights house.
  Getting your house sold often involves eliminating the roadblocks that will keep a person from buying. Keep in mind your house has only one time to be a new listing, and one chance of making a great 1st impression, so take your time in getting the house ready for sale. Doing so will pay off for you in the long run, both monetarily and in the time it takes to sell the house.
  With me as your Mayfield Heights OH real estate agent, you can have expert guidance you can count on. Find out how I can help you, call me, Christine Pappas, at 216-956-7635 today!
• 
  
• In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view How to Sell Your Home When Living with Pets on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_lYAGtZn3EA

Must Know! Kitchen Upgrades Which Don't Pay Off

Planning to improve your kitchen?

An impressive kitchen is among the must-have features for many buyers. The kitchen is the heart of the home and is one of the favorite gathering places for family and friends.

If you are looking to sell your Mayfield Heights home soon or sometime in the future, you’ve probably considered kitchen renovations. Not only will it boost your home’s resale value, it also makes your home highly appealing to buyers so it will sell fast.

Or so you thought.

Not all kitchen improvements are equal and can increase your home’s ROI. In fact, some upgrades can hurt your home’s value.

Kitchen upgrades to avoid

Here are five kitchen improvements you should never include on your upgrade list.

1. Major kitchen renovation. Unless your kitchen is severely outdated and all the appliances are broken, there is no reason to turn it all upside down and replace everything. You don’t need a major renovation. Some simple upgrades will do.

A major improvement will set you back at $62,158. It’s ROI? 65.3% according to remodeling.hw.net. On the other hand, a minor kitchen facelift will cost you $20,830. It’s return is 80.2%.

A kitchen facelift has a higher return that a complete makeover.

2. All high-end appliances. You’ve probably seen Flip or Flop episodes where old appliances are thrown out and replaced with expensive, high-end ones. Don’t think you need to do the same for your kitchen.

If yours are still working fine and are just a few years old, keep it. Appliances have life expectancies. The dishwasher last for nine years, the refrigerator for 13 years, the microwave oven for nine years, etc.

If you are to replace appliances, choose energy efficient ones. Buyers love them because they can lower energy cost in the long run.

3. Inconvenient islands. A kitchen island is great because it offers much potential for efficiency, function, and storage. It adds countertop space. It is also a beautiful place to entertain friends. And it boosts a home’s value.

But if the island crowds the the workspace and hinders rather than improves the flow of movement, you don’t need to install one. Opt for a breakfast bar instead.

4. Marble countertops. Marble is fashionable and beautiful, but you don’t necessarily need one for your kitchen’s counter.

For one, it is high maintenance. Spills of wine and other colored liquids can quickly seep through the rock. It is also prone to scratches.

If you hate seeing stains and scratches on your counter, marble is not a good choice. It is also expensive. A high-end marble countertop may raise your home’s value several thousands above the average listing price in your neighborhood, which will definitely affect the home’s selling price and stay on the market.

5. Fun and quirky kitchen style. While your quirky kitchen reflects your fun personality, it may not necessarily be suited to the taste and style of the buyer. If you are to give your kitchen a facelift, choose to go for a classic and timeless appeal. Think of kitchen showrooms you see on television.

When you are improving your kitchen for resale, remember that your improvement cost should only be within a specific range. If the price of your Mayfield Heights home for sale increases, you’ll lose potential buyers.

Keep in mind that the kitchen should be done to suit the buyer’s taste and not your preference.

Are you selling your home? Call or text me, Christine Pappas, at 216-956-7635. Allow my skills and experiences to work for your real estate needs.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view Must Know! Kitchen Upgrades Which Don't Pay Off on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/j0EWrkaaWE4

What Are the Closing Costs of Buying a 🏡Home in Mayfield Heights?

Buying a home is a life accomplishment that is nearly on everyone’s bucket list.

Whether you prefer a modern home with large windows and daring roof lines or a suburban home with a white picket fence, most of us hope to find a home that will keep us and our loved ones happy for the long term.

However, buying a house is never easy. There are a lot of things that you have to prepare for. The process can be quite confusing, especially for first-time buyers who have never done it before.

One area that is often misunderstood is closing costs. Many buyers don’t know what to expect or how much they will have to pay. You need to understand what closing costs are when buying a home in Mayfield Heights.

What are closing costs?

Closing costs are miscellaneous expenses that are paid at the closing of a real estate transaction. Closing costs are given when the title of the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. It can be incurred by either the seller or the buyer.

The total amount of closing costs depends on the location and the value of the property being transferred. The average closing costs percentage is usually about 2-5% of the purchase price.

Closing costs can vary from lender to lender and from market to market. However, the following closing costs are fairly typical for most home sales in Mayfield Heights, Ohio:

Loan origination or lender fees

The loan origination fee is simply a cost meant to pay for the research your lender has done on you as a borrower. It covers the lender’s cost of processing the loan, including origination, underwriting, document preparation, processing, funding, and administration. It is usually about 1 percent of the total home loan, but it is one of the few that can be negotiated.

Appraisal fee

This is the payment for the appraiser who assesses the value of the property you are looking to buy. Every lender requires a property appraisal report to determine how large of a mortgage to grant you.

Settlement/ Closing Fee

Legal representation at the time of closing is not required in the state of Ohio. The title company handles all the legal aspects of the settlement.

Title Insurance

Title insurance is an insurance policy that protects the lender against any problems found in the public records or the possibility of title fraud. The buyer is required to pay for the cost of title insurance on the lender in the amount of the loan.

Survey

A survey must be conducted to find out important details about a house and the land it sits on. Property surveys are done to avoid any property line issues that might arise. The cost of a survey depends on a series of factors such as property size, terrain, and location.

Home Inspection

You should have the home checked out by a professional home inspector to avoid a costly mistake of purchasing a property in need of major repairs. Typically, the buyer pays for the home inspection as part of the total closing costs.

Are you in the market for a home for sale in Mayfield Heights? Let me assist you!

I am Christine Pappas, your REALTOR® from Ohio. You can count on me to make your home buying experience easier! Call me at 216-956-7635 now!



In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view What Are the Closing Costs of Buying a 🏡Home in Mayfield Heights? on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_WEMppCzeag

What’s My Home Worth in Mayfield Heights?

When you sell your home in Mayfield Heights, the first thing you should ask yourself is. How much is the value of your home? But how do you figure it out? Determining how to calculate the value of your home in Mayfield Heights is important. I bet you do not want to end your day knowing that you sold your home for less than it is worth in this market. Let me help you get the most accurate estimation on the value.

How to calculate or determine the worth of your home in Mayfield Heights?

When you've decided to sell your home, you need to know the market value. Keep in mind that sentimental value has nothing to do with your market value. Market value is the estimated price on how much your buyers are willing to pay.

There are online tools available on the internet for free to help you get an estimated price. You need to input your location and then it will give you the estimation. This might be helpful but do not rely on it. When you sell your home, location is not the only basis in setting your price.

To have an overview of the ideal price estimation of your home, you can use basic valuation concepts.

1. Capital Structure

This is when you review the total costs spent when building the home or the original price of the home when you bought it. This is the primary basis in knowing the worth of your home. As with any item or property you have bought, you’ll always base its price on its original worth if you have decided to sell it.

This is to ensure you’ll set a fair and reasonable price for your home. You will not only protect your interest but setting a fair ground for your  potential buyers, too.

2. Location of the property

In appraising a property, you consider the location’s potential for business too. Buyers also take into consideration if the property offers an opportunity for future earnings. Also, you may consider the type of community where your home is located.

For example, if the property resides in a subdivision of high maintenance security there will be more considerations. Moreover, if the community is luxurious, your home will not have an average price tag.

3. Market Value of Assets

There are other factors in determining the value of your home. One of which is determining your assets within your home. Swimming pools, great architectural backyards, and well-maintained garden are assets. Assets add to the appraisal value of your home.

Considerations in setting the value of your home

1. Using me, Christine Pappas, as your real estate agent.

Having a knowledgeable real estate agent to help and guide you is an asset. The real estate agent's expertise is immeasurable and tested. I am equipped with the experience needed for selling homes in Mayfield Heights. Not opting to have ane experienced agent may cost you later. Here are the following characteristics you can look forward to receiving from a real estate agent. The real estate agent should have:

a. Education and Training

b. Connections

c. Experience with Legalities

d. Negotiation Skills

e. Knowledge of the Market

2. You set your value right.

It is important that you are setting the most ideal price for your home. This is to balance your interest with the buyer’s needs. The right value equates to great deals!

3. Be wise.

Review the sold homes in Mayfield Heights so you can have an accurate assessment of the price. Weigh your pros and cons in every decision you make.

Knowing and setting the right worth of your home is a must. If you are hesitant with your own decisions, work with me as your agent. I will help you with all the knowledge and experience that I have. I’m passionate and strive to help every client I’m working with.

If you have questions or are interested in selling/buying a home in Mayfield heights, call me, Christine Pappas, 216-956- 7635. I’ll be happy to guide you.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view What’s My Home Worth in Mayfield Heights? on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/oQuQUiqKxiI

1625 Woodhurst Mayfield Heights OH 44124 | Home for Sale

A charming, move-in ready home with impressive curb appeal

If you are looking for a turnkey home, this Cape Cod style home on Woodhurst could be just what you are looking for. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a host of interior and exterior upgrades, this Mayfield Heights home for sale offers the best comforts and conveniences suitable for modern living.

Well-loved and properly maintained, this home is loaded with character and charm.

It has been extensively remodeled inside and out.

A new driveway and garage with cement pad, garage door opener, and keyless entry were added last year. Other upgrades done last year include remodeling the bathrooms, updating the spacious kitchen, finishing the kitchen and painting the exterior.

A new roof was installed six months ago, and the hot water tank was replaced five months ago. The furnace heat exchanger was replaced just two weeks ago with warranty, and parts of the electric system were updated.

The interior has also been painted in easy to move in colors, and white trim was added to enhance the effect. The hardwood floors have also been refinished.

Proximity to all conveniences and good location are yours to enjoy!

Set in the beautiful community of Mayfield Heights Park, this home is close to everything.

The nearest restaurants and shops are only seven to ten minutes away.  All local schools are within a two mile radius.

The Mayfield Heights City Park and pool are only a ten minute walk away!

Highway 271 is just minutes from this home.

Enjoy the cozy warmth of this home’s spacious living room

Open the lovely front door and be welcomed into a large living area complete with gleaming hardwood floors, neutral tone walls with white trim and large windows.

Natural light streams freely into the room, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Furnishing this space with a couple of couches, side tables and some wall decor will further make this room appealing and cozy. It’s a great place to welcome friends and visitors who are coming over.

A kitchen which displays a beautiful merge of classic design and modern appliances

Across the living room is an arched opening which leads to the kitchen. Neutral tone walls, white ceiling, and big windows give it a bright and open look.

With white cabinets and a breakfast bar this eat-in kitchen is efficient and functional. A breakfast area is set beside the breakfast bar, and it has ample space to accommodate a table for six.

Prepare your family’s favorite meals and desserts in this lovely kitchen, and fill this space with love and laughter.

Get the best relaxation and rest in this home’s bedroom.

You will love sleeping in more than ever in this Mayfield Heights home’s cozy bedrooms, of which this home has three.

The master bedroom is bright and cheerful and the warmth from the wood floor adds a touch of sophistication.

This room has more than enough space to accommodate your king size bed and favorite bedside table lamp.

Cozy and welcoming, this room can become your sanctuary, a place where you seek privacy and moments of peace.

A nice surprise awaits on the lower level

One of the best things about this home, aside from its location and upgrades, is the large basement with a monochromatic appeal. The unity of colors in this space makes this room light, airy and bright.

There’s a lot of things you can do in this finished basement. You can turn a section of it into a family room, and have a portion be turned into a study area for the kids.

If you love to entertain, you can turn this into a media room or an entertainment room where you can place your badminton table.

This space has much potential, depending on how you want to use it.

An outdoor space for fun, relaxation and entertainment.

Step outside in your own expansive backyard and get creative!

Put a barbecue grill, some chairs and a table on the patio by the garage and presto, you have an instant picnic spot.

You may also want to add an outdoor playground if you have kids. It would be a great space for them to run around and play, and you don’t have to worry about their safety since the backyard is fenced.

This Mayfield Heights home for sale is truly an awesome find especially at its price of ONLY $145,000.

Would you like to learn more about this home or similar homes in the Mayfield Heights area? Visit my website www.ChristinePappas.com.

Call me, Christine Pappas at 216-956-7635. Let me help you find a great home for a good price.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view 1625 Woodhurst Mayfield Heights OH 44124 | Home for Sale on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zn4vbBbHxQ&feature=youtu.be