Home Values - Who Do You Trust?

When you are sick, you go to a doctor! When your tooth hurts, you go to a dentist! And when you are ready to buy or sell your home and move, you call Laura. Probably the biggest question on the mind of every homeowner is “how much is my home worth”. You may be surprised to know there are several different ways you can find out: Here are some of them:

Free Online Estimates: Free appraisal sites offer quick estimates of home values based on analysis of publicly available information, such as tax records. However in my professional opinion these sites are very inaccurate.  I have put in addresses of properties in neighborhoods where I KNOW the values and I have never gotten a correct value!  STAY CLEAR!

Fee-Based Online Appraisals: Some online sites offer property valuation reports you can download for a fee. These are computer-generated analyses based on publicly available information, so they may be useful only if you don't want to spend time looking up records yourself. But once again, you do not want someone who does not know your living area to give you a general price quote!

Real Estate Comparative Market Analyses: Comparative market analysis, or comps, are reports prepared by real estate professionals that estimate a selling price for your house. They're based on the agent's knowledge of the area as well as asking prices and recent sale prices for comparable properties in your neighborhood.  Th

Home Appraisals: A full professional appraisal is a must if you're applying for a loan and is always going to be the most precise evaluation of your home's worth. Keep in mind that a good appraiser isn't in a position to profit from the appraisal, and his or her fee will be based purely on time and expertise.

Priority Tasks For Your Move In

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and you're probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basics you should cover first.

Change the locks

Even if you're promised that new locks have been installed in your home, you can never be too careful. It's worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your home. Changing the locks can be a DIY project, or you can call in a locksmith for a little extra money.

Steam clean the carpets

It's good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating. The previous owners may have had pets, young children, or just some plain old clumsiness. Take the time to steam clean the carpets so that your floors are free of stains and allergens. It's pretty easy and affordable to rent a steam cleaner-your local grocery store may have them available.

Call an exterminator

Prior to move-in, you probably haven't spent enough time in the house to get a view of any pests that may be lurking. Call an exterminator to take care of any mice, insects, and other critters that may be hiding in your home.

Clean out the kitchen

If the previous occupants wanted to skip on some of their cleaning duties when they moved out, the kitchen is where they probably cut corners. Wipe down the inside of cabinets, clean out the refrigerator, clean the oven, and clean in the nooks and crannies underneath the appliances.