Lisa Talks Real Estate

With the home market heating up, many buyers believe that making a cash offer will give them an advantage over other buyers. But, as a seller, is it in your best interest to take a cash offer? Or are you better off sticking to your price and holding out for a lender-financed buyer? 

The answer is--it depends.

There certainly are some advantages to selling your home to a cash buyer. This is particularly true if you're in a hurry to sell because you're moving or you need money quickly. However, as with most things, there are some potential drawbacks. Let's take a deeper dive into the pros and cons of a cash sale.

1. Fast Closing
   One of the best things about a cash deal is the ability to go to closing quickly. When a buyer purchases a home with traditional financing, it often takes 30 to 60 days from the...

Moving is a pretty big project no matter what age you are or how much stuff you have. It's almost always bigger than you think. When you're selling your home and moving to a new one, you'll want to keep your moving costs from getting out of control. These tips can help you cut moving costs and still get the job done.

• Plan ahead.
  Probably the best thing you can do to save yourself some money is to plan ahead. Get started as early as possible sourcing the goods and services you'll need, so you can research and take advantage of deals or freebies. Movers are often booked up on weekends far in advance, so you'll pay extra for last-minute arrangements if you can schedule them at all.
• Get rid of stuff you don't need.
  Packing and moving services use the time spent on your move, how much stuff you have a...

Whether you're selling your home soon or you're looking to add value long-term, the garage may not be the first room you think of when upgrading your home. For many homeowners, the garage is a place to store things and work on projects, so aesthetics take a back seat. If you're looking for a unique way to wow potential buyers, however, a finished garage is one potential tool in your arsenal. But does a finished garage truly add value when selling your home? The answer depends on what you're trying to accomplish, and what sort of buyer you intend to attract.

• What Is a Finished Garage?
  In many homes, the garage simply doesn't get the same attention as other rooms. An unfinished garage is basically your average garage--stuff stored all around, unfinished walls and ceilings, and very few creature comforts. A finished garage looks...

Selling your home can be tough. Just about everyone will have strong emotions associated with a very first home – and these can make it harder to sell.

That's not just because you might be tempted to procrastinate. How we feel about a home can create a challenge: Putting the wrong price on it.

It's easy to overprice a property because of its sentimental value. Luckily, a local real estate expert can help. By researching recently-sold homes in the area, he or she can price any property to attract buyers.

Although pricing is best left to the professionals, there are many things you can do to help in selling your home faster. With these tips, you'll make it much more likely to connect with the right buyer and get to closing without a hitch:

1. Decide on the Best Timing
   Timing is the second-biggest factor...

At the end of the day, selling your home is a means to an end. Whether you're downsizing, relocating for work, or simply need a space that meets your current financial and lifestyle needs, you're relying on your home sale to help facilitate the purchase of a new home. The question is: Will you lose money when you sell your home?

Selling your home is easier said than done, especially if this is your first time navigating a real estate transaction. Unfortunately, this opens up many opportunities for mistakes to be made — even by homeowners who have already successfully sold a home. The following are the common mistakes that could cause you to leave money on the table:

• Listing at the wrong time.
  With or without an agent to help you, there are certain times when selling your home may be more difficult than others. The w...