April Newsletter

April 11, 2022

Tracey and Remy Chalifour

248-255-3685

New Michigan Realty

Mobile: 248-214-3500

One of the great things about having friends and family is knowing that you help each other out.

Over the course of a year, you probably get asked for help, at least occasionally. Perhaps a neighbor has reached out to borrow some tools or a friend has needed some advice.

I’m sure you’re happy to oblige, whenever you can.

Why we are bringing this up?

We want to let you know that if you ever need help that is in some way real estate-related, you can give us a call. We are happy to help.

For example, you might need a contractor recommendation for a home improvement project. Or, you might have a question about the local real estate market and the current selling price of properties in the area.

Whatever help you need, We hope you’ll consider us as  friends and feel free to ask.

Contact us anytime.

Remy and Tracey Chalifour

We’re the key to your new home! 

Remy: 248-214-3500
Tracey : 248-255-3685
yourMIrealtors.com

 

Maintenance Checklist
Spring Edition

 

INSIDE

  • Clean and open windows
  • Test smoke detectors
  • Test carbon monoxide detectors
  • Pest control
  • Inspect attic for any damages
  • Inspect basement for any damages
  • Clean furnace Replace A/C filters
  • Deep clean carpets
  • Deep clean oven and refrigerator
  • Swap out clothes
  • Clean out your dryer vent

 

                    OUTSIDE

  • Check roof for any damages
  • Clean outdoor furniture
  • Remove any debris around A/C unit
  • Run sprinklers and outside faucets
  • Check for foundation cracks
  • Inspect concrete for any cracks
  • Examine exterior walls for stains
  • Clean Gutters
  • Inspect patio & deck for damages
  • Spruce up landscaping
  • Start prepping for vegetable garden
  • Lawn equipment maintenance check

 

DIY Kitchen Staging Ideas that will Wow Buyers

The kitchen is one of the spaces that buyers tend to remember. They may forget the size of the third bedroom or whether or not there’s a closet in the front foyer, but the impression buyers form of your kitchen will linger on.
That’s why, when you’re selling your home, staging the kitchen to look its best is so important. Here are some tips:

  • Remove cookware, small appliances (like the electric mixer) and any other items from your countertop. Buyers like to see lots of surface space on countertops.
  • Consider doing a few minor improvements, such as replacing old cabinet hardware or a stained and scratched kitchen sink.
  • Freshen up the cabinetry. For worn wood cabinetry, there are many specialty staining and finishing products available that can be applied directly onto the old finish. Your cabinets will look almost new.
  • If the kitchen space seems tight, experiment with reorganizing or removing furniture. For example, try having four chairs around the breakfast table instead of six.
  • As much as possible, make sure everything in the kitchen is clean and shiny. Pay particular attention to the storage space under the sink. This is the cabinet door most often opened by buyers.
  • If your kitchen mats are worn, replace them. This is a relatively minor expense that can have a big impact.
  • When a viewing is scheduled, turn on the lights and open window curtains or blinds. You want your kitchen to look bright (but not blinding!).

These are all relatively simple improvements, yet each can make an enormous difference in how your kitchen looks to buyers. If your kitchen looks great – buyers will remember it!

How your Home’s Market Value is Calculated

Imagine you’re shopping for a used iPhone 11 that’s in good condition. You visit a resale website and discover that most are selling for approximately $350. Would you be willing to pay $400? Probably not. The market value is obviously well-established. There would be no reason to pay more.
Pricing your home for sale is similar. Your home has a market value and, if you were to list it, buyers would expect to pay close to that amount. If you price it too high, many buyers won’t even bother to see it. If you price it too low, you’ll leave money on the table.Many factors come into play when calculating that market value – neighborhood, street characteristics, special features, upgrades, condition, etc. However, the most important factor is the price similar homes in your area sold for recently.

Finding out the market value of your home is a smart idea, even if you don’t plan to sell in the near future. It helps you make better decisions should something change and you need or want to sell.

Notable, Quotable, Quotes

“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”  
John Wooden“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important.”
Ambrose Redmoon“Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking.”
H. Jackson Brown Jr.