Home in good repair before listing?

     If you own a home in the suburbs for less than $500,000 you will likely benefit from a strong "seller's market" shortage of inventory in the lower price ranges.
     Do not make the mistake of thinking you don't have to update that house or condominium. Paint it, stage it, and price it well.
     It still has to be priced right, in good repair, and be updated with the items that today's buyers are looking for. Like fresh neutral wall paint, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, granite, or quartz counter tops, and updated bathrooms.  

Older baths make a house look dated

     A bathroom in any house can always tell when it was built or last refinished.
     Bathrooms now feature much larger tiles. Taller tiles add perception of a higher ceiling in the bathroom. The hot tile colors today are gray tones, along with white porcelain.
     People are opting for stall showers with benches and multiple shower functions, such as hand showers and body sprays.
     Those who want bathtubs are gravitating toward air system tubs, known as       Thermomasseurs, blowing warm air into the tub without recirculating the water. These tubs allow people to use aroma therapy oils and bath salts that can ruin a typical whirlpool tub.
     Heated floors add comfort to the bathroom. 

SIX TIPS WHEN HIRING A HOME INSPECTOR

1. ASK a trusted Real Estate Agent, Lender, or your Better Business Bureau for a referral.

2. HIRE an experienced professional who belongs to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and/or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

3. BE SURE the Inspector has certification training and is licensed and also has insurance for general liability, errors, and omissions. 

4. ASK for a sample of the Inspection Report to make sure it covers everything important to you. 

5. A HOME INSPECTION should take about 2.5 hours or more and yield a written, thorough Report that indicates defects, recommendations, and includes photos. 

6. ASK yourself, are they answering all of my questions? Are they explaining things clearly? You should attend the Inspection and let the Inspector point out to you items of concern.

Deed in lieu: faster, simpler than foreclosure

Deed in lieu is a deed in lieu of a foreclosure.

The title goes back to the lender.

Depending on the facts, you may not have to pay anything.

A foreclosure means that the lender tries to sell the property at an auction sale or the through MLS, a listing service.