Posts Categorized: Real Estate

How to Increase Your Home’s Resale Value

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Selling a home can be an exciting, yet overwhelming experience. One of the most important aspects of the selling process is ensuring that your home is in top condition to fetch the highest possible price. Whether you’re selling in the near future or simply looking to make some upgrades to your home, there are many ways to increase your home’s resale value. In this article, we’ll cover some key tips and strategies for increasing the resale value of your home.

Focus on curb appeal

First impressions are everything, and the exterior of your home is the first thing that potential buyers will see. That’s why it’s crucial to focus on enhancing your home’s curb appeal. This can include anything from adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door, to planting new flowers and shrubs, to replacing old, worn-out siding. Simple upgrades like these can go a long way in making a positive impression on potential buyers and driving up the resale value of your home.

Upgrade your kitchen

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and it’s no secret that kitchen upgrades can significantly increase the resale value of your home. Consider making upgrades such as replacing old appliances with new, energy-efficient models, adding a tile backsplash, or upgrading to granite or quartz countertops. These upgrades not only enhance the look of your kitchen but also improve its functionality, which can be a major selling point for potential buyers. Some other ways you can upgrade your kitchen without breaking the bank are:

  • Paint your cabinets: Painting your kitchen cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh new look without having to replace them. You can choose a color that complements your countertops or backsplash, or you can go for a bold color to make a statement.
  • Replace hardware: Swapping out old cabinet knobs and drawer pulls for new ones can make a big difference in the look of your kitchen. You can find a variety of affordable options at your local hardware store or online.
  • Update lighting: Replacing outdated light fixtures with modern ones can instantly upgrade the look of your kitchen. You can also consider adding under-cabinet lighting for added ambiance and functionality.
  • Update your faucet: Installing a new faucet can give your sink area a new look and make your daily kitchen tasks more enjoyable. You can find affordable options at your local home improvement store.

Modernize your bathroom

Bathroom upgrades are also an effective way to increase the resale value of your home. Upgrades such as installing a new sink, replacing old tiles with new, modern ones, or adding new lighting can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Keep in mind that bathrooms are one of the most frequently used rooms in a home, so a modern, updated bathroom can be a major selling point for potential buyers.

Increase storage space

Potential buyers are always looking for ample storage space in a home. If you’re looking to increase the resale value of your home, consider making upgrades that add additional storage space, such as installing custom-built shelves or adding a walk-in closet. These upgrades not only add functionality to your home but also increase its overall value.

Improve energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important to potential buyers, so making upgrades that improve your home’s energy efficiency can significantly increase its resale value. Consider installing new, energy-efficient windows or adding insulation to your attic or walls. These upgrades not only reduce your home’s energy consumption but also make it a more appealing option for environmentally conscious buyers.

If you’re looking to improve the energy efficiency of your home or building, installing solar panels is a great option to consider. By generating electricity from sunlight, solar panels can significantly reduce the amount of electricity needed from the grid, resulting in lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

Not only does the upgrade to solar panels provide long-term cost savings, with an average of $20,000 to $97,000 saved over their lifetime, but it can also be a major selling point for potential buyers. By emphasizing the benefits of solar panels, such as lower energy costs and a greener lifestyle, you can make your home more attractive to environmentally conscious buyers.

Finish the attic

Finishing a walk-in attic is a smart investment that can increase the resale value of your home. Attics are often overlooked spaces, but they have the potential to be transformed into functional and desirable areas, such as a bedroom, home office, or entertainment room. By finishing your attic, you’re essentially adding livable square footage to your home, which can make it more appealing to potential buyers. Additionally, a finished attic can increase your home’s energy efficiency by providing additional insulation and ventilation, which can result in lower heating and cooling costs. Ultimately, investing in a walk-in attic renovation can be a wise decision that can benefit both your current living situation and your future financial gain.

Add a deck or patio

Outdoor living spaces are becoming increasingly popular, so adding a deck or patio to your home can be an effective way to increase its resale value. Consider adding a new deck or patio with comfortable outdoor furniture and a grill. Not only does this provide additional living space for potential buyers, but it also adds to the overall appeal of your home.

Focus on neutral colors and décor

When it comes to increasing the resale value of your home, it’s important to keep in mind that potential buyers are looking for a blank canvas. This means focusing on neutral colors and décor that can appeal to a wide range of buyers. Avoid bold colors or trendy décor that may turn off potential buyers.

How ZYYAH Can Help

To ensure that your upgrades are completed successfully, consider connecting with the right professionals through the ZYYAH platform. With ZYYAH, you can easily find and hire trusted experts who can get the job done right the first time. Whether you need a contractor, landscaper, or interior designer, the platform provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your home improvement goals.

With these tips and the help of ZYYAH, you can feel confident that you’re making the most of your home’s value and creating a space that buyers will love.

When the time comes to sell your home, the ZYYAH app can connect you with a trusted real estate agent. With ZYYAH, you’ll have access to a wealth of information, resources, and expert guidance to help you get the most from your sale. The app makes it easy to build your team of experts, get accurate estimates, and stay informed every step of the way. Selling your home has never been easier than with ZYYAH’s intuitive and user-friendly platform.

Tips for Selling Your House: How to Maximize Your Home’s Value

Posted by & filed under Real Estate.

If you’re planning to sell your house, you want to get the most value possible for it. Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a bigger home, downsize to a smaller one, or move to a new city, selling your home can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, with some careful planning and preparation, you can make the process smoother and more successful. Here are some tips to help you maximize your home’s value when selling.

Declutter and Organize

Before putting your house on the market, it’s important to declutter and organize your space. Potential buyers want to see a clean and organized home that they can envision themselves living in. Remove any unnecessary items and put away personal belongings such as family photos and keepsakes. Consider renting a storage unit to keep excess furniture and belongings out of sight.

Improve Curb Appeal

First impressions matter and the first thing potential buyers will see is the exterior of your home. Improve your home’s curb appeal by cleaning up the landscaping, painting the front door, and repairing any visible damage. A well-maintained exterior can make your home more appealing and increase its value.

Make Repairs

Before listing your home, make any necessary repairs such as fixing leaky faucets, patching holes in walls, and replacing broken fixtures. These small repairs can make a big difference in how your home appears to potential buyers and can prevent them from asking for costly repairs during the negotiation process.

Neutralize Decor

While your personal style may be unique and expressive, it’s important to neutralize your home’s decor to appeal to a wider range of potential buyers. Remove any bold colors or unique decor and replace them with neutral colors and simple decor. This can help potential buyers envision themselves living in your home and increase the likelihood of a sale.

Upgrade Appliances

If your home has outdated appliances, consider upgrading them before selling. New appliances can make a big impact on potential buyers and increase your home’s value. Additionally, energy-efficient appliances can be a selling point for eco-conscious buyers.

Highlight Home Security

Home security is a top priority for many buyers, so highlight any security features your home has such as a security system or smart locks. This can make your home more appealing and increase its value.

Showcase Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient features such as solar panels, double-paned windows, and insulation can be a selling point for potential buyers. Make sure to highlight any energy-efficient features your home has and how they can save buyers money on energy bills.

Stage Your Home

Staging your home can help potential buyers visualize themselves living in your space. Hire a professional stager or use online resources to help you stage your home for maximum impact. A well-staged home can increase its value and lead to a quicker sale.

Set the Right Price

One of the most important factors in selling your home is setting the right price. Work with a real estate agent or use online resources to determine the fair market value of your home. Be realistic about the price and consider market conditions and comparable homes in your area.

Hire a Professional

Selling your home can be a complex and time-consuming process. Consider hiring a professional real estate agent to help you navigate the process and get the most value for your home. An experienced agent can help you with pricing, marketing, staging, and negotiating, and can save you time and stress in the long run.

Selling your home can be a stressful and overwhelming process, but with some careful planning, preparation, and the right team, you can maximize your home’s value.

4 Ways Technology Has Impacted The Real Estate Industry

Posted by & filed under Good To Know, Real Estate.

Technology shapes the way we live, so it only makes sense that it shapes how we buy and sell real estate. Existing and emerging technologies have been disrupting the real estate industry for years, from your late-night cruising of million-dollar listings to getting approved for a home loan while you binge the latest Netflix series. Technology is driving new and exciting ways for us all to engage with an industry that has historically been a mystery to many. Simply put, it’s easier than ever for home buyers and sellers to find what they need to buy or sell a property thanks to technology.

Here are four ways technology has impacted the real estate industry:

Online Listings & All That Comes With Them

Gone are the days of printed ads in newspapers and magazines. Websites, and apps that make viewing the inventory of an area and see what’s available easy. Couple that with the easily accessible and detailed property descriptions and photos, which can include everything from tax history to local school ratings, and many individuals already have a fair grasp of a property before they ever reach out to an agent, or step foot on the property.

Mobile Apps Accesibility

These days it feels like the world really could fit in the palm of our hands, thanks to mobile apps. Today’s apps are empowering people to own their real estate journey. From helping buyers filter through new properties to easy access to budgeting and other financial services and tools.

E-signing Services & Cloud Integration

Thanks to technology, real estate transactions no longer mean that real estate agents lose time chasing signatures. Our ability to send, share, and sign documents safely are being utilized in a number of ways within the real estate industry, from lending to closing. And, while COVID may have been what pushed the industry to move many in-person exchanges to remote, the ease and efficiency that technology has offered likely mean that, for many, its use is here to stay.

Automation & Consistency

Every job has a host of repetitive tasks that eat away at our days, and realtors, landlords, property managers, and other real estate professionals are no exception. From making it easier to fill out the same form for multiple properties by auto-filling information to automating marketing and messaging. Technologies are allowing real estate professionals to provide their clients, and potential clients, with consistent and informed service that goes above and beyond.

Technology offers buyers, sellers, and real estate pros convenience that is also cost-effective and secure. Allowing for more connection, service, and reach that benefits the real estate industry, and the communities that it serves, as a whole. And, as innovation continues to surge forward we can only imagine how technology will continue to elevate and enrich the real estate industry.

Here at ZYYAH, we are working around the clock to find new and exciting ways to make technology work for homeowners, real estate professionals, and home service professionals alike. Creating stronger communities and empowering homeowners to truly own their home management journey. If you are a homeowner that’s ready to feel supported no matter what your home sends your way, head to the app store and sign up for our free platform today, we can’t wait to help you home best!

3 Reasons Your Real Estate Agent Is Excited About The ZYYAH App

Posted by & filed under Real Estate, Uncategorized.

One question that has driven our team forward in the development of the ZYYAH App and is ‘how can we make it radically simple for homeowners to truly own their home and its’ management?’ While that might leave you scratching your head, wondering what exactly that has to do with your real estate agent, we’re pretty confident that this blog post will calm any doubts that empowering and simplifying the relationships between real estate professionals and their communities will lead to a homeowner experience that’s easier than ever before. After all, Real Estate Professionals are the ones that are helping homeowners further their home journeys every day.

1. Become The Leader Of Their Community

Simply put, a real estate agent makes it a point of staying in the know. If there is a neighborhood that’s about to boom, a painter that can work wonders in your new home, or a home that checks all of your boxes, your Real Estate Pro will know. However, they are only one person, and there are only 24 hours in the day. Which is why the ZYYAH App’s unique ability to leverage and empower connection that already exists, allows ZYYAH Real Estate Pros to elevate Home Service Pros, and Homeowners alike.

A ZYYAH Real Estate Pro’s ability to help guide and mold the local ecosystem within the ZYYAH App positions them as a leader and allows them to easily serve their clients well after any real estate transaction. Ensuring that their clients are only working with the best of the best, and can rest easy knowing that the knowledge and resources that ZYYAH provides ensure that their home life only gets better.

2. No More List Management

Managing email lists, texts, websites, pdfs of service pros, and all the other ways that real estate agents have utilized to maintain and strengthen their relationships with their clients have been helpful but time-consuming and often not sustainable. With the ZYYAH App, they are a thing of the past.

Setting up a ZYYAH Real Estate Pro account takes 5 mins, once a real estate agent has set everything up, they are ready to invite their favorite home service pros to become ZYYAH Service Pros and the rest is history. As ZYYAH Real Estate Pros invite their clients to become Zembers, their ZYYAH Service Pro favorites are provided to their clients, allowing their Zembers to reach out to service pros, they can trust, when they need them most, without any go-between or google searches. Creating a community of trust and ease from day one.

3. Easy Mobile Communications

Chances are that you are reading this on your mobile device and right before you started reading this article you were scrolling on one or more social media apps. Whether we like it or not, our lives are becoming increasingly more and more connected on mobile apps. The importance of mobile grows every day, and trying to maintain contact, and provide continued value to clients after a transaction or service has many real estate pros and home service professionals scrambling. With ZYYAH, Real Estate Pros are able to build a network of trusted relationships, allowing them to maintain contact, utilizing the forms of communication their clients are already utilizing, mobile apps.

As the team at ZYYAH continues to evolve the ways in which the ZYYAH App can support homeowners we are excited to find new and exciting ways to elevate the many ways that our ZYYAH Real Estate Pros and ZYYAH Service Pros strengthen their local community and guide their clients.

Agents, Are You Empowering Your Clients on Their Home Sustainability Journey?

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With more homeowners making the transition to sustainable homes, as real estate agents, being able to support clients on the journey can make a world of difference. Not only has “going green” and sustainability been the theme over recent decades, the demand for sustainable homes is ever-increasing. While most industries see sustainability as a trend needing tending to, you should know that as agents, it is more-than-ever engrained into the fabric of the homeowner society.

Both new and seasoned homeowners are looking to do their part in impacting the earth as well as combating the global climate change crisis. And though it may sound cliché, many are looking to start right where they are, at home. Many believe the myth that sustainable homes are far more costly to purchase than other homes. Yet sustainable homes whether newly developed or revitalized, are still on average running about the same in price as modern homes.

So, how can you empower your clients who want to start on the journey to sustainability? ZYYAH has compiled a few quick recommendations for you. So no matter where your clients are in their sustainability journey, you can easily support them, knowing that with your expertise, you both are making a wider impact. Here’s how:

  1. Know the Facts About Energy Saving – While some clients think it’s more costly to purchase a sustainable home, the energy savings are tremendous in both the short- and long-term. Try crunching numbers in your area to show how energy or resource savings match up to overall costs.
  2. Highlight Green Energy Mortgage Loans – If your partner institution or your clients financial institution offers “Green Energy Loans” or savings on interest rates, it may be well worth it to inquire. Lenders are more aware than ever of the desire for homeowners to go green; which is why several are offering unique rates that serve buyers in the short- and long-term. Do your client a favor and look into it.
  3. Suggest Sustainable Alternatives – If purchasing a sustainable home from the get-go seems like less of an option for your client who desires more sustainable living, empower them with fresh options. Not every home needs to be 100% sustainable to run more efficiently. Gift your clients with coupons to sustainable appliance brands as a thank-you or suggest windows and insulation from energy efficient providers. There are many adjustments clients can make to a home that will do the job!
  4. Share Your Sustainability Expertise – Are there tax benefits or rebates for sustainable homes in your city? Do your research and let your clients know up front. If you’ve taken a sustainability seminar or received a certification to assist your clientele in securing sustainable homes, let them know. This can help encourage a buyer who is on pins and needles about which direction to take. There’s nothing like knowing your agent knows their stuff!
  5. Don’t “Greenwash” a Home – If there’s a home with energy efficient features or a sustainable structure but is not credited as a sustainable home, don’t overdo it. Be upfront with your client and highlight eco-friendly features, improvements, or details as they are. Give them the full spill on what is or isn’t sustainable about a potential property. This leaves room for decisions, and you can even help your client to see value in other aspects of the home if necessary.

ZYYAH knows the demand for sustainability is not going anywhere, and rightfully so! Whether your next client is looking to step into exploring sustainable homeownership or not, we want you to be prepared when the next one is. If you have a pre-existing client who is working on shifting their home to a more sustainable one, or want to gift your newest buyers with some empowering ways to create a more sustainable home at a low cost, provide them with ZYYAH’s free Z-Book: 15 Low-Cost Ways to Create a Sustainable Home! Download it now so you can share it and stay up to speed on small sustainable changes that can make a big difference at home.

DOWNLOAD THE Z-BOOK

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