Eli Allen - Realtor

⁣Wrapping up our weekly for National Homeowners Month, we're heading into the living room for a few helps and hacks that will make your living room come alive this summer:⁣⠀
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1. Make furniture do double- or triple-duty. For example, a small ottoman can be extra seating, a personal tabletop, and extra storage all at the same time.⁣⠀
2. Hang them high. Placing curtains high above the windows will give the illusion of higher ceilings. -The change is small but dramatic. Give it a try!⁣⠀
3. Splurge on fresh flowers. It may seem extra, but when you can, snag a bouquet for the living room. Extend their beauty by replacing the water daily. Another trick? Use ice cubes in the vase instead of water. Flowers like the chilly temp.⁣⠀
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How do you keep your living room functional and beautiful? Share your top living room tip in the comments. ⠀
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⁣⁣It’s cliche advice, but it’s really, really good advice. And it’s all wrapped up in one little word (repeated three times, of course): Location, location, location! It’s true. Location is the #1 feature to consider when looking for a home. It trumps:⁣⠀
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-Square footage⁣⠀
-Bed/bath count⁣⠀
-Upgrades⁣⠀
-Outdoor living areas⁣⠀
-Neighborhood amenities⁣⠀
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Why? Two reasons: ⁣⠀
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-Because it's huge in determining your home’s value over time. You're likely better off down the road having an average house in a great location than having the best house in a less-in-demand location.⁣⠀
-That 5-digit zip code ain’t gonna change. The kitchen? You can change that. Flooring? That too. But the address. Nope. That’s the same forever and always.⁣⠀
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Buying soon and curious to see a handful of “locations” in our town? DM me — I’d be happy to show you some of our most established neighborhoods and a few that are up-and-coming. ⠀
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The appraisal came in low. Now what? ⁣
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First, don’t stress. There are lots of things you can control in the buying process, but one you can’t? Where that appraisal comes in. Take a deep breath and remember, an appraisal is good — it’s there to keep you from overpaying on a home.⁣
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So what to do when the number is punier than your purchase price? Here are your options:⁣
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- Appeal it.⁣
- Ask for a second appraisal.⁣
- Negotiate the purchase price with the seller.⁣
- Find more cash to bring to the table.⁣
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Now, sellers, listen up; unless you’ve got a cash offer, a low appraisal could be a full stop to your selling plans. Help your home appraise for top dollar by: ⁣
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- Providing the appraiser a list of your offers (if you receive multiple ones) to prove the price was right.⁣
- Cleaning and decluttering to have your home looking its best.⁣
- Being present at the appraisal to point out your home’s features (subtly, of course!).⁣
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Save this post for later, and let me know if you want to talk more about buying or selling this summer. I’d love to connect!

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