Cressy & Everett Real Estate Blog
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26
Sellers: Does Your House Make the Smart Home Grade?
You've remodeled the bathrooms, upgraded the kitchen and put up a fresh coat of paint on every wall. Your landscape is lush, your garage door is brand new and your home's curb appeal is enough to catch the eye of any passerby. What more could a prospective buyer ask for when looking at South Bend homes for sale?
Although the traditional advice for home sellers preparing to list their property has always revolved around updating the kitchen, bathrooms, and exterior, today's real estate market is full of buyers who crave a contemporary upgrade that requires much more than new windows and doors.
Technology from Wall to Wall
Technology has been integrated into nearly every aspect of our lives, including our homes. Products small and large now come with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities. Appliances and devices are designed with complex computer systems that enable us to control these resources by voice, with a single touch, or even remotely from miles away. These innovations dramatically change the way we engage and interact with our homes.
19
What's SUP? Where to Paddleboard and Kayak Around Berrien County
The weather has been absolutely beautiful in Saint Joseph lately, just right for a day on the water! And with miles and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Berrien County is the perfect place for a kayak or paddleboard adventure. Check out some of our real estate agents' favorite paddling spots in the area.
- Silver Beach County Park - 101 Broad St., Saint Joseph, MI
Located right in the heart of St. Joseph, Silver Beach County Park marks the spot where the Saint Joseph River meets Lake Michigan and offers excellent paddling opportunities on both. You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards in the park, and explore 2,450 feet of Lake Michigan frontage or make your way upriver. The park is located near numerous Saint Joseph homes for sale and offers a lovely beach, fishing pier, and picnic areas.
12
When to Consider an Income-Earning Home Purchase
While some people buy homes as investment property to supplement their income, others are making it their sole source of income. Additionally, income-earning home purchases are taking on different forms as homebuyers are becoming more creative with exactly how they use their new digs to gain wealth.
With so many competitive South Bend homes for sale, there's no doubt that there's an income-earning home just waiting to be purchased, but when should you consider an income-earning home or investment property? Let's take a look.
- Rental Property
Rental property is probably the number-one way buyers are getting into income-earning homes. In relatively high turnover areas such as large cities and areas near colleges, rental property can be a wise long-term investment for the savvy investment property owner.
Unfortunately, many rental property investors initially forget the fact that with rental property comes a number of issues, including finding renters, upkeep, maintenance, and making sure bills are paid, all while realizing an income. If you're looking to purchase strictly for rental property, make sure you establish a business entity and speak with your CPA or financial advisor first.
5
Fore! Celebrate National Golf Month Around South Bend
If you're looking for a reason to clear off your calendar and clean off your cleats, then make sure to mark August 1st on your calendar. While you're at it, since you work hard all year long, you should go ahead and mark the whole month off. August is National Golf Month and that's all the reason you need to take a break and give yourself the gift of some "me" time on the course. It's your opportunity to explore the region's best courses and ponder which of the fabulous South Bend homes for sale you want to put an offer down on.
- Notre Dame's Warren Golf Course - State Road 933, South Bend, IN 46601
Easily one of the most beautiful courses in the state, the Warren Golf Course is as challenging as the courses taught at the university. Over the past 20 years, the course has earned a reputation as one of the best collegiate courses in America.
29
Storage Unit to the Rescue: How to Declutter to Help Sell Your Home
It's difficult if not impossible to sell a cluttered home. When looking for South Bend homes for sale, a disorganized home can turn off prospective buyers. Many are unable to see past the surface clutter to the infinite possibilities of the space.
That's why most South Bend real estate agents recommend that before homeowners list their properties, they first declutter their living spaces and consider renting a storage unit to hold some of their household goods.
Decluttering to Sell
Everyone has different levels of tolerance for the amount of clutter they can live with, so it's important that you defer to your agent's expertise in this assessment. He or she has a vested interest in moving your property quickly and for the highest selling price, so if the agent suggests decluttering and storing household items, heed their advice.
Homes without clutter appear larger. Most industry leaders suggest that when staging a home for sale, about 30 percent of the furnishings and contents should disappear. Because family photos and pet items are so owner-specific, it's better to (temporarily) part with these so potential buyers can more easily picture themselves and their belongings in the home.
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