Navy Fellas Realty Group

Real Estate, Residential sales and purchase

Understanding the Process of Selling a Home Through a Power of Attorney

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What Is a Power of Attorney in Real Estate?
Selling a home involves a lot of paperwork, legal decisions, and sometimes even travel. But what happens when a homeowner isn’t able to handle those responsibilities themselves? That’s where a Power of Attorney (POA) can come into play. A POA is a legal document that gives another person the authority to act on someone else’s behalf in legal or financial matters—such as selling a home.

This can be incredibly useful for homeowners who are elderly, ill, out of the country, or otherwise unavailable to manage the real estate transaction personally. The person granted this authority is called the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact,” and their role is to carry out the sale as if they were the homeowner.

When and Why You Might Use It
There are a variety of situations where selling a home through a Power of Attorney makes sense. For example, if a homeowner is in a hospital or nursing facility and cannot physically attend meetings or sign documents, their agent can handle the sale. Military personnel stationed overseas often use POAs to allow a trusted family member or friend to manage their property back home. It’s also helpful for homeowners relocating for work who need someone else to handle the sale while they transition.

How the Process Works
The first step is creating the Power of Attorney document, which must be signed and notarized according to your state’s legal requirements. It’s crucial to ensure that the POA specifically includes the authority to sell real estate. Some POAs are general and cover broad financial matters, while others are limited to real estate transactions.

Once the POA is in place, the agent can list the property, sign contracts, and attend the closing on behalf of the homeowner. However, most title companies and lenders will require a copy of the POA in advance to review its validity, and some may require it to be recorded with the county before closing.

Important Considerations
It’s important to remember that the agent under a POA has a legal and ethical duty to act in the best interests of the homeowner. Misuse of a Power of Attorney can lead to serious legal consequences. For this reason, the homeowner should only grant this power to someone they fully trust.

Additionally, not all POAs are accepted in every real estate situation. Some title companies or lenders may have specific language or requirements, so it’s a good idea to work with a knowledgeable real estate agent and attorney to make sure everything is set up correctly.

Using a Power of Attorney to sell a home can make the process much smoother for homeowners who are unavailable or unable to manage the sale themselves. With proper planning, clear documentation, and a trusted representative, a POA ensures the transaction moves forward smoothly, even in challenging circumstances.

Small Home Repairs That Can Raise Your Sales Price

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When selling your home, even minor repairs can make a big impact on its value and appeal to buyers. Addressing small issues before listing your property can help you stand out in the market and potentially increase your sales price—without needing to spend much. Here are some small but effective repairs that can help you make a lasting impression on buyers.

1. Fix Leaky Faucets and Plumbing

One of the first things buyers tend to notice during a home tour is how well the property has been maintained. Leaky faucets, slow drains, or minor plumbing issues may seem insignificant, but they can send the wrong message. Potential buyers might assume bigger issues are hanging about beneath the surface.

2. Refresh Paint and Touch Up Scuffs

A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to give your home a facelift. Neutral, light colors are particularly effective because they create a clean, modern look that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Even if repainting entire rooms isn’t necessary, touching up scuffs on walls or trim can go a long way in making your home look well-maintained.

3. Repair Doors and Windows

Buyers pay close attention to the functionality of doors and windows during a showing. Squeaky hinges, drafty windows, or broken locks can raise concerns about the overall condition of the home. Ensuring that all doors and windows open and close smoothly is an easy fix that leaves a strong impression.

4. Patch Up Cracks and Holes

Over time, it’s common for small cracks or holes to appear in walls and ceilings, whether from settling or from removing furniture or picture frames. These minor blemishes can make a home look older and poorly maintained. Patching up cracks or filling in holes is a simple and inexpensive task, but it can make a world of difference when it comes to presenting a polished, move-in-ready home.

5. Update Lighting

Lighting can make or break the ambiance of a home. If your home has outdated or dim lighting fixtures, upgrading to modern ones can give your space a more contemporary feel. Well-lit spaces allow buyers to see the full potential of the home, and brighter rooms tend to photograph better for online listings, attracting more interest.

These small, affordable repairs may not require a huge investment of time or money, but they can significantly impact how buyers perceive your home. In return, you may attract more buyers and maximize your sales price when it’s time to sell.

The Ultimate Guide to Home Staging: Tips for a Quick Sale

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Selling a home can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor and one of the most effective ways to ensure a quick and profitable sale is through home staging. Home staging is the art of presenting your property in the best possible light to attract potential buyers and create a lasting impression. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore a variety of tips and strategies to help you stage your home for a quick and successful sale.

Declutter and Depersonalize:

The first step in home staging is to declutter and depersonalize your space. Remove personal items, excess furniture, and any clutter that may distract potential buyers. Create a clean, neutral canvas that allows buyers to envision themselves living in the home.

Enhance Curb Appeal:

First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see. Boost your home’s curb appeal by maintaining the lawn, trimming bushes, and adding fresh flowers or potted plants. A well-maintained exterior creates a positive impression from the moment buyers arrive.

Neutralize Color Palette:

While you may love bold and vibrant colors, potential buyers might not share the same taste. Consider repainting rooms in neutral tones to create a more universally appealing atmosphere. Neutral colors not only make spaces look larger but also allow buyers to imagine their own furnishings in the home.

Maximize Natural Light:

Natural light can make any space feel brighter and more inviting. Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Replace heavy drapes with light and airy window treatments to create a welcoming ambiance.

Arrange Furniture Thoughtfully:

Arrange furniture in a way that maximizes the flow of each room. Create conversational areas and highlight focal points, such as fireplaces or large windows. Aim for a balanced and spacious feel, avoiding overcrowded or awkward furniture arrangements.

Highlight Key Features:

Showcase the best features of your home. Whether it’s a beautiful fireplace, stunning architectural details, or spacious closets, draw attention to these selling points. Use lighting and strategically placed accessories to accentuate these features.

Invest in Quality Photography:

In today’s digital age, online listings play a crucial role in attracting buyers. Invest in professional photography to showcase your home in the best possible light. High-quality images will capture the attention of potential buyers and encourage them to schedule a viewing.

Create Inviting Spaces:

Make each room feel inviting and functional. Add tasteful accessories like throw pillows, area rugs, and artwork to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Pay attention to details, such as fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit in the kitchen, to add a touch of elegance.

Use Mirrors Strategically:

Mirrors can make spaces appear larger and reflect light. Use mirrors strategically to enhance the visual appeal of rooms, especially in smaller or darker spaces.

Home staging is a powerful tool that can significantly impact the speed and success of selling your home. By following these tips and investing time and effort into presenting your property in the best possible way, you’ll increase the likelihood of attracting motivated buyers and achieving a quick and favorable sale. Remember, the goal is to create a space that resonates with a broad range of potential buyers, allowing them to envision your home as their own.

Autumn Home Staging: How to Set Your Home Up to Match the Warm, Rich Colors of Autumn

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Autumn Home Staging: How to Set Your Home Up to Match the Warm, Rich Colors of AutumnCan you believe that autumn is already here? Autumn is not only a great time to enjoy some cooler weather, but it is also a perfect time to sell a home. If you want to sell your house this autumn, these home staging tips will have buyers pounding down your door.

Improve Your Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is easily the most important factor when it comes to selling a home, and it is even more important in the autumn. Maintaining great curb appeal can be difficult in autumn because of all the falling leaves.

Raking the leaves and planting some autumn flowers will make your home inviting to buyers. You can even add some pumpkins around the porch, if you desire.

Brighten Up The House

The shorter days of autumn make lighting more important when staging a home, because nobody wants to walk into a dark and depressing house. The best way to brighten up any house is by opening the blinds and turning on every light.

While it may not be great for the electric bill, the extra lighting will help the home sell quicker. You can even place some spotlights on the floor behind furniture to brighten up the darker rooms.

Make It Feel Comfortable

There is something about the cooling weather of autumn that makes people want to stay inside. Showing off how comfortable your home is will definitely pique buyers’ interest. A great way to make your home more cozy during a showing is by playing seasonal music and handing out some fresh baked cookies – it adds a personal touch and a subtle sense of coziness.

Accent The Home With Autumn Colors

While it is impossible to change the color scheme of your home to fit the season, you can add some accent colors throughout the house. If you have a neutral colored couch, then you can easily throw some red or orange pillows on it to make it really stand out. Adding some autumn decorations to each room is also a great way to accent your home with autumn colors.

Autumn is an extremely popular time to buy or sell a house, and for good reason. Taking advantage of autumn’s vibrant colors when you stage your home will give your house an irresistible appeal. For more information about how to sell your home in the autumn, or if you’d like to list your home for sale, contact an experienced real estate professional today.

3 DIY Kitchen Upgrades That Will Boost Your Home Selling Price With Just A Few Hours Work

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3 DIY Kitchen Upgrades That Will Boost Your Home Selling Price With Just A Few Hours WorkHomeowners who want to increase the appeal of their residence before putting it up for sale can, within a few hours and with a little elbow grease, perform some do-it-yourself (DIY) kitchen upgrades that are sure to pique the interest of would-be buyers.

Many people either have or are in the process of listing their home, so it makes sense to do as much as possible to attract the interest of prospective purchasers.

It need not cost a proverbial arm and a leg to boost the selling price of a home. Here are three DIY kitchen upgrades that will help homeowners gain a competitive advantage in the real estate market and get attractive offers for their residence.

On-The-Cheap Cabinet Upgrades

For a DIY upgrade project that won’t cost much money and won’t take much time, homeowners should consider revamping their cabinetry, as long as the cabinets are structurally sound. After cleaning them and, if necessary, sanding down any rough spots, homeowners can apply a coat or two of paint and, after the paint dries, install new knobs or handles to finish off the project.

The end result will be a totally transformed kitchen that likely won’t require more than a can of paint, sandpaper, some cleaner and some knobs or handles.

Upgrade Your Countertops

It’s amazing how much of a difference an upgraded countertop can make to the overall look of a kitchen. Homeowners who believe that a new countertop would definitely transform their kitchen have a number of options at their disposal such as buying a new one, tiling over the existing one or repainting the existing one.

Often the easiest of the three options is repainting, since this simply involves sanding the surface, priming it, applying the paint and then applying numerous coats of polyurethane to safeguard the finish.

Transform Your Kitchen Backsplash

While a nice-looking kitchen backsplash can be a plus for would-be home buyers, the fact of the matter is that an ugly backsplash will definitely turn off prospective purchasers.

A cheap and relatively quick way to give a backsplash a new lease on life is to use so-called tile decals that, because of the adhesive they contain, can be pasted over top of existing backsplash tiles. There many different options in terms of styles, colors and concepts, so homeowners will be able to find the perfect option to make their backsplash look as good as new.

Preparing to list a home and get acceptable offers involves ensuring that your home will stack up nicely compared to other homes up for sale in the area. As it turns out, doing some quick and relatively simple kitchen upgrades will help to attract prospective buyers. Tips for performing any of these DIY upgrades can be found either at neighborhood big-box stores or online.

For more information on the real estate market or to get more information on any related topics, call your trusted real estate professional today for a no-obligation consultation.

Flaws You Cannot Hide By Staging Your Home

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Flaws You Cannot Hide By Staging Your HomeWhen you sell your home, you want it look as good as possible. To do this, your real estate agent will help you stage your home or, if needed, help you find a professional to stage your home.

This means de-cluttering your home, re-arranging furniture, and de-personalizing each room.

A staged home is more appealing to buyers and helps to highlight your home’s positive features. However, staging is not meant to cover major flaws in your home. Some things just have to be repaired.

Roof Problems

It doesn’t matter how pretty your home is, your buyer is going to expect you to fix roof problems or adjust your price to cover them. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home.

Cracked Tile

Of course, you can use throw rugs to cover cracks in your tile, but chances are your buyers are going to look under them. Then they may think you are trying to hide a serious problem like a shifting foundation. Save yourself the headache and have your floors fixed.

Broken Windows

You have to expect your buyers to walk around your home checking out the views from the windows. They’re going to notice any cracks. If you have the budget, consider upgrading your windows and making your home more marketable. At the very least, you should have the glass replaced.

Torn Screens

If you have torn screens, your buyers may think you don’t take care of your property. Yet, screens are fairly easy to fix on your own. With the right supplies from your local hardware store, you can have new, sleek screens in less than a day.

As your agent, I will make sure your home is ready to sell fast. Call your trusted real estate professional today.

Pantone Colors: Should You Repaint Before You Sell?

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Pantone Colors: Should You Repaint Before You Sell?Pantone is a universal language of color that you can use to select beautiful colors to paint the home. Interestingly, each year, Pantone selects a color of the year that embodies what’s happening in society. 

In 2021, the Pantone color of the year was awarded to two colors, Illuminating 13-0647 and Ultimate Gray 17-5104. These two colors highlight how two different elements can come together and support each other. This is the thought behind selecting them based on what has occurred over the last year. 

The bold yellow and deeper gray capture feelings of promise, friendliness, and thoughtfulness, which may be a great reason to add those colors to a home. Should homeowners repaint their home in these colors, though, before they sell?

When Psychology Matters, Remember Pantone’s Color of the Year

Pantone’s color of the year is normally the start, or continuation, of a yearly color trend. That can make it an excellent color to incorporate into your home, especially if you are selecting the color based on its meaning. 

However, most people don’t use Pantone colors to completely repaint before selling their homes. Instead, they use the Pantone color of the year to add pops of color or a touch of the modern color palette before putting the home on the market. 

How Can You Incorporate the Pantone Color of the Year?

For example, if a home is already based on a neutral color scheme in grays or blues, adding a pop of the color Illuminating draws the eye. Using yellow as an accent color is a great way to draw attention to impressive parts of the home.

For brighter spaces, toning down the room with a cooler, relaxed gray is a good way to make the space welcoming to those who love color as well as to those who have a more traditional approach to home decorating.

Repainting an entire home in the Pantone color of the year is an option if homeowners need to repaint anyway, but if they don’t, then it could be an expensive option. To reach the most buyers, the better bet is to choose a neutral palette that potential buyers can envision in their own preferred color scheme. 

Tips On Passing Your Home Inspection With Flying Colors

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Tips On Passing Your Home Inspection With Flying ColorsHome inspections are a tense time for everyone. Sellers are passionately hoping that nothing major is wrong with their home that could hold up the transaction.

Buyers are eager to hear that their new house is in prime condition. Whatever the wishes, one thing is for sure; any news from an inspector is usually bad news.

Home inspectors have a tough job. They have to be trained to spot hundreds of potential issues with a home and be knowledgeable of local codes, community restrictions and residential permit parameters.

Stay one step ahead of your home inspector by reading the list of common home inspection issues below. Then hopefully your inspection won’t reveal any unwelcome surprises.

Electrical Wiring

This is a common bubble-busting issue, especially in older homes. Wiring might have been up to code when the home was built, but it now violates code and is a fire hazard.

Look for ungrounded outlets, shoddy wiring or a mass of confusing connections in the electrical panel. Replacing an entire electrical system can be expensive, but it’s worth it not to risk a fire.

Plumbing

Look for signs of water damage in the ceilings. This could be a sign that something above, like a bathtub or sink is leaking into the floor or walls. Look around toilets and inside kitchen cabinets for traces of wet flooring or wood.

While external leaks are easy enough to fix, interior pipes might require you to rip up flooring.

Foundation And Framing

Examine the foundation and framing of your home for any structural issues. You’ll want to keep an eye out for cracking in the foundation due to water runoff or settling. Also, look for signs of wood rot or termite damage.

These issues affect the framing of your home and could cause scary structural problems if left unattended.

Roofing

While it’s probably too difficult for you to inspect the roof yourself, just stand back in the yard and see if you can notice any bare spots. Also, check for water damage around the roofline from rain leaking in. Don’t get too discouraged about roof issues. It might not call for a complete replacement, but just a repair on one section.

These common home inspection issues affect both sellers and buyers. As a buyer, you’ll want to keep a eye out for these problems so that you know what you’d be getting for your hard-earned money.

As a seller, it’s good to stay one step ahead of the home inspector so that whatever price is agreed upon goes through.

Improve Your Curb Appeal This Winter

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Improve Your Curb Appeal This WinterAfter all of the excitement of the holidays, the sparkle of the lights and the overstimulation of decorations, the rest of winter can seem lackluster. Don’t let your home add to the dreariness of the season.

Spruce up your curb appeal with the tips below and inspire your neighbors to create well-groomed street that will make driver’s passing through smile.

Tend The Plants

If you’re currently located in a winter wonderland, then dig up any dead plants that won’t grow back. Replace them with cold-loving flowers, such as snowberry or lambs ear.

In warmer climates, this is the time for any landscaping changes you’d like to make. It will give your plants a chance to flourish by spring and have solid roots before the harsh heat of summer.

Light The Way

With daylight hours dwindling, well-placed outdoor lighting will help highlight your home’s best features in the evening.

Not only do they make your home look warm and cozy, but they also provide much-needed walkway lighting so that your guests arrive safely.

For a festive New Year’s sparkle, wrap white lights around the porch and in the trees.

Create A Custom Mailbox

Reclaim a vintage mailbox or get creative with paint to let the neighborhood know your family’s favorite sports team. A personalized letterbox says a lot about your household, so make it something special that doesn’t look like every other box on the street.

Also, visitors trying to find your home always appreciate large, easy-to-read address numbers visible from both directions.

Place Pots Strategically

Create focal points with terra cotta or colorful pots. Place them around your door to make a cozy entrance. Use evergreens and holly to give the curb appeal of your home a wintry feeling or brighten up a dark doorstep with cheerful pansies.

Paint Your Front Door

Perk up your curb appeal when the weather is dreary by painting your front door in a color that packs a punch. Try a vibrant red, bright blue or sage green. These colors will make your home feel warm and cheerful. However, don’t apply paint if the weather is below 40 degrees, because it will dry brittle and crack.

Steps To Take To Prepare Your Home For Sale

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Steps To Take To Prepare Your Home For SaleOnce you have decided that you want to put your home up for sale, you should start taking the steps necessary to get it ready to go on the market. While some homes may be almost picture perfect and ready for a showing, there are others that may need some work.

It is always a good idea to evaluate the condition of your home as soon as you know you will be selling. Use these steps to not only determine what you need to do but to also guide you through your home sale preparation. 

Tips To Prepare Your Home For Sale

 

  • Have a home inspection done. Many things can be identified that are cosmetic in nature just by taking a walk around the inside and outside of your home. Often times, the best way to detect underlying problems that you will need to fix before selling your home is to rely on a professional home inspector. This is a great way to know exactly what needs to be improved and to avoid uncovering any surprising, and potentially costly, repairs during the commission of the sale. 
  • Make all necessary repairs. Once you know what needs to be done around the home, you should start prioritizing and making the necessary repairs. Some of the repairs may be costly so creating a budget and a plan of action can help you stay organized and efficient as you make these necessary improvements. 
  • Clean up the yard. If your home has a yard, it should look clean and tidy. You do not need to have the whole yard professionally landscaped but mowing the lawn and removing any unsightly tree limbs or shrubbery will help with the curb appeal and first impression of your property.
  • Clean up the exterior and interior of the home. It is essential that your home is clean and tidy as well so that your real estate agent can take quality pictures that will appeal to the most buyers and for your home to be ready for showings. If you are residing in the property, you should remove any personal effects, such as photos. This can make it easier for potential buyers to imagine this space as their own. You will also want to make sure to avoid clutter including dirty dishes or laundry. The home should not look lived in because you want the viewers to be able to see themselves living in the property. 
  • Consider adding new paint. It is amazing how much of a difference a new coat of paint can do for a property. You may want to consider painting all of the interior rooms as well as the exterior of the home. Fresh paint is an easy way to present a clean, fresh face-lift for your property. Keep in mind that neutral tones in paint color will appeal to the most buyers. 

As you can see, there are quite a few things that need to happen before a property is ready to go on the market. Your trusted Real Estate Professional can guide you through this process and offer additional tips to help you achieve a successful home sale in your area.