How to Buy a House: A Beginner’s Guide

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Congratulations! You’re pretty sure you’re ready to buy a house. You’ve done some research and you’ve been scoping out houses available in your area online. Great! So what comes next?

Buying a home is a REALLY big step — probably the biggest financial move you’ll make — and it can come with a lot of anxiety and questions. Luckily, here at RealtyHive, this is something we do Every. Single. Day. Here’s a  REALLY simplified version of the home buying process in a perfect, simplea(and often typical) transaction.

1) Get Pre-Approved

Before you even think about talking to an agent, you’ll want to talk to a few mortgage lenders about what you’re looking for and what you can afford. It’s a good idea to talk to at least three different lenders: one from a bank, one from a credit union, and one from a mortgage lending institute. This is one of the biggest steps in the process so it’s a good idea to have a little background before you set these meetings up. Check out Home Loans 101 to learn everything you were never taught about home loans in school. 

2) Find an Agent

There’s often a debate on whether or not you need to use an agent when selling a home, but when it comes to buying, the answer is clear. You need to use an agent. Among the other benefits (Check out this article on why you need a Buyer’s agent), you won’t pay anything for their services and they’ll guide you along during the process. 

BONUS: RealtyHive has a new program called Cashifyd that pairs you with a local agent who will show you homes, give you advice, and give you a cash back credit on your closing costs (saving you money)!

3) Find Contender Properties

Your agent will likely set you up with a listing cart from their MLS (an agent-only portal that shows the info on all available properties in your area). You’ll be able to set filters like number of bedrooms, bathrooms, size, location, and others to narrow down your selections. If you’re interested in possibly seeing “For Sale by Owner” properties, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for those as they won’t show in your listing cart. When you find a property you want to see, tell your agent and they’ll set up a showing for you. 

4) Visit Properties & Fall in Love

Depending where you live and where you’re looking to buy, the market could have a plethora of properties that meet your criteria or you may be looking for awhile. If you find “the one” right away, great!, but don’t feel obligated to write an offer on a home you’re not completely sure of just because you’ve been looking for awhile. It’s important to remember that things like landscaping and paint colors can be changed easily, but major repairs and permanent features (like location) are deciding factors. 

5) Make Your Offer

Again, depending where you are and what you’re looking at, you might be the only offer the property receives or you may be one of several offers. This is where having an agent is vital. They can help you make a compelling offer and make sure you include the things that are important to you (like having inspections). You’ll sit down with them and complete the multi-page offer that covers everything from purchase price (including earnest money) to contingencies to timelines. 

5) Offer is Accepted

In the best case scenario, your offer is accepted outright. It could also be rejected or the sellers could counter your offer to try to get a more amicable deal. Assuming the offer is accepted, you are now one (major!) step closer to being a homeowner. 

6) Get Your Checkbook Ready

From this point on, things move pretty quickly. First you’ll need to submit your earnest money. This is a like a downpayment to the seller that says “I’m serious enough to put this down” Your earnest money will come back to you as a credit on the closing statement or refunded to you if the deal falls apart due to contingencies outlined in your offer, but be aware that you could lose your earnest money if you back out of the deal for no good reason. 

7) Get on the Phone

While you’re basking in the excitement of your accepted offer, there’s a few things you need to accomplish. First, you’ll need to talk to your insurance agent. You need to prove that the home is insurable and they can get the paperwork rolling on that. They’ll need to provide this to your mortgage lender and you’ll have to pay one year of homeowners insurance before closing. The next thing you’ll (most likely) need to do is schedule inspections. Depending on what type of inspections your wrote into your offer, you could be looking at scheduling a few different inspection ranging from a general home inspection to a well and septic test to a radon test. You’ll want these to be scheduled as quickly as possible so that you don’t miss any of the following deadlines (which could cause the deal to fall apart). You’ll also let you lender know that you found a home and have an accepted offer, but be sure to tell them to NOT schedule the appraisal if you’re waiting on inspections. Also during this time a floodplain check will be done by the lender. This is to ensure that the home is not in a floodplain area and you can often get out of your offer if you do not like the results of this check. 

8) Have the Lender Schedule Appraisal

If you’ve got your inspections done and you’re still wanting to proceed with the purchase, it’s time to let your lender know to schedule the appraisal. This inspection is a little different than the inspections you just had done. You can learn more about appraisals in Appraisal, Assessments, and Inspections. 

9) Money, Money, Money

When the property appraisal comes back at or above the purchase price, it’s loan commitment time. There’s nothing you need to do here, but you should be aware that this is going on. Shortly after this, your lender will let you know exactly how much money you need to bring to closing. Be aware that there are costs outside of whatever you offered on the property that you will be responsible for. These can include tax escrow, title fees, appraisal fees, and more.

10) Final Walk Through

A day or a few days before closing, you’ll get your chance for a final walkthrough. This is your last chance to make sure everything is in (roughly) the same condition as when you put in your offer. Keep in mind that minor wear and tear can happen and that if you’re planning on getting out of your offer at this time, you should have a really good reason or you’ll almost certainly be forfeiting your earnest money. 

11) Closing Time

On closing day, you’ll meet with your agent, your lender and the representative of the title company to sign papers. You’ll give them the closing cost money (your lender will provide the mortgaged amount) and sign many papers. After that you’ll get the keys. 

Congratulations, you are now a homeowner!

Simple, right?! Let us know of any questions you have in the comments section below or check out some of the amazing properties for sale now on RealtyHive!

How to Buy International Real Estate

/5 Comments/in , /by

A beautiful Bahamian bungalow or a Spanish seaside condo? An apartment in Toronto or a modern house in Ecuador? 

Once you find the international property you want, you’ll know. But then what?

Countries Where Americans Can’t Buy Real Estate

Vietnam is the only country where you flat-out cannot buy a property. This is because all land is owned collectively — even native Vietnamese citizens cannot own property.

However, there are a few countries where, while not impossible, it’s pretty tricky for a US citizen to buy real estate overseas.

  • Greece: A bit easier if you’re part of the EU, not so much if you’re an American. The birthplace of Rome has tons of zoning restrictions due to its archaeological history. Mortgages in Greek are also notoriously hard to come by.
  • Thailand: The only way a foreigner can own land in Thailand is if they form a corporation, which requires 51% ownership from Thai nationals.
  • Mexico: Probably the least tricky of the four, but purchased land must be in an unrestricted zone.

Best Countries for Buying International Real Estate

There are a lot, but Belize is pretty popular for US citizens. It’s a gorgeous country with phenomenal beaches and marine life, it’s not too far from the states (less than 2½ hours flying from Houston, direct!), and it’s an English-speaking country.

Paying for International Real Estate

Nearly always, you’ll need enough money to buy the property outright (or enough to almost buy it outright). Financing is typically challenging or met with insanely high-interest rates.

What to Look for in a Foreign Property

Just like buying in the US, you want a property in good condition and in a solid location (or at least, a location that meets your needs). 

However, you also want to make sure you’re buying a freehold property (a property that you own entirely and that you have rights to use as you please, as long as it’s in accordance with the law).

Buying a freehold property isn’t always possible, and that doesn’t have to spell impending doom. Just know what you’re getting into and understand the limits in place for a property that’s not freehold.

Who to Hire When Buying Foreign Property

Here’s who to assemble when buying property overseas:

  • Local lawyer: Someone local to the area where you’re buying.
  • US accountant: Someone who specifically has experience in international real estate (if they have experience with your country of preference, even better).
  • Local real estate agent: Use RealtyHive to find an agent — we can find an experienced agent in practically any location.

What to Use Foreign Property for

Most often, people use foreign properties for vacation or rental purposes. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t relocate to a new destination — we applaud your adventurous spirit!

Some people even purchase land abroad solely for protective purposes. If buying near a coral reef or forest, you could speak to the local authorities about conservation efforts. Whenever we have the means to help the environment, we should do what we can.

Beginning to look for international real estate? Check our overseas listings! Ready to make a purchase? Let us help you find an agent! Get started on buying property overseas today with RealtyHive.

Dog Laws & Home Ownership: What You Need to Know

/0 Comments/in , /by

You’ve lived in cramped apartments where having a dog wouldn’t make sense. You upgraded to a beautiful condo annnnnd unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed.

Finally, the moment has come. You’re buying a house! You can get as many dogs as you want now! You can open up your own rescue if you wanted? Right?

Surprisingly, the answer is no. Even as a homeowner, your dog ownership capabilities are more limited than you might think.

Number of Dogs

Buying a house out in the country with lots of land? The sky is pretty much your limit with how many dogs you can own. That’s not the case in many cities, where there are restrictions on how many dogs live in a household. Here are a few examples

  • In Holland, MI only two dogs are allowed per household. A man spent 90 days in jail for refusing to give up one of his three dogs.
  • The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in favor of a neighborhood law that homeowners could have one to three dogs.
  • Homeowners can have no more than four weaned dogs in Long Beach, CA.

Before you buy a house, check the area’s laws if you have more than two dogs, just to play it safe.

Kennel License

Kennel licenses are often thought of for breeders or doggie daycare owners, but that’s not always the case. Some cities require homeowners to get a special kennel license if they own more than four or five dogs. You might have to pay a few hundred dollars each year. Check this table to see each state’s laws (and how much you’ll owe).

Homeowner’s Insurance

Unless you buy a house in Michigan or Pennsylvania, homeowners insurance companies could deny you coverage, solely because of your dog’s breed. These are some of the breeds that are sometimes flagged by insurance companies:

  • Pitbull
  • Doberman
  • German Shepherd
  • Rottweiler
  • Huskie
  • Chow Chow
  • Great Dane
  • Akita
  • Wolf hybrids
  • Boxer

Some of those breeds are actually banned in cities as well. Keep in mind, simply having a dog might up your insurance costs — even if Fido is not one of the breeds listed above.

Fencing

The HOA will often have limits on the type of fencing you can have. In some cases, they might require you to have an underground, electric fence — even if you weren’t planning on installing one. The HOA typically has rules on the height, material, and possibly even color of your fence. It’s a good practice to check into HOA laws before buying a house, regardless of owning a dog.

Overall Costs

It’s already expensive to buy and own a house. Considering the kennel licenses, higher insurance premiums, and fence installation costs, it’s pretty clear to see that owning a dog ups your expenses even more. Make sure to factor all of this in when budgeting for buying a house.

Owning a dog is one of the greatest parts of life for many adults. The same goes for owning a house. Having both at the same time is borderline (collie) heavenly, and it’s certainly attainable. But as you’re looking for homes through RealtyHive, make sure you follow up with dog laws in the area before you buy a house, a dog, or both.

woman's arms while working on computer

Why You Should Get Licensed in Multiple States

/0 Comments/in , /by

For some agents, getting licensed in more than one state makes perfect sense. Agents who work in Kansas City or St. Louis, Missouri may often find themselves crossing state lines into Kansas or Illinois on a daily basis, for example. But if you’re miles from the state line, does it still make sense to hold a Real Estate Salesperson license in more than one state? Here are some things to consider.

Important note: You should consult legal counsel before becoming involved in a transaction in another state. Failure to observe the law may result in loss of commission or even jeopardize your license. The following guide is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be taken as legal advice.

You Might Get More Than Expected

While many states license their real estate agents on an individual state basis, many states allow for licensing reciprocity, meaning that while you have to apply for that state’s license (and usually take the state test), you won’t have to retake the coursework.

Other states have what is called portability, meaning that you can work as an agent in their state to some extent, but this can vary from requiring you to have a co-brokerage agreement with a broker licensed in that state (Cooperative States) to only allowing you to remotely help your client while you’re located in the state you’re licensed in (Physical Location States). Having more state licenses opens up more states you are able to work in.

It Frees You Up to Move

Being licensed in multiple states gives you more freedom to move yourself. Sure, if you decide to make a planned move you can always choose a state with reciprocity or pay to go through the licensing process in your new state, but that can cost both time and money. This can be especially useful for practicing real estate professionals who have seasonal homes where they live in one area for 4-6 months and another for the rest of the year. Rather than taking a hiatus from real estate (and the income it provides), being licensed in both states allows you to continue working while living the lifestyle you want in the location of your choice.

You Can Work in Turf States

There are four US states that do not allow out of state agents or brokers to conduct any business in their state either in person or remotely. These include Nebraska, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Utah. The only way to work with a client in these states is to refer them to an agent/broker who is licensed in that state or to be licensed there yourself.

Things to Consider

Nothing about being licensed to practice real estate in another state prepares you for paying income tax in another state. As an independent business owner, you already know how important a good tax professional is, so you’ll want to consult a knowledgeable professional before you get started to save yourself future headaches.

Some states have more reciprocity than others. California does not allow licensed agents from any other state to apply for a California real estate license without completing California coursework, but Colorado is the opposite by allowing reciprocity for an agent from any US state to apply. Some states allow just neighbors, while others have scattered reciprocity states through the country.

Real estate is a great career path for those looking to create their own opportunities and set their own schedules and being licensed in multiple states can help to further that goal.

Long-Term Tenant or Vacation Rental Property: Which Is Best?

/4 Comments/in /by

Before buying an investment property, you need to know the type of rental you’ll turn it into. While both types have their pros and cons, vacation rentals and long-term tenant rentals are drastically different.

Even if you think you have your mind made up, some further review and reflection won’t hurt. Take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of buying a vacation rental property or a long-term rental.

Long-Term Tenant RentalVacation Rental
PROS
– More consistent income
– Won’t have to worry about constantly finding renters
– Only have to pay for cleaning in between renters (about once a year)		PROS
– “Bad” renters only stay for a few days
– Not allowing pets won’t hurt your potential for renters
– Can have some downtime if there’s an off-season
CONS
– Could be a smaller profit margin
– Some cities require rent control
– Defects/issues may take longer to find out about (since you’re not in the property as often)		CONS
– Not allowed in all areas
– Downtime/off-season means no profit
– Will pay more for maintenance and cleaning
– Have to furnish

Long-Term Tenant Rentals

A long-term tenant rental is a property you lease out for a person or people to live in. Your property becomes their primary residence and they pay you to rent.

Pros

Consistent income: When successful, you’ll have very little downtime (unlike a vacation rental property that might have an off season). It’s nice knowing you can count on the same amount of rent each month.

Less turnover: Once you have tenants with a lease, you won’t have to worry about finding a new renter for months (if not a year or longer). Having to constantly find or market for renters is stressful — the less you have to deal with this, the better.

Spend less on cleaning: You really only have to hire professional cleaners between renters, or maybe annually if your renters are staying longer than a year. The renters are primarily responsible for keeping your place clean, which is not the case in a vacation rental.

Cons

(Potentially) smaller profit margin: Charging per month instead of per day significantly lowers how much you’re making each day with a long-term rental. For example, a vacation rental might cost $150 a night, but a long-term rental might be $900 a month — $30/day.

However, we say “potentially” because vacation rentals often won’t have visitors for months when there’s an off season. Depending on your circumstances, a long-term rental could still net an equal (or even greater) profit.

Dealing with rent control: Some cities put a cap on the amount you can charge for rent (New York is famous for this). If that’s the case, you can’t raise your rates, even if they keep up with the rising cost of living.

Issues take longer to find out about: Vacation rentals require more frequent attention. Things like a leaky faucet or a broken tile become apparent much faster when you’re around the property more often (which means they can be fixed much faster, too).

Vacation Rentals

A vacation rental property is an investment property that you use solely for (you guessed it) vacationing guests — picture Airbnb and VRBO rentals. While some rentals are available all year round, many vacation properties have an “on” season and an off season — they’re often only rented out for part of the year.

Pros

Bad renters are temporary: Problematic renters only stay in your property for a short amount of time, likely never to return. With a long-term rental, you run the risk of having awful tenants for an entire lease. Even if you get bad renters, most companies offer coverage that protects you, the property owner.

Downtime: Some people enjoy having several months off the clock. This, however, is also a drawback, as your property won’t make money in the off season.

Don’t have to worry about pets: Not allowing pets can hurt property owners with long-term rentals by limiting the tenant pool. As most people don’t bring pets on vacation, you won’t have to worry about this.

Cons

Not allowed in all areas: Some condos and cities prohibit turning your property into a vacation rental or have strict restrictions on how you can rent it out.

Higher maintenance cost: Much of your profit will turn over to cleaning and maintenance companies.

Furnish: Expect to pay thousands more for setting up and designing your vacation rental property than a long-term rental. Furniture, appliances, and decor are all expected upon guest’s arrival.

Between a long-term and vacation rental property, which is the better investment? That’s up to you to decide. But the great news is that no matter what type of investment property you’re looking for, you can find it on RealtyHive! Search through our listings and begin growing your investment real estate portfolio today.

How to Decide Where to Live

/0 Comments/in , /by

Maybe it was a breakup. Maybe you no longer want to live in the city you grew up in. Maybe you’re simply feeling restless. Maybe you just don’t want to shovel your driveway anymore!

No matter the reason, this blog is here to help figure out where to move next. Sure, you can throw a dart at a map of the US, but we figure going through the best places to live in the US might provide just a skosh more stability.

Moving Based on Climate

It’s true what they say — the grass is always greener. Desert folks want to escape the heat and see some beautiful greenery. Landlocked people want an ocean breeze. Here are some great places to live in the US based on climate:

Desert

Arizona is popping off right now, and for a good reason. The warm winters are what dreams are made of, and if you’re burning up in the desert, cool off just 2-3 hours north in Sedona and Flagstaff to cool off.

Phoenix and Tucson have tons of hiking trails to behold. Scottsdale is known for its trendy restaurants and great nightlife. Plan your move in the middle of a snowy January and we’re pretty sure you’ll never look back.

Ocean

If you think living near the beach can only exist as a pipe dream, you’re blissfully mistaken. To be sure, it’s a little pricier. But if you can’t manage to own a home in Hawaii or Beverly Hills just yet, consider somewhere that’s a hop, skip, and a jump from the ocean.

Brawley, CA is just barely two hours away from San Diego. Lake Arrowhead is an hour and 40 minutes from Santa Monica — plus, this beautiful lake will surely suffice when you can’t make it to the ocean.

Mountains

As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, people flock to Colorado in droves. While there’s nothing wrong with moving to this progressive and scenic state, there’s a city that’s less expensive and with equally stunning views — if not even better mountainous vistas.

Meet Livingston, Montana. An hour outside Yellowstone National Park, this city is surrounded by gorgeous mountains and rivers with great restaurants. It’s perfect for small-town living but attracts some big names — John Mayer has a place just 8 minutes away in Paradise Valley, MT.

Moving Based on City

New York, LA, Boston, Seattle — these cities are popular destinations for a reason. But there are plenty of smaller, lesser-known cities that deserve time in the spotlight:

  • Lincoln, NE is #9 on Livability’s 2019 list of most livable cities in the US.
  • Salt Lake City, UT has great restaurants and an incredible public transit system.
  • Milwaukee, WI is a bustling city — if it’s too bustling for you, settle in a nearby suburb like Waukesha or Pewaukee that has its own vibe.
  • Grand Rapids, MI is right on the water and has amazing historic neighborhoods.

Moving Based on Accessibility

Living in a rural place and dreaming of convenience? While the city might be too big for your next step (and that’s perfectly fine), imagine the convenience of nearby international airports, multiple grocery stores, and shopping centers.

Goodyear, AZ is 30 to 45 minutes from the Phoenix airport (Sky Harbor International) but has tons of shopping areas in close proximity. West Allis, WI is not even 15 minutes from downtown Milwaukee. Practically any suburb outside a bigger city will be a huge step up in convenience and accessibility.

Moving Based on Feeling

Countless people read about a city in a book or saw a place on TV and can’t get it out of their heads. While some might think it’s crazy to move based on instinct, we’re inclined to disagree. When you’re drawn to a location, you should honor your feelings and look into the possibility at the very least.

But here’s what we would recommend:

  • Check out the place first. Take a trip and see what you think.
  • Take your time, and don’t act too rashly. It’s super romantic to think about packing it all up and leaving. This quickly wears away if you get to a foreign place without a job or home lined up.
  • Consider others. Having a spouse or kids means you absolutely have to honor their needs. Moving at this point in time might not do that, but it doesn’t mean you’ll never get there.
  • Examine your “why.” Are you moving because you’re ready for a change, or because you’re running away? We’re not saying you’re wrong if your answer is the latter, but it’s something to think about. Know that your problems don’t magically disappear just because you’re in a new location.

When you’re ready to call a new place home, make RealtyHive your first step. Our listings are among the best places to live in the US, from places that are up-and-coming to homes that are practically off the grid. Find your new home with RH!

What Is a Reverse Mortgage (And Is It a Good Idea)?

/0 Comments/in , /by

Ever heard of a reverse mortgage? It’s a murky term for most folks (even homeowners). Take a look at this lending option (and whether or not it’s a good idea).

What is a reverse mortgage?

In a traditional mortgage, you’ll take a loan from the bank to pay for your house, and will pay the bank back in monthly payments.

A reverse mortgage essentially pays the homeowner by giving access to their home’s equity. 

Here are some things to consider:

  • Only available for homeowners 62 or older.
  • Converts your home’s equity into cash.
  • Eliminates existing mortgage — the money remaining on the mortgage is yours to use however you like.
  • Instead of making monthly loan payments, the loan’s interest is applied to your reverse mortgage.
  • When it’s due, you pay all at once, either by selling your house or paying for it outright.
    • A reverse mortgage is due either when a borrower sells their house, passes away, or lives outside their house for a year.
  • Your family can keep the home by paying off your loan balance or paying 95% of the home’s value.

Why do people get a reverse mortgage?

The biggest reason people take out a reverse mortgage is to gain capital for retirement purposes. People are staying in their homes longer than ever before and spending more time in retirement as a result. Taking out extra equity from your home can supplement retirement, but not without a cost.

How long does a reverse mortgage last?

Unlike a typical 30-year mortgage, there’s no set term for a reverse mortgage. The mortgage must be repaid when a borrower moves out of their house for a year, sells the house, or passes away. The average time of repayment is 7 years, but again, this varies for every borrower.

What are the risks of a reverse mortgage?

There are quite a few. It might sound great to get a bunch of cash upfront, but paying off the reverse mortgage either requires selling your house or paying for your home’s value all at once years down the road.

Oftentimes, a reverse mortgage hits the borrower’s family members the hardest. When a borrower passes away or the loan is due, their family will need to pay for the loan or deal with selling the house. A reverse mortgage is a bit of a “pay the consequences later” financial decision.

Not to mention, reverse mortgages have unfortunately received an unsavory reputation. For decades, this type of loan preyed on the elderly (an already vulnerable population) by saying this was an easy way to get more money and still live in their home. 

Many people bought into this concept without understanding how much they would have to pay back later on. If a sudden health issue forces a homeowner to an assisted living community, the loan will need to be repaid in 12 months — not leaving anything for bills.

Is a reverse mortgage ever a good idea?

The answer is different for every person, but there are a few situations in which it could work. If a homeowner is set on selling their home and there is zero chance they’ll live anywhere but their home until they pass away, they could take advantage of that equity in the meantime.

Is it possible to owe more on a reverse mortgage than what a home is worth?

Only if the reverse mortgage is not federally insured. As long as it’s federally insured, a homeowner never pays more than the value of the home — the FHA covers the difference.

While a reverse mortgage is an option, you might have a better time selling your home and downsizing. If that’s the case, RealtyHive is here to help. Check out our properties for sale and secure your finances without having to take out a reverse mortgage.

Home Staging for the Holidays

/2 Comments/in , , /by

Can home staging with holiday decorations help you sell?

As the holiday season approaches, home sellers wonder what to do with their holiday decor. Does stringing up holiday lights make your home stand out or will it turn a buyer off? Should you hang your stockings with care or keep them in storage as one less thing to pack? Will seasonal decorations distract a potential buyer from your granite counter tops or will it draw their eye to your Craftsman-style built-ins? 

According to REALTOR.com, 92% of realtors advise putting out some sort of decorations when trying to sell your home during the holidays. This home staging can range from putting out only non-religious seasonal decor (think snowflakes and ice skates) to putting out everything, including religious items like mangers or menorahs. When it comes to deciding what to do for your particular home, geography and local culture should be your guide.

Regardless of the specific type of decor you choose to use, here are a few tips home staging tips to make your place shine during a holiday-season open house.

home staged for holidays

Use the senses to your advantage

Scent is the sense most closely tied to memory and home sellers can use this to their advantage. Baking cookies is always a hit as it will make your kitchen smell divine. Use pre-made cookie dough so you won’t have dirty dishes to deal with and pop them in the oven just before the open house or showing begins to set a homey vibe.

Another tip is to light some seasonally-scented candles. The candlelight will bring a romantic flair to your rooms while the scent will add to the experience you’re creating. If you decide to set up an artificial Christmas tree, you may want to consider using a scent stick (available where most holiday decorations are sold) to really drive home the holiday smells, although be cautious of going overboard with this.

Assess your outdoor lighting

While you don’t need to string up lights (although you can if you’d like), you are going to need to make sure you have adequate lighting outside. As the hours of sun per day decreases, buyers are more likely to see your home in the dusk/dark so you want to make sure to have good lights. Not only will this help to showcase your property, it’s a necessary safety precaution.

A good rule of thumb is to use at least a 60-watt bulb, although if you have two fixtures together you can get by with 40-watt bulbs. These will provide enough light to show off your home without looking too bright or out of place. If your home is in a more remote area or you need additional light, consider using up to 120-watt bulbs in a floodlight fixture to really make your house shine.

Showcase the features of your home

The holiday season is the perfect time to showcase the special areas and features of your home. While you wouldn’t use your fireplace in the middle of August, lighting it up in December reminds buyers how nice a warm hearth can be. Have a built-in sound system? Show it off by softly playing some seasonal music. Have a lovely formal dining room? Set the table as if you were hosting a fancy dinner party complete with place settings and wine glasses. A little staging can go a long way to up the coziness factor throughout the home and provide the “wow” factor buyers are looking for.

While home staging isn’t required during any time of the year, it’s almost always a good idea. A trusty real estate agent can be a wonderful resource to help you find just the right amount of staging to draw in the best offers. Want to free up a little more cash for the holidays? Find agents who offer cash back to sellers through Cashifyd!

RealtyHive vs. Concierge Auctions

/2 Comments/in , /by

Whether buying or selling your home, you want to get the best possible deal. A real estate auction is an amazing and innovative way to do that. But between Concierge Auctions and RealtyHive, which is the better real estate auction company?

It might seem counterintuitive to write about our competition but ultimately, we want every buyer or seller to feel confident in the company they choose. Read on as we weigh out your home auction options.

RealQuick: What are real estate auction companies?

You might have an idea just from perusing our site, but we’re happy to break things down for any first-time guests (welcome, by the way!). A real estate auction company works with sellers, buyers, and real estate agents to help a home sell at a live auction (sometimes called a time-limited event).

Feel free to look through our buying and selling pages to find even more benefits, but at the very least, hopefully you better understand what a real estate auction company does.

How RealtyHive and Concierge Auctions Are Similar

Purchasing Time Frame

For both real estate auction companies, buyers can purchase a property at or before the event. 

International Exposure

International properties are available for purchase (and can be sold) through RealtyHive and Concierge Auctions.

Reputation and Success

RealtyHive and Concierge Auctions both have pretty solid reputations and proven industry success.

How RealtyHive and Concierge Auctions Are Different

High Fees

Concierge Auctions has a successful track record just like RealtyHive, but it comes at a price. They charge much higher fees than our real estate auction company — 12% or a minimum of $175,000. This might give you a clue into our next point…

High-End, Luxury Properties

We at RealtyHive are all for high-end properties (like this condo in the Bahamas), but we also offer plenty of more modest homes. Concierge Auctions solely accepts super luxurious properties. At RealtyHive, you don’t have to be a multimillionaire in order to find (or sell) a home.

Real Estate Agents

Concierge Auctions do not deal with FSBO sellers — you must work with a real estate agent with them. At RealtyHive, you don’t need an agent if you don’t want one. But if you want one, that’s great too! We’ll draw on our amazing network of agents to find you the perfect person.

We’re proud of the qualities we share with Concierge Auctions, but we’re perhaps even more proud of what sets us apart. Whether you’re looking for your dream home or feeling ready to sell your current one, set yourself up for real estate success with RealtyHive!

The Basics of Home Interior Design

/2 Comments/in , /by

The basics of home interior design are very much the same as cooking. While many of us crave chocolate, would love some tacos but also wouldn’t pass up an opportunity for pizza, we’d never pour all of those into one dish, bake, then serve. Unless you’re pregnant, in which case you can do whatever the hell you want.

Like cooking, interior design 101 requires you to stick to a theme — a flavor palette, if you will. For example, ginger stays with Asian dishes, just like mid-century modern pieces don’t belong in a Victorian house. Even if you’re not an interior decorator, it won’t be hard to master the basics of design with this RealtyHive blog.

Tip #1: Respect the house.

The foundation of your house, its architectural bones — they’re everything. Let the house’s architecture guide your design. If you have dreams of a beautiful Mediterranean revivalist home, you’ll need a house that fits the bill. Trying to force Mediterranean vibes into a Victorian house will certainly feel off.

And before we dive further, remember that it’s not just about what feels right for you. Even if you have no qualms when a home’s decor and structure don’t match, most people won’t feel similarly. As we’ve talked about in the past, a home that’s too niche or personalized is more difficult to sell.

Tip #2: When it comes to boldness, pick one.

A boldly colored accent wall? Go for it! A boldly patterned rug? Why not! However, if you pair both bold things at once, you’ve gone too far.

Mixing bold colors and patterns is overwhelming — for some people, it’s practically an assault on our senses. We often forget that what we see impacts our mood, and overstimulating environments can negatively affect us. Granted, if you love the clash (and some people do), implement your style to a single bedroom or study instead of letting that chaos rule the whole house for the best of both worlds.

Tip #3: Less is more.

As renowned designer Coco Chanel once said about accessorizing, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Too many collectibles and knickknacks reek of clutter. 

On the other hand, minimal decorating provides a sense of calm and serenity that can’t be beaten. It’s helpful for those staying in your house, it costs less than overdecorating, and it allows you to focus on a few important pieces, which inevitably makes the value of those pieces more meaningful.

Tip #4: Consistency is key.

As we mentioned, it’s OK if there’s a bedroom or study or even basement that doesn’t fit your entire home’s scheme. You can’t force a teenager to decorate their room differently, nor would you want to.

That being said, consistency throughout the house’s main rooms provides a necessary flow. A modern kitchen next to a neoclassical living room is confusing. Stick with a general theme and even a color scheme that connects the rooms in your home.

Tip #5: Look at examples.

One of the best ways to improve your understanding of interior design basics is to simply look around.

Find what you like or don’t like. Study up on modern trends. Watch architectural or interior design videos on YouTube. Look to the environment outside you and play off of the colors, shapes, and textures you see. The world is your oyster for inspiration!

Whether you’re looking for a mid-century modern house, a classic Victorian home, a modest ranch, or a Mediterranean manor, RealtyHive has it all. Find your next dream home by looking through our listings!