12 Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
1. Get at least three written estimates. 
2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed.
3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.
4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.
5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.
6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.
7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn’t. Also, remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.
8. Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too.
9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.
10. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.
11. Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet your specifications.
12. Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.
Source: Realtor Magazine
Read MorePositioning Your House to Sell – Episode #8
Richard and Evan give you some tips that will help your home be better positioned to sell. Based on a Proctor and Gamble survey, they discuss actions you can take on the outside and inside of the house that will give you the biggest benefit for the smallest amount of money. The outside is important for drive up appeal, but the inside is where you can really sell your house to prospective buyers. For more info on the selling process click here.
Read MoreWhy hasn’t my house sold?
Here are a few reasons and remedies
Reason
Overpriced
Remedy
New market analysis, lower price
Reason
Price reductions too little, too late
Remedy
New market analysis, significantly lower price below the next price break or two
Reason
New competition since property listed
Remedy
New market analysis, lower price, offer incentives
Reason
Builder competition
Remedy
New market analysis, offer upgrades competitive with builder
Reason
Difficult to show, not readily accessible
Remedy
Use lockbox and readjust showing hours if necessary
Reason
Glutted or slow market
Remedy
Adjust pricing and offer incentives
Reason
Property has become shopworn
Remedy
Add new photos, offer incentive, inform area REALTORS®
Reason
Many showings but no offers
Remedy
Reduce price
Reason
Offers forthcoming but not consummated
Remedy
Re-examine counters and adjust to offers
Reason
Condition (maintenance problems)
Remedy
Freshen up and review ways to improve
Reason
Condition (major problems)
Remedy
Rehab as necessary—new carpet, paint
Reason
Cosmetic allowances have not enticed offer
Remedy
Rehab as necessary—remove allowance
Reason
Location not desirable
Remedy
Compensate with price adjustment
Reason
Property showcased poorly
Remedy
Hire staging professional or ask REALTOR® for suggestions
Reason
Property not being shown
Remedy
Make property more accessible with lockbox
Reason
Pets (odor, soil, and intimidation)
Remedy
Deodorize carpet, cage pets when not home
Reason
Neighbors or neighborhood
Remedy
Counsel with neighbors regarding interference and condition of their properties
Reason
External influence (new highway, etc.)
Remedy
Adjust price, gather accurate data, and prepare fact sheets
To contact us to schedule a Free Home Listing Presentation, call us at 214.405.3640 or email us at contact@themattesongroup.com
Read MoreShape up for showings
When you prepare to put your home on the market, remember this rule of thumb: If what the buyer can see looks well cared for, he or she will generally assume what they can’t see has also been cared for well.
Making that happen is a simple matter of three steps:
- Deciding how much to spend.
- Getting the most out of the exterior of the home.
- Getting the most out of the interior of the home.
If you’re trying to decide how much to spend to get the house ready, don’t overdo it. Making a few minor improvements, such as a coat of paint or a new light fixture, is better than making a major revision, such as remodeling the bathrooms. If you hire a real estate agent, seek advice regarding specific improvements.
A few areas to consider when working on the exterior of the home:
- Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly.
- Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds and prune trees regularly.
- Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling.
- Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint.
- Clean and align gutters.
- Inspect and clean the chimney.
- Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
- If the home is on the market during the winter, keep sidewalks cleared of snow and ice.
- During the spring and summer, consider adding several appealing potted plans, preferably near the front entrance.
- Keep the garage door closed.
- Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
Likewise, there are a number of areas you can tackle to help the appeal of the interior of your home. A few tips:
- Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. This will make the house seem larger and brighter.
- Hire a professional cleaning service once every two or three weeks while the home is on the market.
- Remove less frequently used items from kitchen counters, cabinets, closets and the attic.
- If required, repaint walls a neutral color such as off-white or beige. Also consider replacing worn carpet or linoleum with a neutral color.
- Check for cracks, leaks or signs of dampness in the attic and basement.
- Replace broken or cracked windowpanes.
- Inspect and replace, if necessary, heating, cooling, plumbing and alarm systems.
- Replace dripping faucets and showerheads.
- One thing to always try to remember is to look at the home from the buyer’s point of view. Remain objective and be honest with yourself.
Tips to make your home more appealing to prospective buyers viewing your home:
- Keep countertops cleared.
- Replace all burned-out light bulbs.
- Open all drapes and window blinds.
- Put pets in cages or take them to a neighbor.
- Make sure there are no dirty dishes in the sink.
- Make sure there’s no laundry in the washer/dryer.
- Clean or replace dirt or worn carpets.
- Put on soft music.
- Burn wood in the fireplace on cold days; otherwise, the fireplace should be clean.
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