According to the best in the business, staging your home will not only increase its value but will facilitate a more rapid sale. There are some simple pointers that can help you create an inviting atmosphere.

Less is more.

A basic rule is that less is more. It is important not to detract from your home and its features by incorporating a few tasteful accents. The goal is to make your home feel fresh. You can accomplish this with vases of fall foliage or bowls of seasonal fruit placed throughout your home.

Fresh paint.

Regardless of what season you decide to sell your home, a fresh coat of paint is a fantastic way to refresh the interior of your home. The fall season lends itself to repainting with shades of cream or caramel, or other neutral yet warm colors. You can enhance the warm, engaging feel with accessories such as throws or pillows in autumn’s reds, oranges, or golds.

Lighting.

Fall traditionally brings shorter days, and that means less light. Lighting is essential to providing an appealing setting. Open the blinds, draw the drapes, and place lamps in areas light avoids. Fall also brings a drop in temperature and a desire for a warm and cozy environment. If your home exudes a feeling of warmth, the potential buyer may linger a bit longer, admire a little longer. You might want to layer bed coverings, place more throws and plush pillows on sofas and lounges.

Inviting aromas.

We all know our sense of smell can influence our feeling of approval and comfort. Nothing says autumn like the aroma of apples, cinnamon, or pumpkin. Splash these scents throughout your home. Candles, apple cider on the stove with a cinnamon stick floating in it or even a pie in the oven. On a brisk day in fall, a warm cup of cider or a slice of fresh pie just might seal the deal.

Don’t forget the exterior.

Now that you have the interior squared away don’t neglect your curb appeal. Be sure to clean those gutters, rake the leaves, patch up the bald spots in the yard and pressure wash that siding. It always pays to put your best face forward. A couple of pumpkins on your steps or a fall wreath on the door give a welcoming hello.

Staging is growing into a routine element in selling your home. There are professionals to assist you in the staging process and, often, your real estate agent is associated with or has staging professionals on their staff. When it comes down to it, a little extra effort can make a big difference in how quickly you sell your home and, in some cases, how much you can increase its value.

This Week’s Mortgage Rate Summary:

Rates Trending: Slightly Higher

Both 30-year-fixed mortgage rates and 15-year-fixed mortgage rates were slightly higher the  week ending October 28. The average 30-year-fixed mortgage rate was up three basis points from the previous week and was at 3.50% up .10% from last month’s rate of 3.40%. At this new rate, borrowers will pay $449.04 per month in principal and interest for each $100,000 borrowed. That means the borrower will pay $1.67 more per $100,000 borrowed than they would have the week prior.

The average 15-year-fixed mortgage rate is also up three basis points from last week at 2.74%. Borrowers on a 15-year fixed mortgage will have monthly payments of about $678 per $100,000 borrowed at the new rate. The average rate on 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages climbed 26 basis points from the previous week to 3.26%.

These increases in rates are significant; however, each of the rates remains at historically lower levels. While rates are expected to continue inching upward, they are also projected to remain below last year’s levels at least until the Fed acts, and that could be right around the corner.

Bottom Line:

Rates are not fixed and repeatedly prove to be prone to movement just like the market they are based upon. Securing the best rate is contingent on timing. If you are seeking to purchase or refinance, contact your lender now and discuss the best time to lock in a rate. Experts agree, with a Presidential election, a soaring housing market, and year-end reporting upon us as well as the uncertainty of any Fed rate announcement, now is the time to determine your best position and review all options.

Ready to learn more about Texas mortgage programs and receive a free rate quote? Simply give us a call at (972) 591-3097.