Category Archives: realestate

Get Your Home In Selling Shape ●

Chances are you’ve been spending a lot of time at home lately, and if you’ve been thinking about selling, now might be the perfect time get your home in showing condition. Small improvements can make a big difference when it comes time to list. Be ready to hit the ground running with these tips – most of which can be tackled without a trip to the hardware store

Declutter

Whether it’s going full-on Marie Kondo or simply clearing out a closet that’s been overflowing with junk, now is a good time to assess what can stay and what can go. Buyers are interested in imagining a space as their own, so the more you can declutter, the better. Bonus points if you can donate any of your belongings.

Clean the Yard

Raking leaves, pulling weeds, trimming trees and shrubs, and adding fresh mulch are all simple and low-cost ways to instantly boost your curb appeal. Buyers who see that a home has been cared for on the outside will have more confidence that it’s been loved all over.

Paint

The ROI on a fresh coat of paint is hard to underestimate because it can instantly make the oldest of homes look bright and lively. For the interior, pick a light but neutral shade. Light colors make spaces feel open, and neutral shades make it easier for potential buyers to imagine their own aesthetic. If running out to the paint supplier isn’t an option and you have left-over paint sitting around, take time to touch-up scuffs and stains on your existing paint.

Very clean bathroom, sink, bathtub, dual sinks, towels, shower, mirror

Bathroom Deep Clean

Your bathrooms are spaces in your home where cleanliness is paramount for first impressions. Unfortunately, they’re also the toughest spaces to keep clean. Take this opportunity to do a deep clean of the tub, toilet, vanity, and all of the tile and grout. You’ll need to keep up with a little spot cleaning, but the task will be much more manageable when the time comes to list.

Kitchen Deep Clean

Like the bathroom, you want your kitchen to invite potential buyers – not gross them out. Take time to clean the oven/stovetop, refrigerator, cabinet faces and countertops.

Kitchen cabinets, center island, chairs, ceiling lights, stove, refrigerator, door, pantry.

Update Cabinet Hardware

Replacing dated cabinet hardware in is a cheap and easy way to give a fresh look without the expense and hassle of refinishing or replacing cabinets. The best part? You can order hardware online and have it delivered straight to your door.

Pressure Washer

If you have access to a power-washer, give your outdoor walkways, driveway, patio, fencing, and siding a spray. A power washer can make old surfaces look new again at practically no cost. If you don’t have a power-washer handy, utilize social media to reach out to friends or neighbors about borrowing one (they’re probably stuck at home too, after all).

For more insight on how to boost your home’s appeal and maximize your sale price, call a Realtor at 757-466-1009!

Or skip all that and look at houses for sale!

Spirit Of EXIT!

A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to its charitable fund. Through the Spirit of EXIT Dollar-for-Dollar Matching Program, EXIT offices and associates can raise money for local, approved, registered charities and apply to EXIT’s head office to have those funds matched from the company’s pledged pool of funds. At the time of this article, EXIT Realty Corp. International has pledged more than $6,000,000 to charity. We have sponsored 19 Habitat for Humanity home builds in Canada and the U.S., and participated in a community revitalization project and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. In addition, we have pledged hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit those hardest hit by Hurricanes Florence, Michael and Irma and tropical storm, Harvey. Many of our real estate professionals are involved at a grassroots level in their communities, and through the Spirit of EXIT Dollar-for-Dollar Matching Program, they’re able to double the impact of the funds they raise where the need is greatest in their own backyards. We’re so proud to support their local efforts

– Tami Bonnell, CEO, EXIT Realty Corp. International

Want to make a difference? Call 757-466-1009 for more information!

Meet Andrew Nichols, Realtor® ●

Portrait of Andrew Nichols — Andrew Nichols with Exit Realty Central

I am Andrew Nichols, a life-long native of the Hampton Roads area. My father arrived here by way of the military and resided in Norfolk, much like many of us. I have live in four cities on the Southside and have a personal understanding and feel of the whole area. I bring to the table, 20 years of experience as a Realtor, Mortgage Banker, and Real Estate investor. Working on different sides of Real Estate brings great value to your experience and benefit with me on your team.
I have a great understanding of customer service and negotiation with the right attitude and persistence to achieve positive results for my clients, whether buying or selling.
I look forward in taking you “All the way Home”.
Call me direct at 757 439 4912.
Andrew Nichols

Office Phone: 757-466-1009
Cell Phone: 757-439-4912

Call Andrew Nichols at 757-439-4912 and get started!

Home Staging

Living room with couch, pillows, lamp, chairs, ceiling lights, tile flooring, sheet rock, painting

“Home Staging” is more than just preparing to sell your home by making it look the best it can. It’s really the art of first impressions. As a home seller, you may want to consider hiring a professional home stager to assist you. They work with the “flow” of a home, eliminate clutter, arrange furniture, and even assist in enhancing curb appeal. Or, if you’re more the do-it-yourself type, below are some tips on what you can do to improve your home’s “first impression.”

Start at the curb

Curb appeal is the first step to selling your home. No one wants to buy a previous owner’s dirty house. Power-wash the siding and wash windows until they shine. Trees, shrubs, and flowers should be neat and tidy, the garden weeded and the lawn mowed and edged. Once you’ve removed everything that isn’t necessary, add touches such as large, lush flower pots or hanging planters to welcome visitors.

Super clean bedroom, futon, Drawers, bed, sheets, bedsheets, windows, pillows, tiles

Move inside

Once you’ve created a promising exterior, you need to focus on the interior. The key to staging is to make it meaningful, set the tone and suggest countless possibilities. That means you need to remove everything that could distract the buyer’s attention. Keep only what you must to remain functional. If you don’t use something every day, pack it for the move. This is also very important. You want to remove anything personal such as family pictures and mementos.

Like the exterior, the inside needs to be neat and clean. Once the house is clean, stage your home with minimal furnishings. Arrange furniture to enhance the strengths of the room and facilitate traffic flow. If your furniture shows signs of age, consider borrowing pieces. If you need inspiration, visit some model homes to see how decorators have put rooms together. It’s not necessary for individual rooms to be used for their original purpose as long as the functions they represent are logical and show the space off well.

In home staging simplicity and comfort is your ultimate goal!

Smiling Realtor, real estate agent, city backdrop

Need the opinion of a Realtor? Please call 757-466-1009 and let’s talk!

Or skip all that and look at houses for sale!

Your Checklist Before You Buy Your Next Home

hands, Pen and checklist featuring the words"Home Buying Checklist" — Home Buying Checklist

The time has come and you are ready to buy, but before you start searching for your next home review this checklist. This list helps you prepare your budget in advance and guide you to financial success in the future.

1. Reduce Debt & Increase Credit Score: Before you start looking for your next home you should request a credit report. This will give you a starting point on understanding your credit score before you request a loan. Your credit score will influence the interest rate of your loan.

2. Save Money to Set Yourself Up with a Large Down Payment: While it is possible to purchase a home without a 20% down payment it’s best to get as close as possible. This will allow you to have a smaller mortgage rate, Avoid PMI, and receive a better rate. If you do not have a 20% down payment you may qualify for a VA or FHA loan.

As you begin the process to find your next home checking these items off your list will provide you with a more successful home buying experience. Our team is here to help you! Let us know the area and/or neighborhood you are looking to live along with your top needs our team of professionals will assist with finding your next home.

See The Houses For Sale, Illustration of House For Sale Sign, Grass, Sky, and a house. — Houses For Sale

Consult A Realtor at 757-466-1009!

Article by EXIT Realty Corp International

SOLD! 224 Columbus Avenue, Suffolk, Virginia 23434

SORRY! We Already SOLD This One!

Receive a custom evaluation for your home, including comparisons to other homes that have recently sold or are on the market. This guarantees you receive the most accurate information available. To find out what your home is worth, click HERE!

Front of property Located At 224 Columbus Avenue, Suffolk, Virginia 23434

Step into this inviting 1940’s bungalow offering 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a family room awaiting your personalized touch. Sold as is, sellers to make no repairs. Explore the possibilities and schedule a viewing today to envision the transformation.

See other houses in South Suffolk!

Or call 757-466-1009 for more information!

SOLD! 245 Winshire Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23503

Whoops! This One Has Already SOLD!

Front of property located at 245 Winshire Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23503

Dive in, cool off, and create memories that will last a lifetime! In-ground pool with solar cover in an oasis style back yard with a brick outdoor fireplace/grill. Inside has an amazing open layout that’s perfect for entertaining. Vaulted den ceiling, bay window and sliding doors to the pool. Double driveway on a dead end street. Located in the heart of nostalgic Albemarle. Offers quick access to the base, beaches, schools, and parks. New pool liner and revamped plumbing this year. Roof, windows, fencing, and sand filtered pool pump system less than 6 years old. All new flooring recently installed.

See other houses in Albemarle!

Or call 757-466-1009 for more information!

SOLD! 1525 City Park Avenue, Portsmouth, Virginia 23701

OOPS! We Already SOLD This One!

Front of property located at 1525 City Park Avenue, Portsmouth, Virginia 23701

All brick 3 bedroom ranch located in the Collingswood section of Portsmouth. This home has a converted garage for extra space and a detached garage. Big backyard with a patio.

See other houses in Collinswood!

Or call 757-466-1009 for more information!

GONE! 2415 Maundys Creek Road, Hayes, Virginia 23072

OOPS! This One is Already GONE!

Lot view of land located at 2415 Maundys Creek Road, Hayes, Virginia 23072

This is a great lot. It’s a legal non-conforming lot. This lot can be developed to hold 1 house Zoned Residential

See other properties in Gloucester Point!

Or call 757-466-1009 if you have questions!

The Most Important Strategy For Selling Your Home…

When it is time to sell your home, you want to price it to yield as much return as possible. Pricing strategy is one of the most important elements in selling your home.

A market analysis of your home will help you determine value. This involves analyzing the current competition–other like properties currently on the market. I’ll look at properties that have already sold, to determine what people have been willing to pay for similar properties. I will also analyze properties that haven’t sold, some of which are overpriced.

The goal is to price the property accurately for the marketplace. You don’t want to leave money on the table, but you don’t want to overprice your home either. If you overprice the property, you risk having your home sit on the market. Then you may have to drop the price below what you could have received if it had been priced correctly to begin with. Upon seeing a home that is fairly priced, most motivated buyers offer full or almost full price.

When you are ready to sell, I’ll be happy to stop by for a quick view of your home. Together we will price it to sell for top dollar, in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of inconvenience to you! Please call us at 757-466-1009 and let’s get started!