A second home is a dream many have but it is only a reality for a select few. If you have found yourself in a financial position where a second home is possible, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. A Summit, NJ real estate agent can help you find the second home of your dreams, but there are a few important things you need to keep in mind before you start your search.

Know Your Criteria

A Summit, NJ real estate agent can find you almost any property with any number of amenities, but the more specific you are about your price, your desires and the things that will make or break the deal. If you need to have a property that has a water view or one that is right on a lake, be as up front about your needs as possible. Not only will this cut down the time it takes to locate the second home of your dreams but it makes the life of your Summit, NJ real estate agent much easier.

Be Flexible

Often times, when people end up buying a second home, it isn’t quite what they expected at the outset. This doesn’t mean that you need to give in to any of your must have demands, it simply means that you may fall in love with a property that isn’t what you are picturing in your head right now. If you have the time, go and visit as many properties as you can to discover all of the options on the table.

Cost is Key

No matter what sort of second home you have in mind, the bottom line cost is what is truly important. Make sure you leave yourself some wiggle room so you can either bid more or less than what you originally planned. Real estate can be a fickle business so keep your options, and your mind, open.

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® existing home sales data are estimates arising from a sample of Multiple Listing Service (MLS) sales. As time changes, so does the relationship between any sample and the universe the sample is representing.

Click here to download sample of Multiple Listing Service (MLS) sales

very home can use a little sprucing up when they go on the market.  A little paint and polish can go a long way towards catching a buyer’s eye.  This is the time to finish up those little projects you’ve been putting off and make a few repairs.  Use these minor projects to make a major impact on potential buyers.

Front Entry
The front entry gives buyers their first impression of your home.  Most buyers make a decision about whether they like a home or not in seconds so this is your best chance to win them over.  Repair steps and walkways, paying special attention to cracks in the concrete or warped boards in the porch.  Give the front door a fresh coat of paint or replace it with a new steel clad model for safety.  Replace dated outdoor lighting fixtures and install bright new light bulbs.  Sweep away any cobwebs and give the walk a good pressure washing.

Interior Paint
Smudged, scuffed walls and stained ceilings can make even the cleanest home seem grungy and unkempt.  Give the whole house a face lift with paint.  Paint is one of the least expensive ways to brighten and freshen up a home, making it feel new and clean.  No one wants to pay full asking price for anything less that than.  Keep wall colors neutral and soothing and trim paint bright and crisp.  A good stain blocking primer will take care of any problem spots and give you a perfect surface for your choice of color.

Fixtures
A Summit NJ real estate agent will tell you that kitchen and baths are the first rooms a buyer will inspect.  These rooms are the ones that can make or break a sale.  If the sinks are stained or the fixtures are broken, buyers won’t be able to see past the problems.  They’ll see a laundry list of projects they will have to accomplish after the sale.  They’ll probably move on to a home that has already been updated.  A new faucet can be installed by most do-it-yourselfers with just a little instruction from the local home improvement store.  Sinks may be a little harder to replace, but it’s worth calling in favor from a handy friend or relative if it means selling your home quickly.  Solutions as simple as recaulking the sinks or tub will make your bath look newer.

A few quick fixes can give your home the edge it needs to sell quickly and for the best price.  It’s well worth your time to make a few cosmetic changes.  Buyers will surely notice your efforts.