Working With RE/MAX When Buying Or Selling A Home

RE/MAX real estate has been around since 1973. Here's why you should consider working with our RE/MAX team of agents in Ohio. There are a few things you may not realize...

Our RE/MAX team of REALTORS do NOT charge you "administrative, processing, or junk fees" as some call it. Most larger brokerages in the Cleveland, Ohio area such as Howard Hanna, Coldwell Banker, etc. will charge you $150-$250 to work with them when buying or selling a home. We do not charge our buyers a penny when they work with us. We're essentially saving you hundreds just by working with us to buy a or sell a home in the Cleveland area. We're proud of this and think of it as only fair to our clients.

RE/MAX and YouShouldOwn.com has the largest Cleveland, Ohio real estate presence on the Internet. The combination of the largest broker in the world and the largest Cleveland real estate website offers many benefits and mass exposure. Marketing is what we do. From social networking prominence to your home being placed on hundreds of websites.

If you're selling your home and work with a RE/MAX agent, RE/MAX is the largest broker in the world. RE/MAX sells more homes than anyone else. You'll have the power behind you of a world-wide company and 100k + agents in a strong referral network of 52+ countries.

RE/MAX agents are the best trained and most experienced agents. What most people don't realize is that most newer agents don't start their career with RE/MAX. They start at other brokerages to get their training and field experience. Once many agents get years of experience behind them, they move to RE/MAX. Make sure to ask your agent how long they've been in the business and how many homes they've sold. This is where RE/MAX breaks the mold in the industry. From strong negotiating power to knowledge about the entire home buying/selling process, RE/MAX is hands down the best in the business.

Other RE/MAX real estate services for home buyers and sellers include: Agent announcements of new or updated properties, a world-wide network of agents on your side. The largest internet presence in the world. Online marketing is key. Connect with the best in the business.

Charity and causes are important to RE/MAX and their agents. Since 1992 RE/MAX has supported the Children's Miracle Network raising more than $67 million for children's hospitals in addition to supporting the Susan G Koman Foundation, Little League and many more events and charities.

If you're thinking of buying a home, contact us 24-hours a day or start looking at properties for sale. If you're considering selling your home in Ohio, you can fill out our simple Home Value Form to get started. We look forward to showing you more of the RE/MAX difference and assisting you with your home buying and selling needs in Northeast Ohio.

Which Home Improvements Are Worth Making?

Home Improvements, Some Sell, Some Don’t

If you’re planning to sell your home, you’ve probably already looked around and decided to make some changes. Before going about drastic large improvements, consult your Realtor. Investing time and money making upgrades thinking it will help your home sell for more, could actually harm you. Some of these harmful upgrades may include, adding a green house, swimming pool, unique landscaping including waterfalls, drastic color changes in or out of the home, even flooring options. There are many upgrades of course that will help your bottom dollar significantly. The following improvements offer some of the best estimated rates of return.

• Kitchen remodeling – 150 percent – today’s kitchens are elegant, simple, functional and stand to be the most important room in the home.
• Landscaping and lawn - 100 percent - Even a few hundred dollars invested in lush grass, flowers, and shrubs may increase your curb appeal and sale price significantly.
• Fireplace – 100 percent – Fireplaces add warmth and appeal to the home. Upgrading an existing fireplace or installing a new one can bring value. There are so many options today with energy efficient gas models, you almost can’t go wrong.
• Second bathroom – 90 percent – Even a small second half bath can add value and be the final “sold” factor. In today’s market, additional bathrooms are desired. Decorate bathrooms with warmth and care. Leaving out all signs of personal use is a must. A remodeled bath can add 60-80 percent. Master baths are desirable as well as double sinks and unique tile and vanity upgrades.
  
• Deck – 70 percent – Outdoor living is in demand and can bring an added smile after walking through the home. Seeing a nice surprise when walking outside is always a good thing. Freshly painted or low maintenance decks are a plus. If adding a deck isn't in the budget, try a do-it-yourself stone or brick patio project.
  
• Painting The Exterior – 50 percent - Probably the best idea for added curb appeal, while making the home look fresh and well maintained. Even painting front doors, shutters or porches can make a huge difference.
  
• Finished basement – 40 percent – An already existing space can be made into a living area that will be of value to a buyer. Walk out basements will create even a higher return. Many finished basements are outdated. Upgrade a little and see a significant difference!
  
• Heating system/Mechanicals – 40 percent – Although buyer’s opinions may vary with this upgrade, replacing old furnaces, A/C, H20 tanks, etc. can certainly increase value. Your return however, may not bring as much as you would like. It’s probably best to only replace if needed.
• Windows/Doors – 35 percent – They certainly make the home look better and more modern, but they are almost considered a normal feature in today’s market. Energy is a huge factor to many home buyers. Knowing how to effectively market these upgrades can help bring even more awareness and attention to the offer amount!

If you're considering selling a home in the Cleveland area or need to buy a new home, contact our RE/MAX team of agents and let us put our expertise to work for you.