Autumn Advantage: How to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Fall Sale

It’s hard to believe (and we may not want to admit it), but after a hot summer market, we’re already making our way towards the last few months of the year – and a fall market full of opportunity. 

While spring and summer are the traditionally busy seasons in real estate, listing your home in the fall comes with its own set of advantages. With fewer homes on the market, competition is lower, which means your home has a better chance to stand out. Buyers in the fall also tend to be more motivated to close before the holidays or the year’s end, which makes fall the perfect time to showcase your home and appeal to serious buyers. 

Here are a few ways to prepare your home for the fall market and use the season to your advantage!

1. Enhance Fall Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to selling your home, and there’s no better season to enhance curb appeal than the rich colors and aesthetic of autumn. Start by tidying up your yard by trimming and cleaning up landscaping, bushes, and shrubs, and plant seasonal flowers with colors that reflect fall: reds, oranges, and purples. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door and updating your porch decor with fall-themed items like pumpkins, wreaths, or cozy outdoor furniture.

2. Seasonal Maintenance

Ensure your home is in top shape by conducting necessary seasonal maintenance. Clean out gutters, check your roof for any damage, and ensure your heating system is working efficiently. (It’s also a good idea to have your chimney inspected and cleaned if you have a fireplace!) 

3. Update Interior Decor

Bring the warmth and coziness of fall inside by updating your interior decor. Swap out light summer fabrics for luxe, textured materials like wool or flannel and add throws, pillows, and rugs in fall-inspired tones. Simple touches like scented candles and seasonal centerpieces can also create a welcoming atmosphere this time of year.

4. Highlight Energy Efficiency

As the weather cools down, buyers will be paying attention to how energy-efficient your home is. Seal any drafts around windows and doors, and consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances if needed. These are great features to highlight during showings ahead of the colder months of the year. 

5. Professional Photography

With shorter daylight hours this time of year, ensure your home is photographed in the best possible light. Hire a professional photographer who can capture your home’s charm and highlight its best features – along with the seasonal touches you’ve added! High-quality photos with as much sunlight as possible can make your property appear brighter and larger and stand out as a fall listing.  

Even if you’re not ready to let go of summer just yet, the fall market brings unique opportunities for homeowners looking to make their move. From enhancing curb appeal to seasonal maintenance, taking these steps now will give your home a competitive edge and prepare for motivated buyers. When you’re ready to list, partnering with one of our trusted HUNT real estate professionals ensures your home not only shines in the fall market, but also attracts serious buyers ready to close before the year’s end. Contact us today to let our experienced team guide you to a successful sale this season!

The Value of a Real Estate Professional in Today’s Market

In addition to recent changes taking place when it comes to new requirements for homebuyers, the real estate market has undergone significant shifts over the last few years. As the landscape continues to change and evolve, one thing remains constant: the importance of having a skilled real estate professional by your side. 

In this dynamic market, the expertise of a trusted sales professonal is invaluable and can make all the difference. Here are a few statistics that highlight the increasing reliance on real estate professionals by both buyers and sellers*: 

  • 89% of homebuyers purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker.
  • 90% of homebuyers found their real estate agent to be a useful source of information
  • 90% of homebuyers would use their agent again or recommend to others
  • 89% of home sellers enlisted the services of a real estate agent to successfully sell their home
  • 87% of home sellers would recommend their agent for future services
  • Homes sold without the assistance of a real estate professional averaged a sale price of $310,000 while those sold with agent representation averaged $405,000

Here are a few key reasons why professional real estate representation matters, and why working with a real estate professional can be a valuable resource when it comes to one of the most significant investments you will ever make: 

Local Market Insight

Real estate professionals possess a deep understanding of local market trends, property values, and neighborhood dynamics. They can identify potential investment opportunities and help you make informed decisions based on their extensive market knowledge.

Access to Off-Market Listings

Real estate professionals often have access to properties that aren’t listed publicly. This gives buyers an edge in finding hidden gems or homes that meet specific criteria before they even hit the market.

Expert Negotiation Skills

In a competitive market, negotiation can make or break a deal. A skilled real estate agent knows how to craft offers that stand out and secure favorable terms, whether you’re facing multiple bids or negotiating repairs and contingencies.

Navigating Legal and Transactional Processes

Real estate transactions involve complex legal and financial details. A real estate professional is well-versed in contracts, disclosures, and regulations, ensuring that you avoid costly mistakes. Their negotiation skills can also help you secure the best deal, whether you’re buying or selling.

Reduced Time on Market

Homes listed with real estate professionals  typically spend less time on the market. Accurate pricing, effective marketing, and professional negotiation contribute to faster sales, allowing you to move forward with your next chapter.

Choosing the right real estate professional is crucial in today’s market. From understanding market shifts to guiding you through the paperwork, the right sales professional will help you achieve your real estate goals and navigate the homebuying or selling process with confidence. Ready to make your next move? Reach out to us today to experience the benefits of having an expert by your side. Whether you’re buying or selling, we’re Always There for You®.

*Source: 2024 Profile of Homebuyers & Sellers, National Association of REALTORS®

Back-to-School Home Prep: 5 Tips for a Smooth Transition

As summer draws to a close, parents and guardians are gearing up for a busy and exciting back-to-school season – have you started getting your home ready for upcoming school days?

Preparing your living space can make a significant difference in creating a stress-free environment for the entire household. Here are five tips for a smooth transition in getting your home back-to-school ready:

1. Declutter & Deep Clean: Clear the Chaos

The start of a new school year often brings a wave of school supplies, clothes, shoes, papers with important information, and more. Get ahead of the accumulation by decluttering your home:

  • Tidy up together: Involve your children in sorting through their belongings. Donate or discard items they no longer need or have outgrown.
  • Pack away summer gear: Store away summer items that are no longer in use. This will free up space for the new school supplies and gear.
  • Refresh your space: After decluttering, give your home a deep clean to sweep away the last traces of summer.

2. Bedroom Mini-Makeover: Fresh Starts, Fresh Space

Once the decluttering and cleaning is done, help your child give their room a mini-makeover to start the year off fresh and have a place to relax at the end of day. 

  • Switch up the bedding: Choose new bedding that reflects your child’s personality or adds a cozy touch.
  • Add a splash of color: Freshen up the walls with a new coat of paint or add fun decals and artwork.
  • Rearrange for a new look: Move furniture around to create a different layout and optimize the space.

3. Entryway Organization: Streamline Your Morning Routine

The entryway is the last stop before heading out and the first place you land after school. Make this space functional and organized to ease the daily rush:

  • Create a drop zone: If you have the space, set up hooks for backpacks, cubbies for shoes, and a bulletin board for important reminders.
  • Maximize small spaces: Use storage bins, baskets, or existing shelves to keep essentials like backpacks and shoes within easy reach.

4. Safety First: Update Your Home’s Safety Features

A new school year is the perfect time to review and update your home’s safety measures to ensure everyone stays safe:

  • Check alarms: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
  • Update contacts: Make sure your emergency contact information is current and easily accessible.
  • Plan ahead: Review your family’s emergency plan, so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

5. Designated Spaces: Work Hard, Play Hard

Creating dedicated spaces for homework and relaxation can help your children stay focused and unwind after a long school day:

  • Set up a homework station: Designate a quiet, clutter-free area for schoolwork. Equip it with all the essentials – laptop, tablet, paper, pencils, and good lighting.
  • Create a relaxation nook: Set up a cozy space with books, art supplies, or activities so your child can relax after their studies.

Preparing your home for back-to-school doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These tips can help you make the most of your space and create a more efficient environment that supports your family’s success throughout the school year. And remember – your home should always grow with you through every season of life. If you’re thinking about moving to a new space or neighborhood that fits your family’s needs and lifestyle, contact one of our HUNT sales professionals to help you get ready for your next season of homeownership.

Top Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Sales Professional in Today’s Market

The real estate market continues to be dynamic as we enter the latter half of 2024. What does the current landscape look like for those in their homebuying or selling season?

For buyers, limited inventory and high demand have created a competitive market, making it challenging to find the home you want and have your offer accepted. For sellers, it’s more important than ever to ensure your home stands out to reach the right buyers and get the highest price possible for your property.

Navigating these challenges successfully requires constant guidance, expert knowledge, and strategic planning – this is where partnering with a real estate professional becomes invaluable. Here are some of the top reasons why hiring a real estate sales professional is your most important resource when buying or selling a home in today’s market.

Buying:

  • Market insights: A real estate sales professional offers valuable insights into market trends, neighborhood dynamics, and property values. This knowledge can inform your decision-making process and help you narrow down your wants and needs in a new home.
  • Exclusive listings: With industry connections, your agent can provide access to exclusive listings or properties not yet live on real estate sites. This gives you a competitive edge in finding your dream home before it hits the market.
  • Negotiation and closing support: An experienced professional advocates for your interests during negotiations, working to secure the best possible deal on your behalf. They also guide you through the closing process and beyond, ensuring every detail is handled accurately and efficiently.

Selling:

  • Strategic pricing: Determining the listing price is crucial in attracting buyers and maximizing your home’s value. A real estate sales professional’s expertise ensures your home is priced competitively to generate interest and achieve the highest return.
  • Polished marketing: An experienced professional creates targeted marketing strategies to reach qualified buyers and generate interest in your property. They can connect you with photographers, stagers, and other vendors to make your property stand out.
  • Targeted buyer outreach: An experienced real estate professional knows how to identify and reach potential buyers who are most likely to be interested in your property. Their advanced marketing techniques and wide network of contacts ensures your home gets maximum exposure to the right audience. This targeted approach helps attract serious buyers and accelerates the selling process.

Buying and Selling:

  • Paperwork management One of the most challenging aspects of real estate transactions is managing extensive paperwork. A real estate sales professional ensures all documents are accurately completed and submitted on time, reducing the risk of errors and delays. With HUNT, you also benefit from working with Network Title Agency to help expedite the closing process!
  • Support and problem solving Real estate transactions can sometimes be unpredictable. A skilled sales professional can help navigate any unexpected issues that arise, offering solutions and support to keep the process on track.
  • Time and stress management The process of buying or selling a home can be time-consuming and stressful. A real estate sales professional can handle the details, allowing you to focus on the big picture and what really matters when making your next move.

Having a dedicated real estate agent on your side in the current market can make all the difference in a successful buying or selling transaction. By working with trusted HUNT sales professionals and the HUNT family of businesses, the homeownership process can be seamless and stress-free. Contact us today to begin your real estate journey.

Maximize Your Real Estate Success with HUNT’s Comprehensive Services

In today’s fast-paced and competitive real estate market, having a trusted partner who can handle all your homeownership needs under one roof isn’t just a convenience – it’s a game-changer. At HUNT Real Estate, we understand that buying or selling a home is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make. That’s why we’ve built a comprehensive suite of services designed to streamline your experience, give you a competitive edge, and help you achieve your real estate goals.

HUNT Real Estate: One Company, Your Team

As a full-service brokerage, HUNT is your go-to resource for all of your real estate needs. Our experienced real estate professionals are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of the market, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or looking to sell your current property. 

HUNT Mortgage: Financing Made Easy

Securing the right financing is crucial to the homebuying process. For over 40 years, HUNT Mortgage has offered a wide range of mortgage options tailored to your unique needs. Our team of mortgage consultants is committed to finding the best rates and terms, ensuring that you have the financial foundation you need to start the buying process. From pre-approval to closing, HUNT Mortgage is here to help you get started in making your next move. 

HUNT Insurance: Customized Coverage that Meets Your Needs

Protecting your investment is a top priority. HUNT Insurance provides comprehensive coverage options to safeguard your property and assets. Our insurance producers work with you to customize policies that fit your specific needs, giving you peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against the unexpected. 

HUNT Commercial: Full Service Brokerage and Consulting Services

For those interested in commercial real estate, HUNT Commercial offers a wealth of opportunities. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or lease commercial properties, our team of commercial real estate professionals is equipped with the knowledge and resources to help you achieve your business objectives. 

Network Title Agency: Seamless Transactions

A smooth and efficient closing process is essential to any real estate transaction. Network Title Agency ensures that all legal aspects of your purchase or sale are handled with precision and care. Our experienced title professionals work diligently to clear any potential issues, providing you with a seamless and stress-free closing experience. 

HUNT Relocation: Moving Made Simple

Relocating to a new area can be challenging, but HUNT Relocation is here to make the process as smooth as possible. Our relocation specialists provide personalized assistance to help you find the perfect home and settle into your new community. Whether you’re moving across the country or just around the corner, HUNT Relocation ensures that your transition is seamless and stress-free.

From buying and selling to financing, insurance, and beyond, HUNT Real Estate is your trusted partner in achieving your real estate goals. Contact us today to find out how we can help you make a successful move. 

Get Your Home Summer-Ready: 4 Staging Tips for a Successful Sale

Now that you’ve taken care of your spring cleaning, is your home ready to be listed and hold a summer open house? Here are 4 ways to stage your home to get your home summer-ready and showcase it at its best this season for a successful sale!

Switch to summer-inspired schemes and patterns

What kind of colors do you think of when you envision a summer day? An easy way to refresh your home is to change up the color scheme. If it’s light and neutral, incorporate natural tones such as beige, tan, white, or shades of green. If summer means time spent by the water to you, incorporate blues or coastal decor like ocean glass or shells to create the feel of a waterfront getaway. You can extend these colors and ideas to your bedding, pillows, window coverings, and other decor throughout your home.

Lighten up your fabrics and textures

It’s time to put away your luxe and cozy fabrics and embrace lighter days! Sheer, breezy curtains can brighten up your living space and fabrics like linen or cotton can make your bedding feel lighter and cooler. This not only enhances comfort, but also creates an airy, open, and comfortable atmosphere on warmer days for potential buyers.

Refresh your home with summer scents

A quick, easy, and inexpensive way to transition your home to the new season is updating your candles and diffusers with summer scents. Citrus and tropical fragrances are perfect for summer. For a natural scent infusion, decorate with bowls of fresh fruit like lemons and limes. (Just make sure you choose a few complementary scents to avoid overwhelming visitors or potential buyers!)

Enhance your outdoor living space

Highlight features that make your home ideal for outdoor entertaining. Set up a comfortable seating area on your porch or in your backyard with pillows and lightweight throws. Decorate with strings of white lights or lanterns to create a cozy ambiance. For a cohesive look, tie your outdoor decor to your indoor style by using similar color schemes and an indoor-outdoor rug to link the spaces together.

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your home or stage it for sale. If you’re looking for summer staging ideas or thinking about selling your home, contact one of our HUNT real estate professionals today!

Easy Spring Weekend Projects: 5 Ways to Elevate Your Home’s Exterior

As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to give your home’s exterior a little TLC. Whether you’re thinking about selling or just want to spruce things up, boosting your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here are five simple spring projects you can tackle this weekend to give your home a fresh new look:

Blast away dirt and grime

Rent a pressure washer and give your outdoor surfaces a deep clean. Whether it’s your driveway, deck, or even certain types of siding, a good pressure wash can make everything look brand new. A note of caution – make sure to use the right amount of pressure to prevent damage on the surfaces you’re cleaning!

Seal the gaps

Take a close look at your window and door seals. If they’re looking a little worse for wear, it might be time to freshen them up with some new caulk. Not only will this help retain cool or warm air in your home depending on the season, but it’ll also give your exterior a much-needed facelift.

Light up the outdoors

With longer days and outdoor entertaining on the horizon, now is the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor lighting. Swap out old, outdated fixtures for something more modern and stylish. In addition to elevating the look of your outdoor space, improving the lighting will increase visibility and safety for you and your guests after dark.

Add a pop of color

For a quick and easy project that can completely transform the look of your home’s exterior, make a bold statement by painting your front door a vibrant new color!

Spruce up your greenery

You don’t need a green thumb to boost your home’s curb appeal! Adding a few colorful planters to your front porch or entryway is an easy way to add some life to your landscaping without committing to a full garden.

Embrace the season and tackle these easy and budget-friendly projects to give your home a fresh new look. Whether you’re planning to sell or just want to enjoy your outdoor space, a little bit of effort can go a long way. Are you thinking about making a move? Be sure to reach out to one of our HUNT Real Estate sales professionals for more ideas on elevating your curb appeal and helping you find your dream home!

Spring into Action: 5 Easy Staging Ideas to Sell Your Home This Season

Every home tells a story. When it comes to selling, you want to make sure that your house is presented at its best and tells its story in a compelling, positive way to potential buyers. Creating this pleasing environment that prepares your home for sale by highlighting its best features is known as staging. 

As the spring real estate market blooms, here are five easy ways you can stage your home and give a refresh for the season as you prepare to sell: 

1. Bring the Outdoors In

Incorporate colorful flowers, floral scents, and spring inspired colors throughout your home to add a touch of nature indoors. From fresh flowers on the dining room table to a scented candle to adding colorful pillows to your living room, embrace the spring season and all it has to offer inside your home for potential buyers. 

2. Create an Outdoor Oasis

With warmer weather on the horizon, make sure that buyers can envision themselves enjoying outdoor gatherings and relaxation. Arrange cozy seating areas complete with colorful cushions and potted plants to showcase the potential for entertaining during the warmer months. 

3. Declutter and Depersonalize

One of the most important aspects of staging any home is to declutter and depersonalize. Take this opportunity to clear out any unnecessary items and personal touches that might distract potential buyers. By creating a clean and neutral canvas, you allow buyers to envision themselves living in the space. Remember, how we live is not how we sell!

4. Let the Light In

Let the sunshine and natural light into your home! Open up curtains and blinds to give rooms a bright and airy feel. Not only does this highlight your home’s best features for photos, but it also creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for buyers as they look at your home.

5. Give It a Spring Clean

‘Tis the season – give your home a thorough spring cleaning to ensure it sparkles and shines from top to bottom. Pay special attention to commonly overlooked areas such as baseboards, light fixtures, and windows. A clean home not only looks more appealing, but also gives the impression that it has been well-maintained, in person and in online photo galleries. 

Spring is an optimal time to give your home a refresh, or to stage your home for sale during the season. If you’re looking for staging ideas for your spring open house or are thinking about selling your home in the future, reach out to one of our real estate professionals today!

New Year’s Resolutions for Homebuyers and Sellers

New year, new home? If you’re ready to make a move, there’s no better time to start planning so you can achieve your homeownership goals. Here are a few New Year’s resolutions for homebuyers and sellers that can help you prepare to purchase or list a home as we begin the year.

Homebuying New Year’s Resolutions:

Resolution #1: Credit check-up

Obtain a copy of your credit report and work on improving your credit score. This will be important in determining your mortgage rates and loan terms once you start the home financing process. 

Resolution #2: Financial planning and budgeting

Create a realistic budget and adhere to it so you can save for a down payment, closing costs, and potential unexpected expenses that are associated with owning your home. 

Resolution #3: Define your wants and needs 

Make a list of your priorities in a home, distinguishing between the nice-to-haves (wants) and your must-haves/non-negotiables (needs). This will help streamline your search process and narrow down what you’re looking for in your next home.

Resolution #4: Meet with a mortgage professional

Consult with a mortgage expert to understand your borrowing capacity and get pre-approved for a mortgage. This not only gives you an idea of what your budget is for a home, but also gives you a competitive edge in the market. Our team of experienced HUNT Mortgage consultants can help you get started and provide you with your home financing options.

Home Selling New Year’s Resolutions: 

Resolution #1: Declutter and depersonalize

Streamline your living spaces by decluttering, depersonalizing, and organizing. This provides a blank canvas so potential buyers can envision themselves in the space, and highlights the home’s potential.

Resolution #2: Start home improvement projects

Identify areas that need improvement in your home so you can make sure your home is ready for photos and showings – from a coat of fresh paint, to drywall repair, to replacing light fixtures. Taking the time to provide a show-ready home drives buyer traffic and in turn, drives up the sale price of your home.

Resolution #3: Enhance curb appeal

Invest time and resources in improving the curb appeal of your home. The front entryway is a great place to start no matter the weather or the season, while projects such as planting and landscaping and creating outdoor entertaining spaces can be a warm-weather undertaking. A well-maintained exterior creates a positive first impression for potential buyers.

Resolution #4: Stage your home to sell

Presentation is a crucial part of the home selling process. Embrace the art of home staging to showcase your property in the best possible light. Enhance the visual appeal and flow of each room by thoroughly cleaning, letting in natural light, and creating a cohesive color scheme in the space.  

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Homebuyers and Sellers – Joint New Year’s Resolution: 

Resolution: Partner with a Real Estate Professional

The most important New Year’s resolution you can make, whether you’re a homebuyer or a home seller, is to commit to working with a knowledgeable, seasoned real estate professional. From market expertise to negotiation skills to a vast network of connections in the industry, the guidance of a real estate professional can help you navigate all the complexities of the real estate process, ensuring a smoother and more successful experience in the new year and beyond.


Contact one of our HUNT real estate professionals today to start your homebuying or selling journey. Cheers to achieving your homeownership goals in the new year!

Preparing for a Summer Open House

If you’re in the market to sell your home, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the nice weather and hold a summer open house!

Summer is a prime opportunity to achieve a successful home sale, so it’s important to make sure you and your home are as prepared as possible to be displayed at its best. Here are a few tips to get your home open-house ready during the summer months: 

Showcase your outdoor space: If you’re looking to sell, summer is a fantastic opportunity to show buyers all the possibilities for relaxing and entertaining in your outdoor space and provide them a canvas to envision their outdoor gatherings. Add outdoor decor to your yard, porch, deck, or pool, and choose a comfortable outdoor seating set in advance of your open house – for a more streamlined and cohesive look, you can tie in your outdoor decor to the indoors by choosing similar color schemes and patterns, and incorporate an indoor to outdoor rug to effectively link the two spaces together. 

Make your home shine: In addition to doing a deep clean and declutter, make sure to keep the glass surfaces of all windows and doors in your home as clean and sparkling as possible – both inside and outside – so you can let natural light stream in for your open house. 

Consider your curb appeal: Take stock of the exterior of your home before your open house – the very first impression a buyer will have of their potential new dwelling, especially the landscaping. Keep up on any lawn, plant, and flower bed maintenance such as weeding, trimming, and watering to make sure that your home’s appeal extends from the inside out and stands out as a summer market listing.

Keep it cool: The weather is hot, as is the market – so make sure your open house stays cool for your potential buyers. If you have air conditioning, having it set a few degrees cooler than normal will help immensely as buyers come through the house. If you don’t have air conditioning, make sure the rooms in your home are well ventilated and fans are running before the open house starts to make it as comfortable as possible. 

Enhance your exterior lighting: From strings of white lights in your yard to lanterns and exterior lights in your driveway, place outdoor lights around your home to enhance your home’s exterior – and also to provide a safety measure for those walking around the property. 

Taking a little time to fix up your home to its best advantage in the summer months can make a huge impact and lead to a successful open house. For more ideas to get your home ready for an open house, or to stage your home for summer, reach out to us today to connect with one of our HUNT sales professionals!