When you decide it’s time to install or replace a deck surface, you may find there are more choices than you had expected. There are many new materials and installation options that have come to the market over just the past few years.
For example, in addition to traditional wood decking, there are contemporary synthetic and composite materials that possess properties that are remarkably similar to natural wood species – in terms of texture, appearance, density and workability. However, these materials offer superior durability in tough weather conditions and a wider range of colors than natural surfaces.
In addition, manufactured decking surfaces provide barefoot comfort without worry of splinters, as well as water-shedding properties that help improve traction after a rainstorm.
Synthetic materials are also very popular when it comes to railings and steps thanks to innovative installation systems that are easy enough for most industrious homeowners to tackle. Many offer pre-cut and/or interlocking pieces. As well, certain aluminum installations are enjoying renewed popularity thanks to new options that are clad in vinyl for extended protection and reduced maintenance.
What’s your Home Worth in Today’s Market?
If you own a stock, you can probably go online and quickly look up its current value.
What about your home? That, too, is an important investment and probably your most valuable one. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could “look up” its current value in just a few minutes?
Well, despite all the real estate data available on the internet these days, there is no site that will calculate your home’s true market value – at least not accurately. So, if you were to put your home up for sale tomorrow, how would you determine what it would likely sell for?
Your home’s probable selling price is influenced by the following factors:
- The type and style of your home.
- The condition of your home. (Is it “move in” ready?)
- How well your home shows? (Is it staged?)
- The desirability of the neighborhood.
- Recent selling prices of similar homes in the area.
- The current demand for a home like yours.
All these factors, especially recent solds in the area, need to be considered in order to come up with the price range within which your property will likely sell.
Why is this information important? If you plan on listing soon, the benefits of knowing the probable selling price is obvious. But even if your plans to move are far down the road, it’s still a good idea to know what your home is worth – today. That information enables you to plan ahead and make better decisions. It’s something worth thinking about.
Should You Worry About Competition?
Buying a home is different than purchasing most other “products” in one important respect: agreeing to the price tag doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the property! There may be competing offers
Fortunately, there is plenty that can be done to increase your chances of getting the home you want.
The most effective strategy is to be proactive. Get alerted to and go to see properties that match your criteria the moment they come on the market. That way, you’ll get a jump on competing buyers. When you find a home you want, go in at the right price. You don’t want to pay too much, but your offer does need to signal to the seller that you’re serious.
Effective offer presentation and negotiation also play vital roles. Having your offer presented with expertise and skill will maximize your chances of getting the deal.
Yes, competing offers can make you anxious. But, if you have the right expert working on your behalf, you can breathe a little easier.
