Monthly Archives: March 2017

5 Easy, Inexpensive Ways to Improve a Property’s Curb Appeal

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Curb Appeal

Curb appeal. A term taken mainstream largely by a slew of HGTV home improvement shows over the past decade or so. That’s not to say that property owners previously failed to consider the importance of outward appearances when it comes to owning a home. Perhaps the market-driven economy since the turn of the century has engendered more of a need for our homes to look appealing from…well, from the curb.

Whether looking to spruce up the exterior portions of your property for your own contentment or wanting to ensure your home is in tiptop shape for its debut on the MLS, improving curb appeal doesn’t have to be too difficult, or expensive. We’ve put together a list of five easy ways to enhance the exterior appeal of your home – that won’t break your back, or the bank.

5 Simple Ways to Do A Lot With a Little

  1. Update the Entryway. Often the focal point of a home, the front door should be welcoming and inviting. Reframing the door, replacing the door handle and flanking your entrance with sturdy plants can go a long way in adding charm and appeal to your home.
  1. Add a fresh coat of paint. Nothing gives a home a facelift like a new coat of paint. Add accent colors to your front door, garage door, shutters and even window trim to completely transform the look of your home.
  1. Rejuvenate with landscaping. Remove dead, unhealthy shrubs, trees and flowers, and replace with fresh, vibrant plants and trees that add color, warmth and interest to your property. Plan out how to fill your space first, though, so your landscaping doesn’t appear haphazard, unorganized or as an afterthought.
  1. Enhance appearance with landscape lighting. Your property may look great in the daylight, but what about once the sun goes down? Strategically placed landscape and up lighting can do wonders for giving your home a regal appearance.
  1. Pressure wash, and seal the driveway and walkway. Dirt, grime, mold and a whole host of other unpleasant materials tend to collect on driveways, walkways and porches. Pressure washing away this collection leaves behind a fresh, like-new surface that can really complement the home. Sealing once completely dried helps protect these passageways into the home, keeping them cleaner in the long run and giving them an eye-pleasing sheen that lasts.

You don’t have to invest much to refresh and rejuvenate your property’s appearance. Be creative, be inspired and be ready to move when that offer comes in.

 

 

 

 

 

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How to Expedite the Closing Process

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Closing on a new home is one of the most exciting things consumers have the privilege of doing. After months of searching for the perfect place, submitting an offer and negotiating terms of the sale, the time to closing can seem like an eternity. While this procedure may seem arduous, and at times emotionally taxing, there are a few things you can do to expedite the closing process.

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5 Tips for Streamlining Settlement

When purchasing a new home or even refinancing your current property, keep the following tips in mind for the most efficient, expedited closing possible:

  • Complete pre-approval process and loan application promptly. The sooner you submit your application to the loan officer, the faster you can get the ball rolling on the closing process. Ensure the information you provide on your application is accurate, though, or else you will experience a delay.
  • Have all required paperwork gathered in one location and ready to go. This includes important documents like pay stubs and proof of other income sources, W-2’s, tax returns for the previous two years and all bank statements. The settlement process is often delayed due to waiting for all necessary paperwork and information be submitted; this inevitably lengthens the time it takes for loan packages to be completed, and ultimately time to close.
  • Request a home appraisal as soon as possible. This is contingent upon getting all required documentation for your loan application submitted as quickly as possible. Once this occurs, your loan officer can initiate the appraisal request.
  • Stay in constant communication with your representative. Remain active in the communication process by frequently checking in with your agent. It’s also crucial to reply to inquiries about your loan as soon as possible, providing a quick response to phone calls, letters, emails and requests for additional information.
  • Be available to sign the Closing Disclosure (CD) form 3 days prior to settlement. Be aware, this document is submitted via email and signed electronically. The longer you wait to sign, the more time accrues until that closing day. Keep a close watch on your email account so that this step can be completed as early as possible.

Linear Title & Escrow has been providing settlement services to the Greater Hampton Roads area for the past 10 years. We take great pride in providing a streamlined, efficient and highly professional closing experience, and look forward to serving the needs of our community for many years to come. Learn more about how to expedite your closing process by contacting our friendly, experienced team today at 757.340.0340.