Real Estate

Are you selling your home or just a different house elsewhere and you seem to be stuck on how to go about it? Worry no more, there is a solution now. This is where your search comes to a halt.

You see, there are a bunch of companies out there who are willing to buy your house but they will burn you while at it. As a seller, you obviously need honesty and transparency in the whole process. Not someone who will come and give you a raw deal. It is not a secret that investors nowadays come confessing and promising heaven only to disappoint you in the long run. To avoid that, you need to be well versed with the right kind of people. Those people who will treat you as you deserve.

For easy and hustle free home selling, companies like Sell My House to Smith come quite in handy. These are people who have rich experience in dealing with sellers over a long period of time. Gone are the days when you could go out looking for sellers or just erecting a “for sell” poster in front of your house. Well, as much as you may still do that, you will lose precious time and may be money.

That is why all these house buyers have easily availed themselves on social media platforms and in various websites. Whenever you want to check them out be specific as to whom exactly you want to reach out to. They will schedule a meet up time with you at your convenient.

With no fees or commissions to pay, it gets easy to deal with these house buyers. You can even leave your house as is. You do not need to tide it up or do any repairs. They take care of everything after you’ve moved out.

Many people are obsessed with the idea of loft conversions and whether you are doing it to give your house an uplift, add a new room or improve its market value, you are definitely going to enjoy the process. When brainstorming for ideas about what your loft should look like, it can get rather overwhelming because there isn’t anything you can’t do in there. If you wish, you could create a studio with all the things you already have in your house such as a bathroom and a kitchen as well as a bedroom. However, the structural undertaking is rather significant so before you embark on any idea, you should be certain of what you want to create and what you will need for the job.

Here at We Buy Any House, we have compiled what we think are the best ways you can transform your loft from a dark, unused room into a magnificent living space. We hope these will serve you as inspiration as you begin to convert your loft.

• Make Your Bed A Centerpiece

If you want to have a spare bedroom in your loft you should make it a centerpiece. Unless you have a lot of wall separators which can break up the space into zones, then letting your bed take center stage is going to give the whole space more impactful visuals. Leaving the area to be in an open plan space can give you that bright, airy and spacious feel without the room appearing to be cluttered. You could still add wardrobes and storage as long as you keep the bed as a centerpiece. What’s more, make sure you put your fancy looking bedsheets, throws and pillows to make it extra cosy as well.

• Kids Playroom

There’s nothing wrong with creating a space that you actually need and will use instead of making the traditional loft conversion like everybody else does. Surely adding an extra bedroom can be rather beneficial for you and can add value to your home in the long term, but if you have kids or teenagers who love to play board games, video games or any sort of activity, then creating a space for them to be able to do that is amazing. Having a little gaming corner with a desk and a comfortable chair, as well as some open space for activities would make the ideal room for your children to enjoy. What’s more, you will be further away from the noises so you will be giving yourself peace and quiet as well.

• Home Office

The attic does not necessarily have to be for the use and enjoyment of kids only. Perhaps you are working from home and it’s difficult for you to separate the work and home feeling, then isolating yourself in the loft could be the ideal solution for you. Not only can you create a working space that you love, but you will have that separate space that is just for work while also being in the comfort of your own home. The perk of isolating some of the noises that may be coming from your home is not to be undervalued too. The home office could doble as a reading room or simply a place to relax in away from distractions.

• Meditation/Gym Space

With the rise of home workouts especially over the pandemic there’s been a significant shift in people’s lifestyles and nowadays not everyone can afford to pay for gym memberships or choose to cut their expenses and workout at home instead. If you prefer it too, then converting your loft into a home gym could be just for you. You could even add a shower room where you could freshen up after a workout or alternatively, based on the workouts you do, you could add a mindfulness space where you could do some meditation before or after a session. Perhaps you are feeling like doing some yoga or Pilates, then the meditation space could be used for these lighter workouts as well.

•  Open To a Balcony

Most of the times lofts feel a bit claustrophobic for some people and despite the fact that they are spacious in floor space, they are lacking from the ceiling one. However, adding windows you can stargaze from and opening out the place to a balcony could give you even more of a spacious feel. That will let you have fresh air on a wintery day or enjoy a cool breeze during those hot summer nights. It will completely transform your loft and would be worth all the trouble.

This article was written by a quick house sale company webuyanyhouse.co.uk If you’re wondering “how can sell my house quickly”, head over to our website for more property related information and enquiries.

Currently, the demand for better houses to buy or rent has increased. In return, the growing number has increased the number of realtors in the market. Therefore, choosing the right realtor to work with can be overwhelming. This article will help you learn about the things that you should consider when hiring a realtor.

Reputation

The first thing to look for when choosing a realtor to work with is the reputation. A suitable realtor should have a good reputation. You can consult online to find reviews about your preferred realtor. For instance, working with Santa Clarita Realtor, Kathy Bost assures better services. Such individuals have been in the game long enough to understand what is needed in the industry. Hiring their services ensures that you what you deserve.

Availability

The hustles and bustles of the streets have left people in tight schedules. Therefore, when looking for a Realtor in Valencia, Saugus and Santa Clarita California, it’s advisable to consider one that is readily available as per your schedule. A perfect realtor should be at your disposal every time of the day. Working with a readily available realtor makes the whole process easy to pursue.

Communication skills

It’s advisable to work with an agent who is good at communication. Whether it’s face-to-face communication, phone calls, texts, or emails, a suitable realtor should be able to keep in touch with you at all times. Excellent communication as well makes the whole process easy and straightforward.

Charges

Real estate agents don’t do all the work for free; they charge a commission. When choosing an agent to work with, it’s advisable to consider the price tag. Every realtor has a unique price tag for the services rendered. You must, therefore, choose a realtor that charges a fee you can afford.

Years of service

The real estate industry keeps changing, and that calls for people with an in-depth understanding of what the field entails. When hiring a realtor, you must, therefore, ask about his or her work experience. It’s advisable to work with agents that have been in the industry long enough. Many years of work assures that you’re hiring the services of an individual who understand what he or she is doing.

It is a dream for many people to have an actual swimming pool in their backyard instead of those inflatable ones most people buy. But this dream cannot come easily and will certainly affect your wallet. It is no secret that inground swimming pools can be quite costly and are normally considered a massive investment which is why there are many things to be analysed beforehand. Once you start researching and educating yourself more you will see that a swimming pool may be the biggest investment you will ever make.

Before you embark on building your dream backyard pool, make sure you are aware of all the processes and costs. It may seem overwhelming and that is why here at We Buy Any House, we have gathered all the essential things you would want to consider before you begin building your swimming pool. Anything from the purpose of it, the size you desire to knowing your zoning laws.

1. Zoning Laws

Before you decide to do anything, it is important that you make yourself acquainted with your local zoning laws. Normally, all inground swimming pools are subject to some regulations which differ from city to city. That is why you should not rely on some information you got from a family member or a friend who is not living in your area. You must check all requirements and submit an application for a building permit. Only after it has been approved can you begin your swimming pool project.

1. Choose Your Pool Type

If you are not an expert you may say ‘How many types are there!?’, right? However, we are not talking about the shape and depth of it as much as what it is going to be built with. Generally, there are three types of inground swimming pools – fiberglass, concrete and vinyl-lined. Concrete pools normally take longer to install but they are the strongest of the bunch. The vinyl pools can be installed much faster but are also easily punctured by certain items. The last option can take as little as three days to install and are great because they use less pool chemicals, however, depending on your size it may be harder to find one for a uniquely shaped pool. All in all, make sure you weigh up the pros and cons of each type, consider your own circumstances and consult with your constructor for a more accurate decision.

1. Positioning is Key

Picking the right spot for your swimming pool is just as important as picking its shape, size and type. It is sometimes difficult to establish where it would be best suited and not to mention that the ground available is not always a lot so it might be worth consulting with a constructor who will give you better insight into the soil conditions and determine a better placement for it. Things like building away from electrical wires, with good sun exposure and no wind can be tricky but are all vital for a good quality pool which will serve you for longer.

1. Quality Circulation System

Every swimming pool needs a good circulation system in order to keep it in good health and always looking fresh and clean. For the purpose you would need a good filtration and sanitation system. Chlorine is by far the most effective and commonly used pool sanitizer but there are different types to choose from. There are many energy efficient and high-quality systems available these days so make sure you pick the one which suits your needs the most.

1. Think About Maintenance

With such a big investment it is only normal that you would have to spare a good amount of your budget for maintaining your pool regularly and efficiently. Having one in your house surely is a valuable asset and makes it very attractive to potential buyers if you ever need to sell. That is why keeping it in good shape would be rather beneficial for your house’s market value as well.

1. Determine a Budget

As already mentioned, indoor swimming pools can be quite an investment and will require a big budget. There are obviously options to consider which can be more wallet-friendly, which is why it is also really vital for you to compare prices of everything. Knowing your contractor is also important as there will be a lot of additional expenses relating to things like landscaping, decks, pathways, lighting, patio furniture and many more.

Building yourself your fantasy indoor pool will definitely be a complex and rather difficult job but well worth it in the end. It will make a great new addition to your house but do not assume it will be all rainbows and unicorns. The things you must consider are numerous and here are some of the main ones but there will be plenty more coming your way as you embark on this dream project of yours.

This article was written by a quick house sale company We Buy Any House. If you are wondering “how can I value my house online?”, head to the We Buy Any House website for more information relating to all property related enquiries.

We all aspire to make our homes as healthy as possible. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s important that we spend time ensuring we are doing all the little tips and tricks to make our home as healthy as possible. Here at We Buy Any House we have compiled our top tips to create a healthier home.

Have a Space that Doesn’t Use Electronics:

As our homes become more technologically advanced, sometimes it’s good to have a little time out and reconnect with the ‘real world’. Having a no electronics zone can definitely make your home healthier and is a great way to re-energise and clarify your mind without relying on a digital age. The best part is, is that it doesn’t even have to be an entire room, it can just be a space- a chair or a beanbag in a corner, where no laptops, tablets, mobile phones or video consoles are allowed.

Learn How to Spot Mould, Prevent It and Treat It:

Having mould in your home isn’t just unattractive, it’s also really bad for our health. It’s critical that we learn how to spot, prevent and treat it. It’s important to undertake small tasks, like ensuring there is a dehumidifier in our homes, that the bathroom extractor fan is left on after a shower and making sure to seal the bathroom grout once every year. It’s also important to make sure you are washing your shower curtain and liner every few weeks to prevent mould from gathering at the bottom of it. If you spot mould in your home, then it’s important to take care of it immediately. If you’re not sure how to take care of it, then call a professional.

Buy Air Purifying Plants:

Sadly, statistics show that indoor air pollution is 2 to five times higher than outdoor air pollution- and is something which we should take very seriously considering we spend up to 80% of our time in our homes. A great way to relieve indoor air pollution is to make the air greener (literally) but adding indoor plants to your home. English Ivy, Aloe Vera and Peace Lilies are all great examples of good indoor plants.

Leave the Shoes at the Door:

An easy way to make your house healthier is by adding a no-shoe policy. When we’ve been outdoors all day, our shoes pick up all types of bacteria, chemicals and general dirt from everywhere. It’s a good idea to keep a basket at your front door where all of your slippers and house shoes can be kept, so when you get home, you can immediately change.

Declutter Each Season:

Each season in the home introduces a time for change, and it’s important to declutter as time goes on. This way you can see what you truly have in your home, and what you need to do in order to minimise the belongings in your home and make it as healthy as possible.

This article was written by a quick house sale company We Buy Any House. If you’re wondering “how can I sell house fast?”, head to the We Buy Any House website for more information relating to all property related enquiries.

If you have done home renovation projects before, you realize that they don’t come cheap. From finding the right contractors to purchasing the material needed to make your plans into reality, you will need to have the right amount of resources before you can even start a major home renovation.

You’re not alone in thinking about this. Many homeowners are also having trouble gathering the funds they need to change the way their houses look. With just a limited budget, you are bound to make the most of what you already have, without of course jeopardizing quality and functionality.

So, is there a less costly way to renovate a home? There a lot actually, and you as a homeowner should consider them on your next big home improvement project. Here are some of these cost-effective methods.

1. Make an assessment of your home

Renovation projects should first start with a thorough home inspection. Consider this as an audit that allows you to pinpoint certain elements around the house that should be replaced, upgraded or left alone.

One thing’s for sure, this would involve knowing the type of design of house that you have. Doing so can help you finance renovation projects that suit your home. For instance, if you own a prefabricated home, it’s important to know that you can renovate the home yourself depending on how many sections or areas you want to update. Still, you will be able to save a lot of many on contracting since you will be doing much of the work yourself. This is just one many advantages of owning a modular or custom home constructed by quality prefab manufacturers.

2. Renovate for value

As much as they are expensive to begin with, home renovation projects can increase your home’s value. You only need to determine how much you are going to spend on the projects and a comparison of home prices in your area.

It can be tricky for first time homeowners, but it’s just a matter of looking ahead and asking yourself “If I were to sell my home next month, how much will it cost after a complete renovation?” Making the calculations can help you determine the right amount you should spend on your projects and the rate of return you will be getting once somebody else purchases your home.

3. Secure your credit score

Sometimes, you’re tempted to use credit cards to finance a home renovation project. However, it’s always important to stick to whatever cold cash you currently have. Using cash for paying the contractors and purchasing the materials you need is a more practical way of avoiding exorbitant expenses.

Aside from that, it’s also a good way to prevent yourself from going over your credit line. Even if you already paid for the projects, you will still shoulder the bills, which doesn’t make any difference. At least with cold cash, you can spend ample time trying to figure out how to make to with a limited budget. It stops you from overspending and saves you from getting a potentially bad score on your credit record.

While pulling into the driveway, you noticed that the home’s paint looked a little faded. There’s also some chipping in spots. That means the home exterior is due for some fresh paint. Will you try to do the job on your own or call in a professional? Before you answer, consider these reasons why it makes sense to call a professional residential company Houston TX to repaint your home’s exterior.

Determining the Supplies and Equipment Needed

In order to manage the painting properly, the right equipment needs to be brought to the site. It may include ladders, scaffolding, sprayers, brushes, and a number of other items. While you don’t have all of those supplies and equipment on hand, you can bet that professional painters have it all.

This is good news, since you won’t have to spend time trying to find everything needed to do the painting. Best of all, there will be no worries about realizing something else is needed while the painting is underway, creating the need to stop painting and go find it. You can trust that professionals know what to bring and when to use it.

Discussing Options for Paint

There’s more than one option for exterior paint. Do you know the differences between those options or which ones would work best with your exterior? If not, now is not the time to engage in a guessing game. You need answers that are precise and dependable. That’s what you get with a professional painter.

The professional can discuss the fine points of each type of exterior paint and how they fit in with your home’s exterior. If you’re having trouble selecting colors for the walls and the trim, the painter can likely make some suggestions about those too.

Preparing the Exterior Walls and Trim

The odds are high that this painting job will involve more than hosing down the walls, letting them dry, and then applying the paint. In most cases, there will have to be some deep cleaning followed by scraping and other forms of preparation. The goal is to ensure the surfaces are ready for the paint and that the results will be smooth textures that look their best.

An expert from a professional residential company Houston TX will know what type of preparation applies for your home. That includes how to manage the preparation and ensure the walls are ready for painting. Best of all, this can be done quickly so there are no delays in starting the actual painting.

Doing the Job Without Wasting Time or Other Resources

House painting is not something you do often. In fact, you may have never tackled this type of job at all. In spite of your good intentions, there will likely be some mistakes along the way. That ends up costing you in terms of time and also the amount of supplies used.

By contrast, professional painters already know how to take care of this type of paint job. There is no time wasted and the results are excellent. You’ll also find that there’s no waste along the way. Thanks to their expertise, you don’t end up spending more for supplies than absolutely necessary. It helps that the painting is done sooner and things can get back to normal around your house.

If you’re facing any type of major residential painting job, think twice before trying to do it yourself. Call a professional and find out what it would cost to have the work done. You may be pleasantly surprised at how affordable this option happens to be.

Whilst the coronavirus pandemic is still at the forefront of our minds, the worse of the crisis is over. The same is true of Brexit; whilst this has been catastrophic for UK-EU relations, the aftermath hasn’t been as bad as many ex-pats expected. And in another bout of good news, perhaps as a result of the two crises outlined above, mortgage prices in Spain are now cheaper than they have ever been before. This is not only good news for Spaniards, but for anyone else hoping to buy property in the country! Here’s everything we know about the lower mortgage rates, and why that makes now the perfect time to buy property in Spain:

Why Are Mortgages Currently Cheaper in Spain?

There are several reasons contributing to the drop in mortgage rates in Spain; firstly, interest rates in the country are lower. This means that banks are passing this one by introducing more favourable mortgage terms to their customers, in a bid to attract more clients. As property prices are also attractive in Spain right now, this is only good news for house hunters who need to secure a mortgage in Spain!

• Spanish Interest Rates are Lower 

It would be fair to say nothing good as come from the pandemic, but from a financial point of view, it has led to a drop in interest rates across the country. In fact, interest rates in Spain are at their lowest point in history. This has a knock on effect on anyone hoping to buy property in the country too, making it a buyers market, because mortgage and interest rates are uncharacteristically low. In real terms, there has never been a better time to follow your dream of living in the sun.

• Borrowing Money Has Never Been Cheaper

Interest rates have a huge impact on the cost of borrowing. And so, because interest rates are so low, borrowing money has never been cheaper either! That means that  if you need a mortgage in order to secure your dream Spanish home then now is the right time for you. There is another factor at play here too, besides the drop in interest rates. Spain has introduced  the new mortgage laws . These were introduced in 2019, nationwide, and have dramatically improved the terms and conditions surrounding mortgage applications in the country. In brief, the main highlights of these policy changes were: longer default periods before properties could be repossessed, and allowing borrowers to convert foreign currency for mortgages into euros. This has made buying in Spain a much more attractive and straightforward proposition for foreign investors.

Why Have Interest Rates Dropped?

We know that the drop in mortgage rates has been driven by the drop in interest rates. But what we haven’t discussed is why interest rates in Spain have dropped so dramatically. The clear and obvious answer to this is the impact of the coronavirus pandemic which plunged the nation into Lockdown andhit Spain, and wider Europe, particularly hard. During this time, mortgage applications dropped by almost half, according to figures released by Europa Press’ EPData. With considerably fewer people borrowing from the banks during this period, the Euribor (which is the reference rate that determines what interest rates in Spain will be) began to fall, ultimately reaching a rate of –0.48 by the end of 2020. This is the lowest figure it has ever reached, and meant that banks were forced to offer lower mortgage rates to their customers in 2021.

Fixed or Variable Mortgage?

The two main types of mortgages available in Spain are fixed rate mortgages and variable rate mortgages. At present, fixed mortgage rates are considerably more popular in Spain than variable ones: 70 percent of mortgages being granted in Spain are fixed rate mortgages. The decline in interest rates means that now is a great time to fix, as these rates are offered in line with inflation.

Ready to go ahead and make your application? Don’t forget to carefully consider the bank you choose, and conduct your own research. To help you with this, the three banks offering the best mortgage rates on the market right now are MyInvestor, BBVA and Liberbank. As the banks compete with each other, and mortgage rates become more competitive, you’ll find that mortgages will continue to become more affordable across the country.

All Sounding Too Good To Be True?

Well if you don’t have a good credit rating, it just might be! Whilst mortgage rates are lower than ever, the criteria to secure a mortgage is also stricter than it has ever been. So before you decide to take the plunge, here is a list of the criteria you must fulfill to be eligible for a mortgage in Spain:

• You must have a stable income
•  You must have a job contract
•  You mus have a significant deposit. Whilst the deposit amount will vary, many banks in Spain are currently asking that you have somewhere around a 40,000 -50,000-euro deposit, depending on the price of the property.

Fulfilling this criteria will be difficult for many as a result of the pandemic and the job losses or job uncertainty that it lead to. But if you can fulfill this criteria then there’s no time like the present to take advantage and apply for a Spanish mortgage.

Finally, it’s important to note that the type of financing you can secure from Spanish banks will depend on whether you are a resident or a non-resident of Spain. This is because residents will usually be lent around 70 to 80 percent of the total property amount as a mortgage and will also get better interest rates, whilst non-residents will need a higher deposit value and can only expect a Spanish bank to cover around 60 percent of the cost.

Are you thinking of moving to Spain after Brexit? Whether you’re looking for bargain apartments in Mijas Costa or beachfront properties in Calahonda, our team of local property experts can help. We have a team of estate agents in the Costa del Sol who are perfectly placed to help you find the home of your dreams, so why not get in touch today.

Finding the best estate agent in Marylebone is a must if you’re buying a flat or house in that desirable corner of London. A good estate agent will be honest when it comes to advising you what is available in your price range, and will make sure that your needs are their priority. You may want to consider the following when browsing for a good estate agent in Marylebone.

The Importance of Communication

One of the biggest complaints that many people have about unreliable estate agents is their lack of communication, and if you have ever dealt with an unreliable estate agent, you may know just how annoying that can be.

It should be taken as a warning sign to perhaps work with someone else if an estate agent just doesn’t bother to respond in a timely manner to your email or phone call. It’s perhaps a sign of how your future interactions with that person may turn out. Of course, all of us experience unexpected delays and problems every so often, but these should be communicated to you on the agent’s website or by some other means.

Although it’s important to have some understanding of the most commonly used financial and real estate terms, you don’t want to work with an agent who uses so much industry jargon that it’s confusing. If you aren’t clear on what is happening or why, it can be all too easy to enter into a transaction without quite knowing what you’re doing; a reputable estate agent won’t work that way, of course.

Respecting Your Budget

Make sure to let your estate agent know what the maximum amount is that you’re prepared to spend on your flat or house. However, your estate agent may apply pressure to try to make you settle, if they ask you immediately what your maximum price limit is. The last thing you want is to miss out on that dream home.

Professionalism Is a Must!

Being professional means not only treating you with respect, but advising you clearly on the fees involved, what kind of search will be carried out for a buyer, and any marketing that will be done on your behalf if you’re selling. The terms of the contract should be clearly spelled out and explained and your questions answered, as soon as you decide to work with an agent.

If all that is important to you, look no further than Jeremy James, if you are trying to find the leading estate agent in Marylebone. For a client focused approach and the professionalism you expect, contact Jeremy James today, whether you are buying or selling.

So you’re getting ready to buy your first home. First off, congratulations! It’s an exciting step in your life. A new home means a world of possibilities, especially when it means leaving behind the busy Australian rental scene. Whether it’s as simple as an upgrade of your living space or it signals the beginnings of a family, buying a home is a major milestone. It also comes with a unique set of frustrations. While it would be great if the homebuying process were as simple as picking out a house and writing a check, you should keep in mind a few important tips if you’re a first-time homebuyer.

Know What You Want

You should have a general concept of your ideal purchase before you start looking. Not only will it narrow your search parameters, it’ll also help you assess your budget. Ask yourself some simple questions before you get started. Are you looking for a standalone single family home or something smaller, such as a townhouse? Do you want a fixer-upper or are you going to buy a plot of land outside of Brisbane and opt for new construction? Once you have the answers to these questions, you can budget accordingly. However, it’s always a good idea to add some padding into your budget in case you stumble across your dream home.

Not interested in buying a more outdated mid-century home or a fixer-upper? New construction is a great option for Queensland residents if you have the funds because you’re able to have input on nearly every aspect of your home’s design. Plenty of home and land packages for first homebuyers are available, and they often cut costs as opposed to purchasing the two components separately. What better way to call a home your own than by building it from the ground up?

Consider Transportation

Location, location, location. While it’s almost a cliche at this point, it’s no less true. Real estate (especially homeownership) is completely dependent on location. When it comes to first-time homebuyers, you should plan to reside in your new home for a minimum of five years. That’s a long time to put up with a bad location or less-than-savory neighborhood.

Your location will also affect your transportation needs greatly. If you’re in the heart of Brisbane and you work nearby, you may not need your own vehicle to get around as you may be able to walk or rely on public transit. Inversely, if you’re choosing a quieter abode on the outskirts of town, you may want to visit one of the Holden dealerships in Brisbane to find a vehicle that will make your commute a little more bearable. Keep your transportation needs in mind before you commit to a location as you won’t want to have to deal with it down the road.

Find an Agent You Trust

While you can always go at the homebuying process alone, having an agent on your side is a lot easier. A buyer’s agent will advise you at every step of the buying process, from your initial searches to closing. That’s why finding an agent who has your best interests at heart is essential. They should be patient, knowledgeable, and willing to educate you on the finer details.

Communicate clearly with your agent. If you’re confused at any point during the process, from mortgage amounts to the conveyancing process, let your agent know. If he or she comes across as too busy for you or unwilling to help you learn, then it’s not the right fit.

Now, Get Shopping

Buying a home is a thrilling process with a lot of moving parts. It can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. If you adequately prepare yourself, you’ll be a step ahead of other buyers, and your offers will be that much more competitive. Know what you’re looking for and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Soon enough, you’ll be moving into your new home and living the dream!

Projecting the right image is important for any real estate agent. You want people to come to your site, find what they are looking for, and be able to contact you with ease. With so many real estate agent website templates available, which one is right for you? One approach is to make sure these four features are included in the overall page designs.

An Image Gallery

What would a real estate site be without the ability to display images. You want the ability to create galleries that go with each listing. Doing so makes it possible for prospective clients to take a look at each of the rooms, check out the grounds, and in general have an idea of what each property has to offer.

Within the image gallery, you may also want the ability to upload video. This allows interested parties to take a quickly virtual tour of the place. Coupled with the images, this may be all it takes to motivate them to give you a call.

A Map View

This is another feature that many prospective clients will enjoy. The map feature allows them to have a better idea of where properties are located. This can be important if someone is looking for a home relatively near schools, a place of employment, or shopping. It can also come in handy if someone wants a home that’s further removed but still relatively close to certain amenities.

Make sure the map view allows the user to zoom in and out. That will help make it all the easier to determine if the location is in line with what the person is seeking. That coupled with the images may be enough to prompt a call.

Social Media Sharing

A lot of business is done on social media these days. A visitor to your website should be able to click on an icon to get to your social media pages. That makes it easier to follow them and have your contact information on hand. Along with seeing posts you make about new listings, they can also share them with any friends who are also thinking of making a move.

Since the number of social media sites is expanding, it helps to look at real estate agent website templates that account for the most popular ones while allowing you to add widgets for newer and increasingly popular ones. Depending on the demographic that you’re targeting, this could allow you to tap into a larger number of potential clients.

Testimonial Page

People will wonder what it’s like to work with you. While they may head out to review sites and see what they can find, it never hurts to have a few testimonials on your own pages. As with other aspects of your site, make sure it’s easy to add recent testimonials. Doing so helps to reassure those who are considering making contact that you’re still active and still delivering the best in support to all clients.

Remember that selecting a template is somewhat like selecting the attire that you wear when meeting with potential clients. Make sure the color combination, features, navigation, and other aspects all send a message that you offer professional and reliable support. The right template choice will go a long way toward attracting positive attention and help enhance your reputation.