• The total square footage is similar. All other things held equal, a 1500 square feet home is not a good comparison to 2500 square foot home.  Smaller homes have a higher price per square foot because the land value has more of an influence and larger homes have economies of scale.
• Similar quality and finishes. A home with hardwood, granite, tile walk-in shower, etc. is going to have a higher price per square foot than a house with no upgrades.
• Layout and design. You want to compare single levels with single levels, two stories with two stories, etc.  Single level homes have the highest price per square foot.
• Lot size. A house that’s on a large lot is going to have a higher price per square foot.
• External influences. Does the house back to an interstate, is it in a bad neighborhood, next an airport, etc.?
• Location. A home in North Boise is not a good comparison to a home in Meridian.
• Physical deterioration. Is the house damaged, need a new roof, HVAC, etc?
• Functional obsolesce. This is the appraisal term for a home that has a design that does not appeal to today’s buyer.  For example, a 1 bathroom home where guests must go through the master bedroom to use the only bathroom.
• Etc.

What we’re really talking about is having good comparables.  There are many influences to a homes value and all these must be taken into consideration.  If the homes are truly comparable, then price per square foot is an excellent meaurement to use.

Search Boise real estate and the surrounding areas of Meridian, Eagle, Star, etc.

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Properly staging your home for sale takes some time and hard work but is one of the most important things you can do to sell you home for maximum value and get it sold in a reasonable amount of time.

As you go through this checklist and begin to clear out/reduce the clutter just think of it as getting a head start on the packing you’ll have to do when your house sells. Also, quit packing around stuff you don’t need or use any more. Make a donation pile and give it to charity.

In every room of the house, look as though you were the potential buyer. What do you see? What would make the room look better? What should be moved out? Could things be re-arranged to make the room look bigger? You don’t want the buyer to not be consumed with your stuff. You want them to appreciate each room and picture themselves living there. Picture how a new construction model home is decorated.

Download my Staging Your Home For Sale checklist.

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• Don’t ignore the letters from your lender
• Contact your lender immediately
• Contact a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency
• Toll FREE (800) 569-4287
• TTY (800) 877-8339

If you are unable to make your mortgage payment:

1. Don’t ignore the problem.

The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house.

2. Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem.

Lenders do not want your house. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times.

3. Open and respond to all mail from your lender.

The first notices you receive will offer good information about foreclosure prevention options that can help you weather financial problems.  Later mail may include important notice of pending legal action.  Your failure to open the mail will not be an excuse in foreclosure court.

4. Know your mortgage rights.

Find your loan documents and read them so you know what your lender may do if you can’t make your payments.  Learn about the foreclosure laws and timeframes in your state (as every state is different) by contacting the State Government Housing Office.

5. Understand foreclosure prevention options.

Valuable information about foreclosure prevention (also called loss mitigation) options can be found on the internet at www.fha.gov/foreclosure/index.cfm.

6. Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds free or very low cost housing counseling nationwide.  Housing counselors can help you understand the law and your options, organize your finances and represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need this assistance. Find a HUD-approved housing counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287 or TTY (800) 877-8339.

7. Prioritize your spending.

After healthcare, keeping your house should be your first priority.  Review your finances and see where you can cut spending in order to make your mortgage payment.  Look for optional expenses-cable TV, memberships, entertainment-that you can eliminate. Delay payments on credit cards and other “unsecured” debt until you have paid your mortgage.

8. Use your assets.

Do you have assets-a second car, jewelry, a whole life insurance policy-that you can sell for cash to help reinstate your loan? Can anyone in your household get an extra job to bring in additional income?  Even if these efforts don’t significantly increase your available cash or your income, they demonstrate to your lender that you are willing to make sacrifices to keep your home.

9. Avoid foreclosure prevention companies.

You don’t need to pay fees for foreclosure prevention help-use that money to pay the mortgage instead. Many for-profit companies will contact you promising to negotiate with your lender.  While these may be legitimate businesses, they will charge you a hefty fee (often two or three month’s mortgage payment) for information and services your lender or a HUD approved housing counselor will provide free if you contact them.

10. Don’t lose your house to foreclosure recovery scams!

If any firm claims they can stop your foreclosure immediately if you sign a document appointing them to act on your behalf, you may well be signing over the title to your property and becoming a renter in your own home!  Never sign a legal document without reading and understanding all the terms and getting professional advice from an attorney, a trusted real estate professional, or a HUD approved housing counselor.

http://www.hud.gov/foreclosure/index.cfm

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