Author: James Andersen

The Top 3 Mistakes People Make When Selling a Home

Posted on April 1, 2021 by - General

Buying a home can be a tricky business. Mortgage rates climb and fall, the market swings from buyers to sellers to buyers again. Add in location, cost, time, and design, and you’ve got the potential for a big fat headache. That’s where we come in. At Voila, we work with you to get things right and avoid the biggest pitfalls of home buying.

The Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home

  1. The first big mistake people make when they want to sell their house is, they are trying to sell their home, not a house. If you’re like most people, you’ve made plenty of good memories in your home, especially if you’ve raised your kids there. The place is filled with joy and love and leaving it can pull at your heartstrings. The trouble is your potential buyers don’t want to buy your home. They want to buy your house. All your cherished memories will go with you and the places in the house where they were created? Well, it’s time to detach. Stage your house for selling by removing all the personal items like pictures, artwork, and that bougie pink sofa you spent three months’ salary on so you could feel like you’re sitting on a cloud. We’re not saying there’s anything wrong with those things, but they are your style, not the buyers. Keeping things neutral lets your buyers picture their own bougie couch in the sitting room and THAT can make the sale.

2. Another mistake people make when selling their home is thinking it will sell without any work put into repairs or upgrades. Everyone has those little projects they let slide, like fixing that broken screen and replacing the back steps that are crumbling. When you live there, you adjust to the smaller things because life is busy, and repairs cost time and money. To sell at the highest possible price, you first need to put in the elbow grease and the bucks to fix those things up. You should see every bit of the cost returned, sometimes many times over when you sell. Don’t skimp on the repairs. If people want a fixer-upper, they aren’t going to pay nearly as much money for it.

What’s the Biggest Mistake of All?

3. Thinking you need to spend a fortune on a well-known Brokerage! It’s more than likely your home will sell if it’s priced right, shows well, and has good market exposure. So really, partnering with a brokerage should be as simple as getting you the right people to achieve those goals. And do you really want to pay 6-7% commission for that? Us either. Voila is not your ordinary real estate business. We are a team of experienced, excited realtors who know the tricks of the trade to sell your home without costly mistakes. Call or text us today at 651-237-2274 to talk about how we can get your home sold for more money, all while paying fewer commissions!

Are You Too Young to Buy a Home?

Posted on March 1, 2021 by - For Buyers, Gen Z, Millennials

The housing market can be a scary place, but it can be downright terrifying when you are in your 20s and fresh out of college. If you are in a secure job, have been able to stash away some savings, and wonder if buying a home is a good investment for you at this time in your life, here are some things to consider.

Will You be Happy Long Term?

 Here’s the thing. Many people graduate college, land their first adult job, and think they are set for the future. What many 20-somethings do not consider is the possibility of major life changes. What if a better opportunity presents itself a few states away? Will you be able to pick up and move quickly to jump at the chance? Maybe your career takes a turn, and you go in a different direction. Life happens when we aren’t even looking for it. Before you purchase a home, do some research about the resale value if you need to move in a hurry. If your current location is not very buyer friendly, you may be stuck for longer than you would like.

Can You Really Afford It?

Even if you have a sizeable down payment, a home mortgage can take a considerable chunk of your paycheck, especially if you buy a home at the top of your budget. Make sure you consider all the costs of owning a home, including insurance, maintenance and repairs, and things that may get lost in the shuffle, like lawn care. A new home can be great, but if it causes your finances to struggle, it may become a burden you can’t afford.

If you have considered all the options and still think it is the right time to buy your first home, don’t do it alone. Voila makes the home buying process easy by giving you the support you need when you need it.  On top of this, our unique “V-fund” rebate program helps home buyers keep more of their hard-earned cash in their pocket.  To learn more about our buyer rebate program and the ways in which Voila takes the hassle out of home buying, visit us here.

If you are ready to enter the housing market, call us to schedule an appointment. We can help take the fear out of the process and get you in your new home fast.

5 Tips for Buying a Home in a Seller’s Market

Posted on January 25, 2021 by - Buying Myths, Housing Market Updates

Homes on the market aren’t available long these days, making it challenging to be a homebuyer. This is especially true if you are a first-time homebuyer and unfamiliar with the process. However, there are ways you can prepare for this process when in a seller’s market that will improve your odds of landing the perfect home.

Have Your Financing Ready

There isn’t enough time to go through the mortgage preapproval process after you’ve already found the home of your dreams. There will be other buyers eager to place offers that already have financing secured with their lender. It’s not hard for a seller to choose between two offers when one doesn’t have a preapproval letter. Before you even look at homes on the market, have that letter ready. 

Send an Offer Letter

Many buyers will send an offer on the home but may not think to send an offer letter. An offer letter lets the seller know more about you and why you want to buy their home. You can let them know why it’s the perfect home for you and your family or even if you already have plans for updates or renovations. An offer letter creates a personal connection with the seller and may help them decide when choosing which offer to accept. 

Nix the Contingencies

Sometimes, when purchasing a home, buyers can get caught up in the contingencies. These contingencies can slow the process down and make the seller less likely to choose your offer. Some contingencies, like a home inspection, are common. However, a contingency like making the sale final only after selling your own home is likely to get your offer rejected in a seller’s market.

Consider Earnest Money

Earnest money is also called “good faith money.” This is money that you put down on the home during the purchase process. Offering earnest money with your offer helps to show the seller how serious you are as a buyer.  If you back out of the sale, the seller keeps that money. If issues come up with the inspection or appraisal process, then earnest money can be returned to you.

Work with a Real Estate Agent

The best way to ensure your offer gets to the seller quickly and is seriously considered is to work with a real estate agent. An experienced agent knows the local market inside and out, knows when homes are put on the market, and knows how to represent you and your offer best. 

It’s essential to work with a real estate agent that understands your needs and can help you throughout the home buying process. Whether you are looking for your first home, a bigger home, or a second home, Voila’s team can help you find it. 

3 Tips to Sell Your Home During the Winter

Posted on December 7, 2020 by - For Sellers, Holidays

Selling a home during the winter can be a challenge with freezing temperatures and snow working against you. On the flip side, there can be benefits to selling in the winter that can work in your favor. Buyers may be more motivated because of the inclement weather and less competition from other sellers. There are a few things you can do to make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Here are three tips for selling your home easier during the winter.

Keep Out the Cold

Winter weather can expose major flaws like poor insulation and furnace problems. Before showing your home, make sure you have the HVAC system inspected and make any necessary repairs. Check to make sure there are no drafts from windows or doors. Warm up rooms by adding rugs on hardwood floors.

Emphasize the Season to Sell Your Home

The winter holidays can be used to help sell your home faster. Emphasize the season by incorporating holiday fun, and decor. Build a snowman outdoors and plant seasonal foliage. Add cozy elements indoors like cable knit pillows and plush throw blankets. Use winter scents and aromas to make your home more inviting to buyers. During showings, provide a list of local family fun activities people can enjoy during the winter. 

Address Winter Safety Hazards

Before trying to sell your home, make sure to address any winter safety hazards. Shovel and salt the driveway and sidewalks. Slippery or blocked walkways can cause injuries to potential buyers and turn them away from purchasing your home.

Sell Your Home This Winter 

By using the winter season wisely, you can sell your home faster and boost your property value. If you want to make selling your house as simple as possible, reach out to one of our Voila real estate savvy fanatics. We’ll help you get the best offers for your home. Schedule a consultation today!

3 Tips for Relisting Your Home When a Buyer Backs Out

Posted on November 30, 2020 by - For Sellers, Housing Market Updates

You listed your home for sale, and the transaction did not go as you planned. The buyer may have been unable to secure a mortgage or had to back out for personal reasons. If your home sits on the market too long, potential buyers may wonder why it has not sold yet, and you could lose some property value. Here are three tips for relisting a home after a buyer backs out to get it sold fast.

Fix Glaring Issues

One main issue that can cause a buyer to back out is glaring issues discovered during a home inspection. Before you relist your home, tackle any home repairs listed on the inspection checklist. This step will help future buyers from wanting to back out and can sell your home faster.

Consider Your Listing Price

When putting your home on the market, you want to get the best price you can. However, you may want to consider lowering your home’s price if you have experienced a buyer backing out. When you relist your home, the new pricing can help it appear more competitive on the market. Take into consideration why the buyer backed out before making any tweaks to your pricing. 

Get the Timing Right for Relisting Your Home

There are specific periods throughout the year where home sales can be sluggish. If you had a buyer or two back out during winter, try relisting your home in the spring. The right timing can make all the difference. 

Relist Your Home Today

Losing a buyer does not have to be a heartbreaking experience. Bounce back quickly by relisting your home right away. Our team of professionals at Voila will help you get your home sold quickly with no fuss. Take back control by contacting us today to relist your home and get it sold!  

Not So Quick Fixes When Purchasing a Home

Posted on October 22, 2020 by - First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers

When you find that perfect home and know it’s the property for you, the temptation to sign a check there and then is overwhelming. If this sounds like you, pause for a second and think of the wise philosopher, Murphy, who once said: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”

When it comes to buying property, first appearances are often deceiving. Every home has flaws, including physical defects that affect structural integrity and value. Without proper inspections, you could end up paying over the odds for pretty looking mess. 

Roof Damage

You can usually easily fix minor roof damage but if there are structural issues or water has already leaked into the roof space you are in for a world of repair costs. In extreme cases, the roof may need replacing altogether, which is never good news. 

Rotting Wood

Rotting wood is a bad sign. You are either dealing with damp, moisture intrusion, or thousands of houseguests in the form of termites. In the latter case, they aren’t even paying rent and are known for smugly ignoring legally binding eviction notices. 

Dangerous Building Materials

The building materials used in the construction must not pose a danger to you, your family and your pets. Shoddy building work that doesn’t meet acceptable standards is one thing, but other potential dangers aren’t so obvious. If you are thinking about purchasing an older home, consider that asbestos or lead paint could be lurking in every wall and ceiling. 

Before you jump the gun on a property that’s phonier than homey, speak to the experienced and savvy folks here at Voila! We know a great deal from a deadbeat spiel. Just don’t expect us to win a rap battle anytime soon.

Are You Selling Your Home This Winter?

Posted on September 5, 2020 by - For Sellers

Selling your home in the winter is an excellent idea and we’re glad you thought of it. Now, before you get all excited about changing your address with Santa, you will first need to list the property for sale. This part of the process involves capturing great snaps of the interior and exterior of your home, which are designed to attract the right kind of buyers.


Most realtors provide photography services but there are two potential pitfalls you will want to avoid. The first is bad photography. The last thing you want is your home looking like a site location from a Hitchcock movie unless that’s something you think will appeal to the target buyer. The second issue is cost. Unless photography is included as part of a flat fee, chances are you end up paying a crazy additional fee.


Framing your Home
Framing in photography is a technique used to show a scene from a particular perspective. The subject in realtor photography is typically a room, walls, or other features of interest. The best results are achieved when the photographer does not over exaggerate the size or aesthetics. Your potential buyers will quickly establish the difference when they visit the property.


Light & Shadow
Remember we alluded to horror-house photography? Light and shadows can enhance or detract from the appearance of a property. Capturing these elements when they obscure the appealing features in and around your home will not attract buyers. An experienced realtor photographer will exploit light and shadows to paint a picture of a cozy and comfortable home.


Are you considering selling your home this winter? Autumn is the perfect time of year to capture the essence of your home before the snow flies. Voila! offers a flat-fee realtor service that includes photography. We know how to frame your home, making the most of light and shadow, to ensure that the right buyers are encouraged to request a viewing.

Preparing to Furnish a New Home

Posted on September 1, 2020 by - First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, General

It’s easy to get wrapped up on all the technicalities of purchasing a new home. Is it in the right location? How many bedrooms do you need? Does the property meet your aesthetic expectations? These are all important questions but there are more practical considerations that also deserve attention. 

When you move into a new property, it is time to make a house a home. You can’t do that without furnishings and any necessary electrical appliances. New homeowners often consider these needs as an afterthought. Closing the sale and securing the property takes precedent, but that is only the beginning of your journey. 

Make Furnishing Part of your Purchasing Plan

Viewing property without furnishing in mind can lead to seemingly endless headaches. The kitchen and living areas merit special attention. These are the spaces you will occupy most in your new home. If you have an idea of the home comforts and conveniences you want, make sure the property you choose is designed to accommodate those personal preferences. 

Refrigerators are a good example of a furnishing need that can become problematic. If you have a large family and need plenty of refrigeration space, take note of kitchen and garage space. It helps to bring a measuring tape when viewing properties, or ask the estate agent if there are measurements already available. This principle should apply to every functional space in the property. 

Purchasing Furnishings

It is difficult to know when to purchase furnishings and essential appliances. If you have space in your current property, store newly purchased items in a dry garage when you are nearing the final stages of a sale. Alternatively, you should pre-empt moving in by contacting your chosen retailers to ask about estimated delivery times to your new home. If you would like comprehensive advice on planning for purchasing, furnishings, and home appliances, reach out to Voila today. We Also offer Home Buyer Rebates to help cover some of the cost of purchasing a new home!

2020 Vision: What Does Your Future Home Look Like?

Posted on July 28, 2020 by - General

The events of 2020 have changed how most people view every aspect of their lives in some way, including their vision of the perfect home. While you may still have similar style and function preferences, there has been a shift in the value placed on certain home factors. Sheltering in place, working from home, homeschooling, and urban duress have all impacted what an ideal home looks like for many people. Here are a few of the features that you may want to consider when envisioning your future home. 

Space Over Splendor 

Confinement to one’s home can change your outlook on what’s important. While you once may have been willing to have less square footage in trade for more elegant surroundings, you may not feel the same after months of sheltering in place. Many homeowners are re-evaluating their priorities and wanting to upgrade to more space and less splendor – you can always remodel and add elegance down the road. 

Outdoor Living Areas

The backyard in 2020 has become more important than ever. A fenced area for the kids and pets, ample space for gardening, and home entertainment amenities are some of the features to consider when purchasing a home. When it is now your outdoor gym and family recreation area, having an ample backyard and enjoyable outdoor living space may have moved up your priority list. 

Extra Rooms and Home Offices 

2020 found many families working and schooling from home. Open floor plans and communal areas are great, but when you spend more time at home together, you need private spaces. More homebuyers are considering the need for extra rooms for home offices and studios that go beyond just the minimum number of bedrooms. 

Suburban Living 

Suburban is looking more desirable to some than it did before 2020. Telecommuting may be a permanent situation for many workers and there may no longer be the dread of a long commute. Some buyers who have sworn off suburbia in the past may now be looking at it in a different light. 

At Voila, we have the tools and technology to make finding the ideal home easier and more affordable for our clients. Whether you are looking for your first home or want to sell your existing home and upgrade to a more suitable home for the future, contact us to begin your journey. We can help you find the right future home in the greater Twin Cities metro area – call today to schedule a consultation with one of our real estate experts. 

4 Real Estate Tips to Confidently Sell Your Home

Posted on June 17, 2020 by - For Sellers

If this is your first time selling a house, you may be nervous and unsure about what you need to do. You want to get the best price but find the selling process intimidating. There are things you can do to make selling your home easier and help you get the price you desire. Here are four real estate tips to confidently sell your home.

Hire an Experienced Real Estate Agent

The first thing to do to confidently sell your home is to hire an experienced real estate agent. Look for an agent who has proven experience with your property type and is highly recommended by past clients. Research real estate agents by checking online reviews and complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau. Double-check real estate licenses and certifications through your state government. Ask for references and find out about the client’s experience with the real estate agent.

Understand Your Real Estate Financials

You need to have a strong understanding of your real estate financials if you want to make an excellent profit when selling your home. The money you get for the sale needs to be able to cover real estate agent fees, closing costs, and taxes. You can start by getting an estimate of your home’s worth and subtract your mortgage balance. Subtract all other fees you’ll incur which typically amount to around 10% of your home’s sale price. 

Prep Your Home for Real Estate Showings

Once you put your home up for sale, the count begins for the number of days it sits on the market. If a home sits unsold for too long, potential buyers will start wondering what’s wrong with it and lowball their bids. By prepping your home for real estate showings, you can sell your home faster and potentially increase its value. Some great ways to prep your home include neutralizing odors, decluttering, deep cleaning, and organizing the space in your closets.

Focus on Curb Appeal

You want your home to make a great first impression. The last thing you want is for a potential buyer to pull up to your home and drive away because the exterior is a hot mess. Your home’s curb appeal can significantly boost its value and marketability. Some curb appeal projects you may want to focus on include applying fresh paint on your front door, trimming trees and shrubs, and mowing your lawn.

Voila Victories Real Estate Services 

If you’re looking to sell your home, our agents at Voila Victories can help you have a no muss no fuss experience. You call the shots and we’ll make selling your home happen fast. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to find out more about our real estate services.