Tips for Homesellers #2

Looks matter - curb appeal is important. If the outside doesn't pass the drive-by test then the home will not be viewed by serious Buyers.

Tips for Homesellers #1

Price correctly from the start - the first 30 days on the market are when homes get the most attention from potential Buyers and their Agents.

Tips for Homebuyers - Area

Research neighborhoods – check out the quality of schools, transportation access, availability of services, area amenities, etc. This is where a veteran Real Estate Sales Associate can really help.

Tips for Homebuyers - Credit

Clean up your credit score. Correct reporting-agency errors, pay bills on-time and pay down credit cards (but don't close out accounts).

Tips for Homebuyers - Budget

Determine your home-buying budget - do this before contacting Lenders. They will tell you what you qualify for but only you can determine what you can really afford.

Tips for Homebuyers - Funds

Start a down-payment fund - set monthly savings goals and firm up the family budget before buying a home. This means lower house payments and higher equity in the future.

Preparing Your Home For Sale - The Housekeeping

Properties in prime condition get shown more often and the more exposure a property gets, the better the chance of selling it quicker and for a higher price. Use the following as your guide to preparing your home for sale:

The Housekeeping
-Bathrooms: vanity, sink, faucet hardware and mirrors are the focal points but don't forget other areas like soap residue in the shower or dirty bath mats.

-Kitchen: clean the stove inside and out. Don't forget the kitchen exhaust hood as Buyers frequently check this as a clue to general housekeeping.

-Windows: clean windows are a necessity for a house is to look its best. Weather permitting, open windows to let in fresh air.

Preparing Your Home For Sale - The Mechanicals

Properties in prime condition get shown more often and the more exposure a property gets, the better the chance of selling it quicker and for a higher price. Use the following as your guide to preparing your home for sale:

The Mechanicals
-Lights: replace dead bulbs with adequate wattage inside, outside and in the garage. Also any utility rooms, halls, closets, over the kitchen sink and in the oven and exhaust hood.

-Switches and fixtures: replace damaged wall switches, outlets, light fixtures and any broken switch plates.

-Appliances: anything sold with the home should be in good working condition.

-Plumbing: chipped or stained sinks and tubs should be repaired or replaced. Leaky or noisy toilets should be fixed, as well as any dripping faucets.

-Sprinkler systems: should be working properly with no defective heads.

Preparing Your Home For Sale - The Basics

Properties in prime condition get shown more often and the more exposure a property gets, the better the chance of selling it quicker and for a higher price. Use the following as your guide to preparing your home for sale:

The Basics:
-Windows: repair or replace damaged screens. Replace any cracked or broken panes. Draperies should be clean and hang properly.

-Doors: confirm that all doors open and close freely, including closet doors and patio or sliding glass doors. Oil any squeaky doors. Tighten the hardware, particularly doorknobs.

-Walls: fresh paint greatly enhances the salability of your house. Wallpaper should be clean and adhere smoothly.

-Floors: repair damaged pieces of tile; polish if needed. Repair any loose stairs or damaged carpeting.

-Carpet: steam cleaning is the best answer. If pet odors are present, clean the carpet before your home is placed on the market to allow odors to be eliminated.

Preparing Your Home For Sale - The Outside

Properties in prime condition get shown more often and the more exposure a property gets, the better the chance of selling it quicker and for a higher price. Use the following as your guide to preparing your home for sale:

The Outside:
-Paint: fresh paint greatly enhances the salability of your house. Pay special attention to wood, trim, gutters and wrought iron.

-Front Entry: 1st impressions make a difference! Paint all woodwork, including the door if necessary. Replace worn or broken doorbells and paint or replace an old mailbox.

-Yard: mow and trim the lawn, weed flower beds; remove or replace dead plants and trees. Water regularly during the growing season.

-Driveway, garage/carport: clean up any grease or oil spots, confirm the garage door opens freely and any automatic door opener is in good working order.

-Air Conditioners: paint or replace any rusted exposed metal while correcting any improper drainage.

-Patio: stage some outdoor furniture to enhance the "showability" of your property, borrowing from a friend, if necessary.

-Pool: adjust chemicals so the pool sparkles, clean dust and cobwebs on filtration equipment, store chemicals and tools neatly.

Showing Your Home to the Best Potential - Keep the House Neat

Make the beds, pick up papers and trash, put away dishes, dust and vacuum. Walk around and try to assess the home as if you were the Buyer. Try your best to have it look like a model home.