Want to Add Value to Your Home? Get Into the Kitchen and the Bathroom!

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Everyone knows that – all things being equal – the first areas buyers look at when considering the purchase of the home are the kitchen and the bathroom. They know they’re heavily-used areas and also the most expensive to upgrade. So, buyers want to know they’re in great shape or need, at most, minor repairs.

This tells you that you need to make the kitchen and bathroom “shine” in terms of their appeal. By some estimates, you can earn back 80 to 90 percent of your money in resale value!

Here’s more good news! Depending upon the state of these rooms, improvements don’t have to be all that expensive! Let’s look at the kitchen first.

Making Your Kitchen Shine!

The first bit of advice for you actually applies to both the kitchen and the bathroom – use paint! In fact, use high-quality paint. It’s a fact of life that kitchen walls get spattered with grease and food (especially if you have kids!), and bathroom walls get battered with steam and moisture.

So, the first thing to do is to take a look at those walls, clean them, and then paint them. And consider the color carefully. It should be a color that’s relaxing and tends toward a neutral tone.

Once you’ve chosen a color, spend the money on good paint, not the cheap stuff. It’ll look better, and buyers will notice that it’ll resist stains and water for a longer period of time than lower quality paint. It’ll also tell them that you’ve taken good care of your home.

Another inexpensive “fix” you can do yourself is, of course, the faucets over the sink (or the sink itself). A visit to a “big box” store like Home Depot, Menards, etc. will cost you little money. All you have to do is invest some “sweat equity.”

Of course, fresh curtains always spruce up a kitchen as well as orderly counters, islands, etc. And don’t forget lighting! Warm, friendly lighting can make a huge impact upon a buyer’s first impression. 

Another area to look at is the kitchen floor. If it’s worn, I’d recommend that you replace it with a hard-wearing material. Everyone knows the kitchen is a high-traffic area so they’ll look closely at the floor to see if they’ll have to bear the expense of replacing it.

Again, if you have handyman abilities, you can do this yourself. There are many inexpensive materials available today that are relatively easy to put in – high-quality tile, laminate floors that clean up easily, etc. 

In terms of kitchen cabinets and counters, you may want to consider refinishing them or replacing them if they’re in bad shape. This can be rather expensive, of course, but it also might make the difference between a sale and the home staying on the market.

Moving on up in terms of expenditures, buyers today expect modern appliances in the kitchen – stoves, dishwashers, etc.

These are big ticket items, of course, but if your appliances are worn or out-of-date, think about replacing them, especially if you’re having trouble selling your home.

Look for sales on modern higher-end appliances such as the ones available at Sears, etc. Buyers will spot cheap ones in a heartbeat, and this can cost you a sale.

Today’s buyers look for spacious kitchens that open on to another room and which have a window over the sink. Obviously, if your kitchen doesn’t have these features, it would be far too expensive to put them in.

However, you can make your kitchen look as open as possible. Make sure the counters are clear, visible pots and pans are ordered neatly, and the floor is free of clutter.

Okay, now onto the bathroom!

Making Your Bathroom Shine!

If your bathroom is in good to great shape, then it’s a simple matter of paint, as I mentioned before, and a good all-round clean up. Since we’re dealing with sanitary issues, you want this area to sparkle as much as possible.

But, what if the shower, tub, sink, or toilet are not in great shape or are out of date? Well, then, I’d recommend that you do a whole remodel.

It can be expensive, but when you replace, say, just one item, it can create an unharmonious look. Ideally, you want the sinks, faucets, toilets, showerheads, tile, etc. to match to make the bathroom look as unified and appealing as possible.

Depending upon your expertise, you can install these items yourself at a lower cost. If not, hire an expert to do the work, especially if your home has been on the market a long time and isn’t selling.

Okay, here’s one last suggestion. It’s an expensive one but it’s been proven to add value to your home – add a second bathroom!

One-bathroom houses are simply harder to sell and sell for less than ones with two or three bathrooms. 

So, if you have the financial wherewithal, consider adding one. A good place for a second bathroom is right off the master bedroom. This will appeal to buyers with children since they’ll have a space separate from the kids.

Also, if for some reason, you decide not to sell, a second bathroom can make life easier for you if you have children as well!

Want to hear some more suggestions for improving the value of your home? Contact me today and we can talk about some inexpensive methods of doing just that!

Owning a Second Home Couldn't Come at a Better Time!

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Everyone is wary at least somewhat about the current real estate market – whether it is a couple who has recently lost their main source of income, a retired individual whose family home needs major repairs or a new family looking to establish themselves in a new home but can’t afford to make the down payment. But if you’re one of the fortunate  ones who can look past what will be a passing phase through our real estate history, then your timing couldn’t be better to consider purchasing a second property. Here are a few key reasons that make investing in additional properties now an excellent choice:


Many Exceptional Properties to Choose From

The sheer numbers of gorgeous properties that are available out there is reason enough for someone in the market for a new or second home to grab the chance to go for it! With a plethora of luxury condominiums, charming town homes, picturesque golf properties and country estates that will leave you breathless – this IS the time to shop because now there are so many choices and an even greater variety within those choices.

Super Low Interest Rates That Will Lock In For Life

Interest rates are one of those things that you will end up living with for almost your entire adult life – or at least a significant part of it. With the fantastic opportunity to get the lowest rates ever on homes and properties, anyone even remotely interested or considering purchasing another would be hard-pressed not to avail the amazing chance to come out on top without paying nearly as much as normal.

Now, More Than Ever, Who Doesn’t Want to Spice Up Their Life?

Ten years ago, people were heavily into flipping homes, trying to strike while the iron was hot, so to speak, on getting cheap properties and then fixing them up for resale. That phenomenon has since died down significantly, but unlike that time when people were throwing cash around and also spending heavily on other areas in life – the trends have changed tremendously. Now, instead of vacationing in far-away places, people are opting for more economical choices. Supplemental income sources are also a great reason that people are changing the way they live and operate in terms of property ownership. Investing in a rental property, second home or a vacation home is a great way to enhance lives and, in the long run, offer affordable yet very comfortable vacation or income supplementing options.
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The rough times of today will most definitely blow over and soon enough the real estate woes being experienced by many will be a thing of the past. For many people, the advantages the market presents for buyers looking to purchase despite the current economic downturn are an opportunity too good to pass up. If you can, invest now and reap the long-lasting benefits for years to come. The real estate market in 2012, or at least eventually, will emerge on top holding many promising prospects for everyone in the home and property buying arena!

Thinking of Buying or Selling? You Picked a GREAT Time!

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It’s no secret that after 2007 for a few years it got a little rough in terms of the real estate market. Lenders were going through some major problems, millions of homeowners were reeling from the aftereffects of a really bad mortgage crisis and it just didn’t seem that there was any relief in sight.

But today is another story. If you look at our marketplace now, you will see nothing but improvement across the board. We are experiencing increases and improvements in many areas right here in our local area. Sales are up, inventory is down, it’s taking less time to sell the homes that are on the market and generally – everybody’s happy.

Buyer-Centric Marketplace Keeps Going Strong

So what makes this a great time for buyers? Buyers are still able to enjoy the historically low interest rates that have been around for a while now and are expected to stick around until at least the end of next year. Banks have money and they are finally willing to lend it again. Our improved economy – regardless of whether it’s because of the Presidential election or not, also helps to boost the housing market.

Sellers Enjoying Market Ripe for Opportunity

Sellers also have a great environment right now. There are a lot of first time homebuyers out there right now, eager to lock in super low interest rates on 30-year fixed rate mortgages. There are also a lot of veteran homebuyers wanting to take advantage of the same low rates to upgrade (or downsize).

Yet another factor that impacts the current marketplace is that appraisers are finally coming around after years of being extra cautious when determining home values. We all know that increased home values equals higher prices and higher prices means better returns on the sale of your home.
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These are just a few of the very basic benefits of buying and selling right now; I invite you to come into our office to learn of how this can impact you directly. I look forward to serving you and making your real estate goals become a reality!

Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale So It Beats the Competition

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There are a lot of things to think about when deciding to list your home on the market; from finalizing your decision to sell and setting a price to figuring out where to move on to. But one aspect of selling that gets ignored by many sellers is what to do with the home prior to showing it to the public.

Like anything else that is up for sale, the seller should show a house in its best light. And with our market the way it is lately, more and more sellers are up against other sellers so the competition demands upping the ante one step more. Here are a few tips on what you can do to prepare your home for sale and what it takes to get the home sold.

Make an Accurate Assessment of Value

Contrary to what many homeowners believe, the original purchase price has no bearing on the value of a home. Neither does what the neighbors think it’s valued at have much impact. The only thing that will impact your home’s value is the current market conditions in your local area and the condition of your home. To determine your home’s estimated value and then subsequently set a good price for it – a Comparative Market Analysis is performed. Through the analysis, we are able to see other like kind homes that sold in recent months and do an “apples to apples” comparison.

Establish An Aggressive Marketing Plan

A very important component of selling a home successfully is the market campaign that goes behind it. This includes anything and everything from contacting an existing database of buyers and investors to setting the stage for perfect display using technology. Professional photographs, video and virtual tours and aggressive mail campaigns are also a huge part of a successful marketing scheme. The idea is maximum exposure and with today’s buyers conducting most of their searches online – studies show that 90% of buyers are online for the first few weeks of their search – we focus a lot of our attention on the Internet.

Display Your Home for All Its Features

As a buyer walks through your home, it is critical that they be able to see and experience all the amenities and features of the home for themselves. Keep in mind that they will be inclined to shortlist your home if they can imagine themselves in the space. Removing extra clutter, personal items and freeing up overcrowded areas to show off the home are all steps you can take to make the home show well. Professional home stagers offer varied levels of services ranging from providing a consultation to written reports, moving around your existing furniture or even providing their own display items.

Repair, Renovate and Remodel
The last thing you may want to do when selling your home is to put money in it to fix it. But surprisingly, even just a few small changes can greatly enhance your home’s value. Whether that means repainting the walls to a neutral, buyer-friendly color, resurfacing damaged wood floors or updating an old bathroom – depending on your budget, it is a worthwhile endeavor to look into.

Make the Home Inviting and Presentable

A common mistake many sellers make when preparing their home for sale is to forget making the home inviting. Whether that means making sure the home smells pleasant, creating a nice entryway at the foyer or creating enticing curb appeal – make them feel comfortable. Make an effort to have the home clean and sparkling – with no evidence of pet or smoke smells. Buyers will appreciate this.
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If you’d like to get your home sold, contact us today so we can get to work on your customized marketing plan. We look forward to hearing from you and are excited to working with you!

How to Evaluate an Offer on Your Home

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For most homeowners selling their home the thought of negotiating an incoming offer is a matter of settling in on a price that both sides can agree upon.  But did you know that there is another key aspect of negotiations aside from price that could have even greater impact on the sale?  The terms of your contract hold equal weight and importance as price in the sale of your home and are critical to a successful sale.

Here are five essential things to consider when navigating through the negotiation process after an offer comes in on your home.

Preapproval 
After the housing market crashed in 2007 lenders, buyers and sellers have proceeded very cautiously. Lenders are staunchly following stringent requirements, buyers and sellers are savvier than ever before and what seemed like formalities in the process before are now becoming necessities.  Preapprovals are one of the things that did not always need to be done in advance of buyers finding a home. But as you receive your offer on your property, be sure that your buyer has a preapproval from a reputable lender.  The letter should indicate what the buyer can afford and how much the lender is willing to loan them, assuming they meet all requirements at the time of application.

Down Payment 
One of the requirements lenders have today is to have an appraisal done on the home to equate its value with the selling price.  Unless the buyer has a significant down payment available, a less than ideal appraisal can stand to affect the sale altogether, even causing the deal to break down.  Check to see how much your buyer is able to put down on the house and add up the down payment with the loan amount to see if they equal your asking price.

Existing Home 
Does the buyer have an existing home they need to sell?  This can be a problem for you as a seller if they want to include a contingency in the contract that absolves them from the commitment of buying your home if their home does not sell.  This can wreak havoc on the sale of your property, as it would require you to leave the terms of your sale up to the success of another sale.  It would be best to avoid offers that include existing home contingencies.

Closing Date 
When does the buyer want to close on the home?  If the requested closing date extends beyond 90 to 120 days then it might be time to reconsider the offer.  Lenders have timing guidelines that dictate a 45-day policy, within which buyers must apply for a loan before closing.  Anything longer than that would get in the way of the lenders’ policy leaving the seller hanging in limbo during those off weeks.  When a buyer cannot meet the contractual obligation to get a commitment within 45 days, it might be a good idea to forego the offer altogether rather than to risk the sale.

Cash Transaction

Some buyers offer cash rather than opt for financing and though it is an attractive offer at first, you need to make sure that the buyer has the cash.  Asking your Realtor to verify the availability of those funds will become a necessary additional step before you can move on in the offer.  In some cases, buyers opt for alternative financing and when the time comes to verify the funds they are unable to do so.  The risk is too great so unless you can be sure the cash is there, it is a better idea to move on to the next offer.

Navigating through offers is a tricky process – especially in today’s market. It is no longer just a matter of coming to agreement on a sale price, rather both parties must agree to all aspects of the terms.  For customized guidance on your real estate endeavors, contact us today!

10 Helpful Tips for an (Almost) Stress-Free Moving Day!

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Oh, moving day is exciting, isn’t it? And, sometimes, it’s too darned exciting! After all, you have so many things to remember…worry that the mover will show up on time…fret that things may be lost or get broken…and on and on. But, really, that day doesn’t need to be so stressful!

If you follow the tips below, you can make the day as painless and as enjoyable as possible. The key underlying each of these tips is, of course, proper planning!

Tip 1: Start early!

There are two reasons for starting early. One is psychological. When you start early, you can break the moving task down into smaller steps; that is, you can pack a little at a time. Psychologically, this gives you a great boost because you’re not overwhelming yourself by trying to do everything at once. The second reason relates to the first: packing is harder and more difficult than you think! So, by starting early, you have time to think things through and pack logically and economically!


Tip 2: Weed Out the Unused or Useless!

As I’m sure you know, you’ll be amazed at how much stuff you’ve accumulated that’s either never used or seldom used. So, why take it with you? Sort through everything and get rid of any item you haven’t used for a year or so. Donate it to a charity organization or, if appropriate, throw it into the trash or recycling. Remember, long distance movers charge by weight! So, the equation is simple: less weight = less money out of your bank account! Local movers charge by time! So, less time = less money! Plan on making a couple of passes through your belongings. If possible, take a break of a day or more between passes. That allows you to take a more objective look at everything.

Tip 3: Label Everything in Sight!

This is a real time-saver and stress-reducer. On each box, write down the contents as specifically as possible. At the same time, avoid overdoing the “Miscellaneous” label. If you end up with several boxes with that same label, you won’t have a clue as to what they contain!

Tip 4: Do One Room at a Time!

There’s always the temptation to take items from several rooms and put them in one box. This is a good way to end up with too many “miscellaneous” boxes. Instead, pack one room fully at a time and then move to the next room.

Tip 5: Consolidate!

Since it’s easy for small boxes to get lost or damaged, place smaller items in small boxes and then put those put small boxes into a bigger box.

Tip 6: Take Important Documents with You!

Never pack any personal financial information and important papers and put them on a moving truck. Identify theft is possible, but, equally important, if those documents are lost, it could take you many, many hours to replace such important items as bank statements, passports.

Tip 7: Take Your Valuables with You!

Use common sense and take jewelry, artwork, rare book collections, etc. with you. You don’t want it on a moving truck, and, to be blunt, most moving companies don’t want to ship it for obvious liability reasons. If you absolutely have to ship valuables, get expanded moving insurance through the carrier or a third party.

Tip 8: Plan for Essentials!

Keep a box separate for all the essentials you’ll need in your new home and make sure it’s loaded last onto the truck so you can get at it easily upon arrival. Depending on your needs, “essentials” could include: soap, towels, toilet paper, sheets, coffee maker, drinking cups, paper plates, eating utensils, pencils and paper, etc.

Tip 9: Inventory Everything That Goes on the Van!

List every box or item that goes on the moving van and take the list with you. Once you arrive at your new home, have a family member tick off the boxes and items as they come off the truck. This is vitally important if your belongings are transferred from the truck to storage before being delivered. If a box is missing, lost or left behind, it could be months before you realize it’s gone.

Tip 10: Save Money!

Packing boxes can be expensive. If there are items that will go into plastic storage bins and/or large trash bags (stuffed animals, towels, etc.), then buy the inexpensive bins or bags. This will also save you the time and trouble of unpacking the boxes in your new home.

If you are looking for a local mover, call us because we have recommendations!

Summer Events in Coeur d'Alene, ID

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Summertime in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho gives home sellers in the area a great chance to show off their properties to visitors coming into town for some of cities summer events.

The Ironman Triathalon brings some of the world’s best athletes to Coeur d’Alene.  The event consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, and a marathon 26.2-mile run.  Held in Coeur d’Alene since 2003, the Ironman Idaho is one of the nine Ironman events annually each year in the U.S.  Just like the competitors in the Ironman train to get their bodies in peak physical condition, so should you work at getting your house in the best shape it’s ever been in if you are serious about selling.

The Coeur d’Alene Fourth of July festival paints the town red, white, and blue every year.  Show cars line the streets and boats wade across the lake in preparation for a dusk fireworks show.  The 44th annual Art on the Green will be taking place in town in August as some of the most talented artists from the Pacific Northwest showcase their works at the Old Fort Sherman Grounds.

The hydroplane race is returning to northern Idaho again this summer and with them will return travelers from all over, some of them with hopes of moving to the diamond of the Idaho Panhandle.  So, if you’re house is on the market make sure you trim your lawn, spiff up your house, and let your house shine as bright as this great northern town!

Ten Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask an Agent

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As you embark upon what will be one of the most important transactions of your life – whether buying or selling a home – you should be absolutely certain that you are happy with the real estate agent you have hired to help you manage it. 

To help you with this all-important hiring process, here are ten important questions to ask an agent before you decide on whether or not to hire them:

Question #1

How Close Do You Get in Sale Price Related to Asking Price?

It is important to ask for this information as it relates to the past 60 days.  Given that many agents are not that active in the market, you would be best served to obtain the most recent information possible.  As a seller, your agent’s ability to come close to the asking price is a strong attribute and can mean a difference of thousands of dollars in your transaction.

Question #2

How Many Days on Average Does It Take You To Sell a Home?

What’s the average number of days on the market for properties listed by your prospective agent? Since this statistic can reach as high as six to nine months and in some cases and as much as a year, it is important to ask how your prospective agent ranks on the scale.

Question #3

What is the Rate of Homes Sold on a Monthly Basis?

Knowing the absorption rate of homes similar to yours that are on the market allows valuable insight as to how the market is performing for your particular needs.  Not only does it give sellers a glimpse into the system and how it would translate to their own sale but it also presents a broader view of the entire market in general.

Question #4

What Do You Do Differently To Get Homes Sold?

Especially with the current trying economic times, many agents have been faced with adversities trying to sell the homes on their list.  One of the best ways to learn whether your agent is a self-starter is to find out what they have done in the past when they were unable to successfully sell homes.  Ask why the agent feels the home(s) did not sell and then find out what they are doing differently to get them sold.

Question #5

What Percentage of Deals Do You Represent the Buyer Versus Seller? 

Some agents work primarily with sellers while others work mostly with buyers and still others are experienced with dual-agency deals.  Depending on your needs, you will benefit from an agent that specializes in one of the two.  It is important to ask which side of the fence your prospective agent tends to represent. 

Questions #6

How Many Homes Did You Sell Last Year?

Nothing speaks louder than numbers.  A very important statistic, ask what the total number of homes sold last year was and if possible try to get a more long-term picture of the agent’s performance in this regard. You can also ask for a month-to-month breakdown to see if there are certain stronger months.

Questions #7

Can You Provide a List of the Ten Most Current Clients You Have Worked With?

Rather than rely on the given list of referrals that many agents have handpicked, it’s a good idea to obtain a list of clients that are currently working with this Realtor.  It will provide a much-needed glimpse into the agent’s performance on various stages of real estate transactions.

Question #8

How Much of Your Work Day Do You Dedicate to the Real Estate Industry?

You want an agent that is 100% committed to their  job and if they are focusing more on a day job with real estate being a secondary thing, you run the risk of inaccessibility, lack of knowledge and experience plus lackluster motivation.  Find out how they feel about the real estate industry and whether they are passionate about their work.

Question #9

What is Your Style of Marketing – Proactive or Reactive?

What is your potential agent’s style of working?  Does he or she speak to a large number of people each day? Are they proactive or reactive in nature when it comes to marketing? See how this lines up with your real estate needs.  Are you in a hurry to buy or sell?  Does a laid back agent hinder your efforts? Or does slow and steady work better for you?

Question #10

What Does Your Daily Schedule Look Like?

The typical schedule of a real estate professional can be very telling.  By asking for a copy or general idea of how they conduct their day in terms of their work, you can get a good idea of how much time is devoted to the profession and what kind of business they are running.

Property Investment Now Promises Huge Returns Later

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You have probably heard over and over again lately about the phenomenal buying market out there for property enthusiasts. In fact, even if you are not a bona fide investor it is still a great time to get into the business of investing in property. One of the reasons for this ripe environment to invest and actually make significant amounts of money on that investment is the low costs of obtaining property that we are seeing today.

Today’s Low, Low Cost of Financing

Not only are homes priced lower but also the actual cost to borrow money to purchase the homes is also lower. Not too many years ago the cost of a mortgage was as high as many credit cards are today and when you compound that into 30-year fixed mortgages, the finance charges become astronomical. With today’s interest rates, however, monthly payments for the same house you might have purchased at the old interest rates are much lower.

Let’s look at a $200,000 home. If you financed it back in the 80s when rates were as high as 16% (or more) the total monthly payment amount would be about $2,900. Factor in today’s record-setting interest rates and the monthly payment is more than fifty percent less at around $1,200. This is for the same house!

Home Prices Remain Very Low

After the infamous market crash of 2007, housing prices plummeted and they have remained at or near bottom for quite some time now. For buyers and investors this translates to one of the best opportunities – especially when combining low home prices with record low interest rates. Not only is the home affordable, but so is the cost to borrow money to buy it.

Consider the example above of the $200,000 home. If your budget is $200,000 and you were not buying in today’s market – how much home would you be able to afford within that amount?  Of course, what you would be able to get will depends on location, neighborhood, style of home and other factors. But in general, the amount of house you would be able to afford ten years ago does not even compare to what you can get today for the same amount of money.

Invest for Pennies on the Dollar Now – Enjoy Sizable Returns Later

When billionaire investor Warren Buffett was recently asked about the best investment sectors of today he suggested investing in single-family homes on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage. This advice came in light of current market conditions that end up in pennies on the dollar investment schemes. Buying a home today for under $200,000 will easily yield more than double the returns by the time the mortgage is paid off. Many savvy homeowners today are also making extra payments to shorten the term length of their mortgages.

With the plethora of investors and buyers that are delving into the property market to seize the opportunities out there, many have been turning to any means possible to come up with the down payments. Whether dipping into savings, obtaining a home equity line of credit on an existing home, converting the purchased home into a rental property – buyers are getting creative.
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If you would like to explore your options and find out how you can take advantage of the amazing investment opportunities right now, contact us today. We would love to guide you and come with up with some ideas that work for you.

Tips for Selling Success in Spring Market

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In the real estate market, “spring” usually comes early, with people eager to list their homes as soon as in January to beat the competition as the weeks get closer to March.  But if you missed this year’s after-winter opportunity, now’s the next best time to sell.  With so many new home shows popping up everywhere on TV, now more than ever, buyers are super savvy so to help you with your home selling endeavor this year we have put together a few tips to get those buyers rolling in.

Make Them Want To Come Inside

Nothing makes a buyer more interested in seeing the property than a gorgeous exterior.  Excellent curb appeal does not have to take a lot of time, effort or money but if you do not tend to this essential aspect of selling your home, you could end up losing a lot of potential buyers to the competition. 

Curb appeal is simply a matter of maintaining and sprucing up the exterior and entranceway of your home.  By cleaning up dirty siding, fixing up post-wintertime yard messes or fixing minor cracks and crevices in the driveway – buyers will be wooed by that inviting first impression.  Take the time to add some flowers, put out a warm welcome mat and give buyers an idea of what they can expect when they set foot inside.  Not tending to this can make all the difference in the number of offers you may or may not get on your listing.

Once They’re In, Show Off Your Space!

So often sellers are selling a home without realizing that potential buyers have different tastes than their own.  The single best way to bridge the divide between one aesthetic sense versus another is to keep things neutral, neat and nice.  If you have a bright orange room, a fresh coat of neutral paint may just be the thing needed to attract the right buyer.  If there are gorgeous walk-in closets in the home, remove most of the items in the closet so the buyer can visualize their own things in the space. 

Fix any things that need repairs, remove the clutter from your home, have it professionally cleaned and then dress it up so you can show it off to the next owner!  If there are any cracks in caulking or baseboards, work to get them fixed.  Clean up baseboards, remove cobwebs and fix up anything else that may need repairs.

Leave a Lasting Impression

As buyers leave your home and move on to view the next one on their list, it is important that they remember your home.  Imagine that your home will be showcased in a magazine.  How would you set things up? Would you rearrange your furniture?  Remove extra items that are too personal or clutter up the space too much.  By giving these things thought and planning how you will present your home, buyers (and agents) that see your home will likely remember it and come back to it after seeing other properties that did not quite meet their standards. 

Keep in mind a show-ready home is one that shows off all the features and amenities of the property. When they can see the full potential of the home, buyers are able to imagine living in the space and they are far more likely to put in an offer.

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If you are getting ready to sell once you have worked on its curb appeal and set up the home’s interior ready for showing – it is a good idea to invite your Realtor for a walk-through.  Years of experience selling (and buying) homes with clients give them the perfect insight needed.  Good luck!