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If you've decided to sell your home you may be looking forward to moving to a new dream house
or facing the uncertainty of a major move across country. You may be reluctant
to leave your memories behind or eager to start new adventures. Whatever you are looking forward to,
I have some practical ideas below to read and help the whole process go more smoothly.
For Sale By Owner (FSBO)
If you are thinking about selling your home on your own to maximize your equity, Give us a call.
We specialize in helping you all the way through the process and stand by your side at each step.
For only a small fee, you can save thousands of dollars and feel comfortable that your interests
in the transaction are protected.
What's The Best Selling Price?
Most sellers have an idea of what their property will sell for. As there are many
other factors which affect the value, a more accurate view is to hire an apprasier.
If you do not wish to hire a licensed apprasier, I can help you arrive at a selling price
by doing a Competative Market Analysis (CMA) for you. I will work with you to arrive at the right price
together but, in the end, you will set the price.
We Want To Move To A New Home
You will want to place your home on the market as soon as possible
of purchasing your new home so you don't wind up with two mortgages.
If this does happen, I will help you get a bridge loan to help you
make the double payments. Lenders use the same criteria for offering bridge
loans as they use for mortgages.
Get A Date For The Party!
When people move, sell and buy property, there usually is a
domino effect. Closing and moving dates have to be coordinated, and the more
firmly everyone commits to a window of dates and stick to them, the better for
all involved. I will help you put all agreements about dates in writing, and protect you
by negotiating financial penalties for failure to comply.
Check Your Curb Appeal
A home that's visually appealing and in good condition will attract
potential buyers driving down the street. Use this checklist to view your
property through a perspective buyer's eye.
Maintain the lawn and shrubs
Fix the cracks in the foundation or walkways
Fix the cracks in the driveway
Check the gutters, chimney and walls
Paint the window casings, shutters, siding and doors
Pick up garbage and debris and store out of sight
Store lawn mowers and hoses properly
Keep the garage door closed
First Impressions Inside
Fortunately, there are plenty of easy
improvements you can make to your home's interior without spending a lot of
money. Cleaning is is the most important. Your windows, floors and bathroom tiles should
sparkle. Make sure you have clean heating and air conditioning filters. Shampoo
dirty carpets, clean tubs and showers, repair dripping faucets and oil squeaky
doors. Keep your home neat, clean and picked-up at all times. It may not seem
fair, but a peek in the oven may be the hallmark by which a buyer judges how
well you have kept up your home. Consider a professional cleaning crew if needed.
Remove unnecessary clutter from the garage, basement, attic and
closets. Also remove any items that might make a statement that would be
offensive to others who may not share your same views.
If your home is crowded with too much furniture, consider putting some
things into storage. If a room needs a fresh coat of paint, use a neutral
off-white. Does your home have a smell? You may be used to the smell
of a pet or cigarettes, but such odors can be a strong turn-off to others.
Finally, set a mood for the buyer. Consider live flowers and
fresh guest towels in the bathroom. Place scented potpourri around the house
or, on the day you're expecting a potential buyer, pop a batch of frozen
cinnamon rolls into the oven for a welcoming aroma.
Remember, cosmetic changes do not have to be expensive. In fact, costly
home improvements do not necessarily offer a good return on your investment
when you sell. It's attention to the basics -- anything that says "this home
has been carefully maintained" -- that will help you get the price you want.
Personal Valuables
Becertain to remove valuables such as jewelry and other items from view. It might
be wise to put these items in a safe deposit box before showing your home.
Tax Implications
Selling a home can have a major impact on your federal and state tax
returns. Check with your tax consultant on the factors that may affect taxes
resulting from the sale of your home. For example:
Whether you purchased the home or acquired it by gift or inheritance
Whether you used your home partly for business or rental
Costs associated with selling your home
Home improvements or additions, which may help to offset capital gains
In certain cases you can exclude up to $250,000 in gain ($500,000 for married
couples filing a joint return) on the sale of property that was your principle
residence for at least two years. Generally, you can use this exclusion every two years.
The easiest and most reliable way to improve the appeal of your home is to enlist a
quality home service professional. The right professional can help you get everything
in order - from repainting the kitchen to providing a thorough cleaning - so you can stay focused
on more important things.
The Small Things Count
Check Faucets and Bulbs
Unstick doors and windows
Unclutter and make storage space
Organize your closets and make them look larger
Make your bathroom(s) shine
Open shades and curtins in the Daytime
Put on plenty of lights in the night time
Curb your pets
If you are there when the property is shown, be frendly then take a back seat to the agent. Go for a walk.
Don't apologize for anything
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