real
estate tips
For
the Seller...
• If you have decided
to trade up, look at your
budget and make a realistic
determination of how much
more you can spend. Include
any extra costs a larger
home might require such
as upkeep, utilities or
new furniture. Go through
the pre-qualifying process
for more accurate information
on the kind of mortgage
you will need.
• Trading down has
it's own set of considerations.
Reliable professional tax
and financial assistance
will help you to not end
up paying more than necessary
in this area. Your real
estate agent is someone
who is neutral and may be
able to offer you the best
advice.
• Take care of the
small repairs you may have
overlooked such as a sticking
door or broken window pane.
Fresh paint inside and out
will go a long way in adding
to your home's appeal, as
will a newly trimmed lawn,
a few seasonal flowers and
the elimination of all clutter.
And most important of all,
clean, scrub and polish
till your home sparkles!
• Home Staging is
something you may want to
consider to present your
home in its best light.
Builders have been doing
this with their model homes
for years and it provides
the finishing touches that
will give your house emotional
appeal. This will consist
of such things as creating
fragrant aromas in the kitchen,
making sure fresh towels
and soap are in the bath,
placing fresh flowers in
a vase, rearranging furniture
to create a welcome feeling
and brightening up rooms
with proper lighting. For
scheduled showings, try
dropping a couple drops
of vanilla extract on warm
stove top; it will simulate
the smell of freshly baked
cookies!
• If your kitchen
or bath need updating, it
may be better financially
to offer an incentive to
a prospective purchaser
rather than tackle the expense
and trouble of doing the
work ahead of a sale. Save
your resources for your
new home and place your
efforts into the cosmetic
improvements that will create
a cheery and comfortable
appearance.
• Consider having
a yard sale to clear your
space of any possessions
you do not plan to take
with you or the things that
have been hiding in the
basement, attic or garage.
Or, call your favorite charity
and get a tax credit for
the donation.
• Take time to think
about the emotional detachment
that will be necessary.
After all, this house has
provided you shelter and
comfort and there are a
lot of memories tied up
there. You must now look
at your home as simply a
piece of property - an investment
that has served you well.
