10 Tips For Selling Your Home
As a homeowner, you can play an important part in the timely sale of your property. When you take the following steps, you'll help your realtor, Jan Feit, sell your home faster, at the best possible price.
- Make the most of that first impression. A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted - or at least freshly scrubbed front door. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.
- Invest a few hours for future dividends. Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up in the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your property. Prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look, "with a little work".
- Check faucets and bulbs. Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs leave prospects in the dark. Don't let little problems detract from what's right with your home.
- Don't shut out a sale. If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect's mind. Don't try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plan them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.
- Make room for space. Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They're looking for storage space too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.
- Consider your closets. The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now's the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.
- Make your bathrooms sparkle. Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.
- Create dream bedrooms. Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.
- Open up in the daytime. Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.
- Lighten up at night. Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.
Garage Sale Time
Now is a great time to get rid of all those unnecessary things you accumulated - things you no longer want or need - and bring in a little extra cash at the same time.
A garage sale is not hard to prepare for and can be fun! Enlist the help of the whole family in organizing and pricing your merchandise. Perhaps you could arrange a joint sale with a few neighbors. Advertise the sale in your local paper and with signs placed around the neighborhood. Be prepared to bargain and drop prices, if necessary, to clear out your inventory. Make arrangements with a local charity to collect all the leftover items after the sale.
Tax Deductible Moving Expenses
Many of the expenses connected with moving may be tax deductible, if the move is job related. Some of these include:
- The cost of moving your household goods.
- Expenses incurred while house-hunting.
- Travel expenses during the move for you and your family.
- The cost of meals and temporary lodging for up to 30 days after you get the new job.
- The expenses, of selling your house and buying a new one.
To substantiate your claim, keep an accurate, detailed account of your moving expenses, including all receipts.
Special Care for Pets & Plants
Moving companies are not allowed to handle the shipment of pets, so you you will need to explore your alternatives.
Shipping animals by air is the fastest and most convenient method. Most airlines are familiar with the care and handling requirements of animals.
If you must take your pet with you in the car, call ahead to make sure pets are allowed at your overnight stop. Check with your veterinarian for hints that could make the trip more enjoyable for both you and your pet. Before moving, be sure licenses and all vaccinations are up-to-date.
House plants do not travel well in the dark interior of moving vans. Plants are difficult to pack and may have to survive several days without light and water. Moving companies will not guarantee the condition of plants that are shipped and some states will not allow you to bring plants across their state line due to the possible transportation of harmful insects or diseased vegetation. Check ahead before bringing plants with you to ensure that you will be allowed to cross state borders with them. |
