I’m Planning a Move; When Should I Reach Out to a Real Estate Agent?

Sellers today have access to endless data and information, making it easier than ever before when it comes to beginning to plan their next move.

If a move is in your future and you do not have a pressing deadline, it is wise to get a jump start on your planning. This advanced planning can potentially help you correctly time the market, reduce stress, and maximize profit.

But how far in advance should you start to plan?

If you Google this question you will see all sorts of articles and advice. However, this well-meaning advice may not fit your situation. There are many important factors to consider:

• The seasonality of your market – when is the best time of year to sell in your area?

• Best timing for you family – for example, the end of the school year?

• How much time do you need to allow for the work you want to do in order to prepare the home for sale?

Each homeowner’s situation is unique and often the best step is to consult with an experienced real estate professional early in the planning.  While you may not yet be ready to list the home for sale, a quality real estate agent would be delighted to spend time with you in advance to help create an appropriate sales strategy and customized marketing proposal.

This type of professional consult may help you dial in the details of your move. An agent can also help you avoid spending money on items to prep the home for sale by advising you on changes that are not valuable or necessary. This consult can even help you or connect you to the help you need to shop your next destination.

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Stage Your Home Like a Pro

Are you considering putting your house up for sale, but not sure where to start? Here are some tried and true staging tricks that will help you get the most for your home!

Think about staging as a way for prospective buyers to visualize themselves in your home. Imagine you’re viewing your home for the first time as you choose what to display. A few well-placed pieces of furniture allow buyers to gain an understanding of the space and the way their furniture would fit in it.
 

One of the most important steps of staging is to remove as much clutter as you can. Clear off kitchen counters, stash all those appliances you don’t use and put miscellaneous small clutter in a few attractive baskets or boxes. Family photos and collectibles should be stored out of sight. If storage space is minimal in your home, consider renting a storage locker for a month or two while your home is listed.

Make your home look like a model by using neutral colors. Furniture is important to give your living space dimension, but less is more. Try taking everything out of each room, and slowly bringing a few pieces back to find the perfect balance. Keep in mind, large, dark furniture can make a small room feel even smaller. If you’re working with a small space, scale the items you use in staging accordingly.

Organize your closets – put similar colors together, pants together, skirts together, shirts together etc. Why? Because it will make the closets look bigger. (Really.) An organized closet appears bigger, and you want your closets to look as spacious as possible.
 

The best tip of all? Consult your real estate professional for his or her staging advice. We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t and can offer cost effective solutions to help sell your house quickly and for the price you want!

Eight Things Homeowners Should do Every Spring

1. Inspect the exterior of your home

Check the roof for damage, examine the chimney, and look for any signs of movement or cracks in surrounding concrete. Make sure to repair any damage professionally to ensure all issues are fully taken care of.

2. Do a safety check

While you should be checking your alarms monthly, now is the time to remind yourself to actually do it! Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as making sure your fire extinguisher is fully functioning.

3. Get your garden ready

Longer days mean we have more time to spend outside and enjoy the daylight! Get your garden ready for the upcoming BBQs and cookouts by pulling out weeds, adding compost, cleaning the deck and rinsing your outdoor furniture.

4. Clean your gutters

It's something we all know we should do, but tend to push back! Cleaning your gutters of the previous seasons' leaves and debris will allow water to flow more smoothly and avoid clogs - just in time for April showers!

5. Check the attic and basement

Take a deep look at the hidden areas of your attic and basement; mold and pests can easily hide from plain sight. Check for black or green spots that would indicate mold, as well as any physical damage to walls or furnishing from pests. Make sure to call the experts if you suspect a problem.

6. Check your AC

As the weather starts to warm up, you want to make sure that all utilities are prepared and in good condition to avoid any issues when you need actually need them. Change your filters and clean the unit regularly to ensure it is running efficiently.

7. Check for air leaks and seal windows

Keep the cool air inside by getting rid of drafts and air leaks. If you feel a breeze coming through any windows or door frames, you can easily tape up the spots on your own for only a few dollars!

8. Deep clean your carpets

The Winter season has unfortunately tracked in snow, mud and dirt to your floors - even if you can't see it right away. Now is the time to deep clean your carpets to remove hidden germs and start fresh!

Source: ALEXIA DELLNER - PureWow - 3/14/2018

https://www.purewow.com/home/spring-home-maintenance-checklist