August 29, 2007 by Mandie Spudich.

Many buyers today are so eager to get started on their hunt for the perfect home that they forget to start with the basics.  BEFORE you actually begin your search for homes you should take a few steps first to help determine where you should start.

·        Figure out the financials…speak with a lender and get a pre-qualification done.  Often this can be done in just a short time over the phone.  Then the loan officer can help you find a price range in which you can afford to purchase…this will help tremendously when you speak with your real estate agent.  20 min. on the phone can save you hours of looking at homes that are beyond your financial reach.  This also will help you avoid the frustration of falling in love with a home only to find out you are unable to purchase it in the end. 

·        Make a list of what you require in a home and have 2 columns, 1 for “MUST HAVE” items and the other for “WISH LIST” items.

·        Talk with all of the people in your family or otherwise who would be affected by your choice and make sure you are all on the same page with what you are looking for in a new home.

·        Ask around for references or other information about an agent before you sign a contract.  Any reputable agent will be more than happy to share this information with you! If they are unwilling you may want to consider looking elsewhere.

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August 29, 2007 by Mandie Spudich.

A house that “sparkles” on the surface will sell faster than its shabby neighbor, even though both are structurally well-maintained.

From experience, we know that a “well-polished” house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is maintained, what they can’t see has probably also been maintained. In readying your house for sale.

How much should you spend?

In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren’t likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive “polishes” and “touch-ups” to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen. Since we are familiar with buyers’ expectations in your neighborhood, we can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice.

Maximizing exterior and curb appeal

• Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly.
• Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees regularly.
• Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling.
• Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint.
• Clean and align gutters.
• Inspect and clean the chimney.
• Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
• Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
• In Northern winters, keep walks neatly cleared of snow and ice.
• During spring and summer months consider adding a few showy annuals, perhaps in pots, near your front entrance.
• Re-seal an asphalt driveway.
• Keep your garage door closed.
• Store RVs or old and beaten up cars elsewhere while the house is on the market.
• Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.

Maximizing interior appeal

• Giving every room in the house a thorough cleaning, as well as removing all clutter. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Some homeowners with crowded rooms have actually rented storage garages and moved half their furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look.
• Hiring a professional cleaning service, once every few weeks while the house is on the market. This may be a good investment for owners who are busy elsewhere.
• Removing the less frequently used, even daily used items from kitchen counters, closets, and attics, making these areas much more inviting. Since you’re anticipating a move anyhow, holding a garage sale at this point is a great idea.
• If necessary, repainting dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum.
• Checking for cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and basement.
• Repairing cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
• Replacing broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings, and other woodwork. Inspecting and repairing the plumbing, heating, cooling, and alarm systems.
• Repairing dripping faucets and shower-heads. Buying showy new towels for the bathroom, to be brought out only when prospective buyers are on the way.
• Sprucing up a kitchen in need of more major remodeling by investing in new cabinet knobs, new curtains, or a coat of neutral paint

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