Sean Harris

First Impressions Matter – Get Your Home Market Ready

by Sean Harris

If you are considering selling your home, there are several things you can do now to make the best first impression on potential buyers. Taking the time to declutter, deep clean and make simple repairs will show buyers that your house and property are well-maintained and ready for a new owner.

Increase Curb Appeal

A clean and attractive exterior is crucial, as it creates a positive first impression and sets the tone for the rest of your home. Spruce up your outdoor space by removing overhanging tree limbs and branches, applying a fresh coat of exterior paint, mowing the lawn, adding plants or flowerpots, power washing, painting patio and deck areas and repairing or replacing damaged screens and doors.

Take Care of the Obvious

While grooming your outside space, you’ll need to address any glaring concerns. Check and fix loose or damaged roof shingles, bricks, wood and trim. Clean out septic systems to ensure your property is in top working condition. With these projects completed, you’ll also reduce maintenance stress while your home is listed.

Make the Interior Shine

Create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere by cleaning, decluttering and organizing your home, which shows buyers that there’s plenty of space. Freshen up your indoor areas by painting walls, removing outdated rugs or furniture, polishing kitchen appliances and deep cleaning hardwood floors, sinks, tiles and showers.

Remove the Clutter

You’ll also want to check that any clutter is cleared by organizing closets with shelves and storage bins, storing everyday items like paper and toys in cabinets and closets, and removing personal items like picture frames and your kid’s tee-ball trophies. While you’re thoughtfully arranging, you could take advantage of this opportunity to get rid of any paperwork that is no longer needed while gathering documents potential buyers may need to review in in a handy folder. These papers could include HOA information, appliance manuals, warranty information, records of repairs (especially if it involved electrical, plumbing or contractor issues) and the survey of your property.

By increasing the outdoor appeal, creating a warm, appealing indoor space and gathering all the information upfront before listing your home for sale, you’ll be well on your way to smooth, stress-free transaction – and seal the deal with a great first impression.

https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/first-impressions-matter-get-your-home-market-ready/ – JENNIFER MCGUIRE

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You Could be in a New Home for the Holidays

by Sean Harris

Have you been dreaming of selling your home, buying a new one and moving in before the holidays? This scenario is actually fairly common and totally doable. A knowledgeable agent can guide you through the process, negotiate the best terms and get you into a new home – all in time to celebrate with family and friends. Here’s how you can get started.

Understand the Market

Although spring and summer are considered peak buying and selling season, you can still snag a great deal during fall and winter months – if you have a good handle on your local market. Your agent is an invaluable resource for information on current inventory, comparable properties, average home prices and median days on the market. Once you know where you stand, you can weigh the options and make smart decisions.

Prepare Your Home for Listing

Now is the time to do a careful review of your property and determine if any repairs or upgrades are needed. Your agent can provide a list of trusted vendors, tradespeople, and contractors to take care of larger tasks while staging your house for broad buyer appeal, arranging professional photography, and marketing your home for maximum exposure.

Get Ready to Move

To further prepare your home for the market, you want to start decluttering and depersonalizing by boxing up items for donation or storage. You can make this process manageable by targeting one room at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be one step closer to the big move.

Evaluate Your Finances

Taking a realistic look at your financial situation is crucial to determining the size and location of the home you want to purchase and if you need to sell your current home before buying. Your agent can connect you with a reputable lender who will walk you through the available loan options. Having a good understanding of your finances will also ease any stress you may be feeling.

Find Your New Home

To help narrow down the search, create a wish list, prioritize your “must-haves” and check out homes for sale on coldwellbanker.com or in person with your agent. While viewing properties, imagine living there. Is the dining space large enough for Thanksgiving dinner? Do you have somewhere to hang your stockings? How will your holiday lights look to neighbors passing by? If you feel that emotional connection, you know you’ve found the one.

So, is it possible to buy and sell before the holidays? The answer is yes. By working closely with a skilled real estate professional, you can set a timeline, plan out your strategy, and ring in the new year in your new home.

https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/you-could-be-in-a-new-home-for-the-holidays/ – JENNIFER MCGUIRE,