When is the Right Time to Prepare my House FOR SALE?

One question I have been asked recently is When is the right time to prepare my house For Sale?

The answer to this question is similar to the answer to "When is the right time to save money?" Begin as soon as possible.

What I mean by this is you should always have a sense of how much your home is worth, not just the appraised value determined by a  certified appraiser and used by your lender to determine what percent of your home you own versus owe; nor just the assessed value determined by your local tax authority (usually your town) to determine your home's tax rate; but also the Comparative Market Value,determined by a Real Estate Professional who compares the features of your home with those of similar houses that have sold recently (usually within the last 6 months) and prepares a Comparative Market Analysis or CMA for you.

To get a CMA, Contact your favorite Real Estate Agent and ask him or her to help you determine the price you should be able to get if you were to list your house today. Then take a look at your house and ask your self the following questions:
* What is the general condition of your home?
* What major repairs do you anticipate within the next few years? Are you on year 18 of a 20 year roof? Is your siding in good condition? Are there major cracks in your foundation?
* Does your Kitchen have matching appliances that are in reasonably good condition? Are your counter tops and cabinets in good shape? How do your bathrooms look? What repairs might they need?
* How is your curb appeal and what is your yard like? Would it benefit from some minor landscaping changes such as some established flower beds or some mature trees? Do you have trees scraping your house that really should be cut back or removed?

By determining which of these features are in great condition, good condition, and poor condition, you can set a priority list of items to work on over however much time you plan to live in your home, whether it is another twenty years or twenty months. This will also allow you to budget your time and funds appropriately for your lifestyle.

If you live in New Hampshire, click here to begin the process of getting a Market Analysis of your home.

Staging~ Inside and Out

Just like when you meet someone, a first impression usually makes a lasting impression. This is incredibly important when you are trying to sell your home. Actually, when you are selling, your home gets to make a first impression twice; initially on the Multiple Listing Service or other internet source, and then again when the buyer arrives at your home.

The first impression there is often referred to as curb appeal, and while many homes have wonderful hidden charms, buyers may be stopped by outward appearances and may not even go in the door. By using great staging, both inside and out, you can get your home geared up for a great sale. Companies such as http://redfernlandscapedesign.com can make a huge difference in helping you identify the best plants and features to make your yard look great. They can guide you through choices of spring flowers, summer bushes, fall foliage, and winter evergreens. By making the exterior look friendly and inviting, you are more likely to encourage buyers to want to look inside. One other winter tip, especially for those of you who park in your garages and enter your homes directly~ Make sure you de-ice your walkways. I took a buyer out while I was still on crutches and we nearly couldn't get to one door because of the 2 feet of snow on the path to the door. The driveway was nicely cleared, but without a walkway, it wasn't really relevant.

Once people enter your home, continue with the warm and inviting feeling by making sure your windows are clean, clutter is put away, and counter tops and shelves are open. Consider placing a simple vase with a bright bouquet of flowers on your table, and make sure you choose flowers with light aromas. Don't forget to open your curtains, put down your toilet seats, and make your bed. Your goal is to help buyers envision themselves in your home, not imagine spending the afternoon with you or how to get past the laundry pile. Carefully placing your furniture and belongings  will make a huge difference in the ambiance of your home. Hiring a staging expert can help you improve the appearance of your home and bring it to the next level.

Make sure you listen to your Realtor®, stage your home inside and out, price it right, and watch it sell.