5 Tips to Ready any Residential Real Estate for the Market

With this latest snow storm, I know many of you are thinking spring will never arrive, but it will be here before you know it and there are things you can do now to get your property ready if you plan to list soon. Here are a few tips on what to work on now to make sure your home will look its best when the For Sale sign goes up.

1. The Kitchen:

The kitchen must pop.  These days, stainless steel is the way to go with regard to appliances.  The next best thing to stainless is a faux stainless or black.  The key is to make sure they all match in color.  Appliances are easy to find on ebay, Craig's List, Freecycle, and Facebook.
Clear the clutter from the counters!  Put the toaster oven, knife set, spice rack, etc away (pack them up or find space in the cabinets).  Clear countertops to make the kitchen look large with plenty of prep area.  Take all of the photos, papers, magnets, everything-off of the refrigerator and other appliances.  This clutters the space and hides the appliances.  Clean the sink with Bar Keeper's Friend (if its stainless steel).

2. The Entry:

Sweep front entry and clear the cobwebs.  Remember buyers stand here waiting for the Realtor to open the door. Add pops of color using a new, brightly colored welcome mat, sweep away dirt and debris before showings.  If the weather permits, add a contemporary pot of fresh flowers....be sure to keep them healthy with proper water and sunlight, of course.  Make sure the patio lights works, clean the windows on the storm door and any other windows in the front entry area (later I'll tell you to clean all of the windows-inside and out...it really does work).

3. Declutter the entire house:

You're moving anyway, so....PURGE!  Clean out closets, shelves, drawers, cubbies, nooks, crannies.  Combine like items into one area, remove collector's items and other valuables (pack them, you're moving!), organize cabinets, be sure all of the lights in every lamp and light fixture have working bulbs, and dust everything (shelves, t.v.'s, dressers, buffets, tables, furniture, etc).  Pack up little trinkets.  Small trinkets clutter the house and make it look small....use big decorative pieces such as large pictures, plants, vases, lamps, buffets, end tables, etc.

4. Bathrooms:

 Next to the kitchen, the master bedroom (which we'll talk about below), and the bathrooms are the most important rooms in the home.  These rooms must be in tip top condition.  If there is a budget for remodeling, it should be spent on the kitchen, bathrooms, and master bedroom (typically in that order).  Make sure all of the lights are working with working bulbs everywhere there are light bulbs.  Clean sinks, mirrors, windows, toilets, bathtubs, and flooring.  Place fresh soap and linens out (folded neatly), and place a nice rug in the center of the floor.  Remove old shampoos and soaps that clutter the bath area, organize linen closets...fold towels and sheets neatly and take out what isn't being used...pack it away so the closets don't look stuffed full and cluttered.

5. Master Bedroom:

 Declutter.  Remove out of season clothing and pack it away.  Use the same type of hangers throughout all of the closet area.  File clothing from short sleeve to long sleeve and from light to dark colors.  Put pants and dresses all together in their own area. You want this room to look as if you have plenty of room and are not over flowing with "stuff".

 

Planning on listing your property this spring? Call me today to set up a free home evaluation. I'll walk through your home with you and discuss things that you can do now so that your home will SELL FAST for the MOST amount of money!

Idea's for Sellers: Replacing Carpet Prior to Selling

I have recently been asked by several clients if its worth the investment to replace carpet prior to selling. This is a great question and honestly it depends on a few things.

 

 

 Take a look at your house and review the following:

1. If your walls are a neutral color or a “current” color that can work well for most décor and your carpet is the main thing dragging everything down then YES, replace it!
2. If you have wallpaper, unless you plan to remove it and paint, then just replacing the carpet may not make much sense. Your room will still look dated.
3. Severely damaged carpeting needs to be replaced to help sell your home. If your carpet is threadbare or torn in any area, replacement is a must. Carpeting that has faded, covered in stains or has uneven color also needs attention.
4. Are there hardwoods under that carpet? Whether its wood stairs or a room with hardwoods, there are very desirable. If yours are in good shape, you can save yourself some money by simply removing the carpet and cleaning up those hardwoods!

 I'm not a big fan of white walls with a white ceiling but this carpet is by far the worst part of this room.

 

 

This carpet is fairly neutral and cleaned well, therefore leaving it could mean saving some money or it may allow you to tackle another project.

 

 Under this VERY dated carpet there are hardwoods. In this case, just removing the carpet and cleaning up the wood can quickly add value!

Carpet and flooring is HUGE for buyers! It means they can move right in with all of their belongings, so if you have the budget to replace it you will likely get this investment back. Buyers over-estimate repairs like this and will quickly take $$ off of your sales price for the hassle of them replacing it.

When selecting new carpet consider the following: 

If you choose to replace the carpet, choose something middle of the road as far as price. Don't select the most expensive carpet (you will not see a return on your investment). If your padding is in good shape, meaning you don't have traffic pattern marks, look into leaving the padding and only replacing the carpet, this will save you some money.  

 

MOST IMPORTANT!!! Choose something neutral, not too light and not too dark. Don't pick anything that has a peach or yellow undertone. Make sure it feels thick and nice to the touch.