IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Summer 2018 | Page 40

Real Estate Special Section
5. Home.
Don’t get stuck in the mindset that
you should spend every dollar that you
qualify for in your mortgage. This could
lead to bigger problems down the road.
Look in the market under your max
budget and be creative when looking at
homes for ways to make improvements
or changes that better fit your needs. A
little bit of sweat equity can go a long
way and will give the home your own
personal touch.
6. Offer.
Once you’ve found a house you want to
call “home,” work with your real estate
agent to come up with an offer the seller
can’t refuse. Whether the house needs
some improvements or it’s a hot buy on
the market, your agent can guide you
into making a serious offer to the seller.
If you’re feeling passionate about the
home, write the seller a letter explaining
why you’re the best buyer for the home.
These touches can sometimes be the
difference between getting the house
of your dreams, or losing it to another
buyer.
7. Moving.
You’ve done it! You’ve purchased
your first home. Now that you have a
mortgage to pay, keep in mind some
money-saving tips, like asking your
closest family and friends to help you
move! A little pizza can go a long way
when looking for some extra help. Make
a plan for those personal touches to add
to your home. Test out paint colors in
each room to make sure you like the
color in the daylight. Purchase furniture
after making detailed measurements
(you don’t want to come home with
something that doesn’t fit!). Add some
curb appeal as a finishing touch and as a
way to meet your new neighbors!
Continued on page 40 >
Ways to Prepare Your House for Sale
In the market to sell your home? Follow these tips on how to
optimize the home-selling process.
• Make sure your landscaping is appealing to the eye and aligns with
the season.
• Add shrubs, plants or flowers to line the front of your home to add
curb appeal.
• Use a power washer or a hose attachment sprayer to clean the
exterior of your home.
• Clean out gutters and wash windows.
• Make repairs to screens, leaks, and broken windows where possible.
• A fresh coat of paint on the front door, a new welcome mat and an
inviting entrance can give a great first impression.
• Add or refresh house numbers to make them visible from the curb.
• Make the entryway valuable by adding a simple coat rack if there
isn’t a closet.
• Remove shoes, bags, coats and excess furniture from the entryway.
• Make sure the view from the entryway is clear into all visible rooms.
• Remove oversized furniture and organize remaining furniture to
make the room look as large as possible.
• Leave just enough furniture in each room to show the purpose of
the room.
• Depersonalize rooms by removing photographs of family, personal
sayings and artwork.
• Open curtains and blinds to allow as much natural light in as
possible.
• Leave countertops clear of small appliances and wipe them down.
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• Clean out cabinets, refrigerator and pantry to allow for a roomy
look.
• Clean carpets and flooring before showing your home.
• Clean mirrors, countertops and sink bowls.
• Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
• Close your toilet lid.
• Hang fresh towels in the bathrooms in neutral colors.
• Eliminate harsh odors with natural scents or by adding fresh
flowers or baking a batch of cookies (Yum!).
• Paint rooms with neutral colors to appeal to more buyers.
• Declutter closets by removing half of your clothes, giving the
illusion of more space.
• Clear out the garage as much as possible to leave extra room for cars.
• Sit back and get ready for some offers!