SPECIAL SECTION: REAL ESTATE
SHAPE UP BEFORE
YOU SHIP OUT
If you’re ready to sell your home, be sure the tips
below are checked off your list before you list!
• Clean up the exterior of your home (you only get
one first impression!) by adding plants or flowers
for curb appeal.
• Wash down the exterior of your home (everything
from siding to sidewalks) with a power washer or
a hose attachment sprayer.
• Clear out gutters and wash windows, both
inside and out.
• Use a fresh, neutral coat of paint and a new
welcome mat to dress up the front door.
• Update or add house numbers so they are visible
from the curb.
• Remove personal belongings from the entryway
to make it clutter-free and inviting.
• Reposition furniture to allow for the best use of
space, making rooms feel open.
• Don’t over-decorate a room. Leaving just enough
furniture in each room to show the purpose of the
room is key.
• Allow potential buyers to imagine themselves
living in each room by removing photographs of
family, personal sayings and artwork.
• Allow as much natural light in as possible.
• Wipe down countertops and put away all small
appliances to highlight the appearance of
counter space.
• Declutter cabinets, refrigerator and pantry to
allow for a roomy look.
• Professionally clean carpets and flooring before
showing your home (and try to touch up before
each showing).
• Wipe down mirrors, countertops and sink bowls.
• Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
• Close your toilet lid.
• Add natural scents with fresh flowers throughout
the house or by baking a batch of cookies (Yum!).
• Rooms should have fresh paint in neutral colors
for general appeal.
• Remove off-season clothing from your closets to
show some space.
• Clear out garage to leave extra
room for cars.
• Hide garbage cans and
be sure to empty them
before a showing.
• Get ready to entertain
some offers!
60
724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
❘
icmags.com
1. Watch your credit. Start preparing early by avoiding
expensive purchases on your credit card and making sure
you don’t deposit a large amount of money into your
bank account. The first thing lenders check is your credit
score and bank balances to determine how much you are
approved for on a home loan. Try to pay off as much debt
as possible in advance of your home purchase and to keep
your credit card balances low.
2. Where in the world? Choose the locations where
you’re interested in purchasing a home and check out
home prices in those areas. You don’t want to have your
heart set on a location and come to find it is out of your
budget. Determine what you like about certain areas, such
as the school district, accessibility to work, and proximity
to parks and restaurants. Your real estate agent can then
help you narrow down more specific locations to focus
your home search.
3. Create a list. Or create a few lists. Must-haves versus
wish lists are critical, especially if you’re buying a
home with someone else. What do you consider a non-
negotiable? It may be a certain number of bedrooms or
bathrooms for you. It may be a big yard for someone else.
Do you dream of owning a home with a pool? Writing out
the specifics not only helps you identify what is important
to you and your family, it also helps your real estate agent
know what is on the market that fits those needs and wants.
4. Photos may be deceiving. Home photos, if done
right, are often taken at their very best angle, in the best
light, and sometimes with a bit of retouching. Photos of
problem areas of the home will not be posted, so keep
an open mind when you find something you like online.
Room sizes may appear quite larger in a photo than in
person; that’s why it’s important to work with your real
estate agent to personally visit any home that may have
potential. Your agent can also show you homes that may
not have been photographed well, but are exactly what
you’re looking for. Don’t be fooled by a real estate catfish!
5. Be open-minded and on your toes. There will likely
be several buyers vying for a similar home in the same
market as you. If you think you’ve found the perfect home,
alert your real estate agent as soon as possible to go see it
in person. Being quick but smart could help you secure
the home of your dreams in a low-inventory market. If you
do get outbid by another buyer, be patient—something is
sure to come along! n