REAL ESTATE SPECIAL SECTION
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.
• 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!
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724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
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2. Mortgage rates and tax limits.
Unfortunately, not all news is good news for first-time
buyers. Mortgage rates are predicted to continue to rise
in 2018, expected to reach 5 percent toward the latter half
of the year. In addition, new tax laws that went into effect
at the beginning of the year have new limitations. Be sure
to look into mortgage interest deduction and other tax
deduction limits that may affect your taxes for 2018.
3. Agent.
Having a real estate agent in your corner for a first-time
purchase is key. Agents will not only help you navigate the
home-buying process, but can also be a valuable resource
for an inside look at new homes that go on the market.
This gives buyers the opportunity to view homes that
may not have made it onto real estate websites for public
viewing.
4. Location.
Your dream house may not be in your dream location,
and your dream location may not have your dream house.
Don’t get stuck in a rut if you’re not seeing everything
you want in your price range. Typically, you’ll need to
make some compromises with your first home. Keep a
few non-negotiables in your back pocket, but otherwise
be open to the idea of putting some of your own upgrades
and changes into a home that may not have everything on
your wish list.