Seller's Guide

Sellers can be a little confused when they are asked to sign an asbestos disclaimer. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and when exposed, tiny particles can be released into the air you breathe.

Asbestos is a common insulator used in many homes. It was used for for many other things including siding, tape wrapping for furnace air ducts, and in some "popcorn" ceilings. There are several remedies that range from the simple to the complex.

When you are ready to sell, please give me a call and I can dispel a lot of the myths about asbestos. It's a lot more common than you might think.

Most buyers choose to drive by your home first before wanting to set an appointment to view. An attractive yard that is free of debris will gain interest quickly. Make sure that trees are trimmed and that your home can be seen from the street. Have the grass mowed, trimmed and edged. Walkways should be swept. Clean away all debris. Remove parked cars or RVs. When in season plant flowers to add color.

Remember, if the buyer does not like the outside, that person simply drives on to the next house. Get your home ready for drive by traffic and give folks something extra nice to look at.

Call us today for a no-nonsense, no obligation assessment of your homes value and let me show you the key factors in obtaining a top dollar sale on your home! We would definitely like to help you in any way we can!

New paint makes the entire home smell clean and neat, and can bring sellers top dollar. If your home has chipped paint, exposed wood, or surfaces that looks faded, it's time for new paint. If your carpet is worn, dirty, outdated, or an unusual color or style, you might consider replacing it.

Many houses do not sell because of these problems. Don't think that buyers have more money than you to freshen up a home. They typically don't. They will simply look elsewhere for a home that needs less work.

Please let me know when you are ready to sell and I can help you prepare your home for today's market.

You will spot several different types of plumbing systems in any housing market, including your own. Copper, galvanized, rigid plastic, polybutylene, and soft plastic are but a few. Certain systems are more prone to having certain problems.

Fixing minor plumbing repairs today can save you time and money when you are ready to sell. Buyers are expecting your home to show its absolute best while on the market. Anything less suggests that other things might also be wrong.

At the same time, big upgrades may go unappreciated.

Before you make improvements, give me a call. I can help you determine which areas will pay the highest dividends, and which ones won't!

Did you know the best chance for selling your property is within the first seven weeks?

It's true.

Studies show that the longer a property stays on the market, the less the seller will net upon the sale. It is very important to price your property at a competitive market value at the signing of your listing contract. The market is so competitive that even over-pricing by a few thousand dollars could mean that your house will not sell.

An Overpriced Home:

• Minimizes offers
• Lowers agents response
• Limits qualified buyers
• Lowers showings
• Lowers prospects
• Limits financing
• Wastes advertising dollars
• Nets less for the seller

When you are ready, contact me today for a personal market value analysis of your home. No hassles or obligation - just honest advice on how to get top dollar for your home!

In today's real estate market it is more important than ever to have a professional who truly represents your best interest. A qualified listing agent works for you -- the home seller.

Here are some things to consider when hiring an agent:

1. The offer is typically written by an agent who represents the buyer's best interests.
2. Your listing agent will represent you, the home seller, as your exclusive sellers agent.
3. Your listing agent will carefully go through the entire offer with you and furnish you with expert guidance and counseling. Your listing agent will help you put together a response that will give you the highest possible price for your home and do everything possible to protect you from liability.

Remember, you are depending on your listing agent to represent your best interests at all times and to be a strong negotiator on your behalf. Good guidance here can also make the entire transaction go more smoothly and greatly decrease the chances of litigation.

It's a common fact that clean homes net more money. Most people are turned off by even the smallest amount of uncleanness or odor when looking at homes to purchase. Sellers lose thousands of dollars because they do not adequately clean their homes or rid them of offensive odors.

If your home is squeaky clean, you will be able to sell your home faster and net more money.

If you are planning on moving, why not get rid of that old junk now so that your house will actually appear larger? Make more space. Odors must be eliminated, especially if you have pets, young children in diapers, or a smoker in the house. A little work now can pay huge dividends at closing!

The greatest way to show a home is to have a key available. This is typically done by placing it in a secure lock box, provided to you by your Real Estate Professional. This will give agents, with prospective buyers easy access to your property and promote showings. Following these simple staging guidelines will also help:

• Keep all lights on, even on the sunniest of days.
• Keep all draperies and shutters open.
• Leave soft music playing at a low level.
• Take a short walk or drive with your children and pets.
• Let the Realtor and clients view the home without your presence.
• Burn a scented candle to add a pleasant aroma to your home.
• Let the buyer be at ease and let the agents do their job.

By employing these successful staging strategies with an aggressive marketing plan, we can achieve a maximum sales price in the shortest number of days. Please contact me if there is anything I can help you get your home ready to sell.

The type of wiring in residential homes generally depends on when the home was built, where it was built and if it has been updated. In older homes, knob and tube type wiring was the norm, replaced later by plastic-sheathed wiring.

Often, newer electrical panels and updated wiring are good indications that a home has been maintained to code. It is always a good idea to have any electrical work completed by a licensed professional. The investment will not only make your home a safer place to live, but will also pay dividends for you when it is time to sell.

Lastly, when staging your home for buyers, avoid using extension cords or outlet splitters. Reducing this type of electrical clutter will keep buyers focused on your home, and not its outlets!