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First
impressions are everything…so make sure that your home is neat and tidy
on the inside and out. |
Curb
Appeal Is Essential
A mowed,
trimmed lawn and weeded garden create a good first impression. Inspect the
exterior of your property: Shutters, windows, front door and steps. If the
house needs painting, buyers will notice and may consider it a major
objection to purchase.
Neatness Counts
Scrub each room
thoroughly. Give special attention to the entryway, kitchen and bathrooms.
Shampoo the carpet if necessary. If carpet is worn or old, consider
replacing or removing it if hardwood floors are underneath. And don't forget
cobwebs in corners!
Eliminate Clutter
Buyers will open
closets and cupboards, so make sure they're as tidy as possible. Get rid of
items you don't use. Remove unnecessary furniture to help make each room
appear more spacious.
If It's Broken,
Fix It
Easily fixable items
such as loose doorknobs, a broken dishwasher, a dripping faucet, and squeaky
doors all detract from your property's value. An afternoon spent making
needed repairs now can eliminate a buyer's objections later.
Small Changes Can
Make A Big Impression
New towels can
freshen a tired kitchen or bath. Fresh flowers add warmth to any room. And
even a fresh coat of paint doesn't cost much.
Don't Forget About
Aromatherapy
Make sure your home
passes the scent test. Right before an open house, bake some cookies or
bread, simmer a pot of apple cider & cinnamon on the stove, or light a few
scented candles. Strong odors could send potential lookers running out the
front door.
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Accepting an Offer
Someone has decided your
property is just right and makes you an offer. When Irene conveys the offer to you, you'll know
whether the price the buyer has suggested is fair. It may be less than your
asking price. Yet you don't have to reply immediately if you're not certain
the price and terms are acceptable.Consider the current
real estate market: Are houses in your neighborhood selling quickly, slowly
or not at all? Don't assume that one offer will lead quickly to others. One
predictable factor in the real estate market is that it's totally
unpredictable.
Finding a
Compromise
If you and your
potential buyer are far apart, you could offer a few concessions such as
appliances or a security system, or make some improvements prior to closing.
Drawing Up a Purchase Agreement
Your purchase agreement will include:
When completing the
agreement, provide as much detail as you can about what's being sold and
what's not. The more fully you spell out the details of the sale, the less
room there is for problems later. Most buyers insist
that a provision for cancellation without penalties is included to protect
them if they're unable to get a mortgage, or the home inspection uncovers
major problems. They might also ask you to make your sale contingent on the
sale of their current home.
Delays happen frequently, so expect to do a
little waiting before your agreement is finalized.
CONTACT IRENE TODAY!
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