Preparing Your Home for Sale
De-clutter
Move out bulky and excess furniture. If walls are covered, minimize coverage. Make sure other surface areas such as tables and cabinets have minimal decor.
Make Repairs
Not all improvements will pay off. You don't want to spend a lot of money making improvements, but you do want to repair obvious maintenance issues, if any have been neglected.
Remove
If you have family heirlooms, window coverings to match your comforter, surround sound, or anything like this that you would like to take with you it is most wise to remove these items before showing your home. This way those items will not be an issue when the buyer has to have them in order to buy the house.
Items for Negotiation
Know what you want to do considering the playset, hot tub, trampoline, grill etc. You may want to consider them as part of your bargaining plan.
Pets
If you have pets try to make other arrangements for them while showing your home.
Leave House During Showings
Home buyers can feel pressured, uncomfortable or in the way when the home owner is home.
Presentation
When you leave for a showing make sure the lights are on, the blinds are open, the house is clean and tidy, and smells clean and fresh.
These guidelines will help ensure that when a potential buyer visits your home they will have the most pleasant experience, and will be able to imagine making it their own!
Homeowners Checklist
Home Inventory
Take an inventory and keep a copy in a safe place outside of the home.
Household Budget
Spend some time to make a budget that everyone can live with. After setting aside monthly or weekly allowances for necessities. Set aside envelopes with spending money for each person in the house, and when that is gone spending is done.
Important Information
Keep a filing system for all household information you may need. ie: various home owners policies, owners manuals, contact information, receipts, etc.
Maintenance
Schedule regular home maintenance times. This will keep repairs manageable, things in working order and increase the over all value of your property.
Some examples may include: roofing, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing, fence, yard and pest control.
Refinancing
Know your options. Keep tabs with the interest rate market and find out when it is advantageous to refinance. This can save you literally thousands of dollars!
Being a homeowner can be very rewarding as long as you know the best ways to manage it!
Preparing to Buy a Home
Finances
Call your existing lender to determine the payoff on your current loan. Decide on the amount of money you have to put down towards your purchase.
Lender
Contact a mortgage broker and obtain a pre-qualification letter. This will help you to know what price range you are looking at, and will allow you to be prepared for anything that may come up. Sellers and Agents require pre-qualification letters before negotiations.
Also take the time to look at different loan options and choose the one that suits your needs best.
Sell Your Home First
It is very important to be in a position where you know you are ready to buy, and you know exactly what you are able to spend. There is nothing worse than falling in love with your dream home and not being able to commit, or worse losing money because you have to have it!Save the searching for after the sale of your home.
Deciding on an area to look for homes
Besides the obvious price range, also consider travel time to work and family, entertainment, shopping, school districts, taxes, and city plans for growth.
There are many things to consider and plan for before making a purchase. Having a clear cut plan can save you from any buyers remorse!
