You have decided to make a move,
but is your current home ready? Try to imagine yourself as a prospective
Buyer. Check the interior and exterior of your home as if you were
interested in purchasing it for yourself. What things need attention?
What is a fair price you might pay for it? The following are some
tips and suggestions for you to look over.
Homeowner's Checklist
Curb Appeal
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Lawn in good condition
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Shrubbery trimmed
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Fence repaired & painted
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Flowers planted (summer)
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Snow removed (winter)
Exterior
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Freshly painted
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Repairs completed
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Doors open easily
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Windows open & close properly
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Doorbell operates
Garage and Basement
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Doors in working order
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Floors clean
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Tools and workbench neat
Living Areas
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Freshly paint and/or clean wallpaper
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Carpet cleaned or new
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Furniture clean
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Tables clean and attractive
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Floors clean and waxed if necessary
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Appliances spotless and in working order
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Cabinets and closets neat and orderly
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Beds made
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Toys picked up
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Tub, shower and commode spotless
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All windows, draperies, curtains and blinds cleaned
Pricing Your Home
Pricing your home at a realistic level from
the start may be the most important factor in the quick sale of your home.
Often, Seller's price their property based on incomplete information from
friends, family and neighbors. Be aware that there are many factors
that go into determing the initial asking price as well as the final sale
price of a home.
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A Realtor* can suggest a price range for your home based on current market
comparables and a careful assessment of your home. At your request,
an agent also may suggest a specific dollar amount but setting the actual
listing price is up to you. Remember though, the agent has knowledge
of the market and experience in pricing homes within a realistic range.
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By setting a fair market price from the start, you avoid alienating potential
Buyers. Even if you later adjust the price to better reflect its
fair market value, prospective Buyers may have moved on.
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Be cautious when estimating the value of improvments you have made to the
property. Basic remodeling can appeal to prospective Buyers, but
luxury-related improvements should be carefully assessed. What was
a "must-have" for you, may be a "must-remove" for someone else.
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Flexibility in negotiating on the sale price is essential. A Realtor*
can advise you through the process.
*Only a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association
of Realtors and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics is a Realtor.
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