Question 1

Tips to Make a Good First Impression

Accepted Answer

The most saleable properties are those that show pride of ownership, with attention given to every detail. Once your home goes on the market, real estate agents may call to show your home anytime.  Keeping your home in "show" condition can be challenging, especially if you have children and pets.  Here are some tips for presenting your home to potential buyers.   DECLUTTER  —The less cluttered your home, the better it sh ows.  If you have a lot of knick-knacks, collections, or family mementos, consider storing these items until it's time to deliver them to your new home.  Keep clutter off counter tops, disregard old newspapers and magazines, remove excess furniture.   TEMPERATURE —Keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Air-conditioning is a must on warm days.   FRESH AIR —Keep air smelling fresh. Air freshener, candles or fresh flowers are nice, but don’t over - do it.   LIGHT —Have sufficient lighting. If it’s daytime, have draperies drawn open. In the evening, turn on the lights prior to showing. Light makes rooms look larger and more appealing.   MUSIC —Soft music can be nice, but loud radios, stereos, or television should be off during the buyers’ inspection.   VALUABLES —Having valuable possessions displayed in your home is only inviting trouble. They’re best placed out of sign, or out of the home.   CLOSETS —Clothes hung properly; and if used for a storage area, clean out. Of most buyers’ requirements, closet space is high on their list.   LAUNDRY —Keep fresh towels and washcloths displayed. Laundry should be done often to keep laundry area clean and fresh.   EXCLUSIONS —Remove or replace items you do not intend to include in the sale. Sure enough, the one item that you wanted to take with you (such as a certain lighting fixture) is just the item the buyers want to include – causing a delay in the negotiation process.   TRASH REMOVAL —All trash and garbage should be removed from the home and garage. Open containers are unsightly as well as giving off odors.   PETS —Try to keep pets outside during a home showing.  Put pets in daycare, kennels or with you.  In the listing instructions, there should be a warning if there is a big don on premises.  Buyers with allergies also may appreciate knowing in advance if you have pets.

Question 2

Staging Your Home

Accepted Answer

When you list your home for sale, it becomes a product rather than your personal retreat.  You want potential homebuyers to be able to envision themselves living in the home, which can be difficult if your family's personality is still evident.  Before going on the market, your agent will recommend decluttering and depersonalizing, but you may also want to bring in a professional stager to help guide you through showing your home in its most marketable light.     When done correctly, staging can not only set the right emotional tone for the buyers about the home, but can also help highlight the most attractive features of the home.  Staging can potentially make you money.  77% of listing agents said a well-staged environment increases the dollar value buyers are willing to offer, according to the National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Staging.  Staging can also shorten the length of time your home is on the market, with agents reporting that their staged homes were going under contract faster than those without.   A professional stager will typically begin with an in-home consultation, where they walk through your home with you, review the property, and provide a report with their advice for the home.  The report will include advice on de-cluttering, storing items, reorganiziang furniture placement, and possibly changing out paint colors in different rooms.  The stager may also give tips for improvin curb appeal.  The most common rooms that are stages are the living room, kitchen, master bedroom and dining room.   Depending on what your home needs, and whether you want to do the work yourself or hire it done, your stager could handle bring in supplementary furniture or decor items, manage painting or other contractors coming to do work or play a larger role in getting your home ready for market if needed.  the cost of services provided will vary depending on how much assistance your home will need.

Question 3

Moving Checklist

Accepted Answer

Moving to a new home can be an exciting but stressful journey.  By finding the right movers and having a good, though flexible, moving plan, most of the common moving headaches can be easily avoided.    Start Planning finding the best mover at the right price involves a simple evaluation of your needs.  Moving companies provide a wide range of services, from planning your move, storing your things, packing and unpacking, to decorating and organizinag your belongings in your new home.  You can choose which services you want and have them tailored to suit your budget.   Compare Movers when you compare price and service estimates from several companies, you will find that estimates are based on the weight of your household items, the distance they will be moved, and the amount of packaging and other services you will require.  Be sure to show the estimator every item that will be moved.  Estimates should be done in person and include a clear explanation of rates and charges that will apply, the mover's liability for your belongings, pick-up and deliver schedules and claims protections.   Be Prepared Even in the most well-planned moves, something unexpected may happen.  In those instances, insurance is crucial.  Check with your homeowner's insurance provider about coverage for your belongings while moving.  Your mover will provide either relased value insurance or full replacement value, which you must sign for on your bill.  If you are not sure how to estimate the value of your belongings for insurance purposes, your insurance carrier can help.  Items of special value such as heirlooms, paintings, or collectibles can be insured under separate riders.  In the event of damage to an item, file a claim immediately.  Be sure to save the packing materials to show to the adjuster, should there be a problem.  Packing and Moving Once the time has come to start packing and organizing, here are some tips to make the process smooth:     Start by packing the things you use least. Pare down items that have accumulated over time.  Group them into 3 categories; Keep, Donate, or Throw Away. Create an inventory sheet of valuables and a list of which boxes they were packed in. Label your boxes according to the rooms where they'll be moved. - bedroom #2, 1st floor bath, etc. Consider using different colored stickers/tape for each room. Provide your movers with copies of the floorplan of your new home, so they can moved more efficiently without having to stop and ask you where things go. Try to keep boxes under 50 lbs. whenever possible, put heavier items in smaller boxes to reduce bulkiness, and place lighter items in larger boxes. Dispose of items that can't be moved, like flammable liquids, cleaning fluids, etc.  Prepare your mower, or snowblower by emptying the fuel and recycle your propane grill tanks. Snap a photo of the back of electonic devices so you know which wires to attache when setting them up in your new home. Pack an overnight bag with moving day essentials, including toiletries, clothes, medications, and charger cords.

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