Those of us who have moved house know how stressful it can be.

Selling and buying another property simultaneously can push your stress levels literally through the roof.

You maybe be contemplating a house move for a variety of reasons.

• Grown out of your present home
• Downsizing
• Divorce
• Change of Job
• Retirement
• To be nearer family
• Just want a change

Where do you start?

I work best from lists, this is a simple way to start, just keep adding to the list starting with the priorities.

Crossing something off your list means its been dealt with or its no longer a problem, therefore, progress has been made.

Engaging a Realtor that you trust and who understands you and where you are at is vital to begin with, interview them, ask questions.
Do you work full or part-time as a real estate agent?
How many homes have you sold in my neighborhood in the past year or two?
What aspects of the transaction will you personally handle and which will be delegated to others?
Can you give me a written CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) of homes for sale in this area?
Are your fees negotiable?
What is your advertising and marketing plan for my house?
Do you provide Home Staging Services? http://www.HabitatMuse.com

You must start thinking like a seller. CMA’s in your area will give you a good idea of the condition and price range of similar properties in your area. It may reveal that their are certain changes you will need to address in your property before that For Sale sign goes up.

Look objectively at your home, detach from it, that means de-personalize.
What are you required to do to make your home market ready?

Make a list of what it will cost to repair, paint, refresh, re-plant etc.
Go visit “Open Houses” for inspiration and ideas.
You may even consider undertaking a Home Inspection on your property. Laws, rules, codes and regulations change, address them before a buyer finds issues later when their Home Inspection is completed.
Do your due diligence.
Start work!

Exterior – First Impressions count!

1. Sort out your yard/gardens – View from the curbside, what you see potential buyers will see.
2. Cut  the grass and tidy the edges, cut down unruly shrubs, pull out the weeds, tidy the driveway.
3. Pressure wash the outside of the house and garage, including windows and the back of the property.
4. Repair and refresh outdoor paintwork including a coat of paint on the front door if it is looking dated.
5. Repair guttering, a leaky roof, damp patches, cracked or damaged windows.
6. Add a colorful planter to the front porch, if you have a larger area consider adding outdoor furniture (proportional to the size of the porch)
7. Also consider smartening up a deck area – potential buyer are looking for outdoor spaces.

Remember the golden rule “First Impressions count! “

Follow my next post for tips on Selling Your Home – Must Do’s – Interiors

Selling Your Home? Before the For Sale Sign Goes Up, Here Are Some “Must Do’s”