Special Section Real Estate
beginning of the year have new limitations. Be sure to look
into mortgage interest deduction and other tax deduction
limits that may affect your taxes for 2018. Ways to Prepare Your
House for Sale
3. Agent.
Having a real estate agent in your corner for a first-time
purchase is key. Agents will not only help you navigate the
home-buying process, but can also be a valuable resource for
an inside look at new homes that go on the market. This gives
buyers the opportunity to view homes that may not have
made it onto real estate websites for public viewing. In the market to sell your home? Follow these tips on how to
optimize the home-selling process.
• Make sure your landscaping is appealing to the eye and aligns
with the season.
• Add shrubs, plants or flowers to line the front of your home to
add curb appeal.
• Use a power washer or a hose attachment sprayer to clean the
exterior of your home.
• Clean out gutters and wash windows.
• Make repairs to screens, leaks, and broken windows where
possible.
• A fresh coat of paint on the front door, a new welcome mat and
an inviting entrance can give a great first impression.
• Add or refresh house numbers to make them visible from the
curb.
• Make the entryway valuable by adding a simple coat rack if there
isn’t a closet.
• Remove shoes, bags, coats and excess furniture from the
entryway.
• Make sure the view from the entryway is clear into all visible
rooms.
• Remove oversized furniture and organize remaining furniture to
make the room look as large as possible.
• Leave just enough furniture in each room to show the purpose of
the room.
• Depersonalize rooms by removing photographs of family,
personal sayings and artwork.
• Open curtains and blinds to allow as much natural light in as
possible.
• Leave countertops clear of small appliances and wipe them
down.
• Clean out cabinets, refrigerator and pantry to allow for a roomy
look.
• Clean carpets and flooring before showing your home.
• Clean mirrors, countertops and sink bowls.
• Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
• Close your toilet lid.
• Hang fresh towels in the bathrooms in neutral colors.
• Eliminate harsh odors with natural scents or by adding fresh
flowers or baking a batch of cookies (Yum!).
• Paint rooms with neutral colors to appeal to more buyers.
• Declutter closets by removing half of your clothes, giving the
illusion of more space.
• Clear out the garage as much as possible to leave extra room for
cars.
• Sit back and get ready for some offers! n
4. Location.
Your dream house may not be in your dream location,
and your dream location may not have your dream house.
Don’t get stuck in a rut if you’re not seeing everything you
want in your price range. Typically, you’ll need to make
some compromises with your first home. Keep a few non-
negotiables in your back pocket, but otherwise be open to the
idea of putting some of your own upgrades and changes into a
home that may not have everything on your wish list.
5. Home.
Don’t get stuck in the mindset that you should spend every
dollar that you qualify for in your mortgage. This could lead
to bigger problems down the road. Look in the market under
your max budget and be creative when looking at homes for
ways to make improvements or changes that better fit your
needs. A little bit of sweat equity can go a long way and will
give the home your own personal touch.
6. Offer.
Once you’ve found a house you want to call “home,” work
with your real estate agent to come up with an offer the seller
can’t refuse. Whether the house needs some improvements
or it’s a hot buy on the market, your agent can guide you into
making a serious offer to the seller. If you’re feeling passionate
about the home, write the seller a letter explaining why you’re
the best buyer for the home. These touches can sometimes be
the difference between getting the house of your dreams, or
losing it to another buyer.
7. Moving.
You’ve done it! You’ve purchased your first home. Now that
you have a mortgage to pay, keep in mind some money-saving
tips, like asking your closest family and friends to help you
move! A little pizza can go a long way when looking for some
extra help. Make a plan for those personal touches to add to
your home. Test out paint colors in each room to make sure
you like the color in the daylight. Purchase furniture after
making detailed measurements (you don’t want to come
home with something that doesn’t fit!). Add some curb
appeal as a finishing touch and as a way to meet your new
neighbors!
shaler ❘ Summer 2018
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