IN Woodland Hills Summer 2018 | Page 24

REAL ESTATE SPECIAL SECTION 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. 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! 22 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com Ways to Prepare Your House for Sale 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