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How do I get my home ready to sell?
(01.26.02) This is the most frequently asked question of REALTORS®. It is a broad subject that depends on many factors. Your REALTOR® is trained to advise you in this area. It is best to pretend that you are a prospective buyer and look at your home from the curb. Your home's curb appeal is its all-important first impression. Sprucing up your yard is one of the least expensive ways to enhance your home. Careful trimming and a treatment for weeds and fertilizer will usually do wonders. Keeping grills, toys and bicycles in the garage with the garage door closed gives your home a neater, cleaner appearance.
Once the outside is spruced up, check your closets. Is there room to hang any more coats? Storing out-of-season wear should make closets look more spacious and inviting to a buyer. Check all flat surfaces (countertops in kitchen and baths, coffee tables, etc) for clutter. Less is more when addressing visual clutter. Personal effects, newpapers, mail and dirty dishes do not enhance your home.
Make sure all doors and cabinets operate smoothly. Check plumbing fixtures for leaks and smooth operation. And finally, the mechanical room in your home should shine. Wipe off the furnace, water heater and surrounding pipes and ductwork. Clean and tidy equals pride of ownership; a message you wish to convey to a prospective buyer.
These are general tips. Be sure to consult your REALTOR® before investing in redecorating.
Disclaimer: These answers are in general terms and may vary with specific factual circumstances.
Upcoming Events
Nov 12: The REALTORS® Guide II, 3 hours of elective CE
Nov 13: Managing Your Career path & Marketing Environment with Karel Murray, 3 hours of elective CE
Nov 13-14: Buying Practices with Karel Murray, 12 hours of mandatory first time renewal CE or elective CE
Nov 19: The REALTORS® Guide III, 3 hours of elective CE
Nov 20: Marketing to the Hispanic Consumer with Oscar Gonzales, in the Quad Cities
Nov 21: Business Fundamentals for Today's Multi-Cultural Markets with Oscar Gonzales, in Iowa City
Check the Course Catalog for more information!
Beginning January 1, 2009, educational requirements to receive a license will be raised. In addition to the 60-hour pre-license course, students will be required to take the 36 hours of education that were originally required in the first 3 years. The new law will require that the three 12 hour courses (Listing Practices, Buying Practices and Developing Professional Conduct & Ethical Practices) be taken before a student can apply for a license. Contact Bonnie at 338-6460 if you have questions.