selling                                                         

1. Analyze the sales in your area (We will be happy to e-mail you the information about the recent sales in your area):

While there are many factors that determine a property’s value, comparing recent sales of similar homes is still the most reliable way to set your price. Consider the following when weighing the amenities against the other homes that have sold:

• Compare your home to others that have sold in the neighborhood 
• Consider the gross square footage and room count (number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.) as well as other features of the home (garage, swimming pool, etc.)
• Take yourlocation in the consideration. Are you near an unsightly power lines or adverse traffic, or do you have a superior view or more private surroundings like a canyon or park adjacent to your home?

2. Make a Great First Impression - "Curb Appeal" (preparing you home for sale):

It is important to put your home in the best conditions possible before listing the property for sale.  Remember, you only have one chance to make a great first impression!  Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. What attracted you to the property when you purchased it?  Is the property in good shape or does it need cosmetic repairs?  Here are a few things that you can do to improve the "curb appeal" of your property.

• Unclutter your home – remove almost everything from the countertops, tables and bookshelves
• Move excess furniture like footstools, extra tables and extra chairs to a storage unit to clear out clutter and make rooms look bigger
• Throw out old or store items not being used.  Have a yard sale to sell anything you no longer want or need, or donate your items to local charities (tax deductible).
• Neatly arrange storage areas, basement, attic, etc., so that a potential buyer views an organized space so as to see the depth of the area 
• Clean carpets, drapes and even furniture, if needed
• If repainting, replacing carpets or redecorating, try to use neutral colors (beige, camel, light gray, etc.)
• Repair kitchen and bath fixtures and touch up paint where needed
• Prune and clip overgrown trees, shrubs and keep the lawn mowed

• You might consider adding a fresh coat of paint to interior walls.

• Replace carpets if they are worn or outdated.

• Fix anything obvious on the outside of your home.

• Inspect your home thoroughly and either repair large problems such as a faulty roof or broken appliances, or adjust your price and/or negotiate terms accordingly (make sure to disclose any of the problems to the Buyer).

• Keep your lawn, shrubs and plants neatly trimmed

• Get a new mailbox or new house numbers to further enhance curb appeal.

• Add color to the outside of your home by planting flowers, hanging flowering baskets and adding a coat of fresh paint to shutters.

• Repaint front door, polish brass knocker and kickplate to make your entryway shine.

• Clean garage of clutter and sweep out thoroughly.

• Clear off the back deck or patio to make it look larger and more relaxing

3. How to prepare for an open house

• Make your property easy to find: put clear directions in your advertisement from a major street or highway 
• Clean countertops and tables of everyday items 
• Bedrooms should have clothes hung and beds made. 
• Bathrooms should be clean and free of clothes and towels. 
• Clear the shower or bath area of soap and shampoo bottles 
• Advertise a set time of the opening (from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm) 
• Hold your open house in the daylight hours 
• Remove pet items and cage pets while showing the house 
• Check to see if there are any competing events in your community so that you can insure the highest traffic (don’t schedule your open house during the super bowl!)
• Bake cookies or bread and make a fresh pot of coffee. Or get a orange scented candle or air freshener...  These comforting aromas can help make a house seem like a home.