Real Estate Corner

Spring is nearly upon us and some of you have decided to sell your home. So now is the time for you to help potential buyers capture their vision of living in your home.

Take advantage of 10 tips that will help you put your “for sale” sign up sooner and get a better return on your investment.

The following tips will help make positive first impressions:

1. Curb Appeal: The first impression of your home is when a potential buyer pulls into the driveway of your home. Your front and back yard should be free of weeds, trash, and have unused items stored away. Keep grass, bushes and trees watered and maintained. Plant some flowers for that warm weather feeling. Keep the driveway and walkways swept and remove any stains.

2. Reduce Clutter in Your Home: Reduce the number of books on bookshelves, and clothes and shoes in the closets. Doorways and hallways need to be clear and open. Clear off surfaces in kitchen and bathrooms. Recycle magazines. Pack up knick-knacks and items that are not being used and put in storage. Sell or donate any items that are no longer being used or needed. Move furniture around so rooms look more spacious.

3. Depersonalize the Home: Paint rooms in neutral colors. Remove any artwork that has a bold statement or strong emotion (religious, imaginary, and taxidermy). Limit family photos and collections. Remove magnets, pictures, and reminder notes from the refrigerator.

4. Home Repairs: If money allows, get a home inspection and have repairs done prior to putting the home on the market. Get carpets shampooed or replaced if needed. Replace outdated wallpaper. Touch up paint in all rooms.

5. Keep home clean and be prepared for a home visit every day: Clean up hand prints and marks on walls. Store trash cans where they cannot be seen. Keep home dusted and free of cobwebs. Remove any stains from the sink, tub, shower, and toilets. Close toilet lids in the bathroom. Have floor and carpet cleaned. Home should smell good. No pet scents, no stale cooking smells, no cigarette smoke.

6. Keep major appliances clean and organized:  Yes buyers do look in the refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher. Clean out refrigerator continually; keep free of spills, and containers covered to eliminate strong food smells. Your oven should be clean and stains removed. Clean and unload any dishes from the dishwasher. If your budget allows, upgrade old appliances.

7. Create a warm and inviting feeling: Open curtains and turn on lights in every room for each showing. Add lights to rooms that are dark. Put flowers around the house in areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. Tune in soft music in each room available. Set dining room table for four people.

8. Keep closets and storage areas organized:  Home closets, garage, and storage units should be organized and unused items boxed and neatly stacked.

9. Lock up all valuables and medications.

10. Vacant homes: When buyers view vacant homes, they usually look for any potential problems (cracks in walls, dirty or stained carpet, etc.). A few rented pieces of furniture can give potential buyers more to focus on than the home’s flaws. A few house plants and freshly painted walls can help buyers envision themselves living in the home.

As early as possible, seek the expertise of a Real Estate professional to help you meet your goal of selling your home at the best possible price and in the least amount of time.

Carrie Montoya-Pegg is an Associate Broker at Zia Realty Group. She provides Real Estate services in Los Alamos, Jemez Springs, Pojoaque and Rio Arriba County. Direct questions regarding this column to Montoya-Pegg at 505.500.1234 or carrie@ziarealtygroup.com.