Savvy Seller's; Preparing to Sell your Home

Dress For Success

Before you put your house on the market, its best to put a shine to it.The way you present your property to prospective buyers can make all the difference.Without investing in expensive and time-consuming renovation and redecoration,it's still possible to show your home to its very best advantage.

Curb Appeal

That first impression when prospective buyers drive up is very important.If they don't find the outside appealing, they won't be interested in seeing what's inside.

The Yard
Mowed lawns, trimmed shrubbery and clean windows are a start.Planting a few flowers or plants can do a lot to a front yard.Fertilize and water the lawn and plants thoroughly 2-3 weeks before putting the house on the market.Clean up oil spots on the driveway. Make sure the garage door opens easily.Swimming pools should be clean along with the pump and filters.Clean up and throw away any junk or items laying around the yard.Now is a good time to have a yard sale, get rid of those items that you don't planto take with you. Do this before you put your house on the market to greatly reduce the "detrimental clutter look".Start packing away little things that you don't use everyday.Recycle magazines, newspapers, bottles, cans and so on.Pet droppings can easily turn the buyer back to the front door.

The Exterior

If your house could use a paint job and you don't have the time or money, some times hosing it off(from the bottom up) and repainting the trim will update the entire facade.At least paint the side facing the street.A clean front porch with a fresh looking front door that opens smoothly is a must.Any broken windows should be fixed now as they will most likely be before closing.A few gallons of stain or paint can add real impact to a fence.

The Interior

Inside, everything should be spotless.Spending $100 to have someone do heavy "spring cleaning" if needed can bring a return many times over in the sales price and time on the market.A fresh coat of light colored paint on the walls is always recommended.Painting only the trim and the doors will add a lot.Check to see that all doors open and close freely. Oil any squeaky doors.Replace any burned out light bulbs. Brighter lights enhance many rooms.Steam clean the carpets if new carpeting is not possible and to help eliminate any pet odors. Wash and wax linolium floors. Repair or replace damaged or missing tiles.Bathrooms should sparkle. Remove soap scum and mildew. Replace old looking toilet seats. Kitchens should be clean and bright. Clean oven and stove top. Exhaust fans should be free of grease and dust. Clear all unnecessary objects from the countertops.Keep curtains and blinds open and interior lights on for a bright warm cozy feeling.Store stuff and clutter under beds, not in closets.

Focus Rooms

Buyers react most strongly to kitchens, bathrooms and closets, so it pays to concentrate your efforts here.Sometimes just switching door handles, knobs, and light switch plates is a dramatic improvement. Replacing new shower curtains and sink faucets can pay off.
TipPreview the competition's open houses to see what you are up against in both pricingand condition. Potential buyers will be previewing these and more.In GeneralTry to look at your house "through the buyer's eyes" as though you've never seen it before.Lockbox is #1 Importance. "If we don't have it, agents won't show it.

For more information visit http://www.redroofonline.com/ or e-mail Red Roof owner/broker Tanya Riggs at: askTanya@redroofonline.com

www.redroofonline.com is Launched

Finally.... a real estate website that can answer all of your questions. Search live listings from the Multiple Listing Service, Learn about the history of a specific community, or simply get decorating ideas; redroofonline.com is at your service. Please feel free to e-mail me with your questions, comments or suggestions. Be sure to check into the site frequently for up to the minute real estate discussions or submitt questions to Broker/Owner Tanya Riggs at : askTanya@redroofonline.com

Getting Started with Buying a Home

Whether your are financing a real estate purchase, refinancing your existing loan, or obtaining a real estate equity line of credit, the following tips will help you get started.

Start a Red File: A Red File should contain all of your important financial documents. Regardless of the loan type, lenders will need information about you. Make copies of financial statements; bank accounts, investments, credit cards, auto loans, recent pay stubs and two years' tax returns.

Check Your Credit Rating: Credit scores range between 400 and 800. 620 + is considered "good". 680 + is considered "premium" and may possibly help get you a lower interest rate.
Below you will find the contact information for the 3 major credit reporting agencies to help you determine your credit rating. Ask your lender how to improve your credit score if you need to. Going forward, treat your credit like gold.

Equifax
http://www.equifax.com
(800) 685-1111

Experian
http://www.experian.com
(800) 392-1122

Trans Union
http://www.transunion.com
(800) 888-4213

Savings & Debt: If you are buying real estate, try to accumulate funds towards your down payment, closing costs (appraisal, miscellaneous fees, escrow, title insurance, etc.) and expenses such as inspections. Furthermore, try to pay down existing revolving and high interest rate debt like credit cards.Toe The Line: Now is not a good time to change careers, move your money around, or buy big ticket items. Lenders like stability. So if you are considering any major changes, it pays to meet with a lender and ask them how to proceed before you make any changes! If you are tempted to buy a big ticket item, consider the following:

> A $500 a month debt payment (like a credit card or auto loan) could lower the amount of home you can afford by about $83,000! *

* Based on a 30 year mortgage at 6% interest.