For Sellers

One of the services I provide which my clients have told me they’ve appreciated over the years is a preliminary “look over” of their home in advance of the sale. For those who know they’ll be moving in the future, but not immediately, I’m happy to take a look at the present condition of a home and recommend what should be done prior to putting it on the market for sale. I’ve heard often that they’re pleasantly surprised with how little they have to do!

If you know you have a bit of time before you’re ready to sell your house, just give me a call and let me take a look. I’ll give you my recommendations for anything I think will help bring top dollar for your house --- and most helpful, what you don’t have to spend your valuable time working on. We all know how sometimes those weekend projects can turn into monthly nightmares! Meanwhile, those of you who are a little closer to putting your homes on the market, scroll through the check list below. It’s a helpful reminder of how to view your home through someone else’s eyes!

Request Michelle’s opinion of the current market value of your home

TIPS FOR STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SALE

The Exterior

·Grass should be neatly mowed and edged. Rocks should be free of litter and weeds.

·Prune and shape trees and shrubs to complement the property.

·It’s always nice to see a welcoming pot of blooming, seasonal flowers placed at or near the entrance of a home for sale!

·Sweep your sidewalks and driveways so they’re free of dirt and debris.

Check the exterior of your home for any deferred painting maintenance. Repaint or touch up as necessary.

·Make sure all windows and doors are in good working order and clean. Replace any cracked or broken panes, paint or clean doors if necessary, and repair or replace any torn screens. Also, check the locks to make sure they’re all functioning properly.

·Check your roof for maintenance issues, including broken or missing shingles, resealing of parapet walls, securing of roof nails. If you’re not in the habit of maintaining your roof at least once annually, it would be an excellent idea to call a roofer to recommend repairs or maintenance so that you’re not greeted with any surprises during a potential buyer’s home inspection!

The Interior

·When placing yourself in a potential buyer’s shoes, you will want to consider the overall atmosphere of your home. Keep color, lighting, and smell in mind as you go through your house. The lighter, brighter, and airier your home shows, always the better! It’s likely one of the most important things you can do for your home --- ensure that it shows light and bright at all times. Create an atmosphere within your home as one which is cozy, homey, safe and warm, and in good condition!

·A clean-smelling house creates a positive image. Be aware of any odors from cooking, cigarettes, or pets that could have adverse affects on a potential buyer. However, don’t overdo strong cleaners or sweet air fresheners or perfumes. In this situation, less and fresh is more and better!

·Take advantage of natural light as much as possible by cleaning windows and blinds, opening shades and curtains and drapes. Add lamps where necessary. Be sure that all fixtures are clean and have functioning bulbs. Increase the wattage of bulbs in entry foyers and in small, dark rooms with small or tree-shaded windows.

·Clean all carpeting, especially large and visible stains. Typically, area rugs detract from a room size and make it appear smaller. If your area rugs aren’t necessary, consider packing them away and having carpet underneath cleaned. Clean and/or polish tile, wood floors or linoleum.

·Another frequently overlooked area of your home is the closet. Empty closets of off-season clothing and pack for the move. Organize them to demonstrate the most efficient use of space. Leave as few items on the floor or shelves as possible.

·Avoid clutter. Consider removing furniture from rooms that are too crowded. Pack up knick-knacks, both to protect them and to give the room a more spacious feel. Leave enough items to give your home the personal touch. Examples to consider: removing multiple picture frames from a table surface, leaving a couple of your favorites to show. Remove collections being displayed on countertops or cabinet-tops, or on any shelf at a pass-through window, and especially remove anything sitting atop window sills.

·Clean and polish all woodwork, baseboards, and ceiling fans. Pay particular attention to the bath and kitchen cabinets. Also make your appliances and light fixtures clean, bright, sparkling, and shiny! These are often overlooked areas when cleaning.

·Take a close look at your bathrooms! Cleanliness is definitely the key! Make sure that all surfaces are spotless and remove non-skid decals that are in poor condition. Replace worn or dirty shower curtains and hooks, clean and repair caulking, store all personal care products out of sight. Repair any faucets that leak or do not function properly. Clean off mineral deposits with vinegar or lime-away products. Clear off all countertops. Clean and organize all cabinets and drawers. Shampoo throw rugs or replace with new. Consider bringing out your best soaps and towels during marketing time. Add a plant or a mildly scented candle for color or freshness and aroma.

·Avoid clutter in the kitchen, too. Store small appliances whenever possible to maximize the appearance of work space. Sinks, cabinets, appliances, and countertops should be clean and fresh.

·Sweep and clean the fireplace, if you have one. Place a few logs on the grate to create an attractive appearance. You are welcome to have a fire going doing showings in the winter, if you deem it safe and responsible – it creates a great atmosphere!

·We’re almost done! Sweep and wash the floor of the garage to remove dirt and stains. Organize tools, garden equipment, bikes whenever possible.

·Remove (and replace if applicable) any items that will not be included in the sale of the property, such as an heirloom chandelier, light fixtures, favorite rose bush …

…then sit back and relax --- remember, I’m here to make your sale stress-less and enjoyable!

If you'd like Michelle to provide you with a no-obligation, free opinion of your home's current market value, please fill in below as many fields as possible, including specific details about your current home in the "Comments" section. You'll be hearing from me shortly!
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Price Range	Under $50,000 $50,000 $75,000 $100,000 $125,000 $150,000 $175,000 $200,000 $250,000 $275,000 $300,000 $325,000 $350,000 $375,000 $400,000 $425,000 $450,000 $500,000 $1 million $1.5 million $2 million    to   $50,000 $75,000 $100,000 $125,000 $150,000 $175,000 $200,000 $250,000 $275,000 $300,000 $325,000 $350,000 $375,000 $400,000 $425,000 $450,000 $500,000 $1 million $1.5 million $2 million $2 million +
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Bedrooms Range	1 2 3 4 5    to   2 3 4 5 5+
Bathrooms Range	1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 2.25 2.5 2.75 3 3.25 3.5 3.75 4 4.5 5    to   1.25 1.5 1.75 2 2.25 2.5 2.75 3 3.25 3.5 3.75 4 4.5 5 5+
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Michelle Martin is currently licensed as Associate Broker in the state of New Mexico, associated with Steinborn
& Associates Real Estate, John Hummer, Qualifying Broker.

Michelle Martin, REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, PMN, CRS
575.496.0666 · office: 575.522.3698
141 N. Roadrunner Parkway Suite 141 · Las Cruces, NM 88011-8090
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