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Buyers
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MORE MONEY FOR YOUR HOU$E
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1. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression...
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Start with your lawn---the first thing that prospective buyers see.
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- Is lawn trimmed and edged?
- Are flower beds clear of leaves, weeds and grass?
- Is appeal of the house enhanced by adequate flowers and bark chips?
- Are light posts, gas grills, outdoor lights, mailboxes, fences or basketball hoops in good condition?
- Are children's objects removed, such as old swing sets, sandboxes, etc?
- Have any bare spots in lawn, big holes, ruts, weeds or crabgrass been taken care of?
- Does lawn have an overall manicured look?
- If winter, has snow and ice been removed from sidewalks and steps?
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2. Your front door welcomes the prospect...
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A seasonal door decoration adds a warm, inviting touch.
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- Is the door clean, or would a coat of paint be helpful?
- Are light fixtures, door knockers and doorknobs in good condition?
- Does the door bell work?
- Are storm doors in good condition?
- Is the front-step/porch in good repair?
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3. Decorating helps assure top dollar and a quick sale...
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A little Liquid Gold? does wonders for scratched and dry-looking wood.
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- Are walls clean?
- Has any "hard to decorate around" wallpaper been removed and the walls painted?
- Are all nail and molly holes filled?
- Are there any cork/mirror tiles, shelves, metal brackets, plant brackets, stickers, graphics, murals or makeshift cabinets that should be removed?
- Should ceiling be textured to cover flaws?
- Are switchplates clean?
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4. Clean windows show the bright side of your home...
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Let the prospective buyers see how cheerful your home can be.
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- Have curtains and draperies been opened to highlight walls and ceilings?
- Will window coverings appeal to the general public?
- Do sheers cover all windows facing street?
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5. A clean kitchen is a must...
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Many buyers judge the housekeeping by the oven and stove.
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- Is the interior of the oven, stove and dishwasher stain free?
- Have the cabinets been cleared of all but essential items?
- Are the counter tops clean and free of clutter?
- Is the counter top stained? (Baking soda is good for removing stains and it will not mar the finish.)
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6. Sparkling bathrooms help sell your home...
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Spick-and-span throughout is the way to judge the bathrooms.
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- Are shower doors, ceramic tile and grouting clean and free of soap film?
- Are fixtures polished and free of water marks?
- Have appliques in the tub been removed?
- Is lighting adequate?
- Does toilet seat need to be replaced?
- Is exhaust fan working? Is it quiet?
- Window available? Open it and let the fresh air in.
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7. Avoid cluttered appearances...
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Perhaps now's the time to plan a garage sale.
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- Do you have excess furniture which makes the rooms appear cramped?
- Are newspapers, toys and other articles picked up?
- Is the stairway clear? This is essential!
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8. Make the closets look as large as possible...
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Remove or pack items that can be stored elsewhere.
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- Is the closet neat and well organized?
- Are wall surfaces in need of paint?
- Is shelving and hardware in good repair?
- If the closets have lights, are bulbs bright?
- Do closet doors operate smoothly and quietly?
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Remove all unnecessary items.
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- Have you checked the basement, garage and other utility space and removed all excess items?
- Is there a damp smell in the basement or crawl space? If so, place a bag of limestone in the damp area.
- Are the walls dark and dull? if so, they can easily be brightened with a coat of paint.
- Do all lights work? Are they bright enough?
- Are window areas clean and sealed properly?
- Are window wells free of debris?
- Is floor covering in good condition?
- Are steps and handrails in need of paint or repair?
- Is basement immaculate?
- Is sump pump operable? Is sump pit uncluttered?
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10. Check major appliances...
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A little correction could be worth a good many dollars.
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- Is the furnace filter clean?
- Is the attic fan running quietly?
- Is the exterior of the water heater clean?
- Does the water softener work? Is it clean?
- Is water heater in good condition? Drain a pail of water from the heater to remove rust particles.
- Does furnace work properly?
- When was air conditioning system checked?
- Does air filter work properly? Is it clean?
- Do kitchen appliances work properly? (Dishwasher, range, disposal, exhaust fan, compactor, refrigerator, oven)
- Does garage door opener work properly and quietly?
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11. Minor flaws suggest neglect to the prospect...
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Have them fixed to get top dollar for your house.
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- Do the screen doors close tightly?
- If property has a storage shed, is it in good condition?
- Is there a dog house and should it be removed?
- Is driveway in good condition?
- Are gutters and downspouts in good repair?
- Do gutters drain away from the house?
- Is roof in good repair?
- Are hardwood floors in excellent condition?
- Are vinyl floors in good repair?
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Things That Don't Affect Value
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- Your original cost
- The cost to build your home today
- Your investments in improvements
- Personal attachment
- Certain types of improvements
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Pat Haddad
Realtor/Broker
Business: (317) 840-7555 Toll Free: (800) 306-4796
E-Mail: Pat@HaddadTeam.com
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