Lists Before You List: Part 2

Last time we talked about the importance of a pre-packing list in order to give your rooms, closets and cabinets maximum breathing room!  

Now...it's time to get your pad and paper out and create a list of repairs needed in order to get your home show worthy! Part of getting your home ready for a quick and successful sale is taking off the rose colored glasses we all as homeowners wear and put on your critical, customer glasses. Remember, a prospective buyer doesn't have all of the memories that you have to draw from.  They see things as they really are.  So, it's time to find the cracks, creaks, smudges, stains, holes, dust,smells and squeaks and write them all down to give you a road map to a show-worthy home! Here are some examples of potential repairs:

• Doorknobs: loose or broken
• Drywall Cracks & holes-- think doorknob into the drywall, excessive holes from pictures
• Chipped paint
• Cabinet Doors & Drawers that are loose, worn or missing knobs
• Carpets: treating spots, fresh carpet cleaning
• Wood floors: Patch any holes, clean & refinishing polish
• Ceramic: Cracks, Grout, cleaning stains
• Bathrooms: Reseal around tubs, vanity and showers if needed, clean tubs, toilets, sinks & showers
• Windows:  Are any broken?
• Appliances: Any appliances broken that are staying with the home: garbage disposal, dishwasher
• HVAC:  How old are they? Do you have any documentation on repairs
• Roof & Foundation:  Have their been any issues?  

Ok.  Breathe a minute.  This is an exhaustive list and it could be easy to get overwhelmed!  Just write it all down...the good, bad and ugly!  Then prioritize...what will give you the most bang for your buck? What repairs can you do on your own for pennies?  Start there first!  Also, think about multiple repairs that could be done by a handyman.  A good cleaning service can come in from ceilings to floor to put the spit and polish on once the repairs are completed.  

A home that is pre-packed, repaired and sparkling clean leave very little for a prospective buyer to be negative about, thus increasing your odds of an offer!  

If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and list and you live in Northwest Arkansas, Benton or Washington Couties, we would love the opportunity to show you why we get homes SOLD.  You can call me at 479.640.9250 or email me at kimnorton at kw dot com.  

See Northwest Arkansas Homes Here:

Welcome Home NWA

Lists Before you List: Part 1

Welcome Home NWA!

Well, it's January 6th and we are on Snow Day #6 of the Epic 2014 Snowpocalypse!  And we have Artic temps so we are all snug inside looking at our walls....AGAIN!  :)

If you are wondering what people are doing...just do a quick flyby on social media.  People who you only see on Major Holidays and Birthdays are making appearances!  What am I doing? I'm online looking at houses...and looking around at the things that need to be done on my home before I'm ready to list!

Anyone can stick a sign in a yard, but if you are really serious about getting your home sold at the price you want and on time, making a few lists before you list can be a really smart idea! See Current Homes Here!

Pre-Packing List:  If you are going to occupy the home while it is being shown, pre-packing is imperative in order to give you the maximum amount of square footage and help the prospective buyers see themselves living in the home.  The moment you "list" your home, it isn't your home anymore.  Well, technically it is your home, but the purpose of your home shifts from your cherished treasures and memories to potentially another persons future memories.  

So what items should be on your pre-packing list?

• Say Cheese!:  Remove personal pictures from walls, mantels, tables, etc.  If it is a large centerpiece on a wall or mantel replace it with another piece of artwork/print from around the home.  
• Overcrowding:  Take a look at your furnishings.  Pulling out one chair, the extra dresser, the extra leaf on the dining room table can help open up the space and give your prospective buyers breathing room.
• Grandma's Chandelier:  Take inventory of anything that is nailed, bolted, screwed down that you are planning to take with you.  Recently I listed a home with a charming chandelier in the dining space.  When listing they commented that it was their grandmother's chandelier.  Per our suggestion, they removed the piece and replaced the fixture with one that will remain in the home after sale.  Why go to that trouble?   Any fixtures (chandeliers, media equipment, large mirrors permanently affixed to the wall) can be misunderstood as coming with the house.  Taking it out prior to listing will keep everything simple and clean at closing.  
• Closet Care:  Overcrowded cabinets, shelves and closets give the impression that there is not enough room in the house for personal items.  Take out the off-season clothes, pack additional linens

Making a list and then systematically pre-packing your home can help give your home an edge and leads to the 3 other essential lists you need before Listing!  So...take a look around and start your list!

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If you are thinking about listing in this year, I'd love to sit down and show you how we can make a big difference in your Real Estate experience.  Please call Kim Norton at 479.640.9250 or email us at kimnorton at kw dot com.  

See Homes Now!

Welcome Home NWA!

Kim