If you’re selling a house, this is the place to be. Whether you’re interested in the details of staging or marketing your home, accepting a purchase offer, preparing for closing or even in relocation, we’ve got the information you need right here to get the most out of selling your home.
Moving is stressful enough, but extra care must be paid to the safe packing and transport of special items such as pianos, large mirrors, fine art and sculptures. Here’s how to safely move precious cargo to your new home. Pianos. Moving a piano is in a class by itself. Small upright pianos weigh more than… Read more »
With a little planning, the right materials and the help of some strong volunteers, packing up and moving your household is doable. Here are a few tips to make a DIY move go smoothly. How much truck do you need? Generally, the furniture filling a three-bedroom house with one living area and one dining area… Read more »
Once you’ve cleaned and organized your house from top to bottom, what is the best way to get rid of all your unwanted junk? If time is of the essence, donate it all to a favorite charity thrift shop. But if you’d like to recoup some of the money you spent, try a garage sale…. Read more »
An abandoned, decaying house in your neighborhood — also known as a ‘zombie’ house — could mean big trouble for you and your neighbors, especially if you’re planning to put your home on the market any time soon. How to recognize a zombie. Typically long abandoned, a zombie house may have broken windows, a collapsing… Read more »
Pet accidents are inevitable, reminding us all of the sacrifices and responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Hurry, grab some supplies and let’s get that mess cleaned up and the odor removed. Soiled carpets. Quick removal of pet waste is essential. Left to dry, stain and odor removal becomes more difficult and may result in… Read more »
The lingering odor of cigarette smoke makes any house a tough sell. It will take longer to find a willing buyer and will likely bring a lower price. Unless, of course, the seller is up for the challenge of a floor-to-ceiling scrubbing. Here’s a step-by-step guide. Floors to ceilings. Unlike pet odors that are mostly… Read more »
When pet owners put their homes up for sale, it’s best to make those beloved animals disappear without a trace. The dog beds, the cat crates, the hair, the chew marks and the smell all need to be removed before the first showing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on selling your home with pets. Priority one:… Read more »
Managing pet hair is a major challenge for even the most diligent housekeeper — especially when it’s time to put your house up for sale. Here are a few tips from a pet lover who keeps a squeaky clean home. Floors collect the most hair. Make it a priority to vacuum carpet and dust mop… Read more »
You love your pets, but they definitely pose a challenge, especially when it comes to managing pet odors. Here’s a pet-owner’s handy guide to making those smells disappear. Keep your pet clean. Make sure dogs are washed and groomed regularly. Don’t let their natural body odor build up. Cats groom themselves, but both cats and… Read more »
Whether you’re moving or just looking for a more streamlined look, your bookshelves are an obvious place to consider paring down. Books are heavy and take up a lot of space. With the continued popularity of electronic reading devices that store hundreds of books in the palm of your hand, is it really necessary to… Read more »
Congratulations, you’ve gotten a contract on your house! But wait, someone else makes an even better offer. Can you accept it? Once you sign a contract and earnest money has been paid by the buyer, an enforceable contract is in place. You cannot break it without penalties. The buyer can sue for enforcement of the… Read more »
When prospective buyers put an offer on your house, how can you tell if they are solid prospects? To avoid needlessly tying up your house, look for these seven indicators. They are preapproved for a mortgage. It’s easy to confuse the terms “prequalified” and “preapproved.” The first means a lender has taken a cursory look… Read more »
A balcony or terrace is a great selling feature, especially appealing to prospective buyers who want a private outdoor space where they can relax. To maximize this selling point, dress it up to make it look its best. Clean it up. As with all staging, start by thoroughly cleaning the space. Sweep decking, wash any… Read more »
When flowerbeds become barren in the winter, it’s the perfect time to use potted plants to add much-needed curb appeal. Finding plants that can add interest and color to the front of your home while withstanding cold temperatures can be challenging. Here are a few winter favorites that will make your container gardens –and your… Read more »
Potted arrangements are a great way to add curb appeal — even during the summer when soaring temperatures can turn gorgeous potted plants into shriveled eyesores. When selecting plants for summer container gardens, look for varieties that can thrive in sun, heat, and potential drought. If multiple plants will be in the same container, they… Read more »
Spring is the perfect time to use container gardening to impress prospective buyers touring your home. Potted plants instantly add color and interest with beautiful blooms in just the right places. Here are a few top picks. Stock sounds ordinary, but these fragrant blooms are showstoppers. Available in many colors with either single or double… Read more »
Fall is a great time to use container gardens to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Many plants perform well in cool temperatures while offering beautiful color and texture. Here are a few top picks for gorgeous fall container gardens. Mums may seem an obvious choice for fall decoration, but don’t discount these favorites. They come… Read more »
The winter holiday season can be a challenging time to prepare your house for sale. Fortunately, staging the outside of your home with potted plants and simple decorations will help attract potential buyers. Try these trimming tips, and you may find yourself celebrating an offer along with the holidays. Keep it simple. Add a few… Read more »
Your house is on the market and your agent just called with great news. Buyers are interested in seeing your home. The not-so-great news? They want to come in less than half an hour and your house is a mess. Don’t miss out on a chance to sell your home. Use this quick and easy… Read more »
Painting is an essential part of successful home staging. In addition to making your home feel fresh and new, the right paint color will enhance your home’s appeal. It’s important to consider colors carefully — ideal colors ensure your space makes the best impression, while others may decrease your home’s chances with potential buyers. Choosing… Read more »
