Tips for Buying or Selling Your Home

SELLING YOUR HOME - TIPS FOR A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION

• It all starts with the first impressions, therefore, curb appeal is key! 
  • Make sure to maintain landscaping (ie lawn mowed, grass clippings blown away from sidewalks, shrubs and planting areas). 
  • Powerwash siding, walkways and driveways. 
  • Weed landscaping bedding. 
• A fresh coat of paint on trim boards, doors and mailboxes gives the impression of a well maintained home. 
• If a beautiful view or large sprawling windows are part of the "marketing" technique for your house, make sure that the windows are clean. 
• Remove any clutter so that Buyer's can get a clear view of how much space your home has to offer.  This will help them to envision making your house their own.  You don't want your personal items distracting the Buyer from the features of the house. 
• Seasonally fresh flowers or other aroma friendly scents (ie a scented (non-burning) candle or misting frangrance can touch on a Buyer's sensory appeal.   
• Staging the house can help it sell faster.  Two of the easiest rooms to stage are the bedrooms and bathrooms. 
  • Buying matching bathroom towels.  Don't leave dirty laundry in the bathroom or bedroom. 
  • A new comforter set or area rug (even if it's placed over existing carpet), as well as a fresh coat of "neutral" paint can enhance the bedrooms. 
• Lastly, don't make the mistake that Buyer's don't look in drawers, cabinets or closets, because they do and will.  Cleaning out and organizing these areas will also assist you when the home sells and it's time to pack.

BUYING YOUR HOME - TIPS FOR A BUYER PREVIEWING A HOME

• First off, Michigan Premier Real Estate and it's Real Estate Professionals, strongly recommend that each and every Buyer hire a licensed inspector to go through the property once an offer has been made and accepted!
• When previewing properties with your "Realtor", a Buyer should be checking and making note of the following:
  • Check the roof - does there appear to be any areas that show signs of sagging.  Are there shingles that are curled or missing?  Does the roof have debris (ie tree branches, leaves or moss)?
  • Gutters - make sure they are present, clean and firmly attached.
  • Weather permitting, check the HVAC system and make sure it's in working order.
  • Ring the doorbell, check the light switches and open and close doors throughout the home.
  • Look at the ceilings.  Are there any stains which might indicate a leaky roof or plumbing problems?
  • Cracks in the walls can be a sign of structural issues.
  • Discoloration on walls and floors as well as the presence or "odor" of moisture in a basement can be a sign of water penetration in the home.
• Your Michigan Premier Real Estate Professional can provide you with names and contact information for inspectors in your area.