Real Estate Tips for Sellers

As a seller or landlord you have a responsibility and a requirement under the law not to discriminate in the sale, rental and financing of property on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. You cannot instruct the licensed broker acting as your agent to convey for you any limitations in the sale or rental because the real estate professional is also bound by law not to discriminate.

As homeowner, you can play an important part in the timely sale of your property. Staging a house goes way beyond your efforts to make it look spiffy before having friends over for a dinner party. If you've ever visited a new home development and walked through the builder's model home, you know exactly what staging is. Builders usually do extremely elaborate staging jobs.

Staging finishes the process you started with the three C's (clean up, clear out, and cosmetic improvements.) Your home should be spic and span clean. The entire home should sparkle, but pay particular attention to the kitchens and bathrooms.

Focus on Curb Appeal: Exterior Tips

• Trim hedges, prune trees, weed the lawns and flowerbeds
• Check the foundations, steps, walkways, walls, and patios for cracks and crumbling
• Clean and paint gutters to match the trim
• Inspect and clean the chimney
• Replace loose or damaged roof shingles
• Clean dirty masonry; consider exterior pressure cleaning
• Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking
• Keep the lawn cut, edged and watered
• Touch up painted surfaces, including the trim, window frames and shutters
• Keep your garage door closed
• Apply a fresh coat of paint or varnish to your front door
• Polish front door handles and other outdoor fixtures
• Perk up the front porch with flowers, benches and a fresh welcome mat
• Place all toys, bicycles and gardening equipment out of sight
• Store RVs or boats somewhere else
• Make as many touch-up as you can without making costly renovations

Focus on Curb Appeal: Interior Tips (How to Stage Your Home)

• Hire a progessional cleaning service to thoroughly clean your home, carpets and furnishings
• Repair and repaint cracks, plaster damage, wallpaper, paint and tiles
• Inspect and repair plumbing, heating, cooling and alarm systems
• Clean windows, inside and out
• Reduce clutter. (Remember that your treasures may distract visitors)
• Remove unnecessary items from kitchen and bathroom counter, and in all other living areas
• Light your fireplace
• Set the dining room table
• Dim the Lights
• Place new towels in bathrooms
• Freshen the scent with a candle/fragrance

Tax Implications of Selling a Home

Always check with your tax consultant to understand how selling your home may affect your taxes.

Some points to consider:

• If this home has been your primary residence for at least 2 of the prior 5 years, you can keep tax free capital gains of up to $500,000 if you are married and filing jointly, or $250,000 for single taxpayers, or those who file separately
• Home improvements or additions you have made may help to offset capital gains
• State regulations vary, so be sure to discuss your move with a tax professional familiar with these, especially if you are planning a move to another state

Trust the sale of your next home to an experienced Real Estate Agent.
Contact Freda Eaves when you are ready to list your home for sale.