Hiring a professional real estate agent is a great way to both market your house and determine its worth. Experienced realtors know the current market and will price your home accordingly. Realtors also have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), a national list of homes for sale exclusively by realtors.
Oak Crest and Charlestown Retirement Counselors JoAnn Huebler and Steffany Byers can also provide important tips on selling your house, finding a reputable real estate agent, and once your house sells, hiring movers.
“We’ve helped hundreds of people move to Charlestown and Oak Crest over the years,” says JoAnn, and in that time we’ve acquired quite a few ‘friends in the business,’” she says.
“A lot of the realtors we know have experience in selling older homes and are experts on the real estate market in Baltimore and the surrounding counties,” says Steffany.
Tips for Getting Your House in Ship Shape
When it comes to improvements, the general rule in real estate is that buyers seek the least expensive home in the best neighborhood they can afford.
In terms of improvements, this means you want a home that fits in the neighborhood, but is not over-improved.
Here’s a few ways to get your house in shape with out blowing your budget:
1. Lighten and brighten your rooms. Open the curtains, pull up the shades, and put in the brightest bulbs possible. A well-lit room gives the illusion of open space. And in the evening, keep all outside lighting on.
2. Clean and declutter. Remove knickknacks, personal possessions (photos, awards). Prospective buyers want to imagine what their stuff will look like. Less clutter makes this easier to do and makes the space feel bigger.
3. Give your house good curb appeal. You never know when someone will drive by. If you’re selling your home during the holiday season, don’t go overboard with decorations. A tasteful wreath and some natural greenery can warm up your home without making it seem overdone.
4. Shampoo rugs, especially if you smoke, have grandkids, or pets.
5. Paint walls. A fresh coat of paint can visually take years off your house.
6. Clean all windows.
7. Clean or purchase new front door hardware. Your front door is the buyer’s first impression, so make it a good one.
8. Organize your cabinets and closets. Throw out old stuff (old meaning if you haven’t touched it in two years). This way you’ll be ahead of the game when it comes to moving.
9. Remove all appliances from kitchen countertops. Again, removing the clutter gives a feeling of more counter space.
10. Bathrooms should sparkle and be immaculate.