Curb Appeal

Like the popular saying, don’t judge a book by its cover. All too often buyers will base their decision to see a home by its curb appeal or lack of. A recent study shows that 82% of buyers who are unimpressed with the exterior of the home will not want take a look inside. The survey also found that 90% of the buyers making offers will depend on the first impression they receive from the front entry way.

Bonus Tips:

You never get another chance to make a good first impression. Doing just a few small things to increase your “Curb Appeal” can pay big dividends in the end.

• Make sure house numbers are easy to read.
• Replace or paint the front door.
• Make sure railings are sturdy and freshly painted.
• Clean windows.
• Touch up or repaint the home’s exterior.
• Fix loose shutters.
• Straighten or replace loose or bent gutters.
• Paint or replace mailbox.
• Prune overgrown bushes and trees.
• Keep grass trimmed and yard clear of toys and debris.
• Mulch flowerbeds and around shrubs.
• Make sure the doorbell works and the door knocker is polished.
• Add a potted plant or flower boxes to the front entrance.
• Make sure the front of your home is lighted and appealing at night.

Why get a home inspection?

Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your life, so you should be sure that the home you want to buy is in good condition. A home inspection is an evaluation of a home’s condition by a trained & certified expert. During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth and impartial look at the property you plan to buy from top to bottom. After the inspection you will receive a copy of your home inspection report and that is a good time to ask your inspector any questions you might have. Remember a home inspection in not a pass or fail test. It is an observation of the existing condition of the home.

Bonus Tip:

A list of local home inspectors in the Kenai & Soldotna area, Kenai Peninsula

• RS Inspection Services, Robert C. Springer, 907.283.3969
• Carpenter Inspection Services, David Carpenter 907.776.7542
• Central Alaska Engineering Co, Jerry Herring 907.260.5311
• Highpoint Inspections Inc, Mark Hanson 907.262.7944
• National Property Inspections, Larry Cobb 907.567-1054
• Triple M LLC, Duke McGee 907.283.4732
• Wisdom & Associates, Steve Wisdom 907.283.0629

Don’t Trash it, Sell it!

Spring time is a great time to take a look around the house and start getting rid of the clutter that has stacked up over the winter. Instead of hauling it off to the dump, try selling it at a garage sale first. Not only is it a good way to get rid of unwanted goods, you can make a little extra money as well. To help make the garage sale a little easier, ask the kids to help out. They can collect items they would like to sell or have them help you run the sale. Another option is to get several families together and have one large sale that everybody can help set up and run.

What is earnest money?

What is earnest money and why do you need it? Earnest money is the money that you put down when you are making an offer on a piece of property to show your good faith. If your offer is accepted, then the earnest money becomes part of your down payment or closing costs. If your offer is rejected then your money is returned to you. If your offer is accepted and then you decide to back of out of the contact, you may lose your earnest money. Consult with your REALTOR® to discuss your options & potential liability before making an offer.

Get ready for a showing in 15 minutes.

You just received a phone call from your listing licensee and they are requesting a showing on your house in 15 minutes! Wow, what do you do? You can say that you aren’t ready and another day is better, then you run the chance of this being the “one” buyer that will be just perfect for your house! You agree to the showing, but your house is a disaster, so much to do and so little time to do it. Where do you start? Start on one room at a time and focus on the major items first and then move on to the next room.

Bonus Tip

While short notice showings aren’t the norm, they do happen. It’s not the end of the world and you never know, this just might be the “one”. Here is a fool proof plan to get your house in good shape in short notice.

Start with the kitchen, stack your dirty dishes in the dishwasher, straighten up the countertops, clean up any spills and give a quick spray with an air freshener.

Pick up any newspaper & magazines laying around in the living room. Straighten any pillows or blankets on the furniture and give another quick spray with an air freshener.

Moving on to the bedrooms. Make the beds, pick up any clothes lying around and pick up any big items that are out of place.

Next move on to the bathrooms. Straighten up the countertops, put the used towels in the laundry, replace with a fresh clean set of towels, rinse out the sinks, flush the toilets & close the lids.

Clean up the pets area. Add clean litter to the cat box, make sure the food/water bowls are in order.

Make sure if you have any stairs that they are clear of any obstacles.

Turn off the TV, and turn on some relaxing music and relax. You have made it, and your house is ready for a showing!