What Stays vs. What Goes?

When selling your home there always seems to be some confusion about what stays and what goes in regards to fixtures and items in the house.  Does the refrigerator & washer/dryer stay, what about the fancy chandelier and the new curtains & blinds we bought?  As a general rule, if it requires a screwdriver, hammer or shovel to remove it, it’s usually considered real property and should stay with the home.  To avoid any possible complications & misunderstandings, talk to your Realtor® and get them to compile a list of the items that will or will not be staying with the house. 

Buying During the winter.

Buying a home during the winter months isn’t without its challenges, but also has its advantages.  When buying during the winter there will be less competition from other buyers, since this isn’t the peak buying season, and you will be less likely to get into a bidding war with other buyers.  This also means that you should be able to move in sooner as appraisers and other vendors are not as busy and can get your deal done quicker.  Let us help you get into your new home before the New Year! 

Daylight Savings ends.

It’s time to fall backwards again.  At least time it’s to set our clocks back for daylight saving which ends on November 2^nd this year.  While you are setting your clocks back, it’s also a good time to catch up on other maintenance items that are often overlooked.  Changing the batteries in your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors when you change your clocks is a good way to make sure the batteries get replaced twice each year.  It’s also a good idea to change your passwords on your computer and online accounts.  Experts recommend that you have different passwords for different accounts and to use letters & numbers in your password.

Selling During the Winter

It appears that winter is finally here to stay as the white stuff keeps falling.  Selling your home during the winter takes a little more preparation than during the summer months.  It’s very important to keep your walkway  clear of snow and ice both, for appearances and safety.  Sprinkle sand or salt on your walkway to provide stable footing.  Since our Alaskan days are getting shorter, make sure your entry and walkways are sufficiently lit.  Also make sure to turn on all the interior lights and increase your inside thermostat a degree or two to give it a warm cozy feeling.

Common Buyers Mistakes

Before closing on your new home, avoid these pitfalls that could derail your home purchase.  Buying big ticket items such as a new car or boat could knock your income to debt ratio out of acceptable range and jeopardize your loan.  Changing jobs before everything is completed can also be a big mistake because lenders take into account how long you have been at your job.  Moving money around between banks or accounts can also cause problems with your loan since lenders will be looking to verify your funds and bank accounts and will require a documented paper trail.

Let the light in!

Open up your curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible when having a showing.  Also replace any broken or burnt out light bulbs you have been neglecting.  Consider upgrading to newer energy efficient compact florescent bulbs and replace with the highest wattage bulb that is safe and suitable for the application.  The brighter a room is lit, the larger it appears. Consider adding lamps or lighting to rooms that are poorly lit. A small investment in lighting can have large returns from buyers.

One of the most frequent questions I get about the home buying process is “when do I get the keys?”  This isn’t a simple question and can have several different answers depending on what was negotiated in your purchase & sale contract.  Often times the closing date and the recording date are confused as being the same.  Closing is typically when you sign your final paperwork and provide funds to the title company.  Recording is when the deed actually records and officially transfers ownership to you unless otherwise negotiated.  It is after it records that.you will most likely receive the keys to your new home. Be sure to ask your REALTOR® when you can expect your keys.

Is your Kitchen Ready?

When buyers are looking at your home your kitchen will be under strict scrutiny.  In today’s homes the kitchen has become a focal point for gatherings and entertaining.  Is your kitchen up for the challenge?  Starting with your counter tops, anything that you haven’t used it in the past few weeks, box it up and place it in storage.  Remove all of the clutter that typically accumulates on the counters.  Have a junk drawer?  Remove the junk and do the same with your cabinets to show off the amount of space your kitchen has.  Don’t forget to clean out under your sink, and while you are there check for any leaks.

Moving with Pets

Our pets are often overlooked when moving and it can be very hard on them .  Here are some tips for making the move as stress free for them as possible.  If your pets are use to a schedule, try to keep the same schedule as much as possible.  If moving a long distance, have your pets checked out by your local vet and let him know your plans to move.  If your pets are on medication, make sure you have plenty to get you to your final destination and keep them easily accessible.  Keep something familiar out for your pets, such as a blanket or a favorite toy, to comfort them in this new transition.

A key to protecting the investment you’ve made in your home is by following a regular maintenance schedule. By performing preventative maintenance on an on-going basis, you’ll avoid many of the big ticket repair items that can lower the value of your home.   With winter fast approaching, now is the time to check your heating system for drafts & leaks.  It’s much easier to make a repair to your heating system now than 3 months from now when its -30 degrees outside. 

Addition items to inspect this Fall before winter hits

• Check all window and door locks for proper operation seal