TO SELL OR NOT TO SELL?
THAT IS THE QUESTION!

The real estate market is off the Richter scale in California. When you start finding flyers on your door informing you that the home you bought 30 years ago for $30,000 is now worth $400,000, you begin to seriously think about selling - whether you want to move or not! Since it is a seller’s market, it seems the sky is the limit. But wait! It sounds good on the surface, but what is really involved?

When you decide to sell your home, you have to disconnect your emotions and make that home an anonymous house. The first thing you must do to make your house marketable is make the potential buyer think of it as their home. Remove all the memorabilia, put away the family photos, trophies, collected items, knick-knacks and souvenirs. You want to make the inside of the home invitingly spare and airy. The buyers should be able to visualize how their furniture would look inside. Clutter, which may not be evident to you, will stick out like a sore thumb to a buyer. Clutter collects on shelves and counters, in drawers, closets and the garage. Remove all of the clutter and excess furniture throughout the house. It may be to your advantage to rent a storage unit for your clutter. Once the clutter has been removed, you must decide if painting is to your advantage. Actually, painting the inside of the house is the best investment. It lends a clean, fresh appearance to the home. Be sure to clean the carpet and check all your doors and windows as well.

“Curbside appeal” has a positive effect on many buyers. First impressions are often lasting impressions. Look objectively at your landscaping. A few splashes of color heighten the desirability of the yard. Make sure your lawn is cut and well tended. Tidy up the back yard. The entry way to the house should be inviting. Be sure to have a nice new doormat, an easy working lock and polished door fixtures. These tips will help assure you of a quick sale with buyers that are eager to move in. But then again, you may take a look at the results and realize that the house looks pretty good and decide not to sell after all. Good luck - either way, you’ll win!