Mentally Moving...

I'll admit I am hooked on HGTV! Joel & I have been contiplating putting our townhome on the market this year after my 18 year old son graduates from High school. Joel has been working contract positions for nearly 4 years now after being laid off from Safeco Insurance in 2004, so we are contiplating about possibly moving out of State (possibly Texas) after his contract is up in May. We love the idea that we can buy a home there and be totally mortgage free!

Ive been enjoying getting tips on how to get a home sold & even planning to stage Jeremy's bedroom into a guest/craft room after he moves out. :)

Essential Home Selling Tips

What is staging? Sabrina Soto, Get It Sold host and home-staging expert, knows. Here's her home staging essentials to help you compete in today's real estate market.

By Sabrina Soto

A fresh coat of paint on the front door and a groomed lawn invites buyers in. Crank up the curb appeal Pull weeds, rake leaves and trim overgrown shrubs, especially if they block windows or the path to your front door.

Paint
It's important to make your house generic. A fresh coat of neutral paint will make your home appear larger, brighter and more appealing to potential buyers.

Make repairs
Fix things like leaky faucets and sticky cabinets, and replace old screens. They may seem insignificant, but minor repairs add up in the mind of a potential buyer. They tend to overestimate how much repairs cost. You don't want to give them any reason not to put in an offer.

Rearrange
Make sure your furniture placement allows for easy traffic flow and shows the purpose of each room. If you have too much furniture, rent a portable storage device to hold things until you are ready to move into your new place. If you don't have enough furniture, borrow or rent.

A clean and uncluttered kitchen is a staple of home staging. Pack up This includes personal photos and portraits. Less is always more. The less clutter and knickknacks you have lying around, the more potential buyers will be able to see your home and what it offers. Remember, you are selling your house, not your stuff. Plus, getting a head start on packing will eliminate some stress down the road.

Organize
When your house is meticulously organized, buyers will envision themselves living a stress-free life in your home.

Clean
Clean every inch of your house, and don't forget to make your windows and floors sparkle. If your carpet appears old and stained, think about replacing it. Also, make sure there are no offensive odors. Purchase an air-neutralizing spray that will help remove odors without creating an overwhelming masking odor. Clean homes sell!

Lighten up your home with natural tones and a neutral dose of style. Lighten up Let the sun shine in, and turn on the lights. Open all blinds or curtains, and make sure the house is well lit.

Temperature
Be sure potential buyers are comfortable when touring your home. If it's freezing outside, leave the heat on, and if it's summer, turn on the air conditioner.

Keep it immaculate It may be a little inconvenient, but until you accept an offer, keep your home in tip-top shape at all times.