The Top 5 Reasons To Hire An Agent To Represent You As A Buyer In A Real Estate Transaction

1. The listing agent cannot give you any specific advice on how much to offer or what contingencies to include in the purchase contract.  He/she can write a contract for you but, buyer beware, it will most likely favor the seller.  The best advice I can give you on this bullet point is to avoid calling the agent on the sign out in front of the house you just drove by and fell in love with. Why? Because that agent works for the seller.

2. The listing agent will not negotiate on your behalf.  They already have a client, and it’s not you. That listing agent does not work for you.  I can’t stress it enough.  As a buyer, be sure you have representation of your own.  Hire your own agent.  It’s not going to cost you anything.  Real Estate commissions are typically paid by the seller.

3. A good buyer’s agent will run a market analysis for you and give you their qualified opinion of fair market value, and then negotiate on your behalf to get you the best deal possible.

4. A buyer’s agent will help to protect your rights.  As a buyer, you have rights.  What rights do you have?  Things like “Right to Inspect / Right to Cancel”, the right to include an Appraisal Contingency, Loan Approval Contingency, WDO contingencies, etc…

5. A buyer’s agent can help guide, direct, and make sure you have a complete understanding of the process and the steps to close.  In a typical purchase contract there are timelines and deadlines for accomplishing tasks along the way to be sure closing is not delayed. Tasks include things like escrow deposit, inspections, loan applications, appraisals, surveys, and so on…

Remember, in a Real Estate transaction, you’re dealing with legally binding contracts.  If you sign an agreement and do not live up to the terms and conditions within that agreement, you could be subject to a law suit.  It is absolutely in your BEST interest, as a buyer, to have a qualified, experienced professional working FOR YOU.  Hire a buyer’s agent!

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to check my web site for current listings.

Ken Gordon Real Estate

The Mission:  Superior Customer Service

Helping buyers and sellers discover the secrets to successful transactions so that everybody wins. - USMC Veteran

In Partnership with:

RE/MAX Interactive Realty

Questions to Ask Moving Companies

When you’re ready to talk with movers about your upcoming move, you need to be prepared for the conversation. Part of your preparation should entail a ready list of questions for moving companies who want to earn your business. The questions below will kickstart the conversation and ensure you get the answers to pick the right mover.

Do you work for the mover or are you a broker?

Brokers can match customers with moving companies. But keep in mind that a broker can’t give you a binding estimate and a broker isn’t responsible for loss or damage.

Do you give binding quotes?

A mover may give a binding, or “not to exceed” quote upon reviewing your items in person. Brokers typically don’t give binding quotes. If a mover or broker attempts to give you a binding quote over the phone, don’t accept it. Make sure your possessions are inspected in person.

Does my quote include extra charges?

If any of these issues below apply to your move, you may face additional charges:

• Stair charges
• Long carry charges
• Appliance charges
• Parking charges
• Storage charges
• Fuel charges
• Charges for awkward or extremely heavy items. Ask your movers if they have equipment to handle such items.
• Will my items be transferred?

In long distance moves, your items may be transferred to another truck. This extra handling increases the chances of damages.

What forms of payment do you accept and on what terms?

Don’t hire movers if they only accept cash. Make sure you and the movers are in agreement on the amount due upon delivery versus the deposit amount, and whether your deposit is refundable.

What type of insurance is included in your quote? Can I get more insurance?

Basic coverage is 60 cents per pound but your moving company may offer an upgrade. You can also work with third-party insurance providers to cover the move.

What is the process for damaged or broken items? Who’s responsible?

Make sure you understand what your moving company is responsible for in terms of broken items. Ask about the mover’s reimbursement policy.

ref:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/move/questions-ask-moving-companies/

By:  Realtor.com Team

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to check my web site for current listings.

Ken Gordon Real Estate

Ken Gordon

Ken Gordon Real Estate

RE/MAX Interactive Realty

Start Planning Your Next Move Now

When moving season arrives, thousands of people across the country pack up their belongings and moving to a new home. Whether it’s from one apartment to another, kids headed off to college or families transitioning into a new home, moving can be an incredibly taxing and time-consuming ordeal.

Fortunately for those on the move, there are ways to plan ahead and alleviate some of the stress associated with the process of relocating.

Did you know there’s a busy season in the moving industry? The period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is the busiest time for movers and and premium accommodations fill up fast. It’s an incredibly competitive industry, making it is important to plan head, compare quotes, and book early in order to get the best rate and service possible. If you’re planning a move during this timeframe, get started early to find a moving company and secure the right price for your next move.

Your destination and living situation plays a big part in how to plan your move. For smaller moves across town, simply renting a truck for a day or two can be a practical solution. Longer moves, especially for families, involve more logistics and, as such, can be more complicated. In those cases, hiring a full-fledged team of professional movers to assist in the packing and unpacking process is ideal. Either way, it doesn’t hurt to explore all of your options and get quotes from both truck rental agencies and professional moving companies.

Another moving solution that’s become quite popular in recent years is a portable storage container or moving pod. Containers can be a time and money-saving option. The moving container is delivered to your front door and you’re in charge of packing your belongings. When you’re finished, the moving company will pick up the moving container and will either move your belongings or store your moving pod until you are ready to ship.

ref: http://www.realtor.com/advice/move/start-planning-next-move-now/  By: Neal Leitereg

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to check my web site for current listings.

www.kengordonrealestate.com

Ken Gordon

Ken Gordon Real Estate

RE/MAX Interactive Realty

321-684-9900

Why For-Sale-by-Owner Sales Fail

Homeowners obviously know their homes better than anyone, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best salespersons for their properties.

Some sellers are tempted to try a For Sale by Owner (FSBO) transaction because their local community is in the midst of a sellers’ market and they think they can sell easily without help. Others try the FSBO route because they want to maximize their profits and avoid paying a commission to a Realtor.

However, statistics show that selling your home with the assistance of a professional real estate agent will garner you a higher profit, enough to cover the commission as well as put more money in your pocket. According to the National Association of Realtor’s 2013 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the average FSBO sales price was $174,900, while the average price for a home represented by an agent was $215,000, a difference of $40,100.

Why to Sell With a Realtor

Choosing to sell with a professional rather than on your own makes sense for a variety of reasons:

A Realtor has access to market data about recent sales and other homes on the market that can be used to price your home appropriately. Studies show that homes priced right when they’re first listed sell more quickly and for a higher price than those that linger on the market.
A Realtor can show your home when you aren’t available, can respond to inquiries from potential buyers and their agents, and can get valuable feedback from visitors – all things that save you time.
A Realtor can look at your home objectively and suggest ways to improve its appearance – by staging and minor repairs – so it appeals to more buyers.
Buyers typically prefer to look at a home without the seller present so they can feel more comfortable exploring the rooms and visualizing themselves in the property. At an FSBO sale, the seller must be present.
A Realtor can screen visitors to your home, which provides a measure of safety that FSBO sellers don’t have. In addition, by checking to see if the buyers are legitimate and can afford to purchase your home, a Realtor can help you avoid wasting time showing your home to unrealistic buyers.
Realtors have professional marketing expertise, contacts with other Realtors who work with buyers, and the support of a brokerage that can market your home more widely than you can as an individual.
A Realtor can help you negotiate a contract that not only garners you an appropriate price for your home, but that meets your needs for a settlement date and perhaps includes a period when you rent back your home from your buyer. In addition, a Realtor can make sure your contract is in compliance with all local regulations.

FSBO Dangers

Most buyers today work with a buyers’ agent to represent their interests. If you choose to sell your home on your own, you’ll be negotiating with a professional and relying on your own skill to finalize a contract. Not only could you end up selling your home for less money, you could leave yourself open to potential legal problems unless you have the contract vetted by an experienced real estate attorney.

FSBO transactions can be successful, of course, but 90 percent of homeowners prefer to work with a professional rather than risk an unsatisfactory home selling experience.

ref:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/why-fsbo-sales-fail/
By:  Michele Lerner

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to check my web site for current listings.

www.kengordonrealestate.com

Ken Gordon

Ken Gordon Real Estate

RE/MAX Interactive

321-684-9900

5 Advantages of Buying a Fixer-Upper

We all have fantasy images of our dream house. These images may be hard to let go of whenbuying a home, especially when all you can afford are homes that, well, let’s just say need some TLC.

That’s when it’s important to keep in mind that the fixer-upper you’re looking at could have the potential to someday become your dream house. It’s just one advantage fixer-uppers can offer. Here are a few others:

1. Lower price
A home that needs work likely will be less expensive. Such properties rarely list at full market price.

2. Fewer competitors
Many buyers are unwilling or unable to put a lot of work into a house. This creates the perfect opportunity to snatch a bargain,
a major advantage welcomed in particular by first-time homebuyers or house hunters competing for homes in areas with low inventory.

3. A blank canvas
With a fixer-upper, you call the shots as to how the house will eventually look. You don’t have to settle for a home that reflects someone else’s taste. Plus, if you do some of the work yourself, you’re automatically awarded bragging rights.

4. Quicker equity
If you renovate the home shortly after you buy it, you may increase its value quickly. Equity provides many financial benefits, from raising your personal net worth to giving you an opportunity to refinance sooner, if needed.

5. The possibility of renovation loans
Ask your lender about the Federal Housing Administration’s 203k loans that provide homeowners with funds specifically for fixer-upper projects. The loans, the 203k Streamlined Mortgage and the full 203k Mortgage, are available for homes with needs ranging from cosmetic improvements to extensive structural work.

ref:  http://realtormag.realtor.org/

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to check my web site for current listings.

www.kengordonrealestate.com

Ken Gordon

Ken Gordon Real Estate

RE/MAX Interactive

321-684-9900

8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here's why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.

1.  Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2.  Information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

3.  Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.

4.  Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5.  Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

6.  Someone who speaks the language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

7.  Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.

8.  Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.

ref:  http://realtormag.realtor.org/

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to check my web site for current listings.

www.kengordonrealestate.com

Ken Gordon

Ken Gordon Real Estate

RE/MAX Interactive

321-684-9900

6 Decisions to Make Before the Home Search

In the market for a new home but have no idea where to start? There are several decisions you should begin to make before you even start your home search. By asking yourself the right questions, you can quickly pinpoint what you want – and what you can afford – in your next home.

1. What’s your budget? See how your finances stand up to the 28/36 rule, which lenders use to see what you can afford to pay each month. A financial adviser or your real estate agent also can help you crunch the numbers. Going through the mortgage pre-approval process lets you know how much lenders will allow you to borrow – plus it helps you show sellers that you have the funds to backup your offer.

2. What do you need in your new home? How many bedrooms or bathrooms do you need? What about a large kitchen, a home office or a playroom for the kids? How many cars need covered parking? It’s critically important to ensure the home you select meets your family and lifestyle needs.

3. Do you want a condo or single-family home? Condos come with much less maintenance. You typically won’t be shoveling snow in the winter or replacing the roof, but you’ll likely pay monthly association fees to cover services and repairs in the community. Houses, on the other hand, come with more privacy and freedom to customize. They also come with full responsibility for maintenance.

4. How do you feel about living under covenants? Depending on where you buy, you may have to pay homeowner association (HOA) fees in addition to your mortgage. There are benefits to HOAs, such as maintenance, community centers, and maybe even a pool or gym. But you also could be faced with more restrictive rules about the look of the outside of your home, down to the color of your front door, types of window coverings, and whether you can plant flowers in your yard.

5. What school district do you want to be near? Even if you don’t have children in the house, local schools will affect your property value. Prospective homebuyers tend to search with education in mind. Do your research on the schools in the areas you’d like to live in.

6. Should the home be move-in ready? Ask yourself how much elbow grease you’re willing to put into a home – or how much you’ll pay someone else to do the work. Fixer-upper homes can be great after the work is done, but you’ll want to figure out your renovation budget before you start your home search. A 203k home-renovation loan might be the right resource for you. If you’re not ready for the extra financial commitment of rehabbing a home, or you can’t or don’t want to wait for remodeling projects to finish up, then a home that’s move-in ready might be right for you.

ref:  http://abovemag.remax.com/

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to check my web site for current listings.

www.kengordonrealestate.com

Ken Gordon
Ken Gordon Real Estate
RE/MAX Interactive

321-684-9900

Buying a Home - The Importance of a Buyer's Agent

Buying a Home -

Buying a home is a big deal. The financial and emotional stakes are high - but the rewards can pay dividends for a lifetime. Plain and simple, owning a home can improve your quality of life, provide stability and give you a sense of control you just can't get from renting. You have a place to live when you rent, but buying is something much deeper and better.

The Importance of a Buyer's Agent -

A real estate transaction is a complex process involving stacks of paperwork and a number of outside service providers and contractors. An experienced buyer's agent can guide you through the process, answering your questions and serving as your advocate. Your agent will help you find the property that fits your needs, submit offers and counteroffers, suggest a good property inspector and other professionals, and provide all sorts of relevant advice. With a buyer's agent, you'll have someone on your side, looking out for your interests every step of the way.

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to check my web site for current listings.

www.kengordonrealestate.com

Ken Gordon

Ken Gordon Real Estate

RE/MAX Interactive

321-684-9900

10 Best-Kept Secrets for Selling Your Home

Here are some tricks of the trade to help you get top dollar when selling your home.

Selling Secret #10:  Price it right.
Find out what your home is worth, then, shave 15 to 20 percent off the price. You’ll be stampeded by buyers with multiple bids — even in the worst markets — and they’ll bid up the price over what it’s worth. It takes real courage and most sellers just don’t want to risk it, but it’s the single best strategy to sell a home in today’s market.

Selling Secret #9:  Half-empty closets.
Storage is something every buyer is looking for and can never have enough of. Take half the stuff out of your closets then neatly organize what’s left in there. Buyers will snoop, so be sure to keep all your closets and cabinets clean and tidy.

Selling Secret #8:  Light it up.
Maximize the light in your home. After location, good light is the one thing that every buyer cites that they want in a home. Take down the drapes, clean the windows, change the lampshades, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let in sunshine. Do what you have to do make your house bright and cheery – it will make it more sellable.

Selling Secret #7:  Play the agent field.
A secret sale killer is hiring the wrong broker. Make sure you have a broker who is totally informed. They must constantly monitor the multiple listing service (MLS), know what properties are going on the market and know the comps in your neighborhood. Find a broker who embraces technology – a tech-savvy one has many tools to get your house sold.

Selling Secret #6:  Conceal the critters.
You might think a cuddly dog would warm the hearts of potential buyers, but you’d be wrong. Not everybody is a dog- or cat-lover. Buyers don’t want to walk in your home and see a bowl full of dog food, smell the kitty litter box or have tufts of pet hair stuck to their clothes. It will give buyers the impression that your house is not clean. If you’re planning an open house, send the critters to a pet hotel for the day.

Selling Secret #5:  Don’t over-upgrade.
Quick fixes before selling always pay off. Mammoth makeovers, not so much. You probably won’t get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your house on the market. Instead, do updates that will pay off and get you top dollar. Get a new fresh coat of paint on the walls. Clean the curtains or go buy some inexpensive new ones. Replace door handles, cabinet hardware, make sure closet doors are on track, fix leaky faucets and clean the grout.

Selling Secret #4:  Take the home out of your house.
One of the most important things to do when selling your house is to de-personalize it. The more personal stuff in your house, the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Get rid of a third of your stuff – put it in storage. This includes family photos, memorabilia collections and personal keepsakes. Consider hiring a home stager to maximize the full potential of your home. Staging simply means arranging your furniture to best showcase the floor plan and maximize the use of space.

Selling Secret #3:  The kitchen comes first.
You’re not actually selling your house, you’re selling your kitchen – that’s how important it is. The benefits of remodeling your kitchen are endless, and the best part of it is that you’ll probably get 85% of your money back. It may be a few thousand dollars to replace countertops where a buyer may knock $10,000 off the asking price if your kitchen looks dated. The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware. Use a neutral-color paint so you can present buyers with a blank canvas where they can start envisioning their own style. If you have a little money to spend, buy one fancy stainless steel appliance. Why one? Because when people see one high-end appliance they think all the rest are expensive too and it updates the kitchen.

Selling Secret #2:  Always be ready to show.
Your house needs to be "show-ready" at all times – you never know when your buyer is going to walk through the door. You have to be available whenever they want to come see the place and it has to be in tip-top shape. Don’t leave dishes in the sink, keep the dishwasher cleaned out, the bathrooms sparkling and make sure there are no dust bunnies in the corners. It’s a little inconvenient, but it will get your house sold.

Selling Secret #1:  The first impression is the only impression.
No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. It’s important to make people feel warm, welcome and safe as they approach the house. Spruce up your home’s exterior with inexpensive shrubs and brightly colored flowers. You can typically get a 100-percent return on the money you put into your home’s curb appeal. Entryways are also important. You use it as a utility space for your coat and keys. But, when you’re selling, make it welcoming by putting in a small bench, a vase of fresh-cut flowers or even some cookies.

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to check my web site for current listings.

www.kengordonrealestate.com

Ken Gordon

Ken Gordon Real Estate

RE/MAX Interactive

321-684-9900

New Buyers: 4 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Success

As one of the largest financial decisions in a person’s life, buying a home requires discretion, sensibility and budgeting. The following tips will keep you on the right path as you look to purchase your first place.

1. Keep score

The better your credit score is, the better your mortgage terms will be. A good credit score can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Start reviewing your credit a few months before you apply for a home loan. If you have a score in the 600s or lower, start paying down credit balances to 30 percent or less of your balance. Also make bill and debt payments on time – no later than 30 days after the due date. If you have a score in the 700s or 800s, be sure to maintain and protect your good credit. The slightest credit misstep can cause a strong credit score to plunge more sharply than a weak score.

2. Consider all costs

The cost of a home is just the start, and smart buyers tighten their belts before buying to meet the monthly and yearly financial demands of homeownership. When you buy a home, you’re responsible for paying principal and interest, taxes and insurance. Additionally, you’ll need to cover expenses such as utilities and possibly homeowner association dues. You’ll also need cash on hand for the upkeep and repair costs that come with any home. The average homeowner spends 1 percent to 4 percent of a home’s value on property maintenance each year, according to U.S. News & World Report. Expect to pay for repairs or maintenance even within the first year of owning your home.

3. Be flexible in your search

Homebuyers who distinguish between wants and needs make the most sensible decisions. A list of must-haves should include items that affect your quality of life, such as a home’s location, its price, number of bedrooms and square footage. You should be prepared to concede nonessential items, such as views and extra rooms, if you find a house meets your must-haves and is within your budget. Being flexible also involves adjusting your criteria as the home search progresses. For example, your budget may require looking at a town house rather than a detached home, or buying a fixer-upper in order to live in a better neighborhood.

4. Keep your cool

Don’t get overly excited in your search, especially in markets where homes are selling quickly. A bit of self-restraint prevents you from overspending or choosing a home that doesn’t fully fit your needs. Be prepared to walk away if a home inspection reveals more defects in a home than you’re able to deal with. Also, keep calm if you find yourself in a bidding war. Your agent can help you make the most competitive offer, and if it doesn’t get accepted then your agent can help you find the next great option. Finding the right home that fits your lifestyle and budget can take weeks or months. By starting early and being patient, you’ll avoid the sense of urgency that often drives homebuyers to make hasty decisions.

ref: Above {The RE/MAX Magazine}

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to check my web site for current listings.

www.kengordonrealestate.com

Ken Gordon

Ken Gordon Real Estate

RE/MAX Interactive

321-684-9900

4 Home-Selling Myths Debunked

The process of buying and selling homes can seem mysterious to many novices. Even if well-meaning friends and family members offer advice from all sides, many first-time buyers and sellers may remain uncertain about some key facts.

Let’s see if we can debunk some of the most common home-selling myths that agents hear from clients every day.

Myth: The seller determines the sales price.

Fact: Your home’s sales price should be the result of many factors, among them the size and condition of the home, its location, current market conditions and selling prices of comparable homes in the area.  While the seller ultimately agrees on the final list price, it’s not as simple as pricing the home based only on the money the homeowner hopes to make.

Myth: You should overprice your house in order to leave room for negotiation.

Fact: Overpriced homes take longer to sell and typically sell under their market value. When you overprice, you actually limit your real buying pool. Buyers who can afford to pay only what your home is really worth won’t bother looking at it because they’ll assume they can’t afford it.

Potential buyers who can afford to pay your high asking price will soon realize your home doesn’t stack up to the others in the same price range. By alienating both pools of buyers, you run the risk of wasting the valuable marketing window when your home is a new listing.

Myth: There’s no need to make repairs if you plan on giving the buyer a repair credit.

Fact: Many homebuyers want a home that’s move-in ready. If you plan on selling your home quickly and for top dollar, consider making any major repairs before you put the home on the market. Not only will the home be viewed as move-in ready, but your agent can also mention the repairs as a selling point in the marketing materials. If the need for additional fixes arises during inspection, that’s when you could discuss a possible repair credit for the buyers.

Myth: Home improvements pay for themselves when you sell.


Fact: While many repairs offer tremendous value down the road, few home-improvement projects provide a 100-percent return on your investment, according to Remodeling magazine’s annual Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. Get expert opinions on what to fix, and how, before you take out that sledge hammer.

ref: Above {The RE/MAX Magazine}

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to check my web site for current listings.

www.kengordonrealestate.com

Ken Gordon

Living Paradise Properties

RE/MAX Interactive

321-684-9900

Tips for Preping Your Home to Sell

Not many people know that selling their home might require some work.  Remember that showing your home for sale is much more than simply putting a sign in the yard and running an ad in the Sunday paper.  There are several things to consider when "marketing" your home.  I've heard it said that the market rewards those who prepare and punishes those that don't.

So, what can you do to prepare?  Here are a few ideas to make sure your home is ready to impress potential buyers?

1.  Clean everything and make sure your home smells good! (Pine-Sol is an excellent cleaning solution and always leaves a fresh, clean smell behind.)

2.  Pick up in every room.  Leave no clutter on the floors even in the kid's rooms. Don't forget to check the closet floors. Clutter always makes a room appear smaller.

3.  Straighten and dust bookcases and shelves. Wipe down all the tchotchkes.

4.  Straighten closets and, if possible, reduce the amount of clothing hanging to make the closets appear less crowded.

5.  Organize your pantry, line and clean the shelves, straighten the laundry room.

6.  Paint, inside and out. Fresh paint always makes the home feel "newer".  Use softer earth tones.  Nothing bright or obnoxious.

7.  Leave a few family photos out, but be careful not to have too many,  An entire wall packed with pictures might be overwhelming and take away the buyers ability to "feel at home".

8.  Make the beds every day.

9.  The bathrooms MUST be spotless. No towels on the floor. Shower curtains or doors clean and pulled closed.  Clean and smelling fresh. Toilets bowls scrubbed – no rings

10.  Curb appeal.  Homes that have attractive entry ways seem to sell faster. Extra effort to make sure the yard is well maintained is essential as this is the first thing a potential buyer sees. First impressions set the tone for the rest of the showing.

Helpful hint:  As already stated, preparation is key.  You won't always have a 2 or 3 hour notice that a potential buyer wants to see your home.  I've had people call and say, "We're sitting out in front of your listing and was wondering if we can get in right away."  In this situation, you have to be ready to move quickly to allow for a showing.  Keep some empty storage bins handy and use them for the "last minute pick up" (of clutter).  Slide them under the bed or take them with you.

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to check my web site for current listings.

www.livingparadiseproperties.com

Ken Gordon

Living Paradise Properties

RE/MAX Interactive

321-684-9900