Now that Summer is finally here, here are some tips to get your home in tip-top shape, maximize it's curb appeal and get it sold before the Fall!

Lang Farm Colonial

Outdoor Projects

Because you never get a second chance to make a first impression, maintain your home's curb appeal!  Start with some gardening and landscaping projects. Plant colorful  flowers, trim bushes and  mulch your beds.

Another easy, fun project that won't take up your whole weekend - replace your house numbers and your mailbox numbers. Your local hardware store has a good variety. Buy a few different styles and take them home to see what looks the best.

Yet another way to spruce up your exterior is to start some painting projects that will make your house look fresh. Start with painting your front door and inspecting your door handle hardware. A new handle and fresh coat of paint will welcome your summer visitors.

Update your exterior light fixtures. Outdated light fixtures are less than appealing. Plus this is a quick, inexpensive way to help your home's curb appeal.

Also, clean out your gutters and drains so that they are ready for any summer rainstorms. While you're looking at the downspouts take a quick look at the siding. Consider renting a powerwasher and wash any mildew or staining that may have developed. Don't forget to powerwash your windows as well!

Indoor Projects

Let the sunshine in! With more daylight hours now then ever, now is the time to take a good look at your windows. Many people don't realize how much grime and film builds up on  windows until they are clean. A quick interior window cleaning can give your entire home a fresh, clean feeling. Tip: Use newspaper instead of paper towels to wash windows - it won't leave streaks or lint.

Lang Farm Colonial

To maximize interior sunlight, take down any drapes or curtains that are heavy and dark and replace with a light color or sheer. Another way to make the most of natural light is to open blinds and shutters. If you have "side-lights" on your front doors consider leaving these uncovered.

Also, it's always a good idea to have your screens in good repair and your friendly neighborhood hardware store can fix torn, damaged, or bent screens.

For more tips on how to sell your home faster, visit some of Geri's tips pages or better yet, send her a quick email for her advice on how to get your house ready for the market. In addition, we offer free home staging to all of our clients.

There are advantages to getting pre-approved for a loan before you begin your search for a new house.

Pre-approval removes some unwanted pressure.

Once you find a home that you want to purchase, and your offer is accepted and the forms have been signed, the clock is ticking for you to get a mortgage.  If you are pre-approved, getting a mortgage should run rather smoothly and quick.

However, if you are not pre-approved then you might run into some problems.  You will feel rushed and stressed to get the mortgage before the close.  Also, if your lender has a stack of loans to process you could seriously be "cutting it close".

Pre-approval makes you look like a serious buyer.

Suppose there are two buyers who make an offer on a house.  The first buyer is not pre-approved.  The second buyer is pre-approved and has a letter from their lender stating that they can afford the home.  The seller is probably going to pick the pre-approved buyer.  They look more motivated and creditable.  The pre-approved buyer is more likely in a better position to negotiate the price of the house also.

Pre-approval is a simple process:

• Fill out an application and give it to your lender
• The lender will obtain your credit report and qualify you based on income, debts, and credit score.
• The lender will give you a letter stating how much you can afford to pay for a house.

It's fast, easy, and concrete evidence that you're motivated in the eyes of a seller!

If you would like to get pre-approved, Vermont Real Estate agent Geri Reilly recommends calling Nick Parent at Spruce Mortgage: (802) 863-5102 or email nick@sprucemortgage.com

To determine the asking price for a property, the real estate agent will research the comparable properties, or "comps".

COMPS...

are recent property sales that are similar to the subject property.  The comps are similar in size, location, condition, amenities, etc.  Because the housing market is constantly changing, the real estate agent will generally find three comparable sales that have taken place within the past six months.

For example, assume that you wanted to sell your house for $350,000.  Your real estate agent will first research the comparable properties that are similar to your house.  Because every house is different, the agent might find a property that sold within the past six months for $330,000 and two others that sold for $340,000.

Does Your Home Stand Out?

With the above comps, this does not necessarily mean that your house would be overpriced if you asked $350,000 for it.  Is your house in better condition than the other three?  Do you have custom audio throughout, fresh paint, a new roof, or any other improvements that would make your house stand out?  Is the condition overall much better?  Depending on the extras and improvements, your house could sell for $350,000.

$$$

It is very important to look at the comps before deciding on the listing price for your property.  They are an excellent guide and, after seeing all of the figures, you as the owner might decide to raise or lower the price of your house.

Thinking about Selling your Vermont Home?

Vermont Real Estate agent Geri Reilly can come to your house and give you a FREE Comparable Marketing Analysis or CMA. She'll bring comps to compare your house to. Call her at 802.862.6677 x 1 or contact her here to set up an appointment. It's a great time to list your house - Spring!