Thinking of Jumping into the Real Estate Market?

With all the ups and downs of the economy and negative or conflicting information about real estate trends, it may be hard to believe but things are looking up!  No, I do not mean prices are going up - Houses are selling!   Which is Good News!

The interest rates are low and buyers are starting to get it - the rates have never been better.

The funny thing is sellers are not getting ready.  If you want to jump in and sell your home there are a few things to consider.  How will your house stack up against the competition?  Really, in this day of of magazine articles, TV shows and professional staging advice why are sellers not paying attention?

You need to be a savvy homeseller.  Prepare, prepare, prepare! There are many things you can do without spending a lot of money. Here are some tips to have your home stand out from those tired homes that have been hanging on.

Know your market.  Get advice from a real estate professional.

Clean, clean , clean inside and out! Windows, floors, corners - Ick

Declutter your closets, countertops, desk, garage and laundry room.  Believe it or not buyers do not care what dish detergent you use or how many magnets and photos of friends and kids you can fit on the "fridge" - put all that away and while you are at it PLEASE put the garbage can away.

Paint! Try a neutral shade or a lighter hue of a popular color.  Get rid of hot pink, acid green and boy's blue! And for those of you with 1980"s wallpaper..you know who I mean..colonial blue floral or mini prints time for that to go! 

Dress up your entry.  Paint the front door, get rid of those cobby things that seem to accumulate over night over your front door and light fixtures.  Trim your plantings back, re-mulch add some pretty flowering pots.

Let there be light!! Get rid of heavy drapery and open up the blinds.

You can update light fixtures in baths and at your front door with a trip to your local big home store.  Get new bedding and towels -this can be done inexpensively.  Your home should sparkle and all it takes is cleaning and some smart choices on a few accessories to give you a fresh updated look. 

If you still don't get it  - watch a home improvement show!