Each item on this list is part of my approach to help you have the best experience selling your home. I am with you every step of the way!
How To: Prepare To Sell Your Home
If you are thinking of selling, I am here to help. Below are some of the recommendations that I give to my clients prior to getting professional photography done, and, of course, any open houses.
1. De-clutter! Every single room should be cleaned up and out. Make sure there is no dust lingering and that there are not tons of loose items everywhere. Less is truly more! Let the house shine.
2. Remove all personal photos.
3. Remove anything of value, i.e.: jewelry, small electronics, computers, prescription medications, passports, credit cards, cash, etc.
4. Remove anything that is attached to the walls or the ceiling that you may want to keep. Do this prior to listing your home. You can tell buyers that the chandelier in the entryway is not included, yet they may still want it… even if they do not like it. It is best to remove anything like this (even wall sconces, etc.) before anyone sees it.
5. If empty, stage the home.
6. Make minor repairs if necessary.
7. Enhance your home’s curb appeal. Some quick ways to do this are with landscaping, or perhaps a freshly painted front door, and even by buying the home wash hose attachment to ensure that the exteriors are immaculate.
8. Make sure that your address is easily visible from the street. You might want to buy new house numbers to showcase your address, or do repaint your current ones.
9. Price your home correctly. If this is a home that has not seen any TLC in many years, I suggest you don't do anything to it, and simply clear everything out and price it accordingly, which could mean under market value.
I hope this helps you as you begin the process of selling your home. Do you have a copy of my book? It elaborates on many of these and more. Request a free copy now:
The Crypto Corner: Cryptocurrency & Your Real Estate Transactions
Whether it's Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency such as Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Zcash, Monero, or others, this is a new field for many - and while the opportunities to do well are ample, it can be a confusing place for those new to this kind of technology. I am always here to break new technology down to my clients, to ensure that you're armed with the necessary facts to make knowledgeable and well-informed decisions when it comes to investing with cryptocurrency. First and foremost, I want my clients to know all of their options in terms of their real estate transactions, and I want them to always feel incredibly confident in the choices they make regarding their investments.
Below are some questions that I am frequently asked...
What are the benefits of using cryptocurrency for my real estate transaction?
Cryptocurrency funnels through blockchain. The advantage of using it in real estate is that you don't want to have all your coins in one basket. You can make a lot of money investing in cryptocurrency and then purchase something tangible (such as real estate). When purchasing a home with cryptocurrency, it is similar to a cash transaction. You still have to show proof of funds, pay taxes, and record title the traditional way of purchasing homes. We have an escrow company set up with Bitpay, which will convert your cryptocurrency into cash. There is an extra fee you have to pay using Bitpay to convert the coins. Also, because you have to record title with the county recorder, it is not an anonymous transaction type.
Is it safe?
There is always a risk that the cryptocurrency market will go down while you are in the transaction. Should that happen, you need to have enough cryptocurrency or cash to make up the difference. That is shown in the proof of funds.
What is the difference between cryptocurrency and bitcoin?
Cryptocurrency relates to all crypto coins. Bitcoin is just one coin out of thousands, but is the most well known and the most popular coin at this time.
What is the first thing I need to do if I want to buy property with cryptocurrency?
You need to show Proof of Funds, like with any Real Estate Transaction.
Something that I find to be of interest to many and one reason why many are motivated to engage with crypto and are utilizing this in their real estate transactions is that cryptocurrency is not governed by any governments as of yet. Once this changes, and the government becomes involved, they will start tracking it and taxing it. For those not wanting the government to know what they have, and not wanting to pay tax on it... cryptocurrency is a golden opportunity area.
Facelift Essentials For Your Backyard
Whether you just moved into your new home and are wanting to make it feel like yours, or are wanting to spruce up your outdoor space for your family's enjoyment (or to prepare to sell!) here are a few fun decorative pieces that have caught my eye lately... (We live in Southern California so there is no excuse to not be enjoying life al fresco all of the time!)
-Click on each below image for shopping details.-
New Year, New Home: What You Need To Do Now To Prep Your Property For the Market
The end of the year is very near; whether you have thoughts of selling in 2018 or simply want to start the New Year enjoying your home to the fullest, here are my top recommendations that you can start today:
1. Think like a buyer...
This can be as simple as doing a walk-through of each room in your home, as if it's on the market and you're evaluating what you like & dislike. This is a terrific exercise for opening your mind to everyday things in your home that you may not even realize because you're so frequently in the space.
2. Ditch the bulk...
Do you have an oversized couch that you absolutely love and won't part it? Many people do, and I understand it's appeal, but buyers will automatically think the room in its is far smaller than it actually is. Remove any bulky furniture from your home that can detract from the value of your property by making it feel smaller than it actually is.
3. Clear closet clutter...
This is the ultimate win-win for you. Taking the time to fully clear out and organize all closets in your home will not only make you feel more relaxed and on top of it, but it will showcase your closet space for what it truly is.
4. Say no to wasted space...
It's wonderful to be able to have an additional bedroom that can be used for whatever you need it to be... an office, a den, a storage room... however, it's easier for buyers to appreciate a space's value when it's given a defined purpose. That way, even if they don't necessarily need a home office like yours, they are able to actually see it as a finished room that they can then use for whatever purpose they want to.
My 2016 blog entry, "Five Steps You Must Take When Selling Your Home," delves deeper into the nitty gritty of each step to take before you list. Read it here: http://www.melaniehane.com/blog/2016/3/18/5-steps-selling-your-home