New Vocabulary

When buying your first home, you will acquire a whole new vocabulary. It is already overwhelming trying to navigate the process, let alone looking up every new word or phrase in the dictionary. As a continuation to “Part 1” we have provided some commonly used terminology when buying a home or property.

Pre-Approval– Pre-qualification by a mortgage lender determining much the borrower can afford to meet

Appraisal – An estimate of value of property at a specific point in time

Adjustable Rate Mortgage– Mortgage loan that bases it’s interest rate on an economic index that fluctuates with the market

Debt to Income Ratio– Monthly debt payments divided by your monthly gross income

Multiple Listing Service (MLS) – Service used by real estate brokers that allows them to see one another’s listings and properties

Escrow– A document kept by a neutral third party to transfer property from the seller and money from the buyer

Homeowners Insurance– Coverage that includes theft, and personal liability, in addition to hazard insurance

Home Equity– Portion of your home you actually own, or real property value

Market Value– The amount for which a home would most likely sale in the current market

Fixed Rate Loan– Fixed interest rate for the entirety of the loan

Conventional Loan– Not offered or guaranteed by a government agency

Comparative Market Analysis– Process by which realtors determine a listing price estimate by comparing similar properties

Offer– Buyer presents certain terms to seller with intent to purchase property

Home Inspection– Examination of conditions of a home, things like: heating, air conditioning system, interior plumbing and electrical, roof, attic, insulation, etc. 

Earnest Money– Money given to the seller to confirm contract

Due Diligence/Contingent– Time buyer has after signing a contract to perform inspections and “do their homework” before actually purchasing the property

FHA Loan– Mortgage issued by FHA approved lender and insured by the FHA. Designed for low to moderate incomes. 

Commission– Compensation paid to the realtors for their services, usually included in closing costs. Typically 6 percent of the sales price is split between the listing and buying realtors. 

Recording- putting real estate documents into the official records of the County where you purchased property

Title– Formal document that evidences rights of ownership in a property

Closing– When the deed is delivered, documents are signed, and funds are dispersed

Closing Cost– Fees paid at the end of a closing transaction (loan application fees, appraisal fees, inspection fees, escrow fees, title insurance, commission, etc.)

This small compilation is just the tip of the ice burg when it comes to real estate lingo. We hope that it’s been helpful! As always, give us a call at (801)544-4307 or visit our website if you have any questions!

Sources: https://www.thebalance.com, https://magazine.realtor/tool-kit/rookie/article/real-estate-glossary, https://www.realwealthnetwork.com/learn/due-diligence-real-estate/

Ideally you could take your time house shopping in a perfect market, with perfect homes, at perfect prices, and a perfect knowledge, with a limitless inventory. Unfortunately, this is rarely, if ever the circumstances homebuyers find themselves in. We’ve put together a short, but sweet, guide to buying a home for first time buyers. 

Step 1: Figure out your finances

Checking your credit report and score will help you get an idea of what you qualify for. You can also figure out your debt to income ratio. Add all of your monthly debts (student loans, car payments, credit cards, etc.), the total of these debts ideally will be 40% or less than your monthly income. If they are greater than 40% don’t get discouraged, there are still options!

Step 2: Find a Realtor

Finding a good Realtor can significantly improve your home buying experience. A Realtor will be your greatest resource and advocate throughout the process. Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, why would you not use an expert? Go ahead and call a few different Realtors, ask questions, look up reviews. It’s important to find someone you trust. 

Step 3: Find a Lender

After finding a good Realtor, they can recommend a good Lender. The Lender will determine what you qualify for, and help you get preapproved. They’ll inform you of any available programs and grants for first time homebuyers. They might be able to help you consolidate or pay off loans to improve your debt to income ratio. You’ll need to provide them with credit history, employment history, and income.

Step 4: Start Looking at Homes

Now that you have a price to go off of you can start the house hunting! Your Realtor can help you refine your search and help you find what’s available. Realtors have access to the Multiple Listing Service, a tool that will make the process much more efficient. 

Step 5: Make an Offer

Your realtor will help you write up a competitive offer that is appropriate for the current market. This could be above or below asking price. It could also include other contingencies depending on circumstances. Whether the response is a yes, no, or a counter offer your Realtor will help you figure out the next step.

Step 6: Inspections, Insurance, and Financing

If your offer is accepted you have some things to do before the closing day. You may need to finish financing. We recommend setting up a home inspection. You will also need to talk to your lender about Home Owners Insurance and locking in an interest rate. 

Step 7: Closing!

Closing Day is filled with paperwork and signatures, but at the end of it you’re a homeowner! It typically takes place at a Title Company and takes care of all the legal aspects. You’ll determine the date of your first payment, and the best payment options. Depending on contractual agreements, you’ll be moving into your new home in no time! 

Every April the State of Utah participates in the “Great Shakeout.” This year it falls on April 18^th.  I remember working for organizations that held earthquake drills and spending 5 minutes huddled under my desk in a simulated drill.  After visiting so many homes over the past years I’ve learned that many of us are not prepared for an earthquake.   So I looked up the Red Cross recommendations for Earthquake preparedness and have posted some recommendations here for you. You can find all these and more at, https://rdcrss.org/2P2RoXx

Earthquake Safety

An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by the shifting of rock beneath the earth’s surface. They strike without warning, at any time of year, day or night. Forty-five U.S. states and territories are at moderate to very high risk of earthquakes. Learn what to do to keep your loved ones safe!

Top Tips
·       Practice DROP, COVER and HOLD ON with all members of your household.
·       Doorways are no stronger than any other part of a structure so don’t rely on them for protection! During an earthquake, get under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on (This one is different than I remember. As a kid we were always taught to get in the doorway.  They have learned that the doorway isn’t the best place to be).

Before an Earthquake

Prepare in Advance

Be sure you’re Red Cross Ready. That means:
·      Assembling an emergency preparedness kit.
·      Creating a household evacuation plan that includes your pets.
·      Staying informed about your community’s risk and response plans.
·      Educating your family on how to use the Safe and Well website that is part of the Red Cross website.

How to prepare for an Earthquake

Protecting your family
·       Talk about earthquakes with your family so that everyone knows what to do in case of an earthquake. Discussing ahead of time helps reduce fear, particularly for younger children
·       Check at your workplace and your children’s schools and day care centers to learn about their earthquake emergency plans.
·       Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace and/or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you.
·       Practice DROP, COVER and HOLD ON in each safe place.
·       Make sure you have access to NOAA radio broadcasts:
·       Find an online NOAA radio station
o   Search for a NOAA radio app in the Apple Store >> or Google Play>>
o   Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA radio in the Red Cross Store
o   Keep a flashlight and any low-heeled shoes by each person’s bed.

Protecting your pets & animals
·       Prepare a pet emergency kit for your companion animals.

Protecting your home
·       Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs. Have a professional install flexible fitting to avoid gas or water leaks.
·       Do not hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, near beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
·       Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor.
·       Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose.
·       Place large and heavy objects and breakable items (bottled foods, glass or china) on lower shelves.
·       Anchor overhead lighting fixtures to joists.
·       Anchor top-heavy, tall and freestanding furniture such as bookcases, china cabinets to wall studs to keep these from toppling over.
·       Learn about your area’s seismic building standards and land use codes before you begin new construction.
·       Have a professional make sure your home is securely anchored to its foundation, as well as strengthening tips for exterior features, such as porches, decks, sliding glass doors, canopies, carports and garage doors.

During an Earthquake

Staying Safe Indoors
·      DROP, COVER and HOLD ON!
o   Move as little as possible – most injuries during earthquakes occur because of people moving around, falling and suffering sprains, fractures and head injuries.
o   Try to protect your head and torso.
·      If you are in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on, and cover your head.
·      Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit.
o   If you must leave a building after the shaking stops, use stairs rather than an elevator in case of aftershocks, power outages or other damage.
·      Be aware that smoke alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off in buildings during an earthquake, even if there is no fire.
·      If you smell gas, get out of the house and move as far away as possible.
·      Before you leave any building check to make sure that there is no debris from the building that could fall on you.

Staying Safe Outdoors 
·      Find a clear spot and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops.
·      Try to get as far away from buildings, power lines, trees, and streetlights as possible.
·      If you’re in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop. Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines if possible.
·      Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
·      After the shaking has stopped, drive on carefully, avoiding bridges and ramps that may have been damaged.
·      If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.
·      If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris as well as landslides

After an Earthquake

Staying Safe After an Earthquake

If you do nothing else:
1.   If away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
2.   Check yourself for injuries and get first aid, if necessary, before helping injured or trapped persons.
3.   After an earthquake, the disaster may continue. Expect and prepare for potential aftershocks, landslides or even a tsunami if you live on a coast.
4.   Each time you feel an aftershock, DROP, COVER and HOLD ON. Aftershocks frequently occur minutes, days, weeks and even months following an earthquake.
5.   Look for and extinguish small fires. Fire is the most common hazard after an earthquake.

Caring for yourself & loved ones 
·       If you are at home, look quickly for damage in and around your home and get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
·       Listen to a portable, battery-operated or hand crank radio for updated emergency information and instructions.
·       Pay attention to how you and your loved ones are experiencing and handling stress. 
·       Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
·       Help people who require additional assistance—infants, elderly people, those without transportation, large families who may need additional help in an emergency situation, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.
·       Be careful when driving after an earthquake and anticipate traffic light outages.

Returning home safely
·       Stay out of damaged buildings.
·       Use extreme caution and examine walls, floors, doors, staircases and windows to check for damage.
·       Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately.
·       If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
·       Open closet and cabinet doors carefully as contents may have shifted.
·       Take pictures of home damage, both of the buildings and its contents, for insurance purposes.

Cleaning and repairing your home
·       Wear protective clothing, including long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes, and be cautious.
·       Clean up spilled medications, bleach, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately.
·       Learn about your area’s seismic building standards and land use codes before you begin any construction.

Ask a professional to:
·       Make sure your home is securely anchored to its foundation
·       Strengthen exterior features, such as porches, decks, sliding glass doors, canopies, carports and garage doors

 
I hope this list has helped you out. There is much more available at the Red Cross website:

https://rdcrss.org/2P2RoXx
 
As always, if you know anyone who wants to buy or sell a home, please give them my information. I’d love to help them.
 
Thanks
Jim Schoneman
Brough Realty
801-414-5586
801-544-3407
jim@broughrealty.com
 
 

You may be wondering what Radon Awareness has to do with buying your dream home? Even if you aren’t currently buying or selling your home, this topic is still relevant. Did you know Radon is present in every home? It accumulates in soil and rock from the decay of radioactive elements. The radon gas eventually rises above the ground into the air and into your home. It doesn’t matter if your home is old, or new, brick, or stucco, on the beach, or a mountainside retreat, they ALL have it. The trick is finding out how much.

The EPA and Surgeon General recommend that everyone have their home tested for Radon, and for good reason. Radon kills 22,000 people annually. That is more people killed every year than drunk driving. In Utah 1 in 3 homes has high enough levels of Radon it requires mitigation.

I’ve been selling real estate for over 40 years. Radon is fairly new concern in the business. I’m usually skeptical of new things. We built a new home 5 years ago and felt the need to do a radon test. Recently, people I personally know have battled or passed away from lung cancer caused by radon exposure. I was surprised to find the levels in our home were alarmingly high. We went through the mitigation process. It was very reasonable and easy to do. When my grandkids are visiting our home, I’m glad I did it. 

Radon is not something you can be see, smell, or taste. There are several companies along that Wasatch Front that have professional testers who can come to your home. You can also buy a kit online or at a home improvement store. Some companies even provide free radon test kits.

If you have any questions, give me a call. I’d be happy to talk with you!

Steve Brough

Owner & Broker

(801) 458-8383

How to Protect Your Home During Extreme Cold Weather

With the extreme cold weather we have been experiencing here in Northern Utah recently, I’m reminded on how it can be hard on both you and your home. Here are some tips I found at todayshomeowner.com that you should put into practice when freezing weather, snow, and ice hit your area.

How to Deal with Frozen Pipes

• Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
• Cover outside faucets with insulating foam covers.
• Turn off water to outside faucets, if available, and open valves on faucets to allow them to drain.
• Turn off sprinkler system and blow compressed air through the lines to drain them.
• Close or cover foundation vents under house and windows to basements.
• Close garage doors.
• Insulate exposed pipes (both hot and cold) under house with foam pipe insulation.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks.
• Drip hot and cold faucets in kitchen and bath. Drip single control faucets with lever set in middle.
• Set ice-maker to make ice if the water line to it runs under the house.
• Don’t forget to check on pipes to your washing machine in the laundry room.
• Locate water main cut-off valve, and have a cut-off key handy.
• Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, electric heat tape, or a portable space heater to thaw frozen pipes that have not burst.
• Keep the faucet open when thawing frozen pipes to allow water to begin flowing through it.
• After the weather has warmed above freezing and any frozen pipes have thawed, turn off dripping faucets and monitor your water meter to check for unseen leaks.

How to Keep Warm in Your Home

• Have your furnace inspected before cold weather arrives. Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, install a clean air filter, and check the thermostat to see if it’s working properly.
• Inspect fireplaces, and chimneys before using, and have them cleaned if needed.
• Keep drapes and blinds closed, except when windows are in direct sunlight.
• Put up storm windows, or install sheet plastic window insulation kits on the inside of windows.
• Cover or remove any window air conditioners.
• Insulate electrical outlets and switches on exterior walls with foam seals available at home centers.
• Caulk any cracks or holes on the outside of your house.
• Repair or replace weather stripping and thresholds around doors and windows.
• Run paddle ceiling fans on low in reverse (clockwise when looking up) to circulate warm air.
• Put draft snakes on window sills, between window frames, and against doors.
• If you heat with propane or fuel oil, make sure the tank is full.
• If you heat with wood or coal, have plenty of fuel on hand.

How to Protect the Outside of Your Home

• Clean your gutters and downspouts before cold weather arrives to prevent ice from forming in them.
• Spray an ice repellent solution on steps and walks before freezing weather arrives.
• Check antifreeze levels in cars. Add if needed, then run the engine to circulate the new antifreeze through the radiator and engine block.
• Add freeze resistant windshield wiper fluid, and spay to circulate it in lines.
• Check air pressure in tires, since cold weather causes the pressure to lower.
• Bring in container plants, add mulch around plants, and cover plants that are prone to frost damage. Remove covering when temperatures warm above freezing.
• Drain birdbaths and fountains
• Gently sweep snow off plants and shrubs in an upward motion with a broom.
• Use rock salt, sand, or clay based kitty litter on walks and drives (NOTE: Salt can damage grass and other plants).
• Don’t overdo it when using a snow shovel.
• Stay off your roof during freezing weather, but once the ice and snow have melted, inspect your roof for any damage.

How to Stay Safe in an Ice or Snow Storm

• Stockpile nonperishable food and water.
• Refill prescription medications in advance of storm.
• Fill car with gas.
• Charge cell phones.
• Have flashlights, batteries, a weather radio, and a manual can opener on hand.
• A portable generator can come in handy when the lights go out, but take precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning when using.
• Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and the batteries powering them are fresh.
• Have a working fire extinguisher on hand for emergencies.
• A chain saw can come in handy for removing broken limbs after an ice storm.

I hope these help and that you don’t have any unanticipated issues this winter.

Have a great day.

Jim Schoneman

Brough Realty

801-414-5586

If you think you don’t have enough money to put down on a home, the stress has been lifted.

Here are 4 ways you may qualify that would help you get out of paying rent and start building up equity in your own home.

 

1. Utah FHA with Home Grants:

Utah Home Buyer grants assist home buyers with down payment assistance and reduction in loan principal. Often Utah grants can help buyers, who have not owned in the last 3 years, purchase a home with no money down.

These grant programs are sponsored by local cities and counties to attract home buyers into their area. Cities and counties want more people living in their municipality because it supports their revenue from utilities, merchant services and property taxes. Often these municipality ask that you live in the area for a minimum of five years, otherwise if you sell earlier just prorate back a portion of the grant through the sale.

Several cities and counties have home grant programs available, although they do not always have funds available and you may need to wait to be refunded.

Example: A buyer has not owned a home in more than three years and qualifies for a FHA loan. The purchase price of the home is $140,000, so the required down payment by FHA is $4,900. They applied for a grant and got $5,000. So $4,900 covered their full down payment and the remaining $100 reduces their loan amount.

 

 

2. Utah Housing:

Utah housing is a state program that provides financing for down payments. FHA has a down payment of 3.5%, so if you are purchasing a home at $150,000, then you would need to bring a down payment of $5,250. For several buyers this could be a lot of money to come up with for a home purchase. Fortunately, as long as you do not own a current home, then Utah Housing will provide the down payment as a second loan. Allowing you to purchase a property with no money down.

Eligible down payment assistance for First Time Home Buyers or previous home owners could go as high as 6% with a 660 credit score. Otherwise if the score is above 620, then down payment assistance may go up to 4%. If your credit score is below 620, we can help repair your credit in order to get you above 620 or higher.

Utah housing has 30 year fixed loans with no prepayment penalties. Warning: Only certain lenders qualify to offer these loans. So if a lender says you do not qualify, check Utah Housing approved lenders list to see if the lender qualifies.

There are several Utah housing no money down programs available to Utah home buyers.  One of the best is “First Home” which offers their best rate to Utah first time home buyers with no money down.  If a Utah home buyers is not a first time home buyer, then Utah housing offers a program called “Home Again” which allows a previous homeowner to purchase Utah homes with no money down.

Other programs include Score, which helps Utah home buyers with lesser credit scores.  A new program which allows Utah home buyers to purchase Utah homes with no mortgage insurance regardless if the buyer is a first time home buyer or not.

Side note:  a first time home buyer is classified as any person who has not owned or purchased a homes within the last three years.  So if an owner was foreclosed on their home and it has been three years, not only could they qualify for a Utah FHA loan but they are also considered a “first time home buyer”.

Regardless if you think you can buy a Utah home or not, it is always best to check with an experienced lender to see if you qualify.  Chances are that you may qualify for more than you know.

 

 

3. Utah USDA/Rural Housing:

Utah Rural housing loans are one of the best loan programs that has no money down.  This program, which is administered by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) offer financing programs to Utah home buyer purchasing Utah homes in rural areas

These Utah home loans have lower mortgage insurance with no money necessary for down payment.  They are underwritten by a lender and approved by USDA.

Utah homes that are within the USDA rural housing maps in Utah can qualify for the rural housing loan Utah program.  Currently, Utah Rural Housing maps are under review with USDA and may change. Typically, areas with less population are deemed rural, but once that population grows USDA may remove that area from the rural housing maps.

 

 

4. Utah VA:

Utah VA loans are designed specifically for those serving or have served in the military. When compared to other loan options, VA is often the best choice. VA loans do not have a down payment and monthly mortgage payments are often less than other loan options due to no mortgage insurance and great rates. VA loans have comparable closing cost (if not lower) to other loans, they are assumable to other qualified veterans and can be prepaid without penalty.

The VA loan qualification process is different than most other loans. Income, credit and other factors are used in different ways. Also, there is not a regular appraisal completed, but rather, a Certificate of Value, which has a very different process than a regular appraisal and may take up to two weeks to complete.

The most important piece of the VA loan is the Certificate of Eligibility. This entitles the recipient to get a VA loan with all it’s benefits. Getting the certificate may take some time and paperwork, most cases can be done online.

If this article has given you hope contact a lender and begin the conversation.  Or if you know someone this may help, please forward it to them.

I can help you or your friend locate a home and help you or them get out of renting.

 

To get started click on this link:

https://m.me/jimschonemanrealestateagent?ref=w3555848

 

Thanks

Jim Schoneman

Brough Realty

801-414-5586

As my friends and I get older, many of us have found ourselves in a situation that has our adult children moving back in with us.  I know this isn’t something that we all have happening to us. However, many of us have friends that either have their children move back in or we have friends that are moving back in with their parents.

Boomerang Generation

If there’s supposed to be a stigma attached to living with mom and dad through one’s late twenties or early thirties, today’s “boomerang generation” didn’t get that memo.

One reason young adults who are living with their parents may be relatively upbeat about their situation is that this has become such a widespread phenomenon. Among adults ages 25 to 34, 61% say they have friends or family members who have moved back in with their parents over the past few years.

A Pew Research analysis of Census Bureau data shows that the share of Americans living in multi-generational family households is the highest it has been since the 1950s.

Census data shows that during the recession years (2007-2009) the share of Americans living in multi-generational households increased more among adults ages 25 to 34 than among any other age group.

A 2015 survey found that almost 40 percent of young Americans are living with parents, siblings or other relatives, the highest percentage in 75 years.

Some parents expect and welcome the post-college sojourn for up to a year while the new grad finds a job and saves money to move out. The problems occur when a young adult refuses to leave or returns home with no game plan.

Make a Plan

What can parents do in these situations?  Kim Abraham, a therapist in Grand Blanc, Mich., and coauthor of The Whipped Parent suggests:

• Don’t share the wealth. Many parents worked hard to earn a comfortable life, and their children expect them to share it. “When you hand them those comforts you’re cheating them out of gaining self-confidence and pride when they achieve those things by working hard themselves.”
• Lose the guilt. We sometimes are held hostage by anger, disappointment or fear of what will happen if we don’t bail them out. “Children are very good at pushing those buttons to make us feel responsible for their happiness and emotional well-being.”
• No excuses. The adult children may claim their boss doesn’t like them or they’re not happy with their work and want to jump ship. They don’t need to come home to do that. They can find a new job while continuing to work or go to school part time to get new skills.
• Make a plan. Adult children will claim they need to stay for only a short time while they save for a down payment or get back on their feet. “They usually come in with a goal. Then they get in the door and are not saving any money” or making any changes. Stop this by demanding a written plan with goals and deadlines.
• Threaten eviction. Draw up a contract with specific terms. “This is an agreement between two adults. Don’t think of her as your child; picture her as a tenant.” Set a move-out deadline and no matter what happens remind them 60 days out, and then 30 days out, that you are holding firm.
• List expectations. Make them contribute by paying rent or helping around the house and yard. Be specific about expected responsibilities. List your rules, from what time the front door is locked to no food in the bedroom. Be clear about your limits on babysitting if grandchildren move in.
• Resist rescuing. “It’s unlikely that your child will end up homeless. Their survival mode will kick in and they will find a way. Remind them that you know the world is a scary place but that you have confidence in their ability to stand on their own feet.”

 

Jim Schoneman
Brough Realty

801-414-5586

Kaysville’s Real Estate Company

This photo is from a ’79 ad in the Kaysville paper promising if you used Brough Realty, they would get “right on top” of selling your house. Much has changed since this photo was taken. Ties have gotten skinnier, pants are less plaid, and advertising isn’t as simple as a flyer in the newspaper. Today, finding a real estate agent is as easy as a google search. However, few can say they have been around for over 60 years. We have gained the trust of the community and continue to serve generations of customers.

Beginnings of Brough Realty in Kaysville

Brough Realty was one of the first Real Estate Companies established in Kaysville. It was originally located in a renovated chicken coop. It eventually made it’s way up the street to a brick and mortar building off of Main Street. As one of Kaysville’s long established businesses, we strive to be involved with our community. Our business is still run by the Brough Family and is serving generations of customers. Although the industry has changed our company values have remained the same. We are committed to taking the best care of our customers from start to finish.

Selling your home is never easy.  Besides the many memories that come with owning a home, over the years there will be many things that you have accumulated that sometimes can make your home less appealing to a potential buyer.  Here are some things to look for as you prepare to sell your home:

• Excess décor, art & family photos that are placed on shelves, counter-tops etc. Do not remove any things that are hanging on walls (removing them will leave nail holes that are extremely unattractive).

• Hide any traces of animals. Feeding supplies, litter boxes, bed boxes, etc.  If you can, while your home is being shown board your animal with family, friends or a boarding facility.

• Keep the kitchen clean. Take everything off of the tops and fronts of the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher. Make countertops spacious and roomy by cleaning off any excesses.

• In the bedrooms, make all beds and see that there is a minimal amount of things on the nightstands and dressers, especially the Master Bedroom.

• In the bathrooms make sure all cabinets are neat and orderly. Remove from sight trashcans, toilet bowl scrubbers, tooth brushes, soaps, toiletries and anything else that could be on the sink counter-tops, in the shower or bathtub areas.  Keep towels folded and on the racks.

• As much as you can move out or put in storage, do so. If you can’t get a storage location, garages are good places to put all your excess stuff as long as it is orderly.

• Outside, make sure weeds are pulled, lawns are mowed, bushes trimmed, walks are cleaned, etc. I cannot overemphasize the importance of “curb appeal.”  I’ve taken many buyers to potential homes that have messy yards and they’ve said, “Let’s just move on to the next place.”

This by no means is an all-encompassing list but I hope it is a good start for you.