As the new year begins, many people make “wish lists” for the coming 12 months.
(Others wish they had the time or energy to do so.)
Realtors are no different than you or me.
I asked the crack staff at KMS Team at Compass what they wished their clients would do. They said:
Home buyers
Speak with a mortgage broker, and get pre-approved for a purchase.
Select a trusted buyer agent, who has strong local knowledge and relationships to represent you.
If you plan to purchase with cash, have a “proof of funds” letter ready to go from a trusted advisor or investment counselor.
Evaluate your situation. Be clear about top priorities. and realistic goals and needs. Understand where you might have flexibility, or be willing to shift gears to break into this competitive market.
For some people, living directly on the water is non-negotiable. Others may be more flexible. (Photo/Jimmy Izzo)
Explore town websites. Speak to friends and acquaintances who already live and/or work in the area. What insider tips can they provide?
Spend a day exploring the town(s) you are thinking about. Drive through shopping areas and downtowns. Grab a coffee or drink. Eat there. Take a hike, walk the beach, visit the library, use a school playground, see what you think. How does it feel?
Start going to open houses. Familiarize yourself with the inventory. See how homes are presented and priced. Photographs are one thing; visiting the space, and walking though it, is another.
Ask your partner or agent team about private exclusives or pocket listings that have not yet been listed publicly.
Home owners
Tackle your maintenance to-do lists. Ordinary seasonal cleaning and repairs should never be left to the last minute.
Even if you are not thinking of listing in the short term, make the improvements now with a team you know. That includes:
- Refinish floors
- Update a kitchen or bathroom if needed (“new” is considered within the last 5-7 years)
- Neutralize paint colors. to clean the palette and presentation
- Have your roof evaluated. Replace poor shingles or repair entirely, if necessary. This is a particular sticking point for insurance carriers today.
- Have your attic and basement evaluated for mold and mildew.
Remove dead trees, branches or tired landscaping for a cleaner presentation; less is more. Consider maintenance-free options and evergreens that provide greenery and privacy year-round.
Dead trees can cause big damage. (Photo/David Pogue)
Evaluate your curb appeal. Does the driveway need resealing or repaving? How does the garage — especially if detached — complement the house? Are the garage doors in good shape, and work well?
Most importantly: Make needed improvements so you can enjoy them before you sell.
Home sellers
Declutter, declutter, declutter!
If you need help to get motivated or sorted out, hire an organizer..
Clean and purge all closets. Buyers will want to see space for their family to move into.
Pack things up now. You’ll have to move things eventually, so pack it up, donate it, and/or sell it!
Get a home inspection before listing. Address problems you may not know about.
Service mechanicals if they have not been examined within 12 months of listing.
Clean up the yard. Plant bulbs in the fall, flowers in spring.
Flowers add to curb appeal. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
Wash windows, inside and out.
Clean gutters; make sure all downspouts are operational.
Fresh paint is the quickest refresh for the least amount of money
Hardwood floors in pristine condition are like gold. Show them off!
Hire a handyman to address annoying items that need fixing.
Paint the front door — first impressions are very important. Plant flowers, or put planters at the front door.
Take photos in the fall, if you plan to list during the winter or early spring.
Swap out old light fixtures to make the house look more current, with updated styles. These do not have to be very expensive fixtures.
January was Radon Action Month. Did you have your house tested? Connecticut requires a reading of 4.0 or less.
(Not ready to buy or sell a home today? No problem. But you can click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” It’s also a good investment — and a lot cheaper.)
Yes! Declutter, declutter, declutter! I can help! I have 18 years of home organization experience! I have helped hundreds in our area prepare their homes for sale! I also specialize in seniors, as I am also a move manager that helps relocate and downsize them to assisted living facilities throughout the country, their children’s homes or to smaller homes. ClearedSpaces.com Thanks Dan
I applaud Westport realtors leading the decluttering movement. I went to Staples with Les Ismore (who was never very popular among the materialist movement in Westport during the postwar era when everybody was trying to “keep up with the Jones’s). It was a frustrating time to be a kid.
If you want to work with two talented (and beautiful) Westport realtors you have a difficult xchoice: Mary Palmieri Gai (SHS ‘70) and Pat Saviano (also SHS ‘70). They are experienced, hardworking and most importantly, they are classmates of mine.