Monday, April 11, 2016

GlassHouse Keeps Your Home in Check!

More time living at home and less time maintaining it . . . sound good?  Unless we are diligent about their upkeep, our homes are going to become worse with wear and that's just the stuff we can see.  But it's the items that you can't see that can really cost the big bucks and leave you a little shell-shocked come time to sell.  Outdated foundations, leaking roofs, water intrusion and active infestations behind walls can all lead to expensive repairs . . . a plumbing leak is problematic enough without compounding the damage by waiting too long to make the repair, but add to that ongoing small maintenenace issues like air filters, dryer vents, removing debris from gutters.  So what is the answer?  Enter, "Glasshouse" which literally manages your house for you.  For a small monthly fee, your home will have a proactive service with four quarterly maintenance visits a year--a wellness check-up if you will.  Your home will have someone checking and maintaing the working components of appliances, water heaters, HVAC system, gutters, toilets, pipes, etc.  To sign up for an appointment and find out more about this amazing service, visit https://glasshouse.com/.  For more information about all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.


Sunday, April 3, 2016

The Must-Dos Before Showing a Home

Thoughtful home staging is more than just tidying up and cleaning every room.  It could mean a quick sale and higher selling price if done right.  Here are five ways you can leave a positive impression on potential buyers.

Eliminate Clutter.  Clear the clutter from around your home.  It's easy to overlook things you see every day, so try to approach all spaces with fresh eyes.  Consider having a friend come over to help point out unnecessary items.  Larger pieces like coat racks and side tables can make a room feel smaller.

Clean Out Storage Spaces.  Make space in kitchen and bathroom cupboards, closets and other storage areas.  Pack up items you don't regularly use and put them out of sight or donate them. Leaving these area completely full may give potential buyers the impression that your home doesn't have enough storage.

Clear the Way.  Make sure potential home buyers can move through your house easily.  Remove furniture that blocks the flow of traffic or hinders sight lines.

Remove Personal Items.  Family pictures, children's artwork and other personal items should be removed to avoid distraction.  Personal belongings can also make it hard for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the house.

Remember Curb Appeal.  Make a strong first impression by sprucing up your front yard and entryway.  Replace the house numbers and exterior light fixtures if necessary.  Keep the lawn mowed, plants maintained and free of clutter and toys.

For more information about how to sell your home fast and for the right price, contact FRITZ.