Simplify Your Experience
From preparing your home for sale, to setting the price, and showing your home, we will simplify the process. WE will guide you through the entire process.

Pricing Your Home
Correctly pricing your property is critical. Price it too high and buyers will shy away. We are able to give you a Competitive Market Analysis for your home, which will help you determine the value of your property, as well as give advice on the condition of the present market.

Promoting Your Property
Effective advertising and marketing are essential when selling your home. From descriptive ads to internet options, we are able to attract potential buyers. We are most successful when the home is priced right and shows well. Competition and current interest rates can also affect the success of a marketing campaign.

Prepare Wisely
The presentation of your home will impact the buyer's first impression. Buying a home is an emotional process and we can advise you on simple and inexpensive ways to prepare your home for a successful showing. We have a Staging process that will make your life easier.

Selling a home can be stressful and time consuming without the right resources and information. With our guidance, you can avoid the potential hazards.

The Birdsall Group
The overwhelming majority of home sellers find it advantageous to team up with a REALTOR®. Most home owners feel that it is better to entrust the sale of their biggest investment to a professional. There are a number of complexities of modern Real Estate transactions that should be considered, not to mention the access to the MLS, advertising, marketing, and the screening of buyers which are available to assist the seller. Your REALTOR® will know the condition of the market at the time you are selling. Your REALTOR® will also be able to help you determine the value of your property with a Competitive Market Analysis.
www.TheBirdsallGroup.com

Money Matters
Today's buyer is well informed and price sensitive. A property that is priced over the market can often deter buyers who are serious about buying.
There are many factors that will affect the selling price. The following should help you determine the price you can expect to receive:

• What are the prices (listing and selling) of similar homes in your area?
  
• What is the size, layout and condition of your home in comparison to others on the market?
• What is the location of your home, are you in a desirable area that is in demand?
• Does your home have amenities that are currently popular in the marketplace?
  

It is time now to look objectively and unemotionally at your home. Look at it no longer as your home, but as a product to be marketed.

First Impressions
The first thing a potential buyer sees is your home from the street - the first impression is called "curb appeal." Take care to:

• Remove any junk or clutter from the yard.
• Have a clean, crisp lawn (a bit of fertilizer makes for a greener lawn).
• Trim shrubbery and hedges.
• Wash decks and porches make sure they are stained or painted.
• Clean and paint or stain your front door.
• All exterior lights should be operational.
• Exterior windows should be clean and operational.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts.
• Walkways should be swept and free of snow or ice during winter.
• Make sure the garage door is closed.
  

Through Open Doors
Present your home dressed in its best!

Paint - When it comes to preparing a house, fresh paint gives you the best return for money spent.

Flooring - At the very least, all carpeting needs to be steam cleaned. Any worn, stained or foul smelling carpet should be replaced. Any flooring that is cracked or damaged should be replaced, if possible.

Clutter - If something is not necessary for your day-to-day life, box it up and store it or throw it out!

Closets - Closets need to be neat, clean, and organized.

Cleaning - The cleaner, the better. Dusting, washing, waxing, and polishing everything will always make a good impression.

Lights - Clean the fixtures and make sure the bulbs work.

Windows - Replace any cracked windows.

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Entryway:

• Clean and polish everything.
• Make sure it is well lit.
• Make sure it is clutter free.

Bedrooms:

• Arrange the furniture for the flow of traffic.
• Make sure they are clutter free.

Living Room/Family Room/Den:

• Arrange the furniture for the flow of traffic and to give the illusion of space.
• Remove ashes from fireplaces and woodstoves.
• Make sure all light switches work.
• Clean the drapes.
• Polish, mop the floors.
• Storage Areas:
• Basement, Garage, Attic
• Remove all junk and clutter.
• If the basement is damp or musty, try a dehumidifier.
• Make sure these areas are well lit.

Kitchens Are Under Close Scrutiny:

• Clean the exterior of all appliances, including the stove hood filter.
• Clean counter tops and cabinet faces: the shinier, the better.
• Clutter free.
• Remove magnets and messages from the front of the refrigerator.
• Clean the floor and consider replacing it if it is worn.
• If you have ceramic tile, make sure the grout is clean and white.

Bathrooms Are Also Extremely Important:

• If faucets drip, repair or replace them.
• Remove stains from all fixtures.
• Make sure all lights have the highest wattage that is safe for each fixture.
• Put out fresh, clean towels.
• Check ceramic tile, make sure the grout is clean.
• Remove any mildew.
• Make sure drains are clog free.
• Shower doors should sparkle.
  

Erase your personality-Think that colorful painting is quirky and fun? At least half the people that see it won't.

Light and Bright - Whether day or night, a lit house gives a "welcome home" impression. So turn on all the lights, indoor and outdoor. Open all curtains, shutters, and blinds to let in maximum light. Your home looks more cheerful and it also prevents harsh shadows.

Out of Sight - Prospective buyers may feel like intruders if you are home during a showing. Allow the REALTOR® the opportunity to speak freely with buyers and emphasize your home's best features. If possible, take a walk, visit the library, go shopping or take the kids to the park.

Waste Not - Empty the trash before a showing. Garbage does not send a positive message, even in small amounts.

Comfort Counts - Make sure the thermostat is set such that the house is at a comfortable temperature. Turn off the television and turn soft, melodious music on.

Pets - It is best to try and take your pets with you while your home is being shown. If that is not possible, at least keep them outside. Barking dogs are a major distraction!

Use rooms as they were intended- Take the exercise equipment out of the bedroom and put a bed back in. Put a table and chairs in an eat-in kitchen. Put a nice vase on the dining room table.

Fix what's broken-No matter how minor the problem, take your toolbox around and start fixing.

Find storage away from your house-A place for all your extras. Linwood mini storage can help. www.linwoodministorage.com

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Moving On
It doesn't matter if you have moved once or several times, it is never an easy task. The following are some tips you may find helpful:

• Notify the post office of a forwarding address.
• Cancel subscriptions that would not be forwarded.
• Arrange for utilities and telephone at your new location.
• Are you packing/moving yourself or will a professional mover handle the move?
• Once you are reasonably sure you will be proceeding with the sale, begin weeding out your possessions.
• Pack one room at a time.
• Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable.
• Start packing and marking every box according to contents and room it will go in.
• Do not pack valuables, carry them with you.