How to get rid of your junk, part two

Part two, on getting rid of your stuff:

4. Perhaps you have some nice items you know longer want. Consider selling them on http://www.craigslist.com/ (free) or http://www.ebay.com/ (nominal fee). My friend Allison has had great success selling things on craigslist.com---including a mirror, cell phone, and other furniture!

5. If you have a lot of stuff to donate, you can check out http://www.salvationarmy.com/ and http://www.goodwill.com/. Also consider your favorite local charities and http://www.excessaccess.com/ and http://www.inkindex.com/. Remember that items donated in good condition or better are tax deductible---check out http://www.irs.gov/.

6. If you hold a yard sale, consider getting the neighbors in on the action. A larger sale may mean more buyers.

7. If you have a lot of clothes, you may want to have a clothes swap with friends. When I lived in Canada, we held one at work after hours. Our coordinator did an amazing job, including food and a funny fashion show with some of the donated items. (I was the southern MC...I'm scared pictures may be available for circulating) We had so much fun, and all the clothes that were left over were donated to Dress for Success and Goodwill. I still have a pair of white pants that I picked up during the party, and I will take them to my grave!

www.audreybutlerhomes.com

How to get rid of your junk, part one

When you get ready to sell your home, many struggle with having too much stuff in their house. Many are selling to move to a larger home, having outgrown the current one. It makes sense that the closets will be filled, and the garage stuffed.

Here is part one of tips to de-clutter your home:

1. Pace yourself. Going through all your items can be time consuming and stressful. Take one closet or area a day, or set aside an hour every couple of days.

2. Plan to move items out of the house so the closets will be useful. Overstuffed closets make the house appear too small. Consider renting a storage unit, or store your goods at a friend's house.

3. When emptying the closet, set aside four boxes for items: 1. storage; 2. donation; 3. to another room or closet 4. trash. Running from room to room wastes time.

tune into tomorrow for additional suggestions tomorrow......

www.audreybutlerhomes.com

How to improve your home for selling

In this tough buyer's market, every home is under scrutiny, given the number of homes on the Orlando home market. What are some considerations as a seller you should consider when listing your home?

1. Obviously, curb appeal is a key factor in creating a good impression. Make sure you trim the grass, keep blooming flowers in the gardens, and take care of any ant beds and weeds. Paint the front door if it is needed, and treat any wood rot in the trim. Invite over a true friend who will give you an honest opinion, or ask your Realtor.

2. When entering a home, smell is the second consideration. If you or a family member smokes, then the home should be treated before it is sold. Smoke can be smelled in all fabrics, including carpet. Consider steam cleaning. Once the home is listed, the smokers should smoke outside.

As much as we love pets, they do smell. Make sure the odors are treated, and their areas are kept clean at all time. Spot needs to be regularly washed, and should be taken from the home (or kept in the back yard) during showings. If the dog is not friendly, the pet should be removed during the showing.

Key: do not try and mask the smells. This is not the time for short cuts, given this tight market!



Check out my website: www. audreybutlerhomes.com

Remodeling or home staging?

Thinking of remodeling the kitchen before you put your house on the market? My advice would be to renovate for your own enjoyment----don't expect to get the value of your renovation out of the sale....especially in this market!

Real Simple magazine says that the average price to renovate a kitchen in the US is about $43,860.

Today, granite counter tops and tile floors are becoming the standard. Builders are including them in new properties being built every day. You may not see a higher return for all the costs and hard work. Although you will recoup about 90% of your remodeling based on national averages, be sure to consult a Realtor if you think about renovating to only sell your home. Every area and every market varies, and other smaller steps may be effective.

I've seen a seller put in new carpet, and the new buyers rip it out the first day they move in and put in new tile floors. Renovation is not your only option. Realize that you can lower the cost, or consider a reduction during the negotiations with an interested potential buyer.

One inexpensive way to improve your house is to consider home staging options. Find a Realtor who knows about home staging and hire them to sell your home. I have helped some of my clients in the past. If you are interested in staging your home for selling, call me.