Whether buying or selling, the very first step is choosing an agent that’s right for you. You want someone with experience, education, and a proven track record of successful closings, and that’s exactly what Liz and Ellie bring to the table.

Are you a buyer?

Before you can really dig into your home search, you need to know how much you can spend. If you are buying in cash, make sure your funds are free and clear and you can provide a “Proof of Funds” letter as part of an offer. If you plan to obtain a mortgage, you will need a pre-approval letter. It's a simple process that usually only takes a day or two. Once you've got it, you're all set to start house hunting. Not sure who to ask for your pre-approval? Check out our list of recommended lenders and brokers. Remember, you’re not locked into using them for your mortgage, but you do need to know how much you can borrow.

Are you a seller?

We will want to first understand why you are selling, and what you are looking for out of the sale. Next, it is important to review the current value of your home and set the right price. Take a look at our blog on why pricing matters. We recognize that maximizing profit isn't always the main goal. But if you're aiming for the best price, we'll go over some upgrades that can bump up your home's value and give you the tools to make it happen. Improvements can run the gamut from minor touch-ups to significant renovations, but, to get you started, below is a list of easy-to-tackle improvements that we generally recommend to all of our clients. 

1. Clean and Declutter. When confronted with messy, untidy, dirty homes, most buyers are immediately turned off. If everything is neat, clean, and sparkling, it allows the potential buyers to imagine their life in the space. Make sure that the countertops everywhere are almost bare. All personal photos should be removed, making the home as depersonalized and neutral-looking as possible. The best part is that a seller can roll up their sleeves and get scrubbing (for free), or else spend a relatively small amount of cash to hire professional help.

2. Paint. Painting your walls may be the best interior improvement you can make. For broader appeal, paint in neutral colors such as light grey or off-white. You may personally like a bit of warmth and personality in a home, but bright yellow walls may be off-putting to potential buyers. Again the key is to remain neutral allowing the buyer to visualize how they will live in and use the space.

3. Check Your Systems. It’s important to make sure your mechanical systems are working well and have been recently serviced. Fix any leaks that you may have been ignoring in faucets, shower heads or basement pipes. Check to make sure that the electrical outlets are properly grounded and covered, and that the kitchen and bathrooms have GFCI breakers.

4. Curb Appeal. The first thing a buyer will see when approaching your home will be the exterior. At a minimum, we suggest you start by clearing any debris that winter left behind. Sweep the front steps and walkway, and trim any unruly hedges.

More significant improvements could include upgrading your kitchen with new countertops and hardware, replacing a bathroom vanity, painting your exterior siding, or refinishing hardwood floors. We will make recommendations to help you make the best decisions possible for your specific situation.

Getting this work done can feel overwhelming, but you won’t be alone. We are in this together, and we have access to a full range of professionals to help you accomplish your goals. 

Now, let’s get to work!