Are you planning on putting your home up for sale? The current market in Orange County California and especially Rancho Santa Margarita, is red hot! Properties are literally flying off the shelf (as if they could fly!) because of continued low interest rates and a critically low inventory level. Most for sale listings I have visited in the past few weeks are getting multiple offers (many that are over asking price) and are opening escrow just after a few days on market.
I am also seeing open houses with 75-100 visits (groups/families...not individuals) on a Saturday AND Sunday. And the agent is asking for all offers to be submitted by the following Monday! This "perfect storm" of supply, demand and interest rates is a wonderful opportunity for sellers to get their home on the market and get it sold quickly.
10 Things To Do Before You Sell Your Home In Rancho Santa Margarita:
- Start De-cluttering rooms. Pack up personal belongings and family photos. Remove extra furniture so that rooms will appear spacious. Neatness makes a room look bigger. Remove jewelry, collectables, art work, firearms and other valuables now before the parade of visitors begins. Get these items stored safely or perhaps in a safe-deposit box or storage unit. You could also hit up a trusted relative or friend for temporary storage.
- Kitchen Clean Up. Do whatever possible to make your kitchen sparkle. Many buyers judge the entire home viewing experience by what they see in the kitchen. Fresh paint or even just the trim will help. Clean appliances so they are spotless including stove, oven, inside of microwave, sink and faucets. Don't forget the hood vent...these can be greasy and retain cooking odors. BTW, don't leave food, dirty dishes, pots and pans out on showing days. Be alert to cooking odors on those days as well.
- Bathrooms - Thoroughly clean mirrors, counters, sinks, toilet bowls, etc. Check with a porcelain repair service if items are chipped. Put out fresh/new towels and remove trash cans and laundry hampers. Replace dim lights with higher wattage bulbs that all match.
- Walls - Patch and repaint cracks and holes in drywall. If you remove photos, art work or wall mounted TVs, fix the holes ASAP.
- Windows and Doors - Make sure all windows slide or crank open easily. Same for doors...get out the 3-In-1 oil and eliminate squeaking hinges. Wash all windows inside and out so they sparkle.
- Garage - This may be difficult if you are storing items from your de-cluttering project (#1). Sweep or wash floor before you begin your packing. Fix damaged/broken garage doors, hinges and automatic openers. Find all of the remote opener controls and keys.
- Carpet and Flooring - If possible, have your carpets professionally cleaned. Repair any loose or damaged thresholds between rooms. If you have laminate flooring, check for loose fitting planks and missing trim pieces. Hardwood can be resurfaced if needed or just waxed to a bright shine. Replace cracked ceramic, travertine or stone floor tiles.
- Exterior - Check the exterior paint on walls, doors and trim. Repair stucco, replace damaged trim and repaint as needed. If you can't repaint the whole house, just try the trim or only the front door. Install new, shiny address numbers. All landscaping should be immaculate - it shows pride of ownership. Trim hedges, trees, grass or hire a service for a month to keep the lawn and garden looking great. Fresh, colorful flowers, especially at the front entry are wonderful. Clean built in bar-b-ques or neatly stow/cover portable units.
- Roof - I'm always surprised when home owners don't realize the condition of their roof. Check to find the age of the roof and acknowledge any repairs. Look for loose tiles, shingles, etc. A buyer may call for an inspection at their own expense. Better to know ahead of time what the roof condition is and not be caught off-guard with a demand/request to fix a roof.
- Termite Inspection - California is termite heaven. EVERY house has termites! All financial institutions will demand a clear termite report before a new loan is funded and the home owner usually pays for the repairs. Again, better to know ahead of time. Many home owners are ordering the termite inspection and having the report available to serious buyers.
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John Alesi - REALTOR®
949-510-2154
CENTURY 21 Award
Search for homes at: Your OC Home Search website
DRE# 01730187
Copyright 2013 by John Alesi. Text and images may not be copied with out consent.
