March 30, 2009

Note to Margaret “It is time to get the condo on the market”

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Theresa Larsen

With that said I am now on the same journey as several of my sellers. This will be the 4th time in 10 years that I have moved. My older sister has moved 3 times, my younger sister has moved 4 or 5 (based upon her job) and I have become an expert packer. Yup as the movers said in Boston “nice packing lady”. Yahoo, another skill set. So, you might think does a Realtor actually DO what s/he tells their Listing Clients to do?

You need to know this was not a fast decision but I have been thinking along these lines since January and then said ‘now is the time’. You know America still has to make buying and selling decisions based on what is best for their family; no matter the market. My first home was at 18% with an ARM and now people are catching their breath when the rates go up ¼ % and we haven’t hit 6%. But I digress!

Yes, there is a list of what should be accomplished prior to placing a home on the market and this should be a conversation with your Realtor during the listing presentation. (I always talk to myself so this was easily accomplished.) Taking a critical eye to your home is imperative when you look to sell. Re-caulk sinks and tubs, clean walls, paint walls, repair cracks, and yes, take down ‘Grandma’s chandelier”. Replace any fixture you wish to keep because once it shows in the photos it is kismet your Buyer will want it. You do not want to place yourself in a position to be negotiating over the light fixture instead of the price of your home.

So back to the condo. Sigh. Let’s see repair on woodwork, check, replace lighting, check, caulk sinks, check, fill nail holes, clean stainless steel, clean blinds, carpeting? Check and check and check (and why didn’t I do this while I was living here)? And then off to Lowe’s for packing material. Packing material. Wow. I must be really optimistic. Oh, I am but more to the point now is the time to declutter. Yo! The packing skill set comes in handy and 8 boxes later we are pretty well set to go. I still have some personal items around the condo and photos, but many smaller items are packed and stacked in the garage. Less clutter allows those looking at your home to visualize themselves in your space. Clean up and clean out.

Selling is a journey so stay tuned on www.margaretcanfield.com for weekly updates on this personal sales process. Let’s see what happens as we move into spring and check out the virtual tour for 913 Eagleton Drive, Lake Geneva, WI. Someone is going to love living here.

For other homes and condos in Geneva National click on www.margaretcanfield.com.

Posted By: Margaret Canfield

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