Things to do before you list your home

Are you considering putting your house on the market?  

THE pre-listing LIST

Completing some quick and easy tasks before listing a home for sale can help reduce stress and save time during the home-selling process.

1.  Clean the House: An important part of selling a home is keeping it clean in anticipation of a showing. Cleaning the home will convey that it’s been well cared for and that the house is less susceptible to any issues caused by neglect.

2. Finish the Honey-Do List: Some areas of the home, although not typically thought of as areas that would affect a home’s appeal, may be displayed as safety concerns on a home inspection report. Help yourself by replacing burnt-out light bulbs, testing smoke detectors, replacing air filters and unclogging drains.

3.  Check All Outlets: A sampling of electrical outlets will be tested as part of the home inspection to make sure they’re in good working order. Take note of which outlets are not functioning and replace them, or consider hiring an electrician to make sure all outlets and the electrical box are updated and in proper working condition.

4. Clear Areas for Easy Access: Home inspectors will be looking at the major systems of the home, including the foundation, HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing and even the water heater. Making sure they can easily access these areas, including the basement and attic, will save time during the inspection process.

 5. Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection: Hiring experienced and professional home inspectors can save a lot of headaches during the selling process. They will thoroughly go through the home and notify you of any potential issues ahead of listing the property.

If you are looking to sell your home, contact a top real estate team in your area to discuss what you should do to get top dollar.  The Mark Card Team brings over 40 years of combined experience to help you get to the finish line with the most amount of money in your pocket.  Call Mark Card or Jennifer Card at 386-566-8091. 

Trouble-Free Move

Making your move simple

Having an efficient, well-managed move will save you time and money, and also create a smoother transition into your new home.Your move should be pleasant for your family, so everyone can enjoy the new home.

Here are 10 proven tips to help make your move a trouble-free experience from start to finish:

1. Set a budget and stick to it.
2. Hire reliable movers and be clear about your expectations. Also understand their company policies.
3. Take care of the details, such as: shut off or transfer utilities, contact your bank, contact credit card issuers and any other company that regularly sends you mail. Be sure to change your address with the post office.
4. Make a packing list. Go room to room and make an inventory list. Organize first by room, then by type of item (furniture,linens, fragile items, etc.). Once you have a full list, use highlighters to color code all items into three categories: keep, sell or give. 
5. Get rid of everything you don't want or need!
6. Start first by boxing things you use less often, such as off season clothes, extra linens, or tchotchkes. Clearly label each box with its contents the the room it will go to in the new place.
7. Plan to transport the valuables yourself.
8. Prep your new home. If possible, go to your new home before moving day to clean and make sure the utilities have been turned on.
9. Show the movers which items you want loaded last, and therefore unloaded first. Have as many items as possible ready to go- this should be almost everything in your home. 
10. Donate canned goods and food items so you don't have to move them.Organizations can help you clear our your pantry while also helping those in need.