 |
 |
 |
        |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Buying a Home Selling your Home
| | Buying a Home | | Q: | Where to start when buying a house | | A: | The first thing you should do is speak to some
mortgage lenders to find out whether you can get a mortgage, and if so
for how much. Then you can get an 'in principle' agreement from the
lender, which means that they are willing to loan you a certain amount
of money on any property, as long as the valuation does not throw up
any problems with the property.
If you are considering selling your home before you buy
a new one, it is prudent to ensure that you have alternative
accommodation and storage, otherwise you could find yourself in a
situation where you have to move out of your home before you have
access to a new property.
| | | Selling your Home | | Q: | Making the Residence Attractive to the Buyer | | A: |
By Lat Bailey
Interior
Clutter and dark colors turn off most buyers. That means getting rid of everything you can live without. Have a garage sale to eliminate unnecessary items. Use the money you earn to put some of your bulkier possessions in storage.
Bright lights and white walls make rooms look bigger. If you plan to paint, use white or off-white. Replace lights with higher wattage bulbs.
Clear kitchen countertops as much as possible. Reduce number of items in cabinets. Arrange clothing neatly in each closet and reduce number of items stored on shelves and on the floor. Clean and organize your basement, attic and garage.
Clean everything - carpets included. Ask a friend to assess your efforts, especially sensitive areas like odors.
Wash windows and mirrors.
Clean the oven and all appliances. Clean all grease spatters and polish chrome fixtures and surfaces. Clean window treatments and carpets. Replace worn, stained and odorous carpeting. Clean smudges, especially around doorknobs and light switches.
Exterior
A well kept lawn implies a well maintained home. Cut lawn weekly while showing your home. Rake leaves and sweep sidewalk on weekends when house is to be shown. Remove dead limbs and debris from shrubs and trees. Plant extra flowers for more color or spruce up landscaping with potted flowers.
Repair fences and touch-up with paint or stain. Store lawn equipment, toys and other outdoor items away neatly. Board dog or other large pets with neighbors while showing the house Repaint or replace mailbox.
The front entrance of your home is a key part of the "First Impression." Paint, clean or stain the front door. Remove old screens if they don't fit or operate properly. Make sure entry light and doorbell are in working order.
Replace missing house numbers and make sure the number is visible from the street in the early evening.
Put out a nice welcome mat and a potted plant if you have room on steps or entrance way.
| | Q: | Should I Make Improvements Before I Sell My House | | A: | By Ron Tuohimaa
Rule 1: If the house is in poor condition, improvements can increase the sales price.
Rule 2: A thousand dollars spent to improve a home that is in good condition, seldom adds a thousand dollars to its salesprice.
Rule 3: Nothing adds value to a home like improvements to kitchens and bathrooms
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Sonny Todd Real Estate
301 West First, P.O. Box 788, Big Timber, Montana 59011
Tel: 406.932.6668
Fax: 406.932.4838
|
|
|
 |
