Home Selling Tips |
|
Articles
The Decision to Rent Out Your Home So you've decided to rent out your home. But where to begin? Everyone knows having tenants can be risky, so how do you go about ensuring you will get reliable tenants? The best chance of finding responsible tenants is by word of mouth. Once you start looking around, let your friends know. You may end up with a friend of a friend who is someone you can trust. As this isn't always the case, and you might have to deal with strangers, conduct thorough interviews. Have the potential renter bring references from any other apartment they were in, and ask them to sign for a credit check. You're better off knowing a little history than to get stuck for a month's rent later. During the interview process, be sure to include specific questions. If you allow pets, make sure you know prior to the tenant moving in what pet they have, how many, etc. If you have a "no pet" rule, be very up front about this as well. Same goes for smoking. You'll have happier tenants if they know what your expectations are on them, and you'll be assured that they will comply. Packing can seem to be an overwhelming task, but by planning ahead, you can simplify matters, and save yourself the frustration that unorganization can cause. Having a few things on hand will help complete your job:
NOTE: Use garbage bags strictly for garbage during your move, otherwise a good-intentioned helper may throw something out! The sooner you can start packing, the better. Once you've found your new home, you can begin sorting items right away. Now may be a good time for a garage sale, or to drop a box of unwanted items at a thrift store. Begin packing those knick-knacks, or out of season clothing that you won't need before the move. Remember to pack breakable items carefully, wrapped in newspaper or towels to give them extra protection. It's a good idea to label the top, and all sides of the box. Often boxes will get stacked in a corner on top of one another and reading them can be difficult. Also, coordinating colour markers for each room, such as all kitchen boxes are in green marker, gives an added reminder of where items need to go. Make a list of items needed for moving day. You don't want these items packed away, as you'll need them right away in your new home. Items such as cleaning supplies, light bulbs, garbage bags, disposable plates and utensils can all be packed separately, and should not go in a moving van, to make sure they don't end up lost in the shuffle. Now that you've made the decision to move, it's time to take a step back and observe your home as a potential buyer would. With a few simple steps, your home can be buyer-ready in no time. Space Regardless of room size, you can create the appearance of more space simply by avoiding clutter. Any knick-knacks, or odds & ends that sit out should be stored for now. This serves double-duty, by helping you to start packing the first of many boxes. Cleaning You'd be surprised how clean that hall runner, or any carpet becomes when you use a carpet cleaner. Taking good care of your floors & carpets goes a long way in the appearance of a room. And remember, regular vaccuuming will help lengthen the life of your carpet. Christmas TreeOne of the exciting parts of the holidays is decorating your home. This can be a very festive time, but it's important to remember safety. Before putting your lights up, spread them out, and plug them in. Check for loose or broken bulbs, and replace them. Remember that loose bulbs that fall out can be a choking hazard for children. When lighting candles, have a candle snuffer on hand. Remember never to leave a burning candle unattended, and do not light them too close to other decorations, curtains or your tree. When putting up a real tree, remember to water it regularly so it doesn't dry out. Dry pine needles can be a fire hazard. Again, keep in mind small children when decorating. Small ornaments with breakable pieces, tinsel, or small lights can all be choking hazards to an unsuspecting toddler. Decorate the tree with the breakable ornaments at the top, and keep other decorations out of reach where they cannot be pulled down. Remembering these important issues will help keep your family safe over the holidays and help you to relax and enjoy the season. Prior to your move, packing isn't the only step you need to take to be ready to move to your new home. The secret to a smooth move is good planning. Make a schedule, and keep it handy in the weeks before your move. 6-8 Weeks:
4-6 Weeks:
2-3 Weeks:
1-2 Weeks:
Review the following checklist for places that will need your new address soon:
Preparing for Your Open House/Showings The old expression "a first impression makes a lasting impression" is true here. The first thing a potential buyer will see of your home is the outside, so this is one area of your home that really needs to be looking its best. Ensure your lawn is freshly mowed, the sidewalk is free of debris, or snow, and your gardens are tended. Try to make your yard, and the entrance of your home as inviting as possible. The inside of your home can be freshened up simply by opening a few windows. Letting in as much fresh air as possible will make your home feel and smell cleaner. Also remember to have curtains open as well as the lights on to make your living space as bright and as possible. Just as important, spend some time cleaning every room, and closet. Your buyers will want to see everything in the house, so don't shove things in the closets at the last minute. The time and money you invest in preparing to sell your home will likely be returned in a quicker sale. What will my Real Estate Agent do for Me? There are many steps involved in the process of buying and selling real estate. Although we may not see each one, here is an idea of how your agent is working for you to meet your needs.
|
| Home | Houses | Info | About | Contact | kremax@iaw.on.ca |
| Copyrights © 2009-2010 RE/MAX Welland Realty Ltd. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy |