Preparing Your Home For Sale: Fix It!
   Before placing your home on the market, make as many repairs and improvements as you can. It will be worth it. “New” and “just replaced” are the magic words to attract home buyers, according to Homestore.com.
   Steam clean or replace carpet, fix loose door knobs and railings, make sure windows and doors open and close easily. Apply a fresh coat of paint where needed.
   But you may may find yourself deliberating over larger problems. Should you replace the crumbling driveway? Buy new kitchen appliances? Refinish the floors? Big repairs cost more time and money. You could simply disclose the problem and let the buyer deal with it.
   On the other hand, the better condition your home is in, the wider the group will appeal to. When making a decision of this kind, consider that repairing the problem could also result in a higher sale price. The best thing to do is start making these big repairs a year or two before you plan to move. Then you get to enjoy the results too!

Handling Low Offers
   Selling your house may leave you feeling vulnerable: Not only is your house a huge financial asset, but you have strangers peeping in your closets, appraisers judging your home's value and inspectors noting its flaws. A low offer in the midst of all this can seem like a personal affront. However, no matter how well you have prepared your house or how certain you are that it's priced fairly, receiving a low offer is a possibility. Prepare yourself ahead of time to not take it personally. Instead of falling into a grudge match, do one of two things: Reject the offer, or counter it and move on.
   If you do decide to counter the offer, try and get as much information as you can about why the offer came in at the price it did. While the buyer's agent will not disclose information that may put his or her client at a disadvantage, take any information you can get to help you structure the counteroffer.

Why A CRS is Best!
Today, home buying and selling is faster, more complex and more competitive in every way. The goal of a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is to make the process a little easier for you. A CRS has:

Experience - To earn the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation, every Realtor must have significant experience and volume of real estate transactions.

High Ethical Standards- Every CRS Designee is required to maintain membership in the National Association of Realtors and to abide by its strict Code of Ethics.

A Focus on Home Buying and Selling- CRS Designees have a proven track record in the business, as well as advanced education in related areas like finance, technology and marketing. Choose a CRS, and work with the best in the business.

Trash To Treasures
Stop! Before you throw away items you no longer have a use for, call Mary! If you have any items that are too good to just throw away, but don't have a use for them anymore call Mary Criswell at 757-8523. Free pick up is available on any items that are in good condition and suitable for resale. Clothing, appliances, furniture, etc. Your donation is tax deductible and proceeds go to the residents of Arlington Developmental Center. Your support is greatly appreciated!