While it may have been a while since a two year old was padding around your house, it is possible that prospective buyers may have one (or two) in tow while touring your home. So, it's a good idea to do a bit of "child proofing" as you get your house ready to list.
Now, I don't mean baby gates and toilet locks. I mean take a look at your house from a toddler's perspective.
I know what you're thinking. Yes, children will be supervised while in your home. But, if the kiddos are focused on something and the parents are trying to keep tiny fingers from touching it, they just are not looking at your house. Honestly, because they are worried about their child breaking something, they just want to leave and move on to the next house.
Here's an example. I was showing homes to a buyer and her daughter over the weekend. We saw several homes. Some were vacant and some were occupied. One of the homes we toured had an extensive collection of ceramic figurines displayed on bookcases throughout the home. There were animals, houses, and to the delight of my two year old friend FAIRIES! She was such a good girl. She did not touch a thing. But, she did admire each one and asked me about all the fairies while her mom quickly buzzed through the house.
Clear the tempting items. It will allow buyer-parents a stress free tour of your house. Without the distractions, they can focus on the objective, finding a home. They can really examine your house and begin to see it as their next home.
Allow me to take a moment to tell you how I work with home sellers. I work in steps to sell your home. The first step is our interview, this is when we become acquainted and I learn about your property, your time line, and most importantly, your goals for this transaction. This step may be done in person or over the phone. The second step is when we meet at the property. At that time I will provide you with more detailed information about me, my company, and the services I provide. We will also discuss the Comparative Market Analysis I have prepared for you. If we decide to work together I will then begin to aggressively market your home. Below you will find a list of what you can expect from me.
•A complete CMA, Comparative Market Analysis.
•Staging Consultation, including a detailed written report outlining suggested changes. This is at no charge to you and is a $150 value.
•I want you to feel comfortable with this process. I will take the time to answer any questions you may have or review information along the way.
•Your home will be photographed and a virtual tour prepared.
•I will respect your home and your time. You will always receive a minimum of two hours’ notice prior to showings.
•I will request feedback from all agents that show your home.
•Marketing your property will include web, and e-newsletters and more.
•All offers received will be presented in a timely manner.
•I will assist in the negotiation of all offers and repairs.
•I will guide you through the closing process efficiently.
Thank you for letting me share some of my marketing strategy. I hope you will allow me the opportunity to exceed your expectations.
Let's get started, call or text me today at 405-615-2796
Just considering selling your house can be overwhelming. Instead of thinking about your new home, you are worried about all the tasks that have to be done just to get the house ready to sell! It seems like it will take forever.
Well, you know how you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. That's how you will tackle preparing your house to sell, one room at a time. You can be ready to sell in just two weeks, Here's a suggested time table;
Day One, Home office:
• Create mailbox system on desk with one box for each member of the family
• File away or shred all statements with personal information
• Gather important documents and records and put them in one location. Things like birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, home movies, memorabilia, medical records and insurance policies. All of these items should be hand carried to your new home and not accessable by prospective buyers.
Day Two, Kitchen
• Sort the pantry. Throw away everything expired and donate anything you won’t be using or that you don't want to move
• Add freestanding expandable shelves to increase space, even a small pantry can look spacious if organized well
• Evaluate the contents of every drawer with this in mind; items that are used daily stay, items that are used occasionally can be packed and items no longer useful should be donated. This will help to give the kitchen the appearance of space.
• Clear the clutter off counter tops. Only small appliances that are used daily and 3-5 accessory items should remain. All others can be packed.
• Clean everything including the top of the frig and the inside of the oven.
• Remove pictures, magnets, calendars, and artwork from the frig.
Day Three, Living Room
• Remove family photos
• Edit accessories to just twelve favorites that add color and personality to the space
• Add baskets to bookcases. Personalize them for each family member. Baskets can then be used to stash toys, homework and other odds and ends.
• Clean baseboards, ceiling fan, and shelving
Day Four, Rest and catch up.
Day Five, Garage
• Designate a staging area for packed boxes
• Pack all seasonal items that won’t be used in the next 3-4 months
• Keep all sporting equipment and toys contained in large trash can
• Hang bikes
• Clear any work areas
Days Six and Seven, Bedrooms
• Use removable adhesive hooks on the back of the door for kids to hang backpacks, jackets, towels, etc.
• Pack all non-favorite toys
• Remove posters, staples, fill holes and paint as needed
Day Nine, Hobby/Play Room
• Go through all craft supplies and throw away anything no longer in working order
• Sort all small items and place into containers
Day Ten, Bathrooms
• Every family member gets a small caddy to keep personal hygiene items in. When not in use it is stored under the sink. Give everyone a small container of wipes to keep in the caddy and instruct them to wipe down surfaces after use.
• Edit bathroom towels and linens. Keep a two week supply, pack or donate the rest.
• Evaluate all medications and first aid supplies. Toss everything that has expired. All remaining medications should be hidden elsewhere in the house.
• Place a plastic basket in the shower or tub to contain shampoos and soaps.
• Place a squeegee in the shower. Last person to use the shower wipes down the glass.
Day Eleven, Closets
• Pack all out of season clothing and accessories
• Look at each item to evaluate if it can be tossed, kept, or donated.
• Organize shoes
• Nothing should be on the floor
Day Twelve, Media Room
• Tag the cords on all equipment. This will make it easier to put back together in your new home
• Label remotes
• Match cds and dvds to their cases
Day Thirteen, Dining Room
• Pack all glassware and serving pieces that will not be used until after the move.
• Leave just one item per shelf in display hutches
• Remove leaf from table if possible
Day Fourteen, Rest and catch up.
After you get through the list, you will feel so much better prepared to list your house and can focus on what lies ahead for you. When your ready, call me at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office 405-359-7400.
How long have you lived in your house? Ten, fifteen, twenty years? We have been in ours for ten years. Yikes, where has the time gone?
I am sure that you have done a great job maintaining your home all this time, fixing things as needed along the way. You know, changing filters on the AC and keeping the gutters clean. That's what we have done too (OK, it's what my husband, Chris has done!)
When the time comes for you to sell your house, I would recommend that you consider a pre-inspection. After all, a top to bottom inspection of your house probably has not been done in years! I would be willing to bet you may have missed an item or two over the years. I'm sure we have Chris has at our house!
By having a pre-inspection, you will have a more accurate view of the current condition of the property. You will be able to make any necessary repairs prior to listing and make complete disclosure about the condition of the house.
As your Realtor, I will provide prospective buyers with a copy of the report. Doing that is going to make people looking at your house much more comfortable with their decision to make an offer. It can eliminate some of the fear many buyers have. Even better, when the buyers complete their inspections there should not be any surprises. The transaction can continue to move forward without renegotiation, delay, or withdrawal of the offer.
Whether you decide to invest in a pre-inspection or you opt to wait for the buyer's inspection; you should know that the inspector will be checking the roof, foundation and everything in between including the electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and appliances. It is a noninvasive inspection of the property. While they won't be moving your furniture or emptying cabinets, there are a few simple steps you can take prior to the inspection to help it go smoothly;
- Make sure there is clear access around the perimeter of the house, in the attic and in the garage.
- Change the AC filters.
- Find your window screens and replace any cracked or fogged window panes
- Empty the dishwasher
- Remove anything stored in the oven
- Clear clutter from beneath sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms
- Change any burned out light bulbs
Who can you trust to complete the inspection? Just give me a call at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office, 405-359-7400 and ask for Kristyn. I can provide you with a list of trustworthy inspectors in Edmond and NW OKC.
Hey, we all have to eat! That's why one of the most common questions I'm asked by people relocating to Edmond is, "Where is a good place to eat?" Don't get me wrong, folks start with the important questions like schools first. But we always mange to get to the topic of food. OK, maybe it's just that I bring up the topic! What can I say, I like to eat!
I always tell them that while Edmond has it's fair share of chain restaurants like Chili's and Applebee's. We also have an awesome selection of locally owned places that you will want to check out.
I threw a question out to my Facebook friends, "What is your favorite locally owned place to eat in Edmond?" Here are a few they mentioned plus a couple of my family's favorites;
- Cafe 501: One of my very favorite places to go for lunch and from the Facebook response, it seems I'm not alone! If you go be sure to try the 501 salad or the Coyote Chicken. It's on the corner of 5th and Boulevard.
- Boulevard Steakhouse & The Martini Lounge: Fabulous place to celebrate the milestones in life (like buying a new home!) they have terrific steaks, signature martinis and an extensive wine list. They are right next door to 501 on Boulevard.
- Chelino's: Local favorite for Mexican food and they have really good margaritas. It's at 1612 S. Boulevard.
- Ted's Cafe Escondido: Best fajitas. A lot of people get the fajitas from there for parties. They are at 801 E. Danforth.
- Flat Tire Burgers: Near UCO and a popular hang out. If you go, be sure to try the fried pickles! We always go there after watching the Homecoming Parade since it's right on the parade route at 318 E. Ayers.
- Twelve Oaks Restaurant: Recommended by Facebook friends. I have not tried it yet. I just checked out their menu online and think we will be giving it a try very soon. They are at 6100 N. Midwest Blvd.
- Steak and Catfish Barn: Recently featured on Man Vs. Food, need I say more? 5175 E. Waterloo.
- Colby's Grill: Another that is new to me. I hear they have the best omelets in town. My daughter is an omelet fan, maybe we will go for breakfast tomorrow. 511 S. Broadway.
- Lottinville's Wood Grill: What can I say except that they are my favorite. Whenever my husband asks where we should go for dinner, I always respond, "How about Lottinvilles?" They have a great wine list, yummy spinach artichoke dip, and dinner specials every night. I usually order the steak sandwich or the Cabin Chicken Salad. 900 S. Kelly.
- Hideaway Pizza: An Oklahoma staple for pizza. 116 E. 5th.
That list should get you started. I'm getting hungry! Hey Chris, how about Lottinville's for dinner?
Planning a home finding visit to Edmond prior to a relocation? I'd love to give you a tour! Give me a call at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office, 405-359-7400 just ask for Kristyn.
Depending on who you talk to you will get a different answer about the current state of our economy. Some people will say that we are in recovery, some say it's a double dip recession and some even go so far as to say depression. Whatever we call it, there is no disputing that we have all been effected to some degree.
In the real estate profession, we have seen some lenders and Realtors make adjustments. Some have left the industry and others are changing professions and working real estate or lending part time to supplement their income. They are doing what they have to, to get by. And it's likely that when the economy turns around, they will be back. But what about today?
When you are buying or selling a home, you deserve to have professionals fully invested in their jobs, today. Someone who is working in the real estate business 100% full time, today. There are just too many details and deadlines that can be overlooked when your transaction is not a priority. And it should be. Missed deadlines or details can mean that you do not close on time.
When you begin interviewing lenders and Realtors to represent you, ask "Do you do this full time?" If the answer is no, I suggest you move on.
I want you to know that aside from my health and family, real estate is my priority. So, your transaction will be my priority. Call me at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office today, 405-359-7400. Ask for me, Kristyn Grewell. I promise, I'm working today. And tomorrow.
Good morning Edmond, Oklahoma! What a fabulous day! I cannot believe this cool weather in August. Not wanting to waste such a wonderful gift; I took advantage of the weather by taking an early morning walk to the Farmer's market in downtown Edmond.
For those of you new or moving to the area, the Farmer's Market is located at the Festival Market Place every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 8-1 June through September. You can see Festival Market Place from 2nd street (it's just west of the Edmond Sun building) but to get there you will need to take Broadway north to 1st street. I was walking today, but on a typical Saturday, parking can be a challenge.
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| My Bounty! |
There is always a variety of vendors to visit. Today's vendors were selling beautiful and locally grown vegetables, fresh baked goods, local honey (great if you have allergies), sunflowers as big as your face and fresh salsa! There was so much to choose from.
I picked a pint of fresh blueberries, nine grain bread, okra, and a handful of peppers. I think the family is going to be pretty happy with fried okra and maybe a blueberry crisp for dinner tonight!
Relocating to Edmond? Give me a call at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office, 405-359-7400. Ask for me, Kristyn Grewell. I'd be happy to give you a tour of Edmond. Maybe we can even plan a stop at the Farmers Market! Get outside today!
