Do sellers have to
disclose the terms of other offers?
Sellers are not
legally obligated to disclose the terms of other offers to prospective buyers.
How do I prepare
the house for sale?
First and
foremost, put it in the best condition possible, especially if you are in a
market with few buyers and lots of homes for sale. That means taking care of
any major repairs that could deter a buyer (such as replacing any broken
windows or replacing a leaky roof) if you can afford it. Next, work on your
home's curb appeal. Make sure your landscape is pristine. Mow the grass, clean
up any debris and weed the garden beds. Plant a few annual flowers near the
entrance or in pots to be placed by the door. Other quick fixes that don't cost
a lot of money but can help you get top dollar for your home:
-
Clean the windows
and make sure the paint is not chipped or flaking.
-
Be sure that the
doorbell works.
-
Clean and freshen
up rooms, furnishings, floors, walls and ceilings. Make sure that bathrooms and
kitchens are spotless.
-
Organize closets.
-
Make sure the
basic appliances and fixtures work. Replace leaky faucets and frayed cords.
-
Eliminate the
source of any bad smells, such as the kitty box. Use air freshener or bake a
batch of cookies before your open house to ensure that the house smells
inviting.
-
Invest in a
couple of vases of fresh flowers to place around the house and next to any
information about the house you have prepared for buyers.
Should I add on or
buy a bigger home?
Consider these
questions before making a choice between adding on to an existing home or
moving up in the market to a bigger house:
* How much money
is available, either from cash reserves or through a home improvement loan, to
remodel the current house?
* How much
additional space is required? Would the foundation support a second floor or
does the lot have room to expand on the ground level?
* What do local
zoning and building ordinances permit?
* How much equity
already exists in the property?
* Are there
affordable properties for sale that would satisfy housing needs?
Ultimately, the
decision should be based on individual needs, the extent of work involved and
what will add the most value.
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