"Honey The Lights Are Up"

Sometimes we would prefer to not have to do the work.

If you are thinking about listing your house in the spring, now is the time to start the work. No matter how you plan to market your home, through an agent or privately, you have the same work to do. Let's work our way through a list of things that you need to start considering now.

• Product - Do you know what staging is? There is more to presentation then just a quick tidy up and vacuum. An outsider, or 3rd party can come in and look at your home with a keen eye. Sometimes it's as simple as moving some furniture and changing a room colour.
• Curb Appeal - This is an off-shoot of product. The warmth of the sun may not be gracing your gardens in the coming months but that does not mean you can't start planning what needs to be done with the exterior of your home. Make some plans, visit some landscaping websites, or talk to a contractor.
• Renovations - Another off-shoot. Are you in need of a new kitchen? Did you ever get the deck put on? Think about ROI (return on investment) if you are considering any major investments.
• Maintenance Items - How old is your furnace filter? Do your windows need caulking? If you have a maintenance schedule for your home keep it handy. A prospective buyer will be impressed with your diligence.
• Pricing - You need to start watching the market now. What are houses on your street selling for? Are they sitting for a long time? Do you see "New Price" stickers in the neighbourhood? Watch the market and keep in tune. If you are really uncomfortable with this area talk with an appraiser.
• Exposure - This is the last part of the Home Selling Trifecta. Although you may not be ready to put your house on the market it does not mean you shouldn't neglect this now. If you are considering and agent first consider the cost associated. If you are OK with the big spend then interview. Don't take someone's word for it. Find out what your money is going towards, where are they spending their time? If you are thinking of selling privately make sure you look at a company to help you with both the marketing and the process. Look for a local Private Sale Professional that can assist you through the entire process.

Now that you have your work cut out for you I am going to show how your hard work can turn out, thanks to Clark Griswold.

Happy Holidays and watch out for cousin Eddy!

M