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Jill McDowell is Licensed Real Estate Salesperson at Daniel Gale Sothebys International Realty in Smithtown and Former News 12 Reporter/Anchor Jill Conway. Jill is a member of the LI Board of Realtors and the NYS Association of Realtors. Contact Jill with real estate questions at Jillmcdowell@danielgale.com or 516.316.2000. #JUSTaskJILL |
| Selling a home isn’t just putting a for-sale sign in the front yard and waiting for buyers to come make an offer. It takes expert marketing and a little elbow grease. Homeowners should start preparing for a home sale several weeks or months prior to putting their own on the market. While it’s cold outside, you should look at sprucing up the interior. I often suggest taking photos of your home with your camera or cell phone so you can get an idea of what it looks like from a camera lens and what jumps out at you. Maybe it’s a painting on a wall that’s too large or a piece of molding that sticks out. It’s difficult for some homeowners to see their home from a buyers’ perspective. Therefore, taking a picture may help you see your home with a more critical eye; allowing you to make necessary changes that enhance your home’s interior. Sometimes it’s very simple- a fresh coat of paint can go a long way and completely make over a room. A hot trend continues to be gray rooms and I always suggest Stonington Gray by Benjamin Moore. In my opinion, it’s the perfect shade of gray- not too blue or green and it’s a neutral color that many of my clients who are first time home buyers absolutely love. Here are some other tips I’ve put together that may help get the most money for your home… • Check the doorbell! If it’s not working properly, replace it or secure it to the wall. • Mailbox- Take a good look at the mailbox. It’s something we tend to overlook because we drive or walk past it without a thought. Is it old, rusty, barely upright? • Doormat- This is an inexpensive and quick fix. A pretty doormat is the first step into your home. • Lighting- Make sure all lights have working bulbs, if a switch doesn’t work, hire a professional to see what the issue is. • Door knobs/handles- Tighten any loose handles or wiggling knobs on cabinets, drawers and doors. • Fix any gaps or holes in the walls or doors. • Organize closets- You might love or absolutely loathe the idea but take a good look in your closets. Buyers open closet doors! • Set the dining room and/or kitchen tables! Prepare for dinner guests and add a nice centerpiece. • Shower Curtains- Throw out old, ugly, stained shower curtains. You can replace it with a simple, inexpensive one for a clean look. • Take out the trash- Before every showing, take out the trash if there’s something smelly from last night’s dinner Start thinking about anything you might want to take with you when you move out. These items need to be told to the real estate agent beforehand. Want Grandma’s chandelier? The bedroom drapes match your comforter? It would be best if you just took them down and replaced them before you list your home. Any questions? Feel free to contact me! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 