BeverlyMolfino

Home Selling FAQ Print E-mail




 

What is my home worth?

Get a comparative market analysis on your home today!

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What can I do to get my home ready for sale?

It is imperative that sellers take extra care to make their house as appealing as possible to buyers.

How much should you spend?

In preparing your home for the market, you want to get the biggest bang for your buck possible. “Polishes” and “touch ups” are what you want, not extensive and costly renovations. I can advise you specifically on which improvements need to be made and which improvements will get you the highest return on your investment. I can also recommend the best professionals to help you get those improvements done.

Maximizing your home's curb appeal: 

We've all heard “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Nowhere is this more true than with home sales. Strong curb appeal can go a long way toward making up for other shortcomings. Don’t forget the backyard, either. A well-manicured front yard and a neglected back yard will make buyers wonder where else you are cutting corners. To enhance your house’s exterior and curb appeal, check the following and repair as necessary:

 

    • Have the lawn edged, cut short and watered. Have this done on a weekly basis while the house is on the market. Keep hedges, weeds, flowerbeds and trees maintained as well in the front and back of house.

    • Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling.

    • Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint.

    • Clean and align gutters.

    • Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.

    • Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.

    • Re-seal an asphalt driveway.

    • Close your garage door and keep it closed.

    • Remove boats, RV’s and unused cars from the property.

    • Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door and new hardware, if necessary.

Maximizing your home's interior:

Now that you have made a good impression on potential buyers with your curb appeal, don’t disappoint with the interior. A few simple “touches” will again translate into favorable impressions and higher offers. To enhance your house’s interior, check the following and make changes as indicated:

 

    • Thoroughly clean every room and remove all clutter, including excess children’s toys.

    • Have a professional cleaning service come in every 1-2 weeks while the house is on the market.

    • Items you rarely use, but intend to keep, should be packed and moved offsite.

    • Mend cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and basement.

    • Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint and tiles.

    • Consider painting dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as beige or off-white. Paint the ceiling and trim white for a sharp and clean contrast. Neutral colors make rooms appear larger and help prospective buyers picture their own belongings in your house. The same strategy should be applied to floor coverings that you replace.

    • Replace broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings and other woodwork.

    • Inspect and repair your plumbing, heating, cooling and alarm systems.

    • Repair dripping faucets and showerheads.

    • Buy and display showy, new towels in the bathroom(s) and kitchen.

    • If your kitchen needs major updating, give it a lift with new cabinet hardware, new curtains and/or a coat of neutral paint.

Tip #1: 

The fewer belongings in your house and garage, the larger your space will look. Consider renting off-site storage for extra belongings while your house is on the market. Remember, buyers will also ask to see your garage. Stuffing the garage to the rafters will only give buyers the impression that the house is too small for the average family.

Tip #2:

Hold your moving sale BEFORE you put your house on the market.

Tip #3:

Many home shows on TV are dedicated to getting homes ready for sale. One favorite is HGTV’s Designed To Sell. Check out a couple of these informative and entertaining programs.

Why should I list my home with Beverly Molfino (RA)?

I have a very strong track record in real estate in Hawaii and I have been doing real estate for many years. With my vast experience in Hawaii, my lengthy list of resources, it is no wonder that I have so many satisfied clients.

 

My greatest strengths are my knowledge of the land, the islands, and an ability to make and grow relationships based on trust. My clients often become my friends.

 

I have been described as the type of real estate agent that rises above the crowd. My name stands for quality, and my reputation is impeccable. My goal is to understand my clients' needs and help them find exactly what it is they are looking for. It is imperative to listen.

 

My home needs some basic maintenance. Should I fix things before I list?


This really depends on the extent of the work that is needed. In some cases it may be wiser to list a house "As-Is", and in some cases a little handyman work can go a long way. I can offer my advice once I view your home.