Home Seller Information from Anita Crago

Seller Info

Selling your home is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your lifetime. It can also be one of the most confusing decisions in your lifetime. How much is your home worth? What kind of timeline does your home need to sell in? And how do you get the best price that the market will allow? The answer to these questions is simple. Get a dedicated, local professional and get the results you want and deserve. Anita Crago has time and time again delivered exceptional results for families in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. With over a decade of experience as a REALTOR®, Anita has the expertise needed to market your property, interact with buyers and agents, and deliver the results you should expect from a professional. If you are thinking of moving, give Anita a call. She will personally present you with a FREE Comparative Marketing Analysis and show you the kind of tips and details you need to know to get the best end results.

Selling your home is an involved process that affects your family and your future. Before you begin this process, you'll want to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information. When should you sell? How do you get the best price? What kinds of renovations should be made prior to the sale? If you are a senior, visit our "Lifetime Planning Group" page for more information.

These home selling tips will assist you in preparing your home for the home selling process. When you're armed with the right information, and an experienced real estate professional, you'll be closer to reaching your goal - selling your home fast, and for the best price.

A home that stands out among similarly priced houses is the one that sells. Following these tips and with a little effort, your home will sell more quickly and possibly at a better price. Anita Crago will walk you through the process from beginning to the closing! Contact Anita or call her at 412-344-0500 Ext. 253 for a FREE "no obligation" consultation.

Here are some valuable tips FREE from Anita Crago
1.	First impressions are lasting.
	View your house through the critical eyes of a home buyer. Make sure your home has "curb appeal." The front door greets prospects. Make sure it is clean and freshly painter. Depending on the season, keep your lawn trimmed and edged, and remove snow and ice from the walks and steps. Keep garage doors closed and trash containers out of sight.
2.	Paint and touch up for a quick sale.
	Faded walls and scratched woodwork reduce buyer appeal. Your house will show the best with a fresh coat of paint. Remember, it is difficult to anticipate the tastes of strangers. Use neutral colors and show buyers a sparkling clean home.
3.	Let the sunshine in.
	Windows should be clean. Open curtains and draperies and show the buyer how bright and cheerful your home is. For and evening inspection, turn on all your lights. Proper illumination of the house is a welcome sign to a potential buyer.
4.	Minor repairs can make major differences.
	Replace all burned-out light bulbs. A dripping water faucet discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing. Loose knobs, sticking doors and broken cabinet drawers detract from your home's value; please fix them.
5.	From top to bottom.
	Show buyers the full value of your attic, basement and other utility spaces by removing all unnecessary articles. Brighten dark, dull basements by painting walls; cure damp smells with a bag of limestone. Now is a good time to wash the outside of your water heater, change the furnace filter and make sure inspection access is easy.
6.	Safety first.
	Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
7.	Make closets look bigger.
	Neat orderly closets show that space is ample. Since you will be moving anyway, remove or pack items that can be stored elsewhere.
8.	The kitchen is important.
	Many buyers judge housekeeping by the kitchen. Oven, stove and other appliances should be spotless. Repair or replace anything that sticks, squeaks or drips. Counter space should be kept open and uncluttered; store countertop appliances. Floors and walls should be bright and clean.
9.	Bathrooms help sell homes.
	Rust stains and dripping faucets suggest faulty plumbing. Check and repair caulking and grouting. Tile should be free of soap film. The sink, toilet and tub should sparkle.
10.	Arrange bedroom neatly.
	Furnishings should be uncluttered. Pay special attention to closet spaces. Use attractive bedspreads and curtains.
11.	Clean the garage.
	The ideal garage holds only cars. Sell, give or throw away unnecessary articles. Clean oily spots on cement floors and use strong overhead lighting. Keep storage areas and workbenches orderly. Remember, from the outside your garage looks best with the door down.
12.	Showing the family room/living room.
	These areas, as centers of family activity, should be open and inviting. Try fresh flowers, wood in the fireplace and either air conditioning or fresh air to set the atmosphere.
13.	Three is a crowd.
	Avoid having too many people present during inspections. It's best to show the home when no one is there. Then the prospective buyer won't feel like an intruder who wants to hurry through the house.
14.	Pets underfoot.
	We all love our pets, but at this time... if at all possible, keep pets out of the house.
15.	Music is mellow.
	But not when showing a house. Turn off the radio or television. Let the salesperson and the buyer talk, free form disturbances.
16.	Silence is golden.
	Be courteous, but don't force conversation. Try to stay in the background, but be prepared to answer questions if asked. The potential buyer wants to inspect your home, not pay a social visit. Never apologize for the condition of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the salesperson answer any objections.
17.	A word to the wise.
	Let the buyer's agent discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the buyer. Direct any questions you may have to your listing agent.
18.	Details are important.
	Complete the seller Disclosure of Property Condition for all potential buyers to review.