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What to know when selling your home.
Ready to sell your home? Not sure where to start? Our guides are here to help you get started.
Preparing Your Home for a Successful Sale: A 30-Day Plan
Are you ready to sell your home? Before you list it on the market, take a moment to consider the impact a little preparation can have on your potential buyers. With just a few minor touch-ups and a well-organized plan, you can make a lasting impression and increase your chances of securing a great deal. So, put on your buyer's hat and join us on a 30-day journey to get your home ready for sale. We've broken down the tasks into manageable steps to help you stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Throughout this process, feel free to reach out with any questions. Day 1: Illuminate Your Space The right lighting can transform your home's appearance. Start by replacing burnt-out light bulbs and updating outdated fixtures (we love daylight light bulbs!). Visit your local home improvement store for modern fixtures to brighten up your space. Day 2: Gather Important Documents Prospective buyers and agents will have questions, so get your paperwork in order. Collect utility bills, tax documents, renovation details, warranties, mortgage information, surveys, and rental contracts. Day 3: Spare Set of Keys Make sure buyers and agents have easy access to your home by creating a spare set of keys. Don't forget storage sheds and shops! Day 4: Packing Supplies and Storage Invest in proper packing supplies to declutter your space. Consider renting a storage locker to temporarily store items you won't need during the sale. Often times, the more you declutter, the better your home will show. Don't go too far! Staged homes typically sell for MORE than vacant homes. Day 5: Revamp Your Bathrooms Create a spa-like atmosphere by removing personal items and investing in new white towels and affordable accessories. Replace any worn-out items like toilet seats, shower curtains, or bath mats. Day 6: Declutter the Kitchen Clear your kitchen counters of appliances and clean inside all the cupboards. Show off the storage space. Clean the fridge and consider adding fresh flowers and a fruit bowl. Day 7: Revitalize the Bedrooms Clean and declutter bedrooms, invest in a neutral duvet cover, straighten bookshelves, and remove personal items. Consider adding an area rug for added warmth. For the kiddos, some toys are okay, however the more floorspace that is visible, the better. Day 8: Refresh the Living Room Clean your sofa and chairs, add new throw pillows, and consider an area rug to tie the room together (make sure its the proper size). Conceal magazines and wires from electronic devices. Day 9: Dining Room Makeover Clear the dining table of clutter, clean the hutch, and consider reupholstering dining chairs or adding a new tablecloth. Day 10: Garage Organization Organize and clean the garage or storage area to showcase its potential. Day 11: Sort Items (Store vs. Donate vs. Throw Away) Decide which items to store, donate, or throw away. Decluttering will make your space appear more spacious. Day 12: Entrance Appeal Create a welcoming entrance by decluttering and organizing. If you lack a hall closet, minimize the number of coats on display. Day 13: Depersonalize Remove personal items such as family photos, collections, and souvenirs. Allow buyers to envision themselves in your home. Day 14: Take a Break Give yourself a day off to recharge. Day 15: Fresh Paint Apply a fresh coat of paint in neutral colors to make your home more appealing. Don't forget baseboards and ceilings. Need a paint recommendations - just give us a call or send a text. Day 16: Address Repairs Fix any long-neglected repairs, such as leaky faucets or wall holes. Consider hiring a handyman if needed (we have recommendations, if needed - don't worry, we called all the wrong one's for you!). Day 17: Window Cleaning Clean your windows to let in more natural light and improve overall appeal. Day 18: Enhance Curb Appeal Make your front yard more inviting by touching up paint, cleaning the front door, and adding seasonal plants and outdoor lighting. Day 19: Beautify the Backyard Depending on the season, clean up the garden, trim trees, and maintain outdoor spaces. Day 20: Carpet Cleaning Steam clean your carpets to give them a fresh look. Day 21: Floors Makeover Ensure your floors are clean and free from scratches. Day 22: Wall and Door Touch-ups Remove scuffs and marks from walls and doors. Consider updating art or decorations. In most cases, less is more when it comes to wall art. Day 23: Final Deep Clean Perform a thorough cleaning, including baseboards, lights, and appliances. Consider hiring professional cleaners for a pristine result (reach out and we will connect your with fabulous cleaners at a reasonable price). Day 24: Plan for Kids and Pets Store away kids' items and make arrangements for pets during showings. Day 25: Staging Day Hire a professional stager to enhance your home's appeal with furniture and accessories. Staging not tin the budget? No worries. Our team can help stage your current furntiure and decor to maximize the appeal to buyers. Day 26: Freshen Up the Air Eliminate pet odors and keep your home smelling pleasant. Use air fresheners and candles sparingly. Day 27: Last Check Inspect your home from top to bottom, ensuring everything is in perfect order. Day 28: Photography Schedule a professional photographer to capture your home's beauty, including a 360 tour and video for your listing. Our team always handles this for clients and always calls in the professionals to capture your property at its best. Day 29: Get Ready for Showings Review your ad copy and prepare for potential buyers' visits. Day 30: Final Touch Stand back and admire your hard work. Resist the urge to make changes at this stage. Remember, this schedule can be adjusted to suit your needs. By following this plan, you'll present your home in the best possible light and increase your chances of a successful sale. Good luck with your home selling journey!
Home-Prep Checklist: Essential Steps for a Picture-Perfect Home
Who doesn't want their home to sell for more? Often times, there are small (and big) projects, you can do around your house to help maximize what buyer's are willing to pay. These tips will help convince buyers your home is worth top dollar. Download our comprehensive Seller's Guide for key tasks that maximize your return on investment. ⬜ Wash windows.⬜ Clean carpets.⬜ Repair any leaky faucets, torn screens, etc.⬜ Clean mirrors and glass.⬜ Clean walls / Fresh Paint.⬜ Clean light fixtures.⬜ Clean appliances (inside and out).⬜ Clean / Paint baseboards.⬜ Repairing holes, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.⬜ All light fixtures need WHITE Light Bulbs.⬜ DeClutter - Remove Personal Photos.⬜ Remove evidence of Pets.⬜ Spruce Up Landscaping.⬜ Pressure-clean exterior.⬜ Fresh Mulch⬜ Have grass cut weekly.⬜ NO Loud paint colors.⬜ Doormat larger than the front door.⬜ Deep clean.⬜ Clean gutters.⬜ Have AC / Water units serviced.⬜ Clean AC vents inside the home.⬜ Fresh caulk in bathrooms (if needed).⬜ Clean your Ceiling fans.
The Ultimate Moving Checklist: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Move
Moving can be a journey filled with excitement and new beginnings, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. That's where we come in! With the Haven Team, we're not just your real estate experts; we're your neighbors, here to help make your moving process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Your Moving Checklist: Guiding You Every Step of the Way 1. Start Early - Planning is Key 8 Weeks Before Moving: Begin by sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, donate, or sell. Remember, less is more when it comes to moving! 6 Weeks Out: Start gathering moving supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. It's never too early to start packing non-essential items. 2. Hire Professionals - Based on Today's Market 4 Weeks Before: Research and hire a reputable moving company. Our experienced team can recommend local movers who have served our Northeast Louisiana community with great reviews. 3. Packing Strategies - Turning Complex Processes into Enjoyable Experiences 1 Month to Go: Begin packing room by room. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make unpacking a breeze! 4. Notify Important Parties - Keeping You Informed 3 Weeks Out: Start changing your address with the post office, banks, and other important institutions. Don't forget to transfer your utilities! 5. Final Preparations - Ensuring a Smooth Journey 1 Week Left: Confirm moving day details with your movers. Pack an essentials box for easy access to items you'll need right away in your new home. Keep scissors, tape, cleaning supplies and toliet paper handy ;). 6. Moving Day - Nothing left Behind The Big Day: Keep important documents and valuables with you. Do a final walkthrough of your home to ensure nothing is left behind. 7. Settling In - Part of Your Community Post-Move: Unpack systematically, starting with essentials. Take time to explore your new neighborhood and introduce yourself to your neighbors. We're Here for You - Every Step of the Way Remember, moving is more than just a physical transition; it's a journey to a new chapter in your life. Our team is here to guide you through every step of this journey. We understand the local market and are committed to turning your real estate dreams into reality. Let's Connect - Your Local Real Estate Experts Have questions or need further assistance? We're just a call or text away. We're always happy to discuss your needs or explore your options together. Let's make your move a memorable and stress-free experience!
REVIEWS
- Taylor Head is an amazing lady and real estate agent. Calls and messages are always answered promptly, with check ins that are regular without feeling smothering. She listened to my needs and desires, offering sound advice based on quality. Additionally, she really cared about me and my family. I give her the highest of recommendations!!!!! Thank you Taylor…… for your service, advice and kindness!!!!!Kerry Woods
- Chelsea and the Haven team made my experience buying and selling my first home SO easy and stress-free. They kept me on task and were willing to answer any questions I had while going through this process. I am so so grateful to them and honestly cannot recommend them enough!!Anna Wigley
- We had a wonderful experience working with Taylor Head when purchasing our new home. She was the absolute best! Would highly recommend.Stephanie Paul