Killeen, Fort Hood, Harker Heights and Copperas Cove Texas real estate listings, home buying, selling and relocation information

Many things will determine whether or not your house sells quickly and for top dollar. As expert Realtors, we members of the Elite Real Estate Team are happy to share our secrets with you here.

GETTING YOUR HOUSE READY TO SELL
An Easy Checklist

Disconnect Your Emotions.

Make Your House "Anonymous"
The First Step - Removing Clutter
The Most Important Room in the House
The Rest of the House
Fixing Up the House Interior
Cost of Repairs
Plumbing & Fixtures
Ceiling, Walls & Painting
Carpets & Flooring
Windows & Doors
A "Sensitive" Topic
Fixing Up Outside the House
Landscaping
Do I Need To Paint?
The Front Entryway

The First Step - Removing Clutter.

The Most Important Room in the House
The Rest of the House
Fixing Up the House Interior
Cost of Repairs
Plumbing & Fixtures
Ceiling, Walls & Painting
Carpets & Flooring
Windows & Doors

Say to yourself, "Make the mental decision to "let go" of your emotions and focus on the fact that soon this house will no longer be yours.
Picture yourself handing over the keys and envelopes containing appliance warranties to the new owners!
Say goodbye to every room.
Don't look backwards -- look toward the future.
Say to yourself, "Make the mental decision to "let go" of your emotions and focus on the fact that soon this house will no longer be yours.
Picture yourself handing over the keys and envelopes containing appliance warranties to the new owners!
Say goodbye to every room.
Don't look backwards -- look toward the future.

De-Clutter!

People collect an amazing quantity of junk. Consider this: if you haven't used it in over a year, you probably don't need it.
1. If you don't need it, why not donate it or throw it away?
2. Remove all books from bookcases.
3. Pack up those knickknacks.
4. Clean off everything on kitchen counters.
5. Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
6. Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.
7. Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets.
Buyer love to SNOOP and will open closet and cabinet doors. Think of the message it sends if items fall out! Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if she sees everything organized. It says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well. This means:
8. Alphabetize spice jars.
Neatly stack dishes.
9. Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way.
10. Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction.
11. Line up shoes.

Rent a Storage Unit.

Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Since your bookcases are now empty, store them. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don't want buyers scratching their heads and saying, "What is this room used for?"
Remove/Replace Favorite Items.
If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, she won't want it. Once you tell a buyer she can't have an item, she will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.

Do the Minor Repairs.

1. Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
2. Patch holes in walls.
3. Fix leaky faucets.
4. Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
5. Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to purple or pink walls.
(Don't give buyers any reason to remember your home as "the house with the orange bathroom.")
6. Replace burned-out light bulbs.
7. If you've considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!

Make the House Sparkle!

Wash windows inside and out.
8. Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.
9. Clean out cobwebs.
10. Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
11. Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
12. Clean out the refrigerator.
13. Vacuum daily.
14. Wax floors.
15. Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
16. Bleach dingy grout.
17. Replace worn rugs.
18. Hang up fresh towels.
19. Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows.
20. Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.

Scrutinize.

21. Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer.
22. Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense.
23. Make sure window coverings hang level.
24. Tune in to the room's statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz?
25. Does it look like nobody lives in this house? You're almost finished.

Check Curb Appeal.

If a buyer won't get out of her agent's car because she doesn't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get her inside.
26. Keep the sidewalks cleared.
27. Mow the lawn.
28. Paint faded window trim.
29. Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive.
30. Trim your bushes.
31. Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.

If you're planning on selling a house, you'll have to decide what price you're going to ask for your home. This is one of the most important and difficult decisions you'll have to make. Buyers select by comparison-shopping, so your home will have to have a fair market price in order for it to sell. WE can help you determine the market value of your home while still obtaining the top-dollar price for your piece of property.

Remember, your home is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. By working with me, I can ensure that your property will receive the needed exposure to attract interested parties who are willing to make an offer.

When you're selling your home you'll want to put forth the very best product. Buyer's aren't coming for just a quick look but for a careful inspection. Keep the exterior neat by painting the trim, clipping the hedges, mowing, edging, and weeding the lawn and you may even want to plant a few new flowers.

Inside you'll want to lighten up the darker corners, perhaps add some fresh paint and put the clutter away to give the rooms an open feeling. Make sure that there are no "stale" odors in the home. This can be especially important for remote areas such as a basement or attic. On the day of your open house, you may want to consider baking some cookies or bring in some fragrant fresh flowers. This will add a cheery and pleasant scent to your home. These little things just may help you sell your home a bit more quickly!

When you have a home for sale, eventually a prospective buyer will "make an offer." As the seller, you basically have three options:

A counteroffer usually will encourage a buyer to continue their negotiations. You may also receive multiple offers. You may prefer to take slightly less for your property from someone who is willing to pay cash, versus someone who needs to sell his or her current home first. Contingencies, move-in dates, and financing are all things to consider when weighing an offer. If things seem a bit overwhelming, rely on my expertise to guide you through the process and make sure we choose the best offer!

Once you've accepted an offer on your property there are a number of details that still need to be finished.

There will most likely be an inspection of your home with the buyer's choice of inspector to determine the condition and integrity of your property for the buyer. The buyer does have the right to sign a waiver if they choose to not have this done; however, that is not recommended.

The buyer's mortgage company will want an appraisal done to determine the value of your home.

The title company will warranty that there are no liens or existing encumbrances, which would inhibit a transfer of title at closing to the buyer.

My office will coordinate most of this as a service to you…the seller…to make sure the transaction is as smooth as possible.

WE will accompany you to the closing at the title company and from there…You are a signature away to having your home SOLD!!

Investment Real Estate >Investing in Your Neighborhood

Some neighborhoods have the reputation of being terrific places to live, and the difference is often the investment that people make in their community. These neighborhoods embody a community spirit that reflects the pride of the people who live there. In addition to the financial investment the residents have in their property, they also invest their time by participating in local affairs.

How can you become active in your community? You can participate in your neighborhood association by volunteering to serve on committees. You can keep abreast of issues that could impact your area by testifying at hearings or writing letters to local government officials. There may be ways that you can help your neighbors if they are having a hard time with a serious illness or job loss. If your children are grown, you can make a tremendous difference by doing volunteer work in after-school tutoring programs. When some people begin to get involved in making a difference in their neighborhood, others soon follow.

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Q	Where would you go to visit the largest ancient castle in the world?
A	You would travel to Prague, Czech Republic, to see the Prague Castle, built in the 9th century, with a total surface area of 18 acres.
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Get the Straight Facts About What Can Make or Break the Sale of My Killeen, Fort Hood, Harker Heights or Copperas Cove, Tx. Home. Choose Top Killeen, Tx. REALTORSŽ, The Elite Team.