REAL ESTATE KIRKLAND
AUGUST 2011
Your guide to Real Estate and home buying & selling
ome selling in home during the months the summer is of June, July and August. often a bit more They might be transferred tricky than home selling to our area for a new job during other times of the or be experiencing other year. For example, spring pressing “life” issues that time selling is the most could necessitate an impopular time to mediate purchase. put your home Here are a few on the market. things you can The second best do to help attract time of the year a summertime to sell a home is buyer who might in the autumn. be prioritizing Summer ranks in lying in a hama meager third mock and sipping position. lemonade. Debbie Walter Why? Because Focus on the Realtor - RE/MAX NW outdoors! Durin the summer: • People go on ing these warmer vacation months, your • Kids get out of school landscaping and outdoor and require attention spaces come alive. Today’s • Summer activities buyers are looking for distract extended living areas and The good news: Not love usable outdoor space. every buyer can wait until According to HGTV, fall, though. Sometimes outdoor spaces can bring people need to buy a in big bucks. Jon Seppala,
president of Action Builders, notes, “Backyards and outdoor patios have to be much more substantial than in the past. Built-in grills, outdoor fireplaces, gazebos — people are looking for these features. We’ve had people who have fallen in love with the house and have decided to buy before they walked in the front door.” The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has also identified a trend, noting during a recent panel that young homebuyers (Gen Xers) are looking for homes with a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, even in colder climates, to create the perception of greater home size, even if the space is only usable for part of the year.” Keep your home cool
seller to keep your yard, landscaping, and pool maintained. Overgrown trees, shrubs, and lawns not only seriously depreciate curb appeal, they can also turn a buyer off. Landscaping is expensive and buyers know this. Why not showcase one of your most valuable assets? Trim existing trees
to their best advantage. Have gardens, paths, benches, and pool ready for enjoying. Buyers know that a fully landscaped yard will save them time and money. Plus, it’s ready to enjoy. If you are unable to stay on top of this task each week, hire local workers [ more SELLING page 16 ]
Clive Egdes 206-251-1680
Windermere Real Estate/Central, Inc.
Clive@Windermere.com www.Kirklandhomelistings.com
Specializing in Kirkland Properties.
“Exceptional Service, Extraordinary Results” 512760
Top Summer Selling Tips H
but not cold! Have your furnace/AC turned up to a comfortable level during showings and open houses. If you live in a home where you don’t have or need AC, be sure that you use fans or open windows for breezes to create a nice atmosphere. The last thing you need is a prospective buyer distracted by cold or a sticky sweat. You want them focused on your wonderful home! Eliminate Stinks! Heat also has a way of bringing out the worst of smells in our home. To hold these deal breakers at bay, have your carpets cleaned when you list your home for sale. Next, roll up your sleeves and be sure you clean your home before any showing. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchen are notoriously stinky. Focus your attention on these! Maintain! When your home is listed for sale, it’s your responsibility as the
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