Getting Your House Ready To Sell

These are tips that won't cost a lot but can make a big difference on the appearance of your home. It is amazing how just a little attention to the details will add that special appeal that the buyer is looking for!

Pre-listing Inspection.

Having your home inspected by a professional home inspector before you list is a recommendation from Dennis DiVito of Apex Home Inspections, LLC.

Eventually your buyers are going to conduct a home inspection. You may as well know what they are going to find by getting there first. Having an inspection performed ahead of time helps in many other ways:

* It allows you to see your home through the eyes of a critical third-party. * It helps you to price your home realistically. * It permits you to make repairs ahead of time so that ... * Defects won't become negotiating stumbling blocks later. * You have the time to get reasonably priced contractors or make the repairs yourself, if you are qualified. * It may encourage the buyer to waive the inspection contingency. * It may alert you of items of immediate personal concern, such as radon gas or active termite infestation (not all inspectors offer these extra services, you can check for radon yourself). * It may relieve buying prospect's concerns and suspicions. * It reduces your liability by adding professional supporting documentation to your disclosure statement. * Alerting you to immediate safety issues before agents and visitors tour your home.

Copies of the inspection report along with receipts for any repairs should be made available to potential buyers.

Be sure the inspector you use is insured and licensed or certified (if your state requires) or at least belongs to a professional organization such as NACHI, ASHI, NIBI.

You can find an inspector nationwide at FindanInspector.us

Clean up the outside.

* Curb appeal is the first impression of your house. Keeping the grass cut and the area tidy will help make a great first impression. * Paint or wash the exterior of the house (including window casings, shutters, and doors). * Wash the windows inside and out. * Check the gutters and chimney.

Touch up the interior.

* Put a fresh coat of paint in the most used areas of the home. This will clean as well as brighten up the rooms. * Wash the walls where paint is not appropriate (i.e. wall paper, paneling). * Wash all floors and bathroom tiles. * Shampoo dirty carpets. * Get rid of clutter. Clean out your closets, garage, basement and attic. Use self storage if necessary. * Replacing air filters will help keep the dust down.

Replace bathroom and kitchen fixtures that are worn or leaking.

* People will notice a leaking or worn-out faucet. By replacing these items, you will give a new look to the room. * Clean under the sinks. If there is any leaks fix them. Then clean up the damage using contact paper or paint.

Get rid of any bad smells in your home.

* Pay attention to pet or cigarette odors. * Place scented potpourri around the house. * On the day you're expecting a potential buyer, pop a batch of frozen cinnamon rolls or home-made bread into the oven for a great aroma.

 

 

About Three Palms Real Estate – Your Professional Guides to Paradise
With so many choices it’s hard to navigate the volume of information available to you. Three Palms Professional Realtors will do the work for you. From beachfront Gulf Shores Condos to secluded family homes in Orange Beach, we know the best properties and we know the market. It’s important to us to educate our clients about the activities and amenities available in the area, as well as the types of properties we have to offer and financing options to help you make an informed decision that is right for you. Our mission is to determine your specific needs, desires and goals and to find the property and investment that is right for you.

Whether your dream is living on the water or just minutes from it, our Professional Guides to Paradise can get you here!

Call us at 1.866.980.PALM (7256) or Email Us to discuss the possibilities. Check out our favorite picks, or perform a custom search for Gulf Shores real estate or Orange Beach Real Estate.

Licensed in Alabama and Florida.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Area Info

Climate
The Gulf Coast Area has a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 67.4 degrees. The average temperature in January is 51.4 degrees. The average temperature in July is 81.8 degrees. The average annual precipitation is 67 inches, and the growing season is 292 days.

Education
Education is a fundamental block in building a bright future. The Gulf Coast Area opened a brand new high school during 1999 in Gulf Shores (ph. 251.968.4747). The area has two elementary schools; they are Gulf Shores Elementary (ph. 251.968.7375) and Orange Beach Elementary (ph. 251.981.5662). Gulf Shores Middle School (ph. 251.968.8719) offers an excellent curriculum in preparation for high school. All public schools are part of the Baldwin County school system. If you are interested in private education, you also have the option of Bayside Academy (ph. 251.955.5211), which includes age 3yrs – Grade 4.

Healthcare
The nearest hospital is South Baldwin Regional Medical Center (ph. 800.580.3627) located in Foley. South Baldwin Medical Center offers 24-hour emergency services (ph. 251.952.3400). Numerous medical professionals practice in the area providing both family practice and specialized care.

Airports
Corporate and Private air service is available in Gulf Shores from the Jack Edwards Municipal Airport, with a full Instrument Landing System and the longest paved runway being 7000 feet. The closest commercial air service is available in Pensacola, roughly 30 miles away, at the Pensacola Regional Airport (ph. 850.435.1746). Major carriers serving the airport are Continental, US Airways, Delta, Northwest, and American. Other commercial airports are located in Mobile (ph. 251.633.0313) and Gulf Port, Mississippi (ph. 228.863.5951).

Shopping
The area offers many shops ranging from casual apparel and beachwear to upscale fashion and specialty boutiques. If you are a bargain hunter, you can find 120 factory outlet stores in Foley.

Parks and Recreation
The nearest state park is the Gulf State Park (ph. 251.948.7275). The 6,000-acre park area offers campsites, picnic areas, 18-hole golf course, 825 foot fishing pier, 144 room hotel and convention center. Other parks in the area include Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge (ph. 251.540.7720), Meyer Park (ph. 251.968.4420), Johnnie Sims Park and Kids Park (ph. 251.968.4420), and Wade Ward Nature Park (ph. 251.968.4420).

State/Local Income Tax
For detailed information about Alabama income tax, contact the Alabama Department of Revenue, Individual and Corporate Tax Division (ph. 251.242.1000). In most instances, local governments in Alabama do not levy city, town, or county income taxes.

Property Taxes
Property (Ad Valorem) taxes are taxes on real business and/or personal property. “Ad Valorem” means “according to value”. For details, call the Revenue Commissioner’s office (ph. 251.943.5061, ext. 2840).