This Chilly Weather Makes Me Think…..

1. Soups

2. Cozy Fires

3. Green Bay Packers

4. Selling Real Estate

Contact your local RE/MAX  Realty Center Agent Stacey Guzanick 262.490.3696  if you have questions about buying a house or selling one. I can  guide you – with discretion – toward your next home.

www.HomesWithStacey.com

Home Selling Tips

Crank up the curb appeal Pull weeds, rake leaves and trim overgrown shrubs, especially if they block windows

 or the path to your front door.

Paint
It's important to make your house generic. A fresh coat of neutral paint will make your home appear larger, brighter and more appealing to potential buyers.

Make repairs
Fix things like leaky faucets and sticky cabinets, and replace old screens. They may seem insignificant, but minor repairs add up in the mind of a potential buyer. They tend to overestimate how much repairs cost. You don't want to give them any reason not to put in an offer.

Rearrange
Make sure your furniture placement allows for easy traffic flow and shows the purpose of each room. If you have too much furniture, rent a portable storage device to hold things until you are ready to move into your new place. If you don't have enough furniture, borrow or rent.

A clean and uncluttered kitchen is a staple of home staging.

Pack up
This includes personal photos and portraits. Less is always more. The less clutter and knickknacks you have lying around, the more potential buyers will be able to see your home and what it offers. Remember, you are selling your house, not your stuff. Plus, getting a head start on packing will eliminate some stress down the road.

Organize
When your house is meticulously organized, buyers will envision themselves living a stress-free life in your home.

Clean
Clean every inch of your house, and don't forget to make your windows and floors sparkle. If your carpet appears old and stained, think about replacing it. Also, make sure there are no offensive odors. Purchase an air-neutralizing spray that will help remove odors without creating an overwhelming masking odor. Clean homes sell!

Lighten up your home with natural tones and a neutral dose of style.

Lighten up
Let the sun shine in, and turn on the lights. Open all blinds or curtains, and make sure the house is well lit.

Temperature
Be sure potential buyers are comfortable when touring your home. If it's freezing outside, leave the heat on, and if it's summer, turn on the air conditioner.

Keep it ready to show
It may be a little inconvenient, but until you accept an offer, keep your home in tip-top shape at all times. What this means is that each room should have a clear purpose, nice flow and be clean and clutter-free. Buyers need to be able to picture themselves and their things in a room, and taking these steps will help ensure that.

House Cleaning and Organization Tips for a Tidy Home

HOUSE CLEANING AND ORGANIZATIONS TIPS FOR A TIDY HOME!

In the busy home of an active family, messes can become hazards. Toys end up scattered across the living room floors, dishes build up in the sink and clutter accumulates on the counter. A messy house can feel like a nuisance, but consider this: did you know that a mess can sometimes create dangers to your safety, health and well-being? Household messes are more dangerous than you think; consider these household cleaning and organization tips for keeping a tidy and safe home:

• Keep escape routes open. If a fire, earthquake, flood or other emergency strikes, every second counts. Keep main escape routes in your home accessible at all times. Remove clutter that may be hindering easy movement around doorways and windows in your home, and pick up toys, shoes, and other belongings each night to leave an unobstructed pathway for your family.


• Remove fire hazards. Clutter, like stacks of newspapers, or mail, can turn into a fuel for fire if stored too close to a stovetop. Ensure that any flammable items are stored at a safe distance away from sources of heat like your hot water heater, fireplace or oven.


• Watch for mold. This potentially harmful fungus thrives in damp, warm environments. Clutter holds in moisture and prevents you from seeing signs of trouble. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when mold spores settle on wet surfaces like paper, cardboard and wood, the mold settles in and grows. Health impacts can range from nasal congestion and irritation to pulmonary fungal infections. Cut down on mold risks by tossing the clutter under your bathroom and kitchen sink. Keep an eye on your basement and garage too, these areas tend to accumulate clutter, and the humidity in these spaces can cause mold.


• Don't make pests feel at home: Bugs and pests can be sources of disease that can harm your family. The National Center for Healthy Housing warns that even dead cockroaches or roach droppings can cause gastrointestinal and respiratory illness, as well as cause asthma flare-ups in those susceptible to allergies. Old paper bags and cardboard boxes are favorite nesting spots for pests, so clear these out of your home. Wash the dishes and take out the trash daily. Remind family members to empty bedroom and bathroom trash receptacles and rinse dishes well before placing them in the dishwasher.


• Know what you have: In a disorganized home, it's hard to know what you have. Get your family to pitch in and help clean up, then photograph and catalog your belongings with the Liberty Mutual Home Gallery App. The easy-to-use app makes record keeping a breeze, and can help simplify the process if you ever find the need to claim losses due to theft or damage.

Day-to-day living brings a bit of disorder to every home. Active families and busy schedules don't always leave a lot of time for cleaning. Take just a few minutes each day to clear away the mess, and keep your family safe from potential harm.