Jason Roshek

Selling your Colorado Home in Today’s Market | Colorado Relocation Group

via coloradorelocationgroup.com

In today’s market, what is the difference between a Colorado Springs home that sells and one that sits on the market… is it location?  Price? Square footage?  With the abundance of homes on the market, buyers definitely have an advantage right now… and they are using it to negotiate great deals.  So, how do you get those buyers to take notice of your home and give you the best possible price?  We have a few tips:

1. Don’t take it personal:  Yes, the mountain view house was your home for the last 5 years, but no one wants to buy YOUR home… they want to buy THEIR home.  Remove personal objects, such as family pictures and mementos so a buyer can imagine themselves living there.  Replace any favorite items you are not willing to part with as part of a sales deal — the antique chandelier your parents gave you, special lighting fixtures or fans, draperies (including rods) or appliances.  Remember, a buyer won’t ask for something he hasn’t seen!
2. Fix it:  Take the time to make minor repairs — replace damaged grout or tile, fix the leaky faucet, take care of any damaged wood soffits. Many of these items will be identified on a home inspection, so go ahead and fix them now so your buyer has one less reason to negotiate a better price or eliminate your home from consideration!

3. 

   Clean and De-clutter:  Nothing is more of a turn-off to buyers that a dirty home full of stuff!  Before listing your home, take the time to clean the windows, walkway floors, carpets, closet floors, cobwebs in the corner, etc.  Make sure the bathrooms stay clean, and the kitchen dishes are done and counters cleaned.  Clear out items you aren’t using — this is a great time for garage sale or donation to the local charity thrift shop!  Store last season’s decorations and any additional furniture you don’t need — rent a storage unit if you have a lot of items so that rooms and closets are clear and seem more spacious.  This will allow potential buyers to see your Colorado home as a place they can live in.
4. Curb Appeal:  When you arrive in your driveway, what do you see?  Do you have a clean walkway or is it covered in black dirt with grass growing over the edge?  Do you notice neatly trimmed hedges and flowers or weeds poking through last years’ mulch?  Does the home and shutters look freshly painted or faded from the sun?  Consider painting the front door a complementary color, updating patio furniture (if it’s visible from the road) and ensuring the entry way is clear of shoes, broken or empty planters and other clutter.  Remember, the outside of your Colorado Springs home will provide a buyer’s first impression… make sure it’s a good one!
5. Take your agent’s advice:  Remember, you hired a real estate agent for a reason — their experience and expertise.  While you are focused on your home, they have a pulse on what homes are selling in the areas and why.  With their guidance, your home can be one that sells.
6. Price:  In this competitive market, it is extremely important to price your home right.  Many of us remember what our home could’ve sold for 5 years ago and we all know how much money, sweat, and tears we’ve put into our houses. But in today’s competitive market, you need to consider the facts.  With your agent’s help, you can see what similar homes in your area have sold for as well as homes that are still on the market.  With this information, your agent will help guide you to a competitive price for your home.

Selling your home can be an emotional experience, especially in today’s market.  Buyers are looking for the best possible deals, and are willing to wait for them.  Let us help ease your stress and get you the best possible price for your home.  When you’re ready to buy or sell in the Pike’s Peak area, call the Sharon Roshek Team!  We are ready to help you with all of your real estate needs.

Fall Checklist for your Colorado Home

September is here. Soon, warm sunny afternoons will be replaced by Fall breezes and falling leaves. And that can only mean one thing—winter’s snow capped mountains aren’t far behind. Fall brings a great opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and finish the projects we started on our Colorado Springs homes over the summer. It also gives us a chance to get a jump on preparing for the harshness of winter. So as your summer vacations come to an end, here are some home projects to focus on this fall:

1. Windows. The beauty of Pikes Peak is best viewed through clean windows. The inside, outside, and even the tracks should be cleared of dirt, insects and leaves to ensure the window will operate properly. Replace worn or damaged weather stripping and seals. If your windows are a less efficient single pain, don’t open and close smoothly, won’t seal, or have constant drafts, Fall is a great time to install new windows and reap the benefits of lower heating bills this winter.
2. Pipes. Weakened pipes can become a major problem during severe cold spells. Inspect all exposed pipes for rust, wear and tear, leaks, and cracks. Insulate exposed pipes and spigots as well to keep them from freezing and breaking. Just remember, the only cure for a frozen pipe is warming it!
3. Winterize your deck. After a summer of sun and family barbeques, your deck needs some TLC. Tap in any nails that have risen and repair any rotted or broken wood. Sweep and power wash the deck to remove any materials or dirt that are stuck in the grains. Finally, stain and seal your wood deck—it’s amazing how much damage a season of snow and ice can do to wood! Don’t forget to properly clean and store furniture to ensure it is ready for those Colorado Sunsets next Spring.
4. Is it a Garage or a Storage Unit? With Old Man Winter knocking on your door, it’s time to make room in the garage for your vehicles. If you’re like many Americans, you started quite a few projects this summer and now have half-empty cans of paint, old oil from the car, and numerous other cans and jars of chemicals taking up space. Fall is a great time to throw out the old stuff—just be sure to do it properly. In addition, sweep out the corners to evict any insects that have taken up residence. And don’t forget to check your garage door and opener for any necessary repairs or maintenance.
5. Lawn tools. Great news—a Colorado winter means no more lawn mowing! So, to ensure you have operational tools next year, take time now to properly clean and store your lawn mower and edger. Hose off the exterior surface to clean loose dirt and debris, then sharpen the blade, inspect spark plugs, and look for any damage caused by the summer sun. It’s also a good idea to get it serviced now before it sits unused for several months.

Are you ready to sit on the deck of your Colorado dream home and enjoy the first snowfall of the year? When you’re ready to buy or sell in the Pike’s Peak area, call the Sharon Roshek Team! We are ready to help you with all of your real estate needs.

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