Billings Real Estate Blog

Concentrate first on curb appeal.  Curb appeal is your first chance to entice buyers.  Focusing your efforts on the front of your house will assist in grabbing buyers attentions.  Here are some suggestions experts recommend to make your exterior grab potential buyers’ attention:                                               

1. Mow, weed, trim and water your lawn regularly.
2. Paint or thoroughly wash your house’s exterior.
3. Place a new welcome mat at the door.
4. Make sure your house address numbers are large enough to read.
5. Wash the windows so they’re transparent.
6. Remove extra vehicles from driveway.
7. Repair damaged screens and glass and add new hardware.
8. Spuce up your yard with landscape lights
9. Hang a new wreath on the front door.
10. Add a top layer of fresh mulch to trees.

Create neutral and welcoming living areas.  Your house may fulfill all the criteria potential buyers want for location, price, style and amenities, but it still needs to make an emotional connection.  Inspire buyers by creating scenarios where they can picture themselves.

1. Ensure a clean, clutter free and classic entryway for appeal.
2. Paint walls a neutral color scheme. Remember, white never fails!
3. Rearrange furniture in the family room and living room for openness.
4. Repair wall and ceiling cracks.
5. Make sure carpet is spotless and fresh smelling.
6. Clean draperies and blinds.
7. Scale back family photos to a few tastefully framed pictures.  You want the potential buyers looking at your house not your pictures!
8. Play soft music on the stereo to create a comfortable atmosphere.
9. Wipe down all light fixtures so each room sparkles.
10. Scrub and wax or seal floors.

Highlight the kitchen and the bathrooms.  Two key areas that buyers tend to focus on are the kitchen and the bathrooms.  A clean kitchen sends a positive message.  And a beautiful bathroom is compelling.  Many buyers prefer to purchase a house classified as “move-in condition.”

1. Place seldom used small appliances in cupboards.
2. Wipe down insides of drawers and install dividers.
3. In the kitchen, fill a large bowl with fresh fruit.
4. Inspect the cabinets and unclutter the countertops.
5. Check for leaky faucets, and caulk sinks and tubs.
6. Deodorize garbage disposal, dishwasher and trash can
7. Lay an open cookbook on the counter.
8. In the bathroom, create a mini-spa with guest soaps, bath oils and thick towels.
9. Repair missing grout and tiles.
10. Roll several new towels and place in a basket on the counter.

Next, focus on the bedrooms, the basement and the backyard.  Turn your attention to the rest of the house. A clean house sends a positive message that you also took care of major items such as the roof and the furnace.  If you can’t get something clean, paint it, remove it or replace it.

1. Vacume under beds.
2. Organize closets
3. Place scented candle on the nightstand, and fold a quilt at the end of the bed.
4. Use lots of pillows in every bedroom.
5. Make sure your pet is out of the house and secured during all showings!
6. Hang a picture in laundry room.
7. Beautify your entertainment center by adding a few boods, art and pottery.
8. Put tools in bins in the garage or shop.
9. Refresh patios by powerwashing and give wood decks a boost with a fresh coat of stain.
10. Hang miniature white lights in tress and around upbrellas to create a warm glow.

By making potential buyers feel welcome and comfortable, you can subtly influence their attitude toward your house…turning it from a house for sale into a house sold!!

Who qualifies for the $8,000 first time home buyers tax credit?

In February 2009, congress passed the 2009 stimulus package which increased the credit to $8,000.  Congress also changed a key provision so that a first time homebuyer no longer needs to repay the tax credit so long as they don’t sell their home within three years of purchasing it.
$8,000 dollars will be credited to you through your taxes that does not have to be repaid! 

Who is a first time homebuyer?

The bill describes a first-time homebuyer as someone who has not owned a primary residence for at least a 3 year period prior to the purchase of a home.  In the case of a married couple, neither one of them can have owned a primary residence for three years to qualify as first time homebuyers.  However, ownership of a vacation home, rental home, or any home not used as a primary residence will not disqualify you.  Be sure to consult your tax advisor if you qualify.