Sellers' Guide
- Getting Ready
- There are many things to consider while you are preparing to sell your home,
and the more prepared you and your family is, the easier the journey will
be. Here are a few things you should consider:
- Presentation is everything. You might want to spend some time sprucing up your home with paint and take care of any necessary repairs as well. You would be amazed at what a little cosmetic work can do in how potential buyers react to your home. This not only will help you get the very best price, but could also help you get an offer sooner.
- Document an inventory of your belongings before you pack. Also, decide whether moving yourself or whether hiring a professional moving company is better for you and your needs.
- Add up all the moving costs you may incur such as boxes, truck rental, gas, and insurance. Compare this cost to the cost of hiring a professional moving company.
- Also take into account if you will have the time to pack, move and unpack your belongings. If you can take the appropriate time off of work, will you have enough people who would be willing to help you? Will you be driving the rental truck, and if not do you know someone who could?
- If you choose to hire a professional moving company consider these options:
- Look at a few different companies and what they offer, get written quotes from each to compare. Perhaps a family member or friend will refer a company.
- Movers are limited by law regarding what they can give you for lost or damaged goods. To cover potential damage, check your existing homeowner or renter's policy.
- Determine if you want to do the packing or unpacking - some companies offer this service for an additional cost.
- Once this has all been decided, make another list of the little things people often forget to keep in mind on the day of the move (some may have to be done a week before the move):
- Have copies of new address handy for those helping you
- Complete a change of address with the post office and let others know of your address change (lights, water, phone etc)
- Keep some cleaning supplies out so you are able to clean after the house is empty
- Leave some toilet paper in the bathrooms of both the new and the old house
- Reserve the elevator in your building if you live in an apartment
- Double check closets, drawers, shelves etc to be sure nothing was left behind