for sale by owners: why your home isn't selling?

For sale by owner (FSBO) are sold by the homeowner without the assistance of an agent or broker. Sellers choose to sell their home FSBO in order to avoid paying the real estate agent's commission fee on the sale of the home. However, FSBO sales still necessitate a buyer's agent commission. And this is why you still need a real estate agent to sell your home.  If you are considering selling your house on your own, ask yourself 'How many buyers having I helped show, make offers and close home sales?'  If you are not current on what today's buyers are seeing in the houses on the market today, how can you start to competitively prepare you house for sale: price positioning, interior trends, financial tools to help buyer's affordability! Make sure you understand how to know if the buyer's loan is a real approval or will fall out of escrow next month and you have to start all over finding a new buyer with even more houses on the market and prices $20,000, $30,000 or $40,000 lower.

FOR SALE BY OWNERS FREE PRE-QUALIFICATION OF ANY BUYER NEGOTIATING AN OFFER FOR YOUR HOME.

homes for sale in Landings at Montalado North

Free Pre-Qualification of any buyer negotiating an offer on your FSBO house for sale.  CONTACT ME BEFORE ACCEPTING AN OFFER.

Home Sellers Make sure buyers are loan qualified before accepting or even showing your home.  Don't waste time showing and taking your home off the market with a purchase offer that never had a chance at closing.

WHY DO FOR SALE BY OWNERS END UP HIRING AN AGENT

Why for sale by owners or home sellers end up hiring an agent. For one, it is common to find that real estate agents have a better understanding of the market and its dynamics than you do. 

Your knowledge of the local area—if you're selling your home and have lived there for years, but don't know much about other neighborhoods in the area or their current housing conditions, then it might be worth hiring someone who does. Not only will this help them determine what price range to list your property at, but also how quickly they can expect it to sell.

Home sellers can mis-price the market values by $10.000's of dollars.  Much more than a few percentage they try to save in commissions.  Market prices move quickly in some areas and if you don't have direct access to the most current sales activity on the MLS, you can miss when the market turns. Leaving a house sit on the market for months and eventually having to drop the price by $50,000 or more because weren't able to see the market shift. 

The amount of time required—some sellers can easily handle all aspects of selling their own property (such as researching comparable listings online), while others may prefer having someone else handle these details on their behalf so they can focus on other things—such as finding a new place!

FOR SALE BY OWNER

robert model homes for sale estralla park lone mountain las vegas
BENEFITS OF HAVING AN AGENT
Trust & Fiduciary

Caring for your biggest assets needs with expertise and personal attention. For over a quarter of a century,  families have trusted Barry's expertise to look after their biggest asset and provide property financial expertise. Today, your asset management needs may be quite sophisticated and your beneficiary relationships complex. More than ever, you need an experienced fiduciary. Backed with our broad array of specialized services, you can rely on our:

Capabilities—Our in-house services include Total Financial Analysis of how your house's equity and leveraged debt fit into your overall financial plan.  We can show how to payoff higher interest debts quicker.

Commitment - Trust  30 years of experience, Character—Fiduciary responsibility is the heart. We are committed to the highest ethical standards.

Creativity—We listen to our clients' needs and adapt to them as they change. Most importantly, we respect your objectives. We are not only your financial partner, but your advocate for achieving your goals. Broad capabilities and experience

FOR SALE BY OWNERS 

robert model homes for sale estralla park lone mountain las vegas

Free Market Sale activity updates

If you would like some information to help you with pricing, I would be happy to drop off a “neighborhood analysis” for you. This analysis will give you a good idea of what’s currently on the market and what has recently sold in your area. If this interests you, then give me a call and I will get one over to you.

Selling real estate can be very confusing and complex. I have good connections with mortgage brokers and title companies that can help you through this process. If you do find an interested buyer, give me a call, and I’ll connect you with the right people.

I also have an excellent “For Sale by Owner Help Kit” that offers tools and advice on selling your home. I’ll forward some of this kit to you over the next few weeks. I think you will find the information very helpful. In the meantime, go check out my for Sale by Owner tips and advice.

If I can be of any assistance, give me a call me or via email. If you get a voice message, leave me a message and I will call you right back. I promise.

Make it a great day!!!

OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDE: 

• You won't have to deal with multiple showings on a daily basis.

• Your agent can negotiate the offer, as well as all other offers you receive during the selling process.

• An agent is needed for negotiating closing deal, which is where the buyer pays for your home and takes ownership of it by paying off any liens (mortgages) or unpaid bills against the property. (If there are no liens against it.)

• Finally, if you don't know how to complete paperwork with banks or real estate agencies in order to get financing approved, then an agent can help make sure everything goes smoothly and efficiently so that this does not become a hindrance during negotiations between seller and buyer at any point during the process. 


FOR SALE BY OWNER QUESTIONS:

When you’re ready to think about selling your property, you need to ask yourself the following

questions: Do you have the time, energy, sources of information, and contacts to do the job yourself? If you are one of the “do-it-yourself” people, were the results as good as or better than they would have been if

you had professional assistance? Would it have gone smoother? Would it have given you more personal time? Would you have sold for more if a real estate agent was involved? Read the following information and learn how a REALTOR can help you understand everything you need to know about a real estate transaction.


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Finally Help for Homeowners question

See Behind the Scenes: Are you tired of pushy investors constantly trying to buy your house–for cash–AS IS?? The Investor makes a bigger profit off 0f your house when you sell to them–compared to using a licensed professional!       Warning: Before responding to any ‘Quick Close Cash’ Offer for your House…

Get the All the Facts from an Experience Licensed Real Estate Professional that will represent YOUR best interests in the sale of your House.  Federal Trade Commission took action to stop Online home buying firm Opendoor from Cheating potential sellers with misleading Claims about its Home-Buying Service by

 

  • tricking homesellers into thinking that they could make more money selling their home to Opendoor realty company than on the open market using an experienced realtor.

  • Opendoor pitched potential sellers using misleading and deceptive information, and in reality, most people who sold to Opendoor made thousands of dollars less than they would have made selling their homes using the traditional process.

  • Opendoor also violated the law by “bait and switching” the signed contract price of the home by charging the cost of any required repairs that the homeseller could have done at half the cost and thereby reducing the “cash” price.

  • Opendoor profited by simply buying low and selling high, cheating the homeseller of a higher price.  Innocent homesellers do not realize the correct value of their home.


Investors’ goal is to make money and do it by buying low, impressing homesellers with gimmicks but are not interested in helping them get a good price.  Do YOU know what your house is really worth?  Would you like to know what your neighbors house sold for?

DO NOT BE CONNED BY CLEVER MANIPULATING INVESTORS OFFERING TO PAY CASH FOR “as is” LOWBALL PRICE.  GET THE HELP OF AN ETHICAL AND EXPERIENCED REALTOR WHO IS THERE FOR YOU.

FTC Takes Action to Stop Online Home Buying Firm Opendoor Labs, Inc. from Cheating Potential Sellers with Misleading Claims about its Home-Buying Service

Company Will Have to Pay $62 Million and Stop Deceiving Consumers about the Supposed Benefits of its Service

August 1, 2022


The Federal Trade Commission today took action against online home buying firm Opendoor Labs Inc., for cheating potential home sellers by tricking them into thinking that they could make more money selling their home to Opendoor than on the open market using the traditional sales process. The FTC alleged that Opendoor pitched potential sellers using misleading and deceptive information, and in reality, most people who sold to Opendoor made thousands of dollars less than they would have made selling their homes using the traditional process. Under a proposed administrative order, Opendoor will have to pay $62 million and stop its deceptive tactics.

“Opendoor promised to revolutionize the real estate market but built its business using old-fashioned deception about how much consumers could earn from selling their homes on the platform,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “There is nothing innovative about cheating consumers.”

Opendoor, headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, operates an online real estate business that, among other things, buys homes directly from consumers as an alternative to consumers selling their homes on the open market. Advertised as an “iBuyer,” Opendoor claimed to use cutting-edge technology to save consumers money by providing “market-value” offers and reducing transaction costs compared with the traditional home sales process.

Opendoor’s marketing materials included charts comparing their consumers’ net proceeds from selling to Opendoor versus on the market. Those charts almost always showed that consumers would make thousands of dollars more by selling to Opendoor. In fact, the complaint states, the vast majority of consumers who sold to Opendoor actually lost thousands of dollars compared with selling on the traditional market, because the company’s offers have been below market value on average and its costs have been higher than what consumers typically pay when using a traditional realtor.

The agency’s investigation found that Opendoor also violated the law by misrepresenting that:

  • Opendoor used projected market value prices when making offers to buy homes, when in fact those prices included downward adjustments to the market values;

  • Opendoor made money from disclosed fees, when in reality it made money by buying low and selling high;

  • consumers likely would have paid the same amount in repair costs whether they sold their home through Opendoor or in traditional sales; and

  • consumers likely would have paid less in costs by selling to Opendoor than they would pay in traditional sales.

Enforcement Action

Opendoor has agreed to a proposed order that requires the company to:

  • Pay $62 million: The order requires Opendoor to pay the Commission $62 million, which is expected to be used for consumer redress.

  • Stop deceiving potential home sellers: The order prohibits Opendoor from making the deceptive, false, and unsubstantiated claims it made to consumers about how much money they will receive or the costs they will have to pay to use its service.

  • Stop making baseless claims: The order requires Opendoor to have competent and reliable evidence to support any representations made about the costs, savings, or financial benefits associated with using its service, and any claims about the costs associated with traditional home sales.

The Commission vote to accept the consent agreement was 5-0. The FTC will publish a description of the consent agreement package in the Federal Register soon. The agreement will be subject to public comment for 30 days, after which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent order final. Instructions for filing comments appear in the published notice. Once processed, comments will be posted on Regulations.gov.


For Sale By Owners who cannot sell their homes tips

The Benefits and Peace of mind of having an Experienced Licensed Professional Realtor® representing you.

Pricing

This process generallys: begins with a determination of a reasonable asking price. Your experienced real estate agent can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, terms, and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.


Peace of mind understanding true home market values over long term

Marketing

The next step is a marketing plan. Often, your real estate agent can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of the property. Marketing includes the exposure of your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your agent acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other REALTORS through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc.


Advertising is part of marketing. The choice of media and frequency of advertising depends a lot on the property and specific market. For example, in some areas, newspaper advertising generates phone calls to the real estate office but statistically has minimum effectiveness in selling a specific

property. Overexposure of a property in any media may give a buyer the impression the property is distressed or the seller is desperate. Your real estate agent will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The National

Association of Realtors studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends and family, and personal contacts.


Security

When the property is marketed with an experienced real estate agent’s help, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Licensed real estate agent will generally pre-screen and accompany qualified prospects through your property. Using a licensed real estate agent. You Be the Judge. Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today often exceed several hundred thousand dollars. If you had a $200,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, why consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of an experienced real estate agent?

Comprehensive analysis of buyer market population Small

Real estate agents say that short of Painting, simply making sure the exterior of the house is clean and looks maintained is very important. Making your house appear as attractive and friendly as possible from the street is imperative. “Curb Appeal” gets the buyers to stop and take notice but most importantly, gets them interested in seeing more of your home.It will be hard to get buyers interested in seeing the interior or your home and all its potential if the exterior of your home creates a negative first impression.

p Clear away any litter between the street curb and your front door

p Remove any oil stains from the driveway

p Repair any cracks or broken bits of driveway paving

p Clear bikes and toys from the driveway (When showing the house,

keep driveway free of cars)

p Remove weeds and grass growing in walkway

p Trim back shrubs protruding into the walkway

p Trim the shrubs away from house windows (for security and to make interior

rooms brighter)

p Weed the flower beds and add a layer of mulch

p Prune dead branches and pull back anything creeping across the house

p Cut the grass

p (Autumn) Rake the leaves

p (Winter) Shovel snow. Salt/Sand Icy Patches

p Dispose of any pet debris

p Wash down vinyl siding, if necessary

p If house is wood, scrape and paint, if required

p Clean out the gutters

p Repair or replace gutters and downspouts

p Repair any house foundation cracks

p Clean all windows, including those in the garage

p Replace any cracked or broken window glass

p Repair any wood rot

p Replace any bent or bulging window screens

p Repair and/or replace caulking and weather-stripping around

windows and doors.

p Clean storm windows – have them available

p Exterior doors lock properly. Easy to open and shut

p Oil any squeaky door hinges

p Doorbells are working properly

p Remove any seasonal house lights and ornaments

p There is a working light by the front door

p Tighten any wobbly porch or deck railings

p Secure any loose porch or deck floor boards

p Clean the lawn furniture

p Clean the barbecue

p All pool equipment is in perfect working condition

p Clean pool equipment

p Place gardening tools in the garage or basement

p Neatly coil any garden hoses

p Property is free of clutter, particularly scattered toys

p Oil gate hinges

p Gates open and close easily

p Repair and/or replace any loose gate or fence posts


p Shutters

p Shutters and front door painted in a spectacular color which complements the exterior

of the house

p An all-season wreath on the front door

p A shiny brass door knocker

p An attractive door mat

p Flowers clustered around a lamppost or mailbox

p Window boxes under windows and/or along railings (Winter: drape pine boughs

across the empty boxes)

p Hanging planters

p Groupings of tubs with flowers on porches and decks (Winter: plant small

evergreen trees in tubs)

p Wood chips around trees and shrubs

p Brightly colored bird house

p A porch swing with comfortable cushions

p A hammock in the trees

p Filled bird feeders

p White wicker furniture

p An open umbrella above your deck furniture

p A croquet set

p Children’s pool toys neatly arranged by the pool

p A tray with a pitcher and glass tumblers on the deck table – all ready to be filled

with cold lemonade

p A bird book lying open on a chaise lounge (with a pair of binoculars on the table next to it)

p A chart outlining the location and names of all trees, shrubs, vines, perennials

and bulbs on the property.

Eliminate all that stuff that you’ve been meaning to get rid of. Your garage should look like there is enough room for the new owner to park a car or truck.


p Have a garage sale

p Clean the trash cans to eliminate any unpleasant smell

p Make sure the space is brightly lit

p Sweep the floor

p Clean any oil and rust stains from the floor

p Clean the windows

p Replace any cracked or broken window glass

p Get rid of cobwebs

p The garage door is easy to maneuver up and down

p Pile up cartons together in one corner

p Recycle old magazines and newspapers

p Hang bicycles on bicycle hooks

p Hang tools on peg board

p Hang rakes, shovels, brooms, hoes, etc. from hooks

p Clean off the work bench

p Put up shelving for paint cans, containers of nails and screws, bags

of fertilizer, winter tires, etc.

p Place all sporting balls in bins so are contained

p Organize gardening equipment

p All children’s toys, strollers, wagons, etc. are organized together

p Replace outside basketball hoop if net is torn

p Window boxes filled with flowers

p Curtains in the windows

p A weathervane on the roof

p Ivy growing on outside wall

p Flowering shrubs around the exterior

p Colorful hooks to hang implements

p A large wall clock

p An intercom into the house

p A hobby project on the work bench... possibly a piece of furniture

being refinished


Clean every room Thoroughly.  For most buyers, houses must have that “ready to move into” look. Scuffed and finger-printed walls are a big turn-off for most buyers. Painting is the cheapest and easiest way to fix the problem but remember to choose a color that ap- peals to everyone. Neutrals like ivory and light gray are an attractive alternative to White. If you have pets make sure your house doesn’t smell like you have pets. Smells, both pleasant and unpleasant, trigger instant and strong responses that are extremely difficult to change.

What is an escrow?

 An escrow is a process wherein the Buyer and Seller deposit written instructions, documents, and funds with a neutral third party until certain conditions are fulfilled. In a real estate transaction, the Buyer does not pay the Seller directly for the property. The Buyer gives the funds to an escrow company who, acting as an intermediary, verifies that title to the property is clear and all written instructions in the contract have been met. Then the company transfers the ownership of the property to

the Buyer through recordation and pays the Seller. This process protects

all parties involved.

The State of Nevada licenses and regulates all escrow companies. The Insurance Commissioner and the State Banking department can inspect a company’s records at any time, providing further oversight of the company’s management and position as an impartial third party to the transaction.

In Nevada, escrow services are generally provided by a title insurance company instead of an attorney. The stability, reliability and performance of your title and escrow company are vital to protect the interests of all parties to the transaction.


How is an escrow opened? Once you have completed the contract (or Purchase Agreement) and the Seller has accepted the offer, your real estate agent will open the escrow. The earnest money deposit and the contract are placed in escrow. As a neutral party to the transaction, First American can respond only to those written instructions agreed to mutually by all “interested” parties (Seller and Buyer); Escrow cannot otherwise alter the contract or create instructions, and that protects all interested parties.

How to hold the title. you should inform your escrow officer and lender as

soon as possible of how you wish to hold title to your home and exactly how your name(s) will appear on all documents. This allows your lender and title company

to prepare all documents correctly. (Changes later, such as adding or deleting an initial in your name, can delay your closing.) A comparison of the ways to hold title in the state of Nevada you may wish to consult an attorney, accountant or other professional before deciding how to hold title.

What happens at escrow? During the escrow period, our title department begins researching and examining all historical records pertaining to the subject property. Barring any unusual circumstances, a commitment for title insurance is issued, indicating a clear title or listing any items which must be cleared prior to closing. The commitment is sent to you for review. Your escrow officer follows instructions on your contract, coordinates deadlines, and gathers all necessary paperwork. For example, written requests for payoff information (called “demands”) are sent to the Seller’s mortgage company and any other lien holders.


What happens next For the Buyer?

Identity statement. You will be asked to fill out an Identity Statement that enables our title department to distinguish you from others with identical names during our search of County records. It also provides basic information that will be useful for your escrow officer.

home loan. unless you are paying cash, assuming a loan,

or the Seller is financing, you will need to apply for a home loan if you have not already done so. Your Real estate agent should be able to recommend several reliable sources for your loan. Apply as soon as possible to comply with the purchase contract and to avoid delaying the closing, response to seller’s notices. If directed by the contract, you will receive the following items which require a response from you. Your real estate agent can help you with your responses.

a. Seller’s Property disclosure Statement listing any existing problems known to the Seller.

b. Information pertaining to the home Owners Association (hOA) or Planned unit development (Pud), such as Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs), if applicable.

c. Flood hazard disclosure if the property is in a flood area. d. Independent inspections, such as termite and septic,

and any repairs as required.

Title commitment. you will receive a copy of the title commitment when we complete the title search. See across for an explanation of the title package you will receive from First American. If you have questions about the title commitment, contact your real estate agent or your escrow officer.

Consider this. One escrow transaction could involve over twenty individuals including real estate agents, Buyers, Sellers, attorneys, escrow officer, escrow technician, title officer, loan officer, loan processor, loan underwriter, home inspector, termite inspector, insurance agent, home warranty representative, contractor, roofer, plumber, pool service, and so on. And often one transaction depends on another.

When you consider the number of people involved, you can imagine the opportunities for delays and mishaps. So, much like an airline pilot can’t prevent turbulence during a flight, your experienced real estate agent and escrow team can’t prevent unforeseen problems from arising. however, they can help smooth out the bumps and, whenever possible, get you safely through to a successful closing.


open escrow and deposit your “good faith” funds in a separate escrow account.

conduct a title search to determine ownership and status of the subject property.

issue a title commitment

and begin the process to delete or record items to provide clear title to the property.

Per contract, confirm that the lender has determined you, the Buyer,

are qualified for a new loan.

ask you to complete a beneficiary’s statement if you are assuming the Seller’s loan.

meet all deadlines as specified in the contract. request payoff information for the Seller’s loans,

other liens, homeowners association fees, etc.

prorate fees, such as property taxes, per the contract, and prepare the settlement statement.

set separate appointments:

Seller will sign documents; you will sign documents and deposit funds.

review documents ensuring all conditions and legal requirements are fulfilled; request funds from the lender.

When all funds are deposited, record documents at the County Recorder to transfer the subject property to you.

After recordation is confirmed, close escrow and disburse funds, including Seller’s proceeds, loan payoffs, Realtors®’ commissions, related fees for recording, etc.

prepare and send final documents to parties involved.



Explanation of Title Commitment

This explanation may help you understand the contents of the Title Commitment you receive from the escrow office.

Schedule A

This is the information submitted to our Title department by the escrow officer. It contains the basic information given to us by the Buyer or real estate agent, such as the legal description of the property, sale price, loan amount, lender, name and marital status of Buyer and Seller.

Schedule B

The Schedule B “exceptions” are items which are tied to the subject property. These include Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs), easements, homeowners association by-laws, leases and other items which will remain on record and transfer with the property. They are referred to as “exceptions” because the Buyer will receive a clear title “except” the Buyer’s rights will be subject to conditions in the CC&Rs, recorded easements, etc. The Buyer is asked to sign a receipt for the Schedule B documents which states the Buyer has read and accepts the contents.

REQUIREMENTS

These are items that the escrow office needs to delete and/or record in order to provide a clear title to the property. Items that need to be addressed include:

- Current property-tax status,

- Any assessments that are owed such as

those for a homeowners association,

- Any encumbrances (or liens) on the property.

Sometimes items show up against a property because another person has a name similar to an involved party. This is one reason we ask for an Identify Statement, to determine if items are inaccurate and can be deleted.

NOTE

This is merely information given to us by the Clark County Recorder’s office that specifies the proper size, margins and print type to be used on documents to be recorded.


understanding TITLE INSURANCE 

THE TiTLE INDUSTRy IN BRiEF. Prior to the development of the title industry in the late 1800’s, a homebuyer received a grantor’s warranty, attorney’s title opinion, or abstractor’s certificate as assurance of home ownership. The Buyer relied on the financial integrity of the grantor, attorney, or abstractor for protection. Today, title insurance companies are regulated by state statute. They are required to post financial guarantees to ensure that any claims will be paid in a timely fashion. They also must maintain their own “title plants” which house duplicates of recorded deeds, mortgages, plats, and other pertinent county property records.

What IS TITLE INSURANCE?

Title insurance provides coverage for certain losses due to defects in the title that occurred prior to your ownership. The Seller can give only those rights that previously have been received with “good title.” Title insurance protects against defects such as prior fraud or forgery that might go undetected until after closing and possibly jeopardize your ownership and investment.

Why TITLE INSuRANCE IS Needed?.

Title insurance assures the new Buyers that they are acquiring marketable title from the Seller. It is designed to eliminate risk or loss caused by defects in title from the past. Title insurance protects the interest of the mortgage lender as well as the equity of the Buyer for as long as they or their heirs have any interest in the property.

When IS the PREMIUM DUE?

It is a one-time premium which is paid at the close of escrow. It is customary for the Seller to pay for the Owner’s Policy. If there is a new loan, the Buyer pays for the Lender’s Policy. The policy has a perpetual term and provides coverage for as long as you are in a position to suffer a loss.

Do ALL TITLE COMPANIES OFFER ThE SAME PROTECTION?

Any standard American Land Title Association (ALTA) policy covers the same basic items. However, premium title insurance policies combine the easy-to-understand Plain Language Policy with additional coverages, including coverage for events happening after the policy date.**

Some examples:

- Post-policy Encroachment. The owner has been in his home for several years when a neighbor builds a patio cover on the property. They’ll provide legal defense.**

- Post-policy Forgery. Someone forges the homeowners name on a mortgage. We’ll provide legal defense.** - Building Permit violation. A room added prior to the closing date did not receive a city permit, and the new

The homeowner is being forced to remove the structure. We’ll pay for the removal, per policy limits.**

- Automatic Inflation Coverage of 150%, a 10% increase in the policy amount for each of the first five years.

Note: If you decide to sell your home in the future, new title insurance will be needed to protect your Buyer for the time prior to and during your ownership for any defects that may have occurred. 


A home warranty is an insurance policy that covers a variety of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing items, as well as some appliances, inside the home. Optional coverage is available for more expensive systems such as air conditioners, refrigerators, pools and spas.

The Seller may purchase a home warranty plan prior to selling to protect against repairs needed during the listing period, and the Buyer may be able to assume the policy at the close of escrow. Or the Seller may offer to purchase a home warranty policy for the Buyer. Offering a home warranty plan may provide these benefits:

> Increase the marketability of your home by reassuring potential Buyers.

> help sell your home faster and at a higher price.

> Ward off potential disputes after the sale for repair and/or replacement of covered item


Most home warranty plans can be paid for at the close of escrow.

A copy of the invoice is presented to First American Title, and it becomes part of the Seller’s closing costs.


What to do before the closing appointment.

Your escrow officer or escrow technician will contact you to schedule your closing appointment and inform you of the funds you need to bring with you. Obtain a cashier’s check for that amount made payable to First American Title Insurance Company. If a wire transfer is necessary, arrange for it in advance with your escrow officer.

Escrow offices are required by law to have funds deposited before escrow funds can be disbursed. Expect delays if you submit a personal check! If you have questions or anticipate a problem, contact your escrow officer immediately. don’t forget your identification.

you will need valid identification with your photo; a driver’s license is preferred. This is necessary so that your identity can be sworn to by a notary public. It’s a routine step, but it’s important for your protection.

What happens next?

During your closing appointment at First American, you will sign loan documents and instructions to transfer the title of the home you are purchasing and you will present your identification so the documents can be notarized. you will review the settlement statement and give the escrow officer your cashier’s check. (The Seller will sign at a separate appointment.)

The signed loan documents will be returned to

the lender for review. Escrow office will ensure that all contract conditions have been met and

ask the lender to “fund the loan.” If the loan documents are satisfactory, the lender will send the check directly to the escrow office, usually within 24 hours. When the loan funds are received, Escrow will verify that all necessary funds have been received. We will then record the deed at the County Recorder’s Office and disburse escrow funds to the Seller and other appropriate payees. At this time, your escrow is closed!

You get the keys.

After the escrow is closed, we will notify your real estate agent who will give you the good news and arrange for you to receive the keys to your new home.


After the Closing

We recommend you keep all records pertaining to your home together in a safe place, including all purchase documents, insurance, maintenance and improvements.

loan payments and impounds. you should receive your loan coupon book before your first payment is due. If you don’t receive your book, or if you have questions about your tax and insurance impounds, contact your lender.

Home warranty repairs. If you have a home warranty policy, call your home warranty company directly for repairs. have your policy number available when you call.

Recorded deed. The original deed to your home will be mailed directly to you by the County Recorder, generally within two to three weeks.

title insurance policy.Escrow office will mail your policy to you in about two to three weeks.

property taxes. you may not receive a tax statement for the current year on the home you buy; however, it is your obligation to make sure the taxes are paid when due. Check with your mortgage company to find out if taxes are included with your payment. For more information on your property taxes, contact:

- Clark County Treasurer’s Office: 702.455.4323

- Clark County Finance department: 702.455.3543


> adjustable rate mortgage. A mortgage that has a rate that is adjusted at certain intervals during the loan period. The adjustment can either be higher or lower depending on the current market rate at the time adjustment is due.

> amortized loan. A loan that is paid off—both interest and principal—by regular payments that are equal or nearly equal.

> amendment. A change—either to alter, add to, or correct—part of an agreement without changing the principal idea or essence.

> appraisal. An estimate of value of property resulting from analysis of facts about the property; an opinion of value.

> apr (annual percentage rate). The yearly interest percentage of the loan based on the actual interest paid on the loan. The APR is disclosed as a requirement of federal truth in lending statutes.

> assessed value. value placed upon property for property tax purposes by the tax collector.

> assessment. A levy against property in addition to general taxes. usually for improvements such as for streets or sewers, etc.

> assumption. Taking over another person’s financial obligation; taking title to a property with the Buyer assuming liability for paying an existing note secured by a deed of trust against the property.

> balloon payment: A note calling for periodic payments which are insufficient to fully amortize the face value of the note prior to maturity, so that a principal sum known as a “balloon” is due at maturity.

> beneficiary. The recipient of benefits, often from a deed of trust; usually the lender.

> buy down. A fixed rate loan where the interest rate and payment are reduced for a specific period of time by paying the interest up front to subsidize the lower payment.

> clear title. Real property in which there are no liens

> close of escrow. The date the documents are recorded and title passes from Seller to Buyer. On this date, the Buyer becomes the legal owner, and title insurance becomes effective.

> cloud on title. A claim, encumbrance, or condition that impairs the title to real property until disproved or eliminated through such means as a quitclaim deed or a quiet title legal action.

> comparable sales (comps). Sales that have similar characteristics as the subject property, used for analysis in the appraisal.

> conventional mortgage. A mortgage that is not obtained from a government subsidized program such as FHA or VA.

> conveyance. An instrument in writing, such as a deed or trust deed, used to transfer (convey) title to property from one person to another.

> covenants, conditions and restrictions (cc&r’s). Restrictive limitations which may be placed on a property.

> deed of trust. An instrument used in many states in place of a mortgage.

> discount points. A negotiable fee paid to the lender to secure financing for the buyer. discount points are up from interest charges to reduce the interest rate on the loan over a life, or a portion, of the loan’s term. One discount point equals one percent of the loan amount.

disposable income. Income, usually monthly income, left over after fixed obligations and living expenses for that period of time are paid. 


> deed restrictions. Limitations in the deed to a property that dictate certain uses that may or may not be made of the property.

> earnest money deposit. down payment made by a purchaser of real estate as evidence of good faith; a deposit or partial payment.

> easement. A right, privilege or interest limited to a specific purpose that one party has in the land of another.

> equity. The market value of real property, less the amount of existing liens

> FHA. Federal housing Administration is a federal agency that insures first mortgages, enabling lenders to loan a very high percentage of the home price.

> fannie mae (fnma). A private corporation dealing in the purchase of first mortgages, at discounts.

> freddie mac (fhlmc). A mortgage that has a rate that is adjusted at certain intervals during the loan period. The adjustment can either be higher or lower depending on the current market rate at the time adjustment is due.

> ginnie mae (gnma). A federal association, working with FHA, which offers special assistance in obtaining mortgages, and purchases mortgages in a secondary position.

 > hazard insurance. Real estate insurance protecting against fire, some natural causes, vandalism, etc., depending upon the policy. Buyer often adds liability insurance

and extended-coverage for personal property.

> impounds. A trust type of account established by lenders for the accumulation of borrower’s funds to meet periodic payments of taxes, mortgage insurance premiums and/or future insurance policy premiums, required to protect their security.

> legal description. A description of land recognized by law, based on government surveys, spelling out the exact boundaries of the entire piece of land. It should so thoroughly identify a parcel of land that it cannot be confused with any other.

> lien. A form of encumbrance that usually makes a specific property the security for the payment of a debt or discharge of an obligation. For example, judgments, taxes, mortgages, deeds of trust.

> lis pendens. A legal notice recorded to show pending litigation relating to real property, and giving notice that anyone acquiring an interest in said property subsequent to the date of the notice may be bound by the outcome of the litigation.

> mechanics lien. A lien created by statute for the purpose of securing priority of payment for the price or value of work performed and materials furnished in construc- tion or repair of improvements to land, and which attaches to the land as well as the improvements.

> mortgage. The instrument by which real property is pledged as security for repayment of a loan.

> mortgagee. The party lending the money and receiving the mortgage. Some states treat the mortgagee as the “legal” owner, entitled to rents from the property. Other

states treat the mortgagee as a secured creditor, the mortgagor being the owner. The latter is the more modern and accepted view.

> mortgage insurance. Insurance written by an independent mortgage insurance company protecting the mortgage lender against loss incurred by a mortgage default, thus enabling the lender to lend a higher percentage of the sale price. The Federal government writes this form of insurance through the FHA and VA.

> mortgagor. The party who borrows the money and gives the mortgage.

> note. A unilateral agreement containing an express and absolute promise of the signer to pay to a named person, or order, or bearer, a definite sum of money at a specified

date or on demand. usually provides for interest and, concerning real property, is secured by a mortgage or deed of trust.

> notice of default. A notice filed to show that the borrower under a mortgage or deed of trust is in default (behind on the payments).

> origination fee. A fee made by a lender for making a real estate loan. usually a percentage for the amount loaned, usually one percent.

> piti. A payment that combines Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance.

> proration: To divide (prorate) property taxes, insurance premiums, rental income, etc. between the Buyer and Seller proportionately to time of use, or the date of closing.

> power of attorney. A written instrument whereby a principal gives authority to an agent. The agent acting under such a grant is sometimes called an “Attorney-in-Fact.”

> prepayment penalty. A penalty under a note, deed of trust, or mortgage imposed when the loan is paid before it is due.

> purchase agreement. The purchase contract between the Buyer and Seller. It is usually completed by the real estate agent and signed by the Buyer and Seller.

> quitclaim deed. A deed operating as a release, intending to pass any title, interest, or claim which the grantor may have in the property, but not containing any warranty of a valid interest or title by the grantor.

> recording. Filing documents affecting real property with the County Recorder as a matter of public record.

> special assessment. Lien assessed against real property by a public authority to pay costs of public improvements (sidewalks, sewers, street lights, etc) which directly

benefits the assessed property.

> trust: A fiduciary relationship under which one holds (real or personal) for the benefit of another. The party creating the trust is called the settler, the party holding the property is the trustee, and the party for whose benefit the property is held is called the beneficiary.

> trustee. One who is appointed, or required by law, to execute the trust. Another definition is someone who holds title to real property under the terms of the deed of trust.

> trustor. The borrower under a deed of trust.

> v.a. (veterans Administration): An agency with the Federal government which, among other things, insures and guarantees loans for veterans.

> warranty deed. A real estate oriented document used to convey fee title to real property from the grantor (usually the Seller) to the grantee (usually the Buyer).

> wrap-around mortgage. A second or junior mortgage with a face value of both the amount it secures and the balance due under the first mortgage. The mortgage under the wrap-around collects a payment based on its face value then pays the first mortgagee. It is most effective when the first has a lower interest rate than the second, since the mortgagee under the wraparound gains the difference between the interest rates, or the mortgagor under the wraparound may obtain a lower rate than if refinancing.

Inside the House First Things First...

p Repair any house foundation cracks

p Clean all windows, including those in the garage

p Replace any cracked or broken window glass

p Repair any wood rot

p Check window screens. Replace any that are bent or bulging

p Repair and/or replace caulking and weather-stripping around windows

and doors

p Storm windows are available and clean

p Exterior doors lock properly and are easy to open and shut

p Oil any squeaky door hinges

p Doorbells are working properly

p Polish any brass door handles

p Interior doors lock properly

p All doors and walls are free of fingerprints

p Illuminate dark corners with brighter light bulbs

p Consider replacing standard lighting with some track lighting

p Repair any noisy pipes

p Repair any cracks in floorboards or floor tiles

p Replace loose floorboards or floor tiles

p Repair any woodwork (door frames, baseboards, chair rails, etc.)

if chipped or dented

p Give woodwork a fresh coat of paint, if necessary

p Smoke & heat detectors are operating

p Fire extinguishers are in proper locations

p All electrical outlets are functioning properly. Try not to have extension

cords running all around a room

p All electrical switches are working

p All electrical wall switches have plate covers

p All electrical wall plates are free of fingerprints

p Electrical wiring is up to safety standards

p Central Vac is functioning properly and the collection bin is cleaned out

p All telephone jacks function

p Home insulation is up to standards

p Fumigate house, if bothered by pests or rodents

p Eliminate unpleasant odors... cooking, pets, cigarette smoke, damp, musty


p All interior doors wide open to create a sense of spaciousness

p Curtains open (for maximum natural light)

p Interior lights on to create a warm ambiance

p No pets or children racing through the house

p An unobstructed “walking path” through the house.

p Buyers shouldn’t have to maneuver around too many pieces of furniture

p A planned spot for the buyers and agent to sit and discuss the house – possibly the kitchen

– with tea, coffee and a tray with cups and saucers, cream and sugar, and cookies ready

on the counter.

p A printed sheet for buyer’s describing what you enjoy most about living in your home

p A home security system

p A room intercom system

p House at a comfortable temperature

p Soft music playing

p The aroma of coffee brewing, or something baking in the oven


Household Hints

Polishing Chrome:

Dampen chrome with water. Polish with a small

sheet of aluminum foil-shiny side out.

Polishing Furniture:

Spraying polish directly onto furniture leaves

smears. First, spray polish onto a cloth

and then polish your furniture.

Squeaky Wooden Floors:

Dust talcum powder into the cracks to stop

the squeaking.

Furniture Scratches:

Scratches can be filled on light wood by rubbing

with the meat of a walnut or pecan.

Cleaning Windows:

Use vertical strokes on the outside and horizontal

strokes on the inside. This makes it easier to see

which side has streaks.

Sticky Drawers:

Rub a bar of hand soap across the runners.

Drawers should then glide easily.

The Entryway  First Things First…

p Clean and polish hardwood flooring

p Professionally clean carpeting

p Thoroughly clean out the entryway closet. Leave only the coats you

are currently wearing.

To give the illusion of space, hang longer coats to each end and shorter

jackets in the center.

p Add new hangers or colorful hooks

p Entryway is unobstructed

p Entryway is brightly lit

p Add a tri-light lamp to change the mood

p If entryway is dark, consider painting walls a pale cream color to bounce

some light

p Consider hanging a mirror along one wall to open up the space and give

either a sense of depth or width.

p Be sure mirror is reflecting something interesting.

p Consider a small table

p If you have a table, make sure it is uncluttered

p Hang a favorite painting or framed print in the entryway, where it will be

easily viewed.

p If you have a wall with a collection of interesting objects, consider setting

it off with track lighting

p Repair any loose carpeting or slippery areas on the staircase. Consider

removing carpeting and painting the steps

p Handrail on staircase is secure

p Staircase is free of clutter

p Upstairs landing is well lit and free of clutter

p Clean and polish hardwood flooring on upstairs landing and hallway

p Professionally clean carpeting on upstairs landing and hallway, or remove

if badly stained

p Paint woodwork and doors a semi-gloss white enamel. This will give

a fresh clean look, and will pick up color tones in your wall paint.

p Clean all dirt and scuff marks from walls and doors

p Repair any chipped plaster

p Consider wallpapering or adding a wallpaper border to entry way

and upstairs landing

p A colorful mat at the front door

p Space in the closet to hang the buyers’ coats

p A polished table with a bouquet of silk flowers

p A little wicker basket on the table to hold the mail

p The overhead light on a dimmer switch

p Mirrors giving the illusion of more space

p A hanging piece of stained glass in a sunny window

p Beautiful wallpaper border that carries color and pattern as far as the eye can see

p A tall vase of ornamental grasses

p If an old house, a framed piece of original wallpaper

p An unusual art object or collection of furniture (e.g.: teapots, a child’s dollhouse, old

maps, an interesting piece of sculpture, colorful glasses, or bright ceramic flower pots).

p A set of small, framed botanical prints on the staircase wall

p A little round or oval rug on the floor of the stairs landing

p On the upstairs landing.....a staged grouping consisting of a small table with a reading

lamp and a selection of interesting books, a rocking chair with a small colorful quilt

draped across it’s back, and a basket of dried flowers on the floor beside the chair

The Living Room   First Things First...

p Refinish or polish hardwood floors

p Professionally clean the carpeting or area rugs

p Repair any worn spots on carpeting, or replace with area rugs

p Professionally clean window treatments

p Clean any window blinds

p Be consistent with window treatments on all the windows in the room

p Clean ceiling fans and make sure they are operational

p Remove any “extra” furniture that crowds the room

p Pull furniture away from the walls and group pieces together in more

intimate settings (i.e.: around a coffee table, an area rug, or in front of

a fireplace)

p Recover throw pillows to complement the material in curtains, or the colors

in the window shades and blinds

p Keep the television hidden behind closed doors of the TV unit.

p If television is open in the room, keep it dusted and secure any loose wires

with Velcro strips

p Clear away into boxes any tapes, videos or CD’s that cannot be stored

out of sight

p Remove newspapers at the end of the day, and only keep the most current

magazines

p Keep magazines in a magazine rack

p Immediately clear away any food or beverages as soon as they have been

consumed

p Remove any and all plants that are not in the optimum of good health

p Lower hanging planters so that buyers are looking into them and not up

at the bottom of dirty pots

p Clean all the light fixtures

p Use tri-light bulbs in table lamps, to control the degree of lighting you

wish to display

p Clean the fireplace. Remove any build-up of ashes or charred bits of wood

from the grate

p Polish fireplace tools

p Dust the furniture, windows and lights

p Vacuum the carpet/rugs and sweep the floor

p All interior doors wide open to create a sense of spaciousness

p In a sparse room, furniture that is all covered with one fabric for a really dynamic look

p Patterned curtains and clusters of pillows around the room in complementary

& contrasting colors

p (Winter) A fire crackling in the hearth but only if someone will be present in the house!

p (Summer) A fire laid with pretty logs, or a basket of dried flowers, or ferns, in front

of the fire screen

p A grouping of small ornaments, or a large painting (with picture light) over the mantle

p A comfortable chair by window, with soft pillows

p Next to the chair, a little table with bright reading lamp, a candy dish, a mystery novel

and a footstool.

p Two chairs grouped together around a small table with a jigsaw puzzle underway – and

a colorful dish filled with pretzels

p A coffee table with a bouquet of flowers and a sumptuous “coffee-table book”

p Music sheets on a piano

p Potted palm trees and hanging ferns drawing your eye away from bare corners

p A sofa table behind the sofa, perhaps displaying an embroidered runner, a lamp,

a cherished photograph in a lovely frame and an unusual little clock

p Indoor shutters on windows that overlook a garden

p The use of chair rail molding and/or wallpaper border within the room

The Dining Room   First Things First...

p Refinish or polish hardwood floors

p Professionally clean the carpeting or area rugs

p Repair any worn spots on carpeting, or replace with area rugs

p Professionally clean window treatments

p Be consistent with window treatments on all the windows in the room

p Clean ceiling fans and make sure they are operational

p Remove any “extra” furniture that crowds the room

p Remove and box any unnecessary dishes from your china cabinet

p Clean the lighting fixtures

p Repair and stain any nicks or scratches in the furniture

p Vacuum the carpet/rugs and sweep the floor

p Dust the furniture, windows and lights

p Polish any wooden pieces

p Polish and shine any brass hardware

p All interior doors wide open to create a sense of spaciousness

p An elegantly set table for four – with china, crystal and silverware

p A low centerpiece of either silk flowers or candles

p A lace or embroidered runner on a side table

p A side table arranged with a tea set, cups, and saucers, and a couple of ceramic bowls of fruit

p The interior light on in the china buffet

p A grouping of pretty painted dishes on the wall

p The overhead chandelier on a dimmer switch

p A small decorator lamp for accent lighting

p A large, framed mirror across one wall to add a sense of depth

p A dramatic curtain swag across the tops of windows (and sliding door)

p Potted palm trees and hanging ferns drawing your eye away from bare corners

p A large accent rug on the floor in the center of the room

p The use of chair rail molding, wallpaper and/or wallpaper border within the room.

Household Hints

Polishing Chrome:

Dampen chrome with water. Polish with a small

sheet of aluminum foil-shiny side out.

Wax Crayon on Painted Walls

Spray with WD40 and then wipe clean. Dish soap

will remove any traces of WD40 left on the walls.

Avoid Painting Fixtures

Cover hinges and door handles with petroleum

jelly. Paint will not stick to this.

Visualize Your Room Color

Before Painting a room, purchase the smallest

amount of the new color and paint a piece of

poster board. Place this in the room and see how

the color reacts to the day and evening light.

The kitchen must be spot- lessly clean and bright.

Real estate agents say many buyers judge overall housekeeping by how clean the oven and range are.


p Refinish or polish hardwood floors

p Clear off counter tops of practically everything.

p Buyers don’t want to see a clutter of small appliances, gadgets, mixing

bowls, etc.

p Clean refrigerator, stove and microwave

p Clean vents and exhaust hoods

p Check lights and timers on appliances

p Wipe down surface of cupboards and drawers

p If cupboards are old, consider giving them a fresh coat of paint, new

handles and perhaps some interesting molding on the outside of the doors

p Cupboard doors close tightly

p Replace any broken handles

p Drawers open and shut without sticking

p Silverware and cooking utensil drawers are organized

p Wash the inside of the refrigerator (including shelves and food crispers)

p Add a box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb odors

p Throw out any expired food or old left-overs

p Kitchen sink is spotless

p Use grout cleaner around sink and recaulk if necessary

p Repair/replace chips in countertops

p Clean any stains on countertop

p Scrub the cupboard under the kitchen sink

p Organize cleaning items into either a pail or on a special cleaning rack

p Repair any leaky faucets or under-the-sink pipes

p Wash and wax floor. Remove old wax build-up

p If linoleum is worn, replace or cover with an area rug

p Clean curtains and window blinds and keep them open to let the sunlight

shine through

p Clean ceiling fan

p Clean light fixtures

p Copper pot display is shining

p Organize pantry with boxes, cans, and jars placed neatly on the shelves

p Get rid of any unhealthy plants

p Clean pet’s “dining area”

p Kitchen is well lit

p Dust the furniture

p Vacuum rugs and sweep the floor

p All interior doors wide open to create a sense of spaciousness

p Colored glass bottles in the window

p A countertop arrangement of an open cookbook, a cheery bowl of fruit and a vase

of garden flowers

p New dish towels and matching pot holders (bring them out if buyers are coming)

p Colorful burner covers on the stovetop

p A new area rug at the sink (bring it out if buyers are coming)

p Mini-blinds, café curtains or a dramatic valance in the windows

p The overhead light on a dimmer switch

p The table set with bright place mats and napkins

p Wallpaper, and/or wallpaper border

p Strip lighting under the cupboards

p Window ledge with tiny terra-cotta pots of herbs

p Small basket with scented soaps

p Decorative tiles in splash area behind sink

p One cupboard with clear door to display glassware

p A hanging rack to display your kitchen dishes

p A mug rack with unusual mugs

p Sponges and dish mops in a porcelain bowl by the sink

p Cooking utensils hanging from a rack near the stove, or in a pottery container beside

the stove.

The Bathrooms   First Things First...

p Refinish or polish hardwood floors

p Remove any personal items (shampoo, medicine, cosmetics,

hair blowers, etc.)

p Clean all glass and mirrors

p Remove any mildew

p Re-caulk if necessary

p Repair grouting if necessary

p Remove rust stains from toilet, sink, tub and shower

p Repair any chipped porcelain

p Scour the bathtub and shower

p Wash shower curtain

p Replace any discolored shower curtain or shower door

p Clean soap build-up from shower door

p Shower door is easy to open and shuts tightly

p Clean and wax the floor. Remove any wax build-up

p Replace any stained, cracked or loose tiles

p Tighten loose toilet

p Replace old toilet seat

p Toilet flushes properly

p Wash toilet seat cover and bath mats

p Toilet freshener in toilet

p Check water pressure

p Clean vanity, sink, and polish all faucets

p Soap and soap dish are clean

p Repair dripping faucets

p Area under sink is organized

p Pipes under the sink are clean and not leaking

p Linen closet is organized

p Use shelf paper as liners in drawers which are stained, or on linen closet

shelves

p Clean the lighting fixtures

p Launder the curtains

p Arrange towels neatly on towel racks

p Laundry basket is out-of-sight

p Vacuum/Sweep Floor

p All interior doors wide open to create a sense of spaciousness

p Thick new towels in vibrant colors (bring out when buyers are coming)

p Toilet seat cover and bath mat co-ordinate with towels

p Colorful guest towels laid out on the vanity

p A full length mirror

p A lock on the door

p Dishes of tiny ivy plants

p A collection of scented (but unlit) candles

p A glass bowl of potpourri

p A mirrored tray with a collection of fancy perfume bottles

p An antique water pitcher filled with dried, silk, or fresh flowers

p Window ledge with tiny terra-cotta pots of herbs

p A pretty plate of little guest soaps

p Towel racks, which match bathroom fixtures

p A grouping of framed prints on the wall

p A rod of hanging lace in a high window, instead of blinds

p A room done in one color with one bright accent color (all white with a wall paper border

of sky and clouds and sky blue towels)

p For a master bathroom, wallpaper and towels to co-ordinate with the bed linen and curtains

in the master bedroom

p A hand painted sink

Household Hints

Refrigerator Odors:

While baking soda does absorb odors, try this for

a nice effect. Pour a little pure vanilla extract on a

cotton ball, put it in a small saucer and place the

dish in the refrigerator to remove odors and leave

a nice natural scent.

Broken Light Bulbs in Sockets:

Turn off power to a ceiling/wall fixture, or unplug

the lamp. Insert a potato into the socket and turn

counterclockwise to loosen the remnants of the

broken light bulb.

Washing Knick-Knacks

Gather them into a tray for safe transport. Wash in

a dishpan with a little liquid detergent. Rinse, then

blow-dry with a hair dryer.

Cleaning the Fireplace:

Mist the ashes with water from a spray bottle.

This will keep the ashes from scattering

when you go to clean them from the grate.

The Bedrooms    First Things First...

Dirty carpet can be cleaned but worn out or dated carpet needs to be Replaced. Shag carpet or a carpet color so unusual won’t help sell a house. People look more favorably on a house that has carpets they don’t have to replace right away. You don’t have to buy the best carpet available but do buy a grade in neutral colors that will suit most people.  You will get your money back on this one.

p Refinish or polish hardwood floors

p Professionally clean or replace carpeting

p Polish hardwood flooring

p Clean the curtains

p Remove excess furniture to create a feeling of space

p Clear personal items from the dresser

p Valuables are hidden from view

p Sliding closet doors open easily and are not obstructed

p Closet doors open and close tightly

p Organize closets and keep only what is totally necessary. Box and label

the rest for moving

p Keep shoes on a shoe rack in closet

p Use closet organizers

p Make the beds

p Hang-up and put away clothes

p Dry clean comforters and bedspreads

p Clean light fixtures

p Use tri-light bulbs in table lamps

p Clean ceiling fan

p Dust furniture

p Vacuum the carpet/rugs and sweep the floor

p Use boxes under the bed for hidden storage

Master Bedroom:

p Pretty sheets, matching comforter and a cloud of pillows on the bed

p Window treatment co-coordinated with comforter and bed linen

p Small, colorful scatter rugs

p A “thinking corner” with a comfortable chair, little table with a lamp, a plate of cookies

and a magazine

p A ceiling fan above the bed

p A mirror on the wall, reflecting the view from the window

p A night table with a table runner, a framed photo, a reading lamp, a book and a single

flower in a vase

p A writing desk by the window

p Lovely framed prints on the walls

p Wallpaper/wallpaper border/chair rail

Child’s Bedroom:

p Colorful wallpaper border... a child’s theme (sky and stars, nursery rhymes, a secret garden....)

p Large, brightly colored baskets for toys

p Hanging net hammocks filled with stuffed animals

p A child’s table set for tea

p An easel displaying the latest piece of artwork

p Pastel painted walls

p The bed turned down with a small doll or animal waiting on the pillow

Household Hints

Stale Carpet Odor:

Put baking soda into a flour sifter and then

sprinkle over the carpet with the sifter. Leave the

baking soda on overnight and then vacuum.

Cleaning Mini-Blinds:

Use dishwashing liquid to make a solution of

warm, soapy water. Cover each hand with a clean

sock, one for washing and the other for drying.

Dip one sock into the cleaning solution and rub

each blind slat until the whole surface is clean.

Dry the blind slats with the dry sock on the other

hand.

Curtains and Curtain Rods:

In order to prevent snags when you use metal

curtain rods, place the end of the rod inside a

plastic freezer bag before putting the curtains

on the curtain rod. Your curtains will slip right

through!

The Laundry storage room

Here is where all the clutter seems to grow on its own! This is a good time to get rid of all that stuff you’ve been meaning to throw away, donate, sell, and even return. As for the rest, make sure your stuff is neatly stacked or hung up. People don’t expect too much from the basement, only that it is dry.

p Refinish or polish hardwood floors

p Make sure all of the basement is brightly lit

p Clean the furnace, humidifier, hot water heater and circuit breaker box

p Change any filters

p Cover water heater with insulated jacket

p All light switches work

p Pull chain lights have chains, and are easy to reach

p Arrange basement contents so it is easy to walk around

p Handrail on basement stairs is secure

p Arrange for an exterminator, if necessary

p Clean and deodorize any pet areas

p Fix any water leakage and repair damage

p Electrical system is up-to-date and fuse and box is not overloaded

p Clean laundry appliances

p Appliances are in working order

p Keep dirty clothes out of sight

p Floor and walls around washer and dryer are clean

p Laundry area is brightly lit

p All pipes and connections are in working order

p Vacuum, sweep, and dust basement

p All interior doors wide open to create a sense of spaciousness

p Unfinished basement has freshly painted walls

p Colorful area rugs in basement and in laundry area

p Plants, even artificial greenery, in laundry area

p Laundry has a “drying rack”

p Owner’s manuals for appliances conveniently placed so buyer can check them

p An “interrupted” board game laid out on a table in a “Recreation Room”

p A sofa, two comfortable chairs and a coffee table arranged in front of a television. A warm

blanket or throw folded in the corner of the sofa. A bowl of popcorn and a DVD or video

placed on the table