FREE Home Market Analysis

Contact Rivoli Realty for a **FREE** Home Market Analysis!

There are many factors which determine the value of your home. A very significant factor is the comparison of your home to recently sold homes in your area which are similar to your home. We have access to the selling price of these properties and we have the proper tools to help determine a fair market value of your home. Call Rivoli Realty today at (478) 477-6528 to determine the Market Value of your home!

To get the highest possible selling price for your home, it is also recommended to read and understand the following guide and to take these recommended steps:

Overview of the Buying & Selling Process

Buyer 1  Considers purchasing a home 2  Selects a real estate agent 3  Determines needs and wants 4  Discusses financial issues 5  Views & researches target homes 6  Makes an offer to buy	Seller 1  Decides to sell property 2  Selects a real estate agent 3  Determines needs & inspects home 4  Prepares home for marketing 5  Agent markets the home 6  Accepts, rejects or counters offer
7  Offer Accepted 8  Loan Application 9  Inspections 10  Title Search 11  Appraisal 12  Loan Approval 13  Closing Papers Signed 14  Documents Recorded 15  Funds Available To Seller
16  Seller Moves Out	17  Buyer Moves In

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While your house is being shown

Before Your House Is Shown

• Tag or remove items not included in sale (i.e. water conditioner, chandeliers, plants, drapes).
• Open shades and curtains to let in light.
• Turn on enough lights so home is well-lit during showing.
• At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting.
• Tidy all the rooms. Neatness makes a room easier to view.
• Clean dirty dishes in the sink and put away any dishes on counter.
• Keep toys in the children's rooms.
• Put away items in the yard such as bicycles, gardening tools and skateboards.
• If fall or winter, light a fire in the fireplace.

While Your House Is Being Shown

• When possible, leave while the property is shown. If not, remain in an area not being shown by the sales associate.
• Let the real estate expert show your house. Answer questions candidly when asked, but avoid questioning potential buyers.
• Refer inquiries about seeing your house to your Realtor to take advantage of the agent's professional skills in selling your home.
• Don't mention items you wish to dispose of unless asked.
• It is best to be away when your agent is holding an open house.
• Keep pets outdoors or in one area.
• Keep children quiet and in one area.
• Keep radio, stereo or TV on low volume.
• Keep money and other valuable items out of sight.

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Preparing your home through the eyes of a buyer

The effort put into repairing and cleaning your property is likely to be returned in a fast sale at an attractive price.

• As buyers approach your property the first time, impressions are formed quickly.
• Paint house - this can do more for sales appeal than any other factor.
• Yard - Remove all toys, garbage, garden tools and other items from view.
• Mow lawn and keep edged.
• Close garage doors.
• Put colorful flowers in front of house.

Often, while waiting to be let in, the first thing a buyer looks at closely is the front door.

• Put new paint on the front door.
• Buy a new door mat.
• Buyers take a close look at the basement of a home. They will look for bad wiring, leaky pipes and signs of decay.
• Clean out basement and dispose of everything you are not going to move.
• Ensure that there is plenty of lighting.
• Sweep or vacuum floor.
• Stack items neatly against walls.

The kitchen is often the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive.

• Put a vase of fresh flowers on the table.
• Replace curtains or clean existing ones.
• Remove appliances from counters.
• Create a pleasant fragrance in the kitchen (i.e. vanilla, cinnamon).

It is important that bathrooms are clean, bright and smell fresh.

• Install a new shower curtain and replace worn throw rugs.
• Polish all fixtures.
• Open windows.
• Hang bright, fresh towels.
• Remove stains from toilets and bathtubs.
• Use air freshener.
• Display colorful soaps.

The living room

• Clean out the fireplace and place logs in it.
• Polish all woodwork.
• Put big furniture in storage so rooms are not cluttered or crowded.

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Repair and Cleaning Checklist

Front Door: Newly painted Doorbell operating Door brass polished Hinges oiled Exterior of House: House recently painted Gutters recently cleaned Exterior lights operating Missing shingles replaced Moss removed from roof Windows: Window trims painted Windows operating freely Cracked windowpanes replaced Windows washed Driveway: Resurfaced Potholes patched Recently sealed Patios: Wood stained or painted Fencing secure Lawn: Lawn in good condition Grass mowed Edges trimmed Trees/Shrubs: Dead branches pruned Dead shrubs replaced Overgrown shrubs pruned Entry: Entry lights operating Floors cleaned Closet cleaned Closet light operating Living Room: Recently painted Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired Leaks repaired & watermarks covered Wallpaper secured Woodwork repainted Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned Drapes/blinds opened Carpets cleaned Furniture positioned to show space Kitchen: Sink free of stains No dripping faucets Appliances in good working order Walls, cabinets free of stains Countertops cleared and cleaned Pantry neatly arranged Pantry hardware replaced Refrigerator defrosted

Family Room: Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired Leaks repaired & watermarks covered Wallpaper secured Woodwork repainted Windows washed Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned Windows operating freely Drapes/blinds opened Carpets cleaned Hobby supplies put away Bedrooms: Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired Leaks repaired & watermarks covered Wallpaper secured Woodwork repaired Windows washed Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned Floor waxed/refinished Carpets cleaned Beds made Laundry put away Floor free from clutter Basement: Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired No evidence of water penetration Dampness removed Cold water pipes covered Dehumidifier installed Sump pump installed No musty odors Drains cleared Furnace cleaned Storage neatly arranged Excess storage removed Floor swept Light fixtures operating Handrail secure Stairway runner secure Dining Room: Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired Leaks repaired & watermarks covered Wallpaper secured Woodwork repaired Windows washed Drapes/blinds open to view Floor waxed/refinished Carpets cleaned Bathrooms: Sink stains removed Leaky faucets repaired Grouting stains removed All joints caulked Missing tiles replaced All fixtures operating Floors cleaned New shower curtain All supplies stored Guest towels

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Possible work orders

The following is a list of some possible work orders. The work orders must be completed prior to closing and the seller is responsible for having them done. Check with your local authorities for specific requirements.

The following conditions may require a work order:

• Broken windows.
• Debris in crawl space.
• Dry rot or deteriorated wood.
• Earth-wood contact.
• Overgrown shrubbery.
• Electrical not in working condition.
• Gutters and downspouts blocked or missing.
• A hot water tank without a 3/4" discharge line.
• Inadequate foundation ventilation.
• Inadequate attic ventilation.
• Less than four feet of waterproof material around tub enclosures (tile, formica, etc.).
• Less than 18" clearance between soil and floor joists under entire house.
• Peeling or missing paint.
• Plumbing not in working condition.
• Single oil or gas space heaters to heat entire house.
• Water damage inside home.

You might have to:

• Paint the exterior and interior if in bad condition.
• Hook up to public water or sewer if available.
• Get county certification if home is on septic or well.
• Remove unused oil tanks or fill with cement-slurry or polyurethane foam.

Other items to remember:

• Inspectors will need access to the attic.
• Leased equipment cannot be included in the sale (i.e. hot water tank, alarm system, etc.).
• All assessments must be paid.
• Joint maintenance agreements will be required for common road easements for maintenance on home where property line is within 3' of structure.

* Check with local authorities for specific requirements.