OC Realty Blog

RISMEDIA, - This spring, as it becomes a popular time for homeowners to begin preparing their homes for sale, Showhomes encourages them to do some essential steps to make sure the most important first step takes place: buyers make the decision to view the home.

“Many people think all they have to do is make sure the inside of their home is clean, but it really goes far beyond that when it comes to making sure your home looks its best so that buyers will take a look,” said Thomas Scott, vice president of Operations for Showhomes Franchise Corporation. “That is why we have released five essential tips that can help local residents stay on the right track when preparing their homes for a sale.”

Scott reveals five tips for selling a vacant home:

1. Curb Appeal - the better the curb appeal of your home is, the more attractive it is to prospective buyers.

- Trim overgrown bushes, weed beds and add a fresh layer of mulch
- Clean your front door and repaint if needed
- Add a fresh doormat
- Keep grass cut, edged and blown
- Plant some color in the beds to add contrast

2. Cleaning - for most buyers, dirt equals stress and the last thing most buyers want is more stress in their lives.

- Pressure-wash the driveway and sidewalks.
- Clean windows inside and out
- Pressure wash decks and patios

3. Paint - the condition and color of the paint can make a huge difference in how buyers react to your home. Select light neutrals - creamy kakis, pearly grays or soft greens.

4. Replace Worn Carpet - Dirty carpet is unsanitary and nobody will be able to overlook your worn carpet. Replace the top layer with inexpensive neutral colored carpet and you will always recoup the investment.

5. Stage your home - Buyers who look at vacant homes only see floors, walls and ceilings. With nothing else to look at, they focus on flaws. Because of this, vacant houses are very vulnerable to low-ball offers and often sell for 15-20 percent below list price.

For more information, please visit www.showhomes.com.

1. Hire only licensed contractors.
2. Check contractor’s license number at 800-321-2752 or www.cslb.ca.gov.
3. Get three references & review past work.
4. Get at least three bids.
5. Get a written contract & don’t sign unless you understand the terms.
6. Pay 10% down or $1000, whichever is less.
7. Don’t let payments get ahead of work & keep records.
8. Don’t make final payment until you’re satisfied with the job.
9. Don’t pay cash.
10. Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project.

Federal Tax Credit for Home Buyers:.

• For first time home buyers (those who haven’t purchased in the last 3 years).
• Eligible for up to $8000 or 10% of purchase price, whichever is lower..
• Tax credit starts to phase out on income above $75K for individual/$150K for couples..
• Must live in the home as your primary residence for 3 years.  If not, must repay the credit..
•  Tax credit expires 11/30/2009. 

State Tax Credit for New Home Buyers:.

• This tax credit applies to all buyers and no income restrictions..
•  Eligible for up to $10,000 or 5% of purchase price, whichever is lower..
• The tax credit will be provided in equal amounts of up to $3,333/year for 3 years.
• Must live in the home as your primary residence for 2 years.  If not, must repay the credit..
• Tax credit effective 3/1/2009 to 3/1/2010 – or when funding is exhausted..
• You can take advance of BOTH tax credits if you meet the qualifications! 

Higher Loan Limits:.

More good news – the Conforming Jumbo loan amounts have been extended back to $729,750.. These loans will be eligible for less expensive rates than the “Jumbo” loans.