"They" say spring is a great time to sell your house.  Historical data backs that up.

If you're thinking about selling this spring, it's time to start thinking about the things you need to do to get the house ready.  Here are some important tips:

1.  Reduce the Clutter 

If you're planning to move, go ahead and start packing up or getting rid of things you don't need.  Houses with lots of clutter don't show well in pictures.  Why is that important?  Because potential home buyers make a decision whether or not to see a home based on pictures they see online.  The more cluttered the house, the fewer people who'll decide to see the house.  The fewer people that go see a house, the longer it will take to sell and the lower the sales price will be.  (Need help getting rid of stuff?  Check this out.)

2.  Don't Make Changes to the House Before Getting the Advice of a Real Estate Professional

Before you invest time and money...

From Kelly Vandever:

My dear friend Sandy Weaver is a garage sale aficionado!  

Sandy sent me this list of 10 Rules for a Successful Garage Sale that I share with you below.

Sandy personally helped me with my own garage sale a few years back and recently paired up with her brother to hold a massive garage sale together.  Wonderful human being and profligate writer that she is, Sandy captured her thoughts and shared them with me in the paragraphs below.

After she sent me this wonderful article, I asked her for her observation about their results.  She estimated around 50-60% of all the items they had out were sold.  The sale was held on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday with most of the items selling on Friday.  Saturday was the second best day and Sunday was the slowest day.  If you only have one day to sell, Sandy recommends Friday.  She shared that all the large items sold and she said it's key to price items well so...

Here’s how you might save big:

**Primary Residence Exclusion**: If you’ve lived in your home for any 2 of the last 5 years, you can exclude up to $250,000 of capital gains if you're single, or $500,000 if you're married.

**Partial Exclusion**: If you didn’t live in your home for the full 2 years, you might still qualify for a partial exclusion if the sale was due to work, health reasons, or other unforeseen circumstances.

**Home Improvements**: Keep receipts of any home improvements—they add to the investment you’ve made in your home and can reduce the amount of capital gains you owe.

**1031 Exchange**: Selling an investment property? Consider a 1031 exchange to defer your capital gains by reinvesting in a similar property.

**Consult a Tax Professional**: Always check with a tax professional to make sure you understand the impact of your options.

With a little planning, you can save money and keep more of your...

What Is a Backup Offer?

A backup offer comes into play after you’ve signed a contract to sell your house.

You’re under contract.  You’ve agreed to sell your house to a specific party.  We call the person (or persons) you sign the contract with the primary buyer.

A backup offer is another contract to sell your house to a different buyer, but only if the primary buyer doesn’t follow through on buying the house.

Should It Be Important to You as the Person Selling a House to Have a Backup Offer? 

Is that a Good Strategy?

The answer, especially if you received multiple offers on your house, is yes, it is in your best interest to accept a backup offer.

As the person selling your house, you want to sell your house.  So, if the primary buyer changes their mind, or they can’t get the financing, or they can’t reach an agreement about repairs, or whatever, having a backup offer as a signed...

If you're gearing up to dive into the world of home buying, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed with where to start. I get it—it's a big decision. The key to a successful and smooth home buying experience often boils down to one crucial factor: finding the right real estate agent. To help you in this journey, I've put together a list of three must-ask questions when considering a realtor.

1. Can I Afford This House in This Area with This Budget?

Let's get down to brass tacks—understanding your financial boundaries is paramount. What kind of house are you after? A detached home, condo, or maybe a townhome? Be specific about the features you're looking for—number of bedrooms, bathrooms, garages, and the like. And when it comes to the area, be clear about your priorities: school zone, city, county, zip code, or perhaps commute time. On the budget front, are we talking about the top end or a preferred area within your loan payments? It's crucial to work with an agent...

FREE WEBINAR 

6 Important Tools in Helping a Loved One with Cognitive Impairment 

During the webinar you’ll learn: 

•   Resources for planning 
•   A tool to help start the conversation with your loved one 
•   A list of important information to share 
•   Two major actions to take before you or your loved one can’t remember anymore 
•   Resources to help you and your loved one 

Noticing signs of cognitive impairment can be a scary and emotional time. This program willhelp ease that tension and provide valuable information to take positive actions. Help yourself and your loved one alleviate some of your struggles during a difficult time.  

Pick an upcoming webinar time here!

 About the Speaker: 

Kelly Vandever is an award-winning speaker, a Seniors Real Estate Specialist...

FREE WEBINAR 

6 Important Tools in Helping a Loved One with Cognitive Impairment 

During the webinar you’ll learn: 

•   Resources for planning 
•   A tool to help start the conversation with your loved one 
•   A list of important information to share 
•   Two major actions to take before you or your loved one can’t remember anymore 
•   Resources to help you and your loved one 

Noticing signs of cognitive impairment can be a scary and emotional time. This program willhelp ease that tension and provide valuable information to take positive actions. Help yourself and your loved one alleviate some of your struggles during a difficult time.  

Pick an upcoming webinar time here!

 About the Speaker: 

Kelly Vandever is an award-winning speaker, a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® with Keller Williams North Atlanta, and a daughter who’s been through the diagnosis...

When my dad was diagnosed with cognitive impairment, I felt...

Confused - Overwhelmed - Scared

Are you feeling that way too?

If you have a loved one who’s been diagnosed, there’s help.