Home Buying & Selling 101: Be Prepared

If you are just beginning your journey of buying or selling a home (or both!) in Asheville, N.C., you might be feeling overwhelmed by all of the information you have to absorb and decisions that must be made. Here are a few tips for both buying and selling that will help you get started. First things first, you'll want to connect with a real estate agent - click here to schedule an appointment with a Broker/Realtor from Firefly Realty and they will help guide you through the rest of the process! 

Buying A Home, Step 1: Your Home Wish List

This is a long list of things to think about, but it's something you can do with your family before meeting with your agent for the first time. It will get you excited about your home search, will give you clarity on what's most important and will give your agent valuable information for setting up a search that will yield successful results. Click here for a printable version of this checklist.

 Selling A Home, Step 1: Preparing Your Home To Sell

 While preparing your home to sell may not seem as exciting as searching for a home, it can be satisfying to complete these tasks - some of these things can be checked off your list well in advance, while others should be top-of-mind just before listing. 

Click here for a printable version of this checklist.

• De-clutter: remove as much as possible from all surfaces, and minimize personal photos and keepsakes. Professional home stagers recommend removing 50% of your items for staging.
• Touch up paint with neutral colors.
• Deep clean prior to photography. If you hire a cleaner, be sure they know you’re preparing for photographs.
• Maximize curb appeal: clean gutters, refresh landscaping, keep lawn neat, clean (or replace) mailbox.
• Pressure wash exterior, roof, patio and driveway, and wash all doors and windows.
• Spruce up the front entrance: replace your welcome mat and/or your house numbers, add a seasonal wreath or some potted plants or flowers.
• Perform minor repairs.
• Arrange furniture to allow easy flow from room to room.
• Organize closets, pantries and other storage space.
• Pay attention to smells.
• Gather appliance manuals and warranties and organize in a binder.
• Have a spare key made for your front door to place in the lockbox.