Thinking of moving? Now is a great time to repurpose Covid Fatigue to Prepare Your Home.

The real estate market is HOT in suburban and non-urban areas particularly since the onset of the covid-19 pandemic. This is a great time to sell or at least prepare your property if you are thinking of a near future move.  Since most of us are homebound over the next few months I thought I would share some steps you can take to get started.  Instead of succumbing to Covid fatigue perhaps this project will re-energize you.  

Take this opportunity to declutter, organize and fix up your space if needed. The goal will be to present the property as being well maintained. While it may be tempting to do a renovation or remodel, a renovation should only be done if the seller plans to stay in the home longer term to enjoy it. In general this cost will not be recuperated from the buyer. 

I always recommend minimal spending on home renovations unless there is a repair that will become a potential issue during an inspection.   Spend money wisely on cosmetic items that will give the home a fresh feel. 

If you have structural repairs that are of concern these should always be addressed as they will need to be disclosed by a seller.  While most of us are at home this is a great time to get estimates on needed repairs. You may be able to schedule these while working from home.  (Of note, Coldwell Banker offers a unique program called RealVitalize that allows sellers the opportunity to make needed repairs without upfronting the payment.  The settlement of the cost will be taken out of the proceeds of the sale.)  

More often than not there are many simple things a seller can do to prepare the property for sale on his or her own. Keep in mind that there is only one opportunity for a first impression, so you want to make it a good one. Why not take advantage of the time you have now to get started?

Curb appeal is key.  A seller should spruce up landscaping as well as exterior home features.  Touch up paint on home trim, door, outside lighting and the mail box will signal that the outside is well maintained.  Also it may be a good idea to buy a new welcome mat and check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling, and reseal if possible as well. .

Depending on the season or where you live you may want to trim hedges, clean the yard and plant bright flowers during spring time, keep lawn well watered in the summer, rake leaves in fall and keep outside walks clear during winter months.   

Inside the most important first step will be to declutter.  I recommend going through each room and determine which items you no longer need. The key is to show the property in the best possible light without distractions. Once decluttered go through each room and look for cosmetic items you can easier fix up to make the home feel fresh and clean.  

Some easy ideas may include cleaning all appliances, replacing any old worn or broken cabinet knobs and door fixtures. Also you may want to buy new guest towels and a a shower curtain to spruce up the bath.  Remember first impressions count and you want to do what you can to make a best first look.  Need more suggestions?  Feel free to reach out.

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham. She is available to help sellers prepare for the prospect of selling a home either virtually or in person.  For more information please email her at wendy.bornstein@nemoves.com or check her website at www.wendybcb.com.

Is Dr. Fauci today's Hamilton?

Many of us recently had the opportunity to watch the film version of Hamilton on Disney Plus with the original cast this past month. If you haven't seen it yet it will go down as one of the best musicals ever created and in my opinion a MUST SEE.   One of my favorite songs from the show was "My Shot". During this song Hamilton states that he is not going to give away his opportunity to be heard and an integral part of the "Revolution" in the founding of our nation.  

Perhaps I am going out on a limb to say that Dr. Fauci is today's Hamilton but I like to think outside the box.  Although there are many attempts to silence his knowledge on the current Covid19 pandemic he is finding other ways to give "his shot" of expertise to all who will listen to fight the pandemic we are all facing.  He is hoping to be heard particularly amongst millennials now that it is impacting this age group more than previously thought. Although his advice is being downplayed and he was not invited to this week's White House briefing (which appear to be less than transparent about the true impact of the pandemic) he is speaking out where he can over social media.  

Today's New York Times opinion section shares an eye opening interview with Dr. Fauci.  He has  important information to share to responsibly advise on the current pandemic.  Perhaps in the future there will be a play about him as the true hero of the  "Revolution" we need to battle today.  

As we document the history of Covid-19 let's all click on his name below 

 and say   "Dr. Anthony Fauci."

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham.  She enjoys coffee, walking her dog, theater/arts, reading, writing, travel and meeting new people.  She always welcomes the opportunity to have a virtual coffee now that we are amidst the “new normal”.  Check out her website at www.wendybcb.com or her fb page @wendybcb as she posts up to date content to meet the ever changing marketplace.