Selling a home "as is"

anon94785555
Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:22:21 +0000

Intersting read/scan. My comments.

Our empty nester house is for sale, given the area it could take a year or more to sell. You have to know your area. Several months ago we had all sorts of little things fixed up- ready to pass inspection. Our clean original carpeting is fine per the realtor- a lot easier to redo when the house is empty and I personally would rather pick my flooring. Paint colors- likewise, and we don’t get depressed by neutralizing our blues/greens … In our area it won’t sell faster if you spend a lot staging. Smells do matter- per realtor.

Instead of baking I have put some cinnamon in a frying pan with some water and boiled it, cleaned put away pan as well, before leaving- instant baking smell, inexpensive. I checked on candles/sprays- this works better for me. But we have been out of town also and nothing done. And of course depersonalized and squeeky clean. Already decluttered- we’re downsizing, getting rid of stuff…

I’m a gardener- low maintenance- so the landscaping is showing well as spring rolls through. Frustrated though- won’t be spending the kind of money on things as if we planned to be here 5 or more years longer.

Have replaced much that was original. No granite/stainless (I hate stainless). Did it within a few years so we get to enjoy newer fixings. Here appliances not fixed in place are not included- will be a negotiation point. All depends on how things are done in your area.

The worst thing for me is knowing how many foreclosures are occurring- glutting the market. Those of us who happen to be ready to move after paying off any mortgage/living within our means will not get as good a price because of the banks who lent with abandon not too long ago. Philosophically- at least we had a good place for family and have no credit problems.

I love watching the housing shows. So many contradictory views in reality shows. The bottom line seems to be going with what works/is needed for your area. In our area- why spend mega bucks that won’t move the house any faster. For others- spend the money.