Be wary of gifts
It is the time of year where families gather and share their love by exchanging gifts. For those of you expecting to sell a home in the near future this can create a problem. It is common knowledge that clutter is a detractor when showing a house. Most Realtors will advise you to pack up any personal effects that are not being used on a regular basis and place them out of sight in storage until a buyer can be found. Mini-mizing your possessions allows a buyer to envision their own in their place.
Gifts are almost always appreciated. Without question a big part of the spirit of the season is the joy that comes from giving. We expect that you will receive graciously as well, knowing that the giver is getting joy from the experience. But what about after the holidays have ended? It might be a good idea to think today about what you will do with the gifts you receive. It can be especially hard if the giver is a frequent visitor. Certainly they expect their well intended gift will assume a place of honor in your home and life.
If the gift is something you can consume then we see no problem as long as you do so wisely. If it is an item of decor then perhaps it can replace an older, less sentimental item that will be packed away with other treasures pending the sale of your home. Donations of any item are always appreciated so if you get a second small appliance, a good working older one is appreciated by any of the charity sponsored thrift stores or shelters around town.
Perhaps a well intentioned family member or friend, sympathetic to your need for companionship - especially this time of year - will give you or your child a pet. You probably know that having a pet can be like having another part-time job although most would agree that the joy pets bring is a winning trade off. The problem with pets and selling a home is that they are living beings with emotions and can be subject to stress just like their owners. Arrangements should be made to keep your pet away from strangers by keeping them elsewhere during showings.
Many agents will tell you of showings canceled due to a prospective buyer noticing the pet in a picture of your home. Even if your pet is friendly and loves people, not all people love pets. Every agent can tell you of at least one instance where a buyer lost interest immediately upon entering the home and noticing pet odor.
We understand that for most, pets are a like family members. Just like small children though, they need to be cared for. Many with animals are able to maintain their homes with little trace because they are quick to clean up after them. In the event of an accident, the affected area should be cleaned immediately on discovery. The longer the delay, the more difficult it is to remove the stain and odor.
Keep litter boxes clean. After every use, is a good idea, but not less than daily is imperative to avoid odors. Many animals use the back yard for a toilet. It is convenient and if fenced, they need no supervision. Be sure to clean up after your pet's relief so that prospective buyers are less concerned about where to clean off their shoe than they are in giving a fair assessment to your house.
People will buy homes during the holidays. Make sure you keep yours ready to sell from top to bottom if you want yours sold.
Have a terrific holiday!
Trust an expert...call a Realtor. Call your Realtor or visit www.cdarealtors.com to search properties on the Multiple Listing Service or to find a Realtor member who will represent your best interests.
Kim Cooper is a real estate broker and the spokesman for the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors. Kim and the association invite your feedback and input for this column. You may contact them by writing to the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors, 409 W. Neider, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 or by calling (208) 667-0664.