Today’s housing market is different than it was just a few months ago. And if you’re thinking about selling your house, that may leave you wondering what you need to do differently as a result. The answer is simple. Taking the time upfront to prep your house appropriately and create a solid plan can help bring in the greatest return on your investment.

Here are a few simple tips to make sure you maximize the sale of your house this fall.

1. Price It Right
One of the first things buyers will notice is the price of your house. That’s because the price sends a message to home shoppers. Pricing your house too high to begin with could put you at a disadvantage by discouraging buyers from making an offer. On the flip side, pricing your house too low may make buyers worry there’s some underlying issue or something wrong with the home.

Your goal in pricing your house is to gain the attention of prospective buyers and get them to make an offer. And with price growth and buyer demand moderating, as well as a greater supply of homes available for sale, pricing your home appropriately for where the market is today has become more important than ever before.

But how do you know that perfect number? Pricing your house isn’t a guessing game. It takes skill and expertise. Work with a trusted real estate advisor to determine the current market value for your home.

2. Keep It Clean
It may sound simple but keeping your house clean is another key to making sure it gets the attention it deserves. As realtor.com says in the Home Selling Checklist:

“When selling your home, it’s important to keep everything tidy for buyers, and you never know when a buyer is going to want to schedule a last-minute tour.”

Before each buyer visits, assess your space and determine what needs your attention. Wash the dishes, make the beds, and put away any clutter. Doing these simple things can reduce potential distractions for buyers.

For more tips, check out this checklist for preparing your house for sale. Ultimately an agent is your best resource for tailored advice, but this list can help get you started.

3. Help Buyers Feel at Home
Finally, it’s important for buyers to see all the possible ways they can make your house their next home. An easy first step to create this blank canvas is removing personal items, like pictures, awards, and sentimental belongings. It’s also a good idea to remove any excess furniture to help the rooms feel bigger and make sure there’s ample space for touring buyers to stand and look at the layout.

If you’re unsure what should be packed away and what can stay, consult your trusted real estate advisor. Spending the time on this step can pay off in the long run. As a recent article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“Staging is the art of preparing a home to appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers in your market. The right arrangements can move you into a higher price-point and help buyers fall in love the moment they walk through the door.”

Bottom Line
Selling a house requires prep work and expertise. If you’re looking to sell your house this season, lean on a trusted real estate professional for advice on how to get it ready to list, how to help it stand out in today’s shifting market, and more.

We have always found Benjamin Tal a voice of reason.  In this article, he explains how “We simply borrowed activity from the future, and the future has arrived” – and does so in easy to understand terms.

For advice in these challenging times, always turn to the professionals – and not the 6 o’clock news.

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Big or small space, there is always a way to create a functional workspace.

As the pandemic rolled out, working from home became the norm for many. But, it can be difficult at times to find a place to feel productive and dedicated to your work.

No matter where you live, spare room or not, you can still carve out a space to call your home office.

5 ways to create your very own dedicated office space:

1.Change your living room layout
A lot of people find themselves working on dining room tables. However, you can actually utilize the space in a living room by just reconfiguring the layout to create something functional and aesthetic.

Tips:

Push your sofa against the wall to make room for a small writer’s desk, or place a slim desk behind your sofa as you would use a console.
Try adding a corner desk so it’s tucked away, like a reading nook.
If there is a window, think about placing the desk in front of it, where you can take advantage of natural light.
Place some decorative baskets beside or below your desk to store computer equipment, files and supplies.

2. Use multi-functional furniture that doubles as a work surface
Consider using furniture that can be used in more ways than one. This saves space, money, and the stress of having to find a location for a desk.

Tips:

Use a sideboard, buffet table or storage bench to store office supplies.
Place a mirror above a desk in your bedroom and have it double as a makeup table.
Get a mobile island that locks in your kitchen. You’ll have a countertop that doubles as deskspace, and you can move it in and out of the way when you are done.

3.Repurpose a closet
This idea is becoming ever so popular. It creates a functional space that can be hidden as needed. But, be warned… It may require some purging of your closet!

Tips:
Using part or all of a closet or an armoire, add a narrow table or sturdy shelf (at desk level) that fits within.
Add shelving above with baskets for light materials, cables or files.
You can also choose a fold-down desk for an all-in-one storage solution and a larger desk space.
Pull up a chair during the work day. And, simply close the doors when you are done.

4.Divide the room
It can be distracting to see your bed while working, so add separation. If you can spare the space within an existing room in the house, simply add some division.

Tips:
Add a folding room divider screen.
Hang curtains to create a fabric wall.
Install mid-sized bookcases to use as dividers that also double as storage on either side.

5.Clean up the shed or garage
At first thought this may not sound ideal. However with some purging and clean-up, conventional storage places make for beautiful office spaces. You just need to be mindful of what to keep, and add charming decor for motivation.

Tips:
Purge and remove anything you haven’t used in a year.
Place all storage items within boxes, on shelves, or in garage-friendly cupboards.
Invest in some floor boards, turf or rug to lay down (you do not need to get it professionally done).
Install a desk and some lighting, and add a heater for when it’s cold.