Where do you begin? Before you panic, take a deep breath and follow these simple strategies to reduce the clutter—and your stress.
-Schedule a date.
Just as you would make an appointment for a checkup, make one to declutter. Decide how long you want to work and set a timer.
-15 minutes of tidying.
Every day, straighten pillows on the sofa, clean kitchen countertops, take out the trash and start the dishwasher.
-Pet peeves first.
Which messy area bugs you the most? Zero in on that area, even if it’s as small as a shelf or a drawer, and focus on cleaning that spot only.
-Make decisions.
Put your emotions aside and sort objectively. Do you really use this item? Do you need it? Set up three boxes: Keep, Sell/Donate, Storage. Whatever doesn’t go into one of these three should go into a garbage bag.
-Group like things together.
Pencils go with other pencils and pants with other pants. In your pantry, put vegetable cans with other vegetable cans. In closets, group like pieces of clothing. You get it.
-Shelving.
Install open shelving and add some attractive baskets or bins to hold everything from linens to off-season clothing to toys. Label each container and make sure the items you use most are easiest to reach.
-Clear the countertops.
They’re the catchalls in most homes. Divide the clutter into piles of like items. Find containers and find a place for every item.
-Wastebaskets.
Put one in every room so it’s easy for your family to throw things out right away.
-Clean as you go.
Whenever you leave a room, pick up something that should be moved to another room or thrown away. Keep a laundry basket or box near the stairs for single-trip convenience.
Source: AHS
Many now realize that it is a great time to buy a home. It might also be an opportune time to sell your house. Here are the five reasons we believe now may be a perfect time to put your house on the market.
1. Demand Is High
The most recent Existing Home Sales Reports by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) show a double digit percent increase in sales year-over year; sales have remained above last year’s levels for over 25 months. There are buyers out there right now and they are serious about purchasing.
2. Supply Is Beginning to Increase
Total housing inventory is again approaching historic norms of a 5 month supply compared with 4.3 months in January. Many expect inventory to continue to rise as 3.2 million homeowners escaped the shackles of negative equity in the last 12 months and an additional 1.9 million are expected to enter positive equity in the next 12 months. Selling now while demand is high and before supply increases may garner you your best price.
3. New Construction Is Coming Back
Over the last several years, most homeowners selling their home did not have to compete with a new construction project around the block. As the market is recovering, more and more builders are jumping back in. These ‘shiny’ new homes will again become competition as they are an attractive alternative for many purchasers.
4. Interest Rates Will Again Rise
Although Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have softened recently, most experts predict that they will begin to rise later this year. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of Realtors are in unison projecting that rates will be up almost a full percentage point by this time next year.
Whether you are moving up or moving down, your housing expense will be more a year from now if a mortgage is necessary to purchase your next home.
5. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life
Look at the reason you are thinking about selling and decide whether it is worth waiting. Is the possibility of a few extra dollars more important than being with family; more important than your health; more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?
You already know the answers to the questions we just asked. You have the power to take back control of your situation by putting the house on the market today. The time may have come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire. That is what is truly important.
by The KCM Crew on October 15, 2013 in For Sellers
