Situations in Housing

So..... Long time no post. Sorry for the hiatus, life got in the way.

So, recently (and to be honest not so recently), I've been toying with the idea of listing my home for sale. 


Source

 It's a scary topic to think about. Being that this is my first home and I would be a first time home seller, it's maybe I topic that I don't have much expertise in. That being said, I'm looking at enlisting the advise and help of a family realtor. I think it best to have her walk the home and give me pointers as to what I can do to make it sellable.

Now keep in mind, I've been DIY-ing my way through this home since I bought it in 2009, so it's looking pretty snazzy. My ultimate goal was to remain in the home for the required amount of time (3 years per the New Homeowners Credit that I received back when I purchased the home). I had thought that I would stay in the house for at least 5 years, but that's not seeming like it's going to happen.



My main reason for considering the move is space and location. I've grown to tolerate my neighborhood. It's good, not great, but good. It's old......worn.....but good. I had high hopes that the neighborhood was in regentrification. I get our FRIday newsletters (neighborhood initiative newsletter) saying that "big changes are a-comin'!" I have yet to see this. I have been waiting. I can wait no longer. Plus, ultimately, this is not where I want to be.

That being said, let me get back to the topic at hand....sprucing up the house for sale. I've created a running list of items that need to be tackled (at least I think the do) in order to entice the right buyer (a.k.a the right sales price).

My TO SALE LIST: (as it is today)

KITCHEN

1.       Re-paint Kitchen Ceiling*

*There was an bit of a mishap with a hand and a misguided (tipsy) perception that the ceiling was bowed out in one place. Long story short, spackle and spray acoustic texture. Super white and my ceiling is off white. Hmm.....this could be a bear to fix.

2.       Caulk @ kitchen countertop/backsplash

3.       Caulk @ Backdoor/tile transition

4.       Cut and install pantry cabinet

5.       Paint trim Antique White

6.       Repaint Chalkboard wall to match Kitchen Color (Olivewood)

7.       De-clutter and box up unused items (kitchen and laundry closet)

8.       Stage Breakfast Bar

LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM

1.       Touch up paint

2.       De-clutter/pack away unused/personal items

3.       Remove heavy drapery and install light and bright option (Ikea)

4.       Clean Floors/Baseboards

5.       Install Crown Molding

6.       Caulk @ gap in floor going into hallway

7.       Install bottom drawer on Credenza for uniform look

8.       Fix/Repaint window sill

HALLWAY

1.       Install new light fixture (positioning track) and motion sensor light switch

2.       Paint all trim and doors Antique White

GUEST BATHROOM

1.       Paint baseboards/millwork Antique white

2.       Caulk/repair tile in shower/tub area

3.       Install tumbled travertine tile @ sink wall (Maybe...this may just remain as is)

4.       Replace sconce lighting (Maybe...this may just remain as is)

5.       Paint walls Chocolate Brown (Maybe...this may just remain as is)

6.       New, light shower curtain and tie-back

GUEST BEDROOM

1.       Paint trim/doors Antique White

2.       De-clutter/De-personalize

3.       Remove Zebra Rug (Anyone want a free rug?)

4.       Stage Bedding

 OFFICE

1.       Clean and organize

2.       Stage for selling

3.       Add felt pads to TV cabinet to stop rattling

MASTER BEDROOM

1.       Paint trim/doors Antique White

2.       Re-install closet doors (This is coming this weekend. Stay tuned for an update)

3.       Refinish Dresser (paint)

4.       Center bed on wall

5.       Recover ‘Dog’ chair with white throw (own)

MASTER BATHROOM

1.       Paint trim/doors Antique White

2.       Add bead board wall covering and trim

3.       Replace baseboard behind sink

4.       Repaint warm neutral (brown satin)

5.       Add framed mirror (Paint black one from Master Bedroom)

6.       Properly vent fan unit out of exterior soffit (get quote)

7.       Clean and re-caulk master shower

8.       Add shelving above toilet for open storage (floating)

ATTIC

1.       Replace broken truss support (2x4, cut to fit)

EXTERIOR (Front of House)

1.       Spray paint pots at entry steps; replant with topiary/flowers

2.       Paint gables dark and light colors

3.       Add bushes to front flowerbeds

4.       Remove soaker hose

5.       Add gutter across front of roof @ living room

6.       Fill in hole made by water run off

7.       Clean out flowerbeds, add mulch

8.       Add new surround @ tree, plant flowers

EXTERIOR (Back of House)

1.       Finish Fence (At least add the last panel at the front of the yard)

2.       Relocate Bushes to flowerbed by back door; chicken wire

3.       Add bushes @ Garage flowerbeds; chicken wire (A necessary evil due to a darn digging dog)

GARAGE

1.       Paint remaining side and back of garage

2.       De-clutter and clean garage

3.       Add new tar paper between studs (see if it comes on rolls)

4.       Remove old wood in rafters

5.       Add planters/topiaries @ sides of garage door

6.       Dig trench @ driveway for water run-off

Suffice to say, I've got a big task ahead of me. I know I can do it, one-thing-at-a-time. You'll just have to follow along to see the progress. Enjoy!

Source