10 Suggestions to Have Your House Ready for Sale

1) Clean, Organize, and Neutralize Your Space: Unclutter your house to make it look bigger and cleaner.  Buyers need to be able to envision their own belongings in the home, so avoid using bright colors and too many personal effects.

2) Keep your lawn green: Get your lawn in shape. A patchy lawn takes away from the home's overall appearance. Your local hardware store has supplies to re-seed those unhealthy areas.

3) Add insulation to save energy: The most inexpensive way to increase your home's energy is to add insulation which can reduce heating and cooling costs by more than 25%.

4) Update Kitchen Appliances: The kitchen is often the room that buyers gravitate towards first, and an updated kitchen can help sell your home. You don't have to remodel your kitchen to give it a new look. Updating your appliances to the current standard and replacing cabinet doors and hardware can make a big impact at a relatively low cost.

5) Update those bathroom fixtures: A little change can go a long way when it comes to the look of your bathroom. Updating simple fixtures such as your sink and faucet can give any outdated bathroom style. And, according to Bankrate.com, minor bathroom remodels typically return over 100% of the initial investment.

6) Build a fence: If you're trying to sell a house, the appearance of a fence adds value to the home overall. Buyers with children or pets will appreciate the privacy and security of an enclosed backyard.

7) Repair the gutter: Ensuring that your gutter is clean is crucial in protecting your home against water damage.

8) Light up the outside: An easy and inexpensive way to increase your home's outdoor space is to add lighting. It makes it more appealing and safer.

9) Store and organize: Ample storage space is a plus, especially when it comes to garages and closets.  Efficient closet structures can help keep your clothes organized  and can save space.

10) Polish off the basement: Rather than adding an additional room, it is more cost-efficient to remodel your basement. This adds value and usable space.

If you have questions and would like to talk, please give us a call 518-392-8484.  We are conveniently located in Old Chatham, New York.

Visit our website: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com


             Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint

Aggressive Marketing

When the time comes to list your property with a real-estate agent, you will want someone who will market your home aggressively. This process begins with a market analysis, which involves comparing your home to similar homes in your area that have sold recently. This comparison leads to the formulation of a listing price that both appeals to prospective buyers and assures you, the seller of a proper return on your investment. After that, it is the agent's responsibility to "get the word out", by advertising in newspapers, conducting open houses, listing the property on the Multiple Listing Service, and connecting with buyers and brokers on the Internet. Aggressive marketing translates into increased likelihood of selling your home.

Hint: From interior and exterior shots to virtual tours, pictures sell homes by emblazoning images on the minds of potential buyers.

The initial pricing of a property is critical. An experienced real estate professional utilizes much of the same information as a licensed appraiser in determining an accurate estimation of property value. At VantagePoint Realty, I have a proven track record for determining the highest and best price for properties. Property that is priced correctly and marketed properly will bring the seller the greatest return for their real estate investment. I can assist you in achieving the best results when marketing your home.

Call me to arrange an appointment. My office is conveniently located. I look forward to working with you.

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

and visit us at our website at: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

or e-mail me at: Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

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Would You Remove Your Own Appendix...

Would You Remove Your Own Appendix...much less overhaul your vehicle's engine? The fact is that, whether a Doctor or a Car Mechanic, most people turn to those with professional experience to get the results they want. In the case of selling a home, there is too much riding on the outcome to hope that a homeowner can do the job himself or herself. While potential FSBO's (homes 'for sale by owner') nearly uniformly focus on saving money, experienced Real Estate agents usually pay for themselves by getting higher prices more quickly. They do this by setting a realistic asking price, advertising the property thoroughly, networking more effectively, qualifying buyers better, and negotiating a better selling price, circumventing potential problems.


I am fully licensed in both NY & MA and bring with me the skills for service & dedication.


Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint

HINT: From getting a property ready for market to negotiating with buyers, experienced real estate agents take the emotion out of the home-buying process and produce bottom-line results.

Deciding On Buying or Selling - Call Us

When considering your next real estate transaction and looking for real estate representation call us.   Keep in mind that we will do everything possible to make your buying or selling experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.  With our experience in assisting with home buying and selling you can be sure you are receiving the best representation possible.

Owning property is one of the most exciting investments you can make, and it should be a fun and rewarding experience.  If you are moving out of the area or downsizing, and need to sell your home, we can help you prepare your home for sale, pricing your home right and marketing it effectively.

If you have questions and would like to talk, please give us a call 518-392-8484.  We are conveniently located in Old Chatham, New York.

Visit our website: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

             Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint

Listen to What Your Neighbors Are Saying!

Circumstances in the real estate market dictate that sellers list their homes with agents like us, who will market their properties aggressively. These efforts begin with a market analysis, which involves comparing the home to similar homes in the area that have sold recently, forming the basis of a listing price that appeals to prospective buyers and ensures sellers of a proper return on their investment. Then it’s my responsibility to "get the word out" by advertising on the Internet, in newspapers, in magazines, and listing the property on Multiple Listing Services and connecting with buyers and brokers on the Internet.

Listen to What Your Neighbors Are Saying!

Dear Stephanie,

“Many, many thanks for all the great professional help you gave me in selling my home. I will be singing your praises & telling everyone I know, if they are looking to buy or sell a home, to only consider you & your company!”

Sincerely, Susan, Old Chatham

Dear Stephanie,

“Before we unpack one more box, we would like to say that your attention to detail, from the selection of our new home to the process of relocation, is greatly appreciated. You have made our transition a positive experience we will share with others who are looking for the right place to call home.”

Carolyn and Jeffrey, Canaan

Dear Stephanie,

“We want to thank you so much for your help with the sale of our property in Copake. This is now the third time we have worked with your firm & it has truly been a pleasure. You are always on top of things, very responsive, & most significantly, you have an impeccable knowledge of the market. We look forward to working with you again one day & seeing you soon.”

Warm regards,
Ken and Debra

Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint.