1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage.

2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.

3. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.

4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows.

5. Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter, especially basements and other dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

6. Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems, such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet, may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained.

7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.

8. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Clean your gutters.

10. Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.

Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine Online by permission of the National Association of Realtors, Copyriht 2005, All rights reserved.

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Are you getting ready to make your next move to the Houston area?  I would like to be the first to welcome you and assist you with all of your real estate needs whether you are moving to Houston, The Woodlands, or Spring, Texas.  As a relocation specialist, I can help you sell your current property and find a new one in this area.  As a RE/MAX agent, I help relocate families all over the globe.  Please call me today and I will be happy to send you a copy of the Houston Newcomer Guide.  It will help you narrow your search area and give you a lot of helpful information about the communities in this area.  I would like to help you with all of your relocation needs.  Please call me today so we can get started.  When you talk to your human resources coordinator, please ask for me by name!  Shannon Register 832.628.SELL

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Just 5 miles from Sugarland and 1 mile from Katy, you are guaranteed to fall in love with this one story, open floorplan, three bedroom, two bath home in Grand Mission inside of the Sonoma Ridge Division. An excellent value, it has been well maintained since it was built in 2005. Fully upgraded from the builder’s standards, this home includes granite countertops, premium carpet, crown molding, hardwood & tile floors, and a custom built mahogany front door. The lighting, mirrors, and faucets have also been upgraded. The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, built in microwave, tiled backsplash, a butler’s pantry, and huge island. The master bathroom has elevated height on the double sinks, a separate shower and garden tub. The home has both a study and a game room. It has been custom painted with warm and pleasing colors. For energy efficiency, it has a tech shield roof. This home is situated on a huge lot with a covered back patio ideal for entertaining. You will never have neighbors behind you. The entire home is surrounded with brick. The Home Owner’s Association dues are $750 annually and that includes alarm monitoring. The water softener is leased for $24.98 per month. The community offers miles of walking & biking trails, pools, water park, a clubhouse, gym, and more.

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This Sunday my Buyer’s Agent, Linda Parrish, will be holding open 20223 Cypresswood Glen in Spring from 2-4pm. This lovely, well maintained one story home in the Cypresswood Lake Subdivision has been reduced to $129,900.00. That’s an amazing value! The sellers are motivated and awaiting your offer! Come see this one on Sunday, because it will not last long! The subdivision gate code is 1057. See you there!!

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Increase your chances of getting your dream house instead of losing it to another buyer, with these easy steps.

1.  Get prequalified for a mortgage.  You’ll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and make your offer more desirable to the seller.

2.  Stay in close touch with your real estate sales associate to find out first about new listings that come on the market.  And be ready to go see a house as soon as it goes on the market.

3.  Scout out new listings yourself.  Look at Internet sites, newspaper ads, and drive by the neighborhood frequently.  Maybe you’ll see a brand-new “for sale” sign before anyone else.

4.  Be ready to make a decision.  Spend lots of time in advance deciding what you must have so you won’t be unsure when you have the chance to make an offer.

5.  Bid competitively.  You may not want to start out offering the absolute highest price you can afford, but don’t try to go too low to get a deal.  In a tight market, you’ll lose out.

6.  Keep contingencies to a minimum.  Restrcitions such as needing to sell your home before you move or wanting to delay the closing until a certain date can make your offer unappealing.  In a tight market, you’ll probably be able to sell your house rapidly.  Or talk to your lender about getting a bridge loan to cover both mortgages for a short period.

7.  Don’t get caught in a buying frenzy.  Just because there’s competition doesn’t mean you should just buy anything.  And even though you want to make your offer attractive, don’t neglect inspections that help ensure that your house is sound.

Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine Online by permission of the National Association of REALTORS.  Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.  http://www.REALTOR.org/realtormag.

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