Buying or Selling This Spring? Spring is the season of renewal, and many of us do “Spring Cleaning” to prepare for the Passover or Easter holiday. When thinking of Warm Days, Cool Trends, some of you may be looking to start fresh by selling your home. If so, it’s time to take spring cleaning to a whole new level! Many experts on HGTV, or home stagers, recommend you start by de-cluttering. Get a few bins from a dollar store and organize your belongings in three categories: purge, save or donate. This can be done with clothing, tools and all items throughout your home. Clothing is usually the first to go. If you have not worn it in a year or two, let it go. There are many organizations in need of gently-worn clothing, and there are resale and consignment stores as an alternative when getting rid of things. If you’re getting rid of books, local libraries are a great resource for disposal. They regularly have book sales and would love to include them in their inventory. Next – dishes, bric a brac and collectibles. Many young people today, regrettably, do not want grandma’s dishes. As with clothing, there are organizations that will pick up donations, and consignment shops are always an option. The same goes for furniture, and the tax deduction/ benefit you will receive is often greater than what a used sofa will sell for on the open market. If you find there is still clutter in your home after sorting through your items, it may be wise to rent a short-term storage unit until your home is sold; and, if you have difficulties sorting through items, you may want to hire a professional organizer to help you. When putting your home on the market, in addition to cleaning, remember – less is more. Clean the garage. Counters should be free of ancillary items. If you have a lot of personalized items, put them away. Stage your home so perspective buyers can see themselves living there. And, if repairs are needed, make them. As an experienced realtor, I can assist with many of these recommendations and can provide referrals to help get your home in tip-top condition. The cool trend you may be looking for this spring is a new home – and I can help you with that, too! – Sharon Friedman “Experience the Difference…. The Difference is Experience.” “I’ve served the Beachwood community, friends, and neighbors throughout my career. Thank you for making me YOUR neighborhood Professional and Real Estate Resource since 1975!” Senior Transition Specialist Sharon Friedman Sharon Friedman Broker Associate, GRI, CRS, Realtor® Luxury Collection℠ Specialist Sell Phone: 216.338.3233 Voice Mail: 216.999.2064 Email: sfriedman@bhhspro.com www.sharonfriedmanhomes.com April 2016 n Beachwood Buzz 19 Now is the time to prepare your home for sale. Call me for a complimentary evaluation and a plan to get your home sold in a timely manner!