Checklist for Millburn-Short Hills Home Sellers!

If you’re preparing to sell your Millburn-Short Hills home this fall, congratulations! With homebuyers eager to buy before mortgage rates and home prices continue to rise, you’ve got a good chance of selling your home fast. Plus, inventory is still relatively low, so you might get multiple offers.

It’s important to be familiar with the steps in the home-selling process before you’re right in the middle of it. BHG Real Estate shared a basic seven-step checklist for home sellers. As a New Jersey real estate agent, I’ll go into detail for you about each one:

1.  Hire a real estate professional! Right away, you’ll create a trusting partnership with a professional, who can walk you through each step of the home-selling process. You’ll discuss market trends, recent sales, realistic expectations, timelines and next steps. You need to find a good match, so don’t be afraid to ask questions! As a Millburn-Short Hills real estate agent, I’m always willing to answer any questions you have.

2.  Set price expectations. You and your agent can work together on this. Determine what you need to net from the sale. Find out what your home is worth. Have your agent share with you what other homes like yours are selling for in the Millburn-Short Hills area. Consider an appraisal, which will let you know if there is any damage that needs to be dealt with.

3.  Declutter. This is a step that every home seller needs to take but that most dread. Over the years, we accumulate a lot of stuff! Potential homebuyer don’t want to see that stuff. They want to see a move-in-ready home that looks like a model. So clean out all your closets, cabinets and storage spaces and get rid of whatever you can. Make the home spotless.

4.  Host a garage sale. This is a great idea for those of you who end up with a lot of items to get rid of after you declutter. Rather than just tossing them, you might as well try to earn some cash for them! This could be put aside for closing costs, moving costs or home repairs. Also, you could let garage sale customers know that you’re selling your home. They can spread the word!

5.  Pump up curb appeal. Potential homebuyers see the outside of your house before anything else, so you want it to look memorable and inviting. Keep your lawn green and lush, but also mowed and manicured. Trim your trees and bushes. Plant blooming flowers in your gardens, or place flower pots on your front porch. Power wash your exterior. Hang a welcome sing on your front door.

6.  Transfer or cancel utilities and insurance. You want to do this after you have a homebuyer or after you have bought your next home. You don’t want a surprise bill coming in the mail after you have moved out!

7.  Get prepared for the closing. This includes bringing keys and remotes and other items that might not even cross your mind. As your New Jersey real estate agent, I can prep you for this and let you know what you need to do.

Selling your Millburn-Short Hills home is an exciting adventure! Let me help walk you through the process and support you every step of the way. Contact me!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Declutter Your North Jersey Home For a Healthier, Calmer Life!

Anyone who has gone through the home-selling process before knows how stressful it can be if you start out with a cluttered, unorganized home. Likewise, moving can be a real hassle if you have an overabundance of stuff. As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate agent, I’d like to help you out!

As it turns out, clutter in the home has been scientifically proven to raise your stress levels year-round, according to HGTV. This is true of all homeowners, whether buying, selling, or just staying put. However, if you work toward a more organized, clutter-free home now, moving and staging your home to sell will be much easier down the road!

Here are some of the tips HGTV offers for living a healthier, calmer life in a more organized home:

• Spend 15 minutes each day or night tidying up your home. This could be anything from straightening out throw pillows to wiping down kitchen countertops or washing and putting away the dishes. Create a time slot for this everyday so you keep up in a doable fashion!

• If you don’t have a home office, create a small nook with a floating shelf and a small cabinet. This can be your “command center” for writing bills, taking phone messages, keeping a calendar, printing and storing files. That way, everything is organized in one place.

• Stick with the basics in the kitchen. You don’t need all the latest and greatest gadgets and tools to be taking up space on your counters or in your cabinets. In fact, spend one day emptying the drawers and cabinets, and only put back what you use on a regular basis.

• Use a shoe organizer in the bathroom. Hang it on a cabinet or closet door so that everything you need is easily accessible but not strewn on the counter or thrown into the cabinet. From nail polish, makeup and razors, to hair spray, curling irons and brushes, everything will have its own little nook!

• Use bins in your closets and label what’s in each one. It’ll add storage space while still keeping things organized and categorized. You can use these bins for anything, from pajamas, bathing suits and workout clothes, to toys, shoes and books.

For more clutter-free cleaning tips, read the entire HGTV article here.

By incorporating these small changes into your household and everyday living habits, hopefully you’ll find yourself calmer and more organized at home and in life! And when you’re ready to sell your North Jersey home, or move to a new home, the job will be much easier.

Need help selling your Millburn-Short Hills home or buying aNorth Jersey home? Contact me!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Planning a Move to Your New Millburn-Short Hills Home!

It's that time of year again! Leases will be expiring, homes are selling, and residents of Millburn-Short Hills  will soon be on the move! In fact, the peak season for moving runs from May through September, leading to higher demand for rental trucks, moving companies and storage facilities. I have some tips to help make your New Jersey move a success!

I'll start with a word of caution: there are unethical moving companies out there who prey on the unwary. This affects people who are moving households cross-country as well as in-state. Fortunately, there are ways you can screen professional movers to protect yourself. There is a great deal of information available on these websites:

• American Moving & Storage Association
• U.S. Department of Transportation
• The Better Business Bureau of New Jersey

If you plan to do-it-yourself and rent a moving truck, reserve your vehicle well in advance. Tip: when in doubt, go with a larger truck. It's more cost-effective than making multiple trips with a smaller truck. Also read over the rental contract carefully - there are plenty of hidden fees with some companies. There may be fees for exceeding a certain number of miles, or for returning the truck late. Helpful things like hand trucks/carts and furniture padding are usually available, but there may be an extra charge.

Tired of using cardboard boxes to pack your belongings? There's an alternative! Plastic, reusable moving boxes are available for rent. They are durable, stackable, and washable. It will cost a bit of money, but you may be dollars ahead over buying cardboard moving boxes - and if it rains, cardboard can be a disaster. You can learn more about reusable moving containers in this New York Times article.

Moving pods are another option. The pods are a transportable storage unit. They are delivered to your home by truck, dropped off, and left there for you to fill. When everything is loaded, you call the company and the pod is loaded up and delivered to your new residence. The appeal of moving pods is that you have more time to deal with loading and unloading - no rushing to return a truck.

I hope this information helps you get moving! And when you're ready to get moving by buying or selling a New Jersey home, I'll be happy to help you. As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I will provide the expert guidance you need for a success!

 Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience be your advantage!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Plan for Success When Remodeling Your Millburn-Short Hills Home!

Ready to remodel your Millburn-Short Hills home? If you answered "yes", you're in good company! A recent survey by home remodeling site Houzz shows that 53% of homeowners agree that now is a good time to remodel. 

The most popular remodeling project involves kitchens, and Americans spend an average of $28,000 on this area of the home! But before you get out your checkbook, you will need to have a plan in mind. Here are some planning tips to help you!

Identify the main goals. Are new kitchen cabinets a must? Do high-end appliances make sense? Your wish list might be bigger than your budget, so start by deciding the priorities. List everything else to the side.

Decide your timeline for completion. Are you selling your home in the near future? Are you expecting to entertain guests? Have a realistic timeline for completion. Make sure to factor in some cushion for unexpected delays. 

Determine your budget. Do you have the financing available or funds set aside to comfortably tackle your project? Estimates, after all, are only estimates!

Interview contractors and obtain several estimates. Beware of bids that are too cheap compared to the running norms. The contractor may be cutting some serious corners to make that bid possible, or he may plan to “surprise” you with extra charges along the way.

Compare the estimates to your budget. Are you still in business? Can you afford the little extras? Do you need to finance more of the project than expected? 

Revisit your list of contractors and make an informed choice. Ask for referrals, and check them out against the Better Business Bureau. Also, personality counts! Don’t hire someone that rubs you the wrong way, no matter how good their prices are. It will only add stress to your experience.

One more tip - before you commit dollars to your project, be sure to have realistic expectations about what you may recover when you sell your home. See my blog post from January 30 that talks about the average return on investment for home improvements. 

If you are preparing to sell your Millburn-Short Hills home, start with a comparative market analysis to find out your home's price range in today's market before you remodel. I will also provide you with a net sheet to show your estimated proceeds after the home sale. I will counsel you on what improvements are most likely to benefit your home sale and your bottom line!

As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I will provide the expert guidance you need for a successful home sale! Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience be your market advantage!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Home Equity Sees Recovery in Millburn-Short Hills Area

Fewer homes are underwater in value, according to the latest report from CoreLogic. Improvements in home values are being seen nationwide as well as in Millburn-Short Hills!

I won't keep you in suspense! CoreLogic says that 88.1 percent of homes in the New York-White Plains-Wayne N.Y-N.J. statistical area have positive equity!

While we are a few miles away from the core metropolitan area, our home values have seen a similar, progressive rise in recent months. Please keep in mind that this is a broad statistic and home values will vary by neighborhood.

CoreLogic's report also shows that homes at the higher price ranges are gaining equity at a quicker pace. Here are some more findings:

86 percent of homes valued at $200,000 or more have equity, compared with 72 percent of homes valued at less than $200,000.

  

Homes with a combination of outstanding primary mortgages and home equity loans accounted for $315 billion of negative equity nationwide. 

 

6.5 million negative equity borrowers hold first liens without home equity loans. The average mortgage balance for this group of borrowers is $213,000. The average underwater amount is $45,000. 

3.9 million negative equity borrowers hold both first and second liens. The average mortgage balance for this group of borrowers is $296,000.The average underwater amount is $80,000! 

In other words, the total amount of mortgage debt outstanding plays a role in how quickly homes recover equity. And because second mortgages were used as a down payment method during the boom, some homeowners were heavily leveraged from the beginning. These homeowners have deeper hole to escape, but fortunately the market trends are cooperating. 

If you are preparing to sell your Millburn-Short Hills home, let's start with a comparative market analysis to find out your home value in today's market! I will also provide a net sheet to show your estimated sale proceeds. 

As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I will provide the expert guidance you need for a successful home sale! Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience be your market advantage!  

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Home Buyer Wish List Includes Bells and Whistles

A new home buyer survey by the National Association of Home Builders reveals the home features, amenities and locations most coveted by today's buyers. While the survey isn't necessarily scientific, it's interesting to look at the sale points the survey revealed. Here are some examples, in random order!

1. Double sinks in the kitchen; a "prep sink" as well as a full, traditional sink.

2. Energy-star rated appliances.

3. Energy-efficient and convenient laundry facilities.

4. French doors.

5. Wireless home security systems.

6. Whole-house technology, allowing entertainment and utility controls in virtually every room.

7. Well-appointed bathrooms with both a tub and a shower stall.

Please keep in mind that this is a "wish list" and that home buyers are not necessarily willing to pay more for any of these features. But these are the "wow" factors that could influence buyers, potentially, to choose one home over another, according to the survey.

What turns off home buyers? Laminate counter tops.

The survey also indicated surprising results about location preferences. We've been hearing about "walkability" and "infill" development trends, but according to the survey, suburbia is alive and well:

• 30% of buyers prefer close-in suburbs
• 36% of buyers prefer to live in the outer suburbs
• 27% would prefer rural living

What's out? Golf-course homes. Unless, of course, the buyers are avid golfers! Meanwhile, gated communities that offer walking and jogging trails, and amenities like pools and tennis courts, still hold buyer appeal.

What matters the least? If you can believe it...home size! According to the survey, home buyers would cheerfully take a smaller home over a larger one, if it had the upscale features they desired. They would also choose a home with energy efficiency, over one that is not efficient, even if the non-efficient home was less expensive.

Before you run out to the local home improvement store to invest in upgrades, talk to me first! If you are preparing to sell your Millburn-Short Hills home, you should obtain a comparative market analysis to find out your home's price range before you make improvements. I will also provide you with a net sheet to show your estimated sale proceeds, and I will counsel you on competitive marketing strategies.

 As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I will provide the expert guidance you need for a successful home sale!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Home Improvements That Pay Off for Millburn-Short Hills Home Sellers

The latest Cost vs. Value report has some eye-opening facts about how your home upgrades translate into dollars! This information is good to know if you are thinking of selling your Millburn-Short Hills or Summit, NJ home now or somewhere down the road. The report finds that exterior projects pay off the best! Here are the highlights!

1. Steel exterior door replacement is the project expected to return the most money, with an estimated 85.6% of costs recouped upon resale. This is also the least expensive project in the report, costing little more than $1,100 on average.

2. Updating your home's exterior siding can return 71% of costs. Different types of siding offer varying degrees of return; fiber cement siding returns 79.3% of costs. Vinyl siding returns 72.9% to your wallet.

3. Replacing old, beat-up garage doors improve curb appeal and also pay you back pretty well. If you go with a mid-range or upscale garage door replacement, you can expect to recover about 75% of your costs.

4. As far as interior projects go, kitchen remodeling remains the number one interior project for return on the money. The rule of thumb here is to keep it sensible. A minor kitchen remodeling project has an average national cost of $19,000 and will return about 75.4% of costs to your wallet.

What is the least bang for the buck? Per the national averages, a home office offers the least return for the money, at only 44%. Even though working from home has become more common, this type of feature appeals to a smaller percentage of home buyers. 

If you are preparing to sell your Millburn-Short Hills home, you should obtain a comparative market analysis to find out your home's price range in today's market before you make major improvements. I will provide you with a net sheet to show your estimated proceeds after the home sale. I will counsel you on what improvements are most likely to benefit your home sale and your bottom line!

As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I will provide the expert guidance you need for a successful home sale! Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience be your market advantage!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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7 Reasons to Get Your Millburn-Short Hills Home on the Market Now!

Could the months of January and February 2013 be the new "peak season" for home sellers in Millburn-Short Hills, Livingston and Summit, NJ? Yes! Here are 7 reasons why you should place your home on the market now!

1. Homes are selling faster! The absorption rate for Union, Essex and Morris/Somerset counties combined is at 5.52 months of supply! This is a 33% drop in home inventory from January 2012!

In the most popular towns within the above counties, home inventory currently stands at only 3.39 months of supply! We have a seller's market in most areas!  
                                                                    
 2. The economy is stronger! The S&P stock index is 6% from its all-time high! Employment has improved around the country, and consumer sentiment has also improved.

3. The tax changes resulting from the first half of "Fiscal Cliff" budget talks have proved to be modest, keeping the Bush-era tax cuts in place for most taxpayers. 

4. Mortgage interest rates are at all-time lows, with 30-year fixed rate mortgages available under 4% for well-qualified borrowers. 15-year mortgage rates are also incredibly low, making it feasible for home buyers to plan for mortgage-free living!

5. Home builder positive sentiment is at a 5-year high!

6. Our local home inventories are at a 7-year low! There are more buyers than homes!

7. We are having a mild winter, and home buyers are looking at homes for sale now!

If you are thinking of selling your Millburn-Short Hills or Summit, NJ home, don't fall for the gimmicks of "discount" brokers. As the #1 agent in the Millburn-Short Hills market from 2010-2012, I know how to sell your home for the best possible price, while covering all the details to ensure a smooth transaction!

Curious about your home value, or getting ready to sell? We will begin with a comparative market analysis to find out your home's price range in today's market. I will also provide a net sheet to estimate your sales proceeds after the customary expenses, so you know your position. These services are all part of my professional listing presentation, which I offer for free, with no obligations and no pressure!

As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I will provide expert guidance for a successful home sale. Real estate is a four-season business - I can help you sell your home in Essex and Union County any time of year, in any market!

Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience be your selling advantage!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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5 Easy Ways to Catch Home Buyer Attention in Millburn-Short Hills NJ!

It's a New Year! If selling your Millburn-Short Hills or Summit, NJ home is one of your goals for 2013, I can help! In fact, I have 5 tips for attracting home buyer attention that you can put to use right away. I'll get to those in a moment!

First, I want to let you know that before you spend money on home updates, you should obtain a comparative market analysis to find out your home's price range in today's market.

You should also obtain a net sheet that estimates your proceeds after expenses are subtracted from the sale. This is all part of a listing presentation, which I offer for free, and with no obligations.

Even if you are not ready to sell this instant, getting this data now helps you make wise decisions about where to spend money on updates - or if you should spend money at all. Having some idea of your home's competitive position on the market gives you a starting point. When you are ready to sell, we will update the CMA and the net sheet before you determine a listing price.

Whether you are thinking of selling or your home is already on the market, here are some inexpensive ways you can draw home buyer attention!

1. Look at your home objectively. Take exterior and interior photos, and imagine a buyer looking at these photos online. What stands out, for better or worse? If you see clutter, garbage cans and overgrown shrubs, start by removing these negative impressions.

2. Exterior details are the first thing your buyer will notice. Look at your exterior lighting, mailbox, house number, front door, welcome mat, ect. They should be in good condition and be attractive accents. A handsome front door with gleaming hardware makes a great statement. Worn-out storm doors should be replaced.

3. Kitchen updates provide the most return for the money. You can make simple changes to update the appearance, such as painting cabinets and drawers and installing new handles. De-clutter counter tops and cabinets. Over-stocked kitchens look smaller than they really are.

4. Make room in your closets and storage areas so that buyers can see open space. If you're full to the brim, buyers may assume your home lacks adequate storage space. You may need to store some belongings at the home of a friend or relative, or temporarily rent a storage unit.

5. Add interior details for color, vibrancy and a sense of "new."  Seasonal, silk floral arrangements or fresh flowers brighten any table. Set the dining room table as if welcoming guests. Each room should have a focal point, and you can flip through home decor magazines for great ideas. Display new guest towels in washrooms, add new accent rugs to the floor.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. I will be happy to provide suggestions specific to your home!
 
As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I will provide the expert guidance you need for a successful home sale. Real estate is a four-season business - I can help you sell your home in Essex and Union County any time of year, in any market!  

Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience be your market advantage!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Money-Saving Energy Tips for Your Millburn-Short Hills Home!

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a New Jersey resident spends an average of $3,834.13 a year on combined energy costs. While there isn't much we can do about utility rates or cold winters, there are easy, cost-effective ways to reduce the energy consumption in our homes! Here are some tips I put together from Energy.gov:

1. Allow sunlight through your windows during the day. Even a few hours of natural sunlight can help keep your home warmer. At night, shut curtains and blinds to help trap in heat.

2. Use seasonal window treatments. In the winter, make use of heavy drapes and blinds that close tightly. 

3. Use foam weather stripping inside of door frames to prevent drafts.

4. Drafty windows should be caulked, or sealed with a clear plastic sheet around the interior frame.

5. If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed unless you have a fire going. Check the seal around the damper to make sure it closes snugly. If you have a fireplace that you never use, plug and seal the chimney flue.

6. Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater. A hot water temperature of 120 degrees should be adequate for household use. Heating your water can account for 14% to 25% of the energy use in your Millburn-Short Hills home!

7. Turn back the thermostat by 5 or 10 degrees while you are sleeping, and whenever you plan to be away from home for a few hours.

8. When cooking, avoid the temptation to repeatedly open the oven door and check on the progress of your dish. Set timers and use meat thermometers to cut down on the peek-and-guess cooking method.

9. Install water-saving shower heads.

10. If you're not already using them, replace your standard light bulbs with CFL bulbs. CFL's have come a long way since their beginnings and use 75% less energy than traditional bulbs!

As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I'm happy to share these money-saving energy tips for your home! And whenever you are thinking of buying or selling a home, I'll be happy to help you! Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience give you the advantage in our real estate market!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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How to Sell Your Millburn-Short Hills Home During the Holidays!

There are strategic advantages to selling your Millburn-Short Hills home during the holidays. Serious buyers are home shopping, and inventory is lower. The holidays are a popular time for vacations, and you could have buyers from around the country, or the world, looking for homes right here in Millburn-Short Hills! Your home interior may also look its best this time of year.   

If you have your Millburn-Short Hills home on the market during the holidays, make the most of the unique opportunities of the season by following these simple steps!

1. Decorate tastefully. A large, decorated tree can make a room appear smaller. Too many decorations can overwhelm a buyer’s senses and distract them. 

2. Minimize or remove religious decorations prior to a home showing. This is a personal decision on your part; keep in mind that you want buyers of all walks of life to feel welcome. This doesn't mean you can't display a nativity scene, but perhaps a small display in the house is better than a large, plastic, light-up scene in the front yard.

3. Keep clutter under control. Shopping bags and rolls of gift wrap should be out of sight. Clean up the kitchen promptly after baking projects. Keep plenty of open space visible on the kitchen counters.

4. Keep your home clean and be ready for short-notice showings. Buyers may have vacation time during the holidays, but that time is limited.  If they are interested in your home, be flattered, instead of feeling inconvenienced. 

Another great way to sell your Millburn-Short Hills home is by letting me help you! As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I will provide the expert guidance you need for a successful home sale. Real estate is a four-season business and I can help you sell your home any time of year, in any market!  

Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience be your market advantage!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Pricing Advice for Millburn-Short Hills Home Sellers

Getting ready to sell your Millburn-Short Hills home in 2013? You're not alone! Real estate surveys conducted during 2012 indicated that many homeowners are waiting until 2013 or later to sell. The reason? A common expectation of higher home prices.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to make a profit, or recover equity. However, the surveys also revealed that some would-be sellers have unrealistic expectations. For example, 32% of homeowners said they would list their homes for a higher price than what the market comparisons suggested.

Here is why over-pricing a home usually backfires:

1. Most home buyers need mortgages, and mortgages require appraisals. If you find a buyer who will accept your price, the appraiser is still going to use market comparisons to determine value. If the appraisal falls short, there's no mortgage, and no sale.

2. Thanks to the internet, buyers can compare your home to others in the same price range, in a matter of seconds. During those few seconds, they will make quick decisions based on price and photos. If your home doesn't appear to measure up for the money, they will discard it from consideration.

3. The first 30 days on the market are critical. Homes that are priced correctly create "buzz" in the market and receive attention from home buyers and real estate professionals. The more interest, the more showings, and the better chance of a good offer in a short period of time.

4. An over-priced home will be avoided and linger on the market. Eventually you are compelled to reduce the price. Even then, your home will not draw strong interest nor strong offers, as the extended days on market have created negative assumptions about the property.

The good news is, you can sell your Millburn-Short Hills home for top dollar, by understanding what "top dollar" is in our market! I will help you, by providing a comparative market analysis, along with details about recent home sales in your neighborhood. I will also provide proven marketing strategies for results!

As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I will provide the expert guidance you need for a successful home sale! Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience be your market advantage!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Keeping emotions out of your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ house sale

Selling a house can be a major, emotional event. It generally involves moving, exchanging large sums of money, and moving on to a new era in one's life. Keeping your emotions out of your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ house sale, however, is worth the effort it might take. An emotional seller is not a productive seller. Learning straight-forward ways to view the sale as a purely business transaction will benefit you and help the process run more smoothly. Here are ways to keep your emotions out of your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ house sale:

Start calling it a "house"
A home is a very specific thing and conjures up memories, ideas of family and comfort, and more. Sure, you still live there presently, but wherever you are going next is now your new "home." From this moment forward, refer to the property for sale as a "house." This helps clarify to yourself that it is a physical structure, a property. You aren't selling your "home"--you have a new home now. You're selling a building that was once your home. There is a big difference!

Remove your personal items 
Following this tip will benefit you in two ways. First, you will be able to view your house as a property more so than a place with many memories attached if your personal items are no longer in. Taping your things up in boxes and moving them to storage has the effect of making the impending sale feel very real. Second, potential buyers are more likely to be interested in a home that they can imagine themselves in, and it is easier for them to imagine living there if all of your things are not there. Pack up all family photos, meaningful decorations or mementos, books, magazines, DVDs, and anything else that displays your memories or personality.

Do not go to the open houses or showings
At open houses and showings potential buyers want to be able to talk openly about their opinions on what they're viewing. If they know the owner is standing nearby, watching them expectantly, it might make things awkward. Also, you don't want to get upset by what potential buyers say. They might insult the decor that you painstakingly picked out and think is beautiful. They might talk about ripping out kitchen cabinets that you recently put up. There's no reason for you to overhear those sorts of things.

Let a professional handle negotiations
One problem many home sellers have is becoming insulted during the negotiation process. If you negotiate with potential buyers directly and one gives a low ball offer, you might become upset and not want to negotiate with them further. This is a bad move--maybe they would've ended up being the ones to buy your house! Discuss how low of an offer you will accept with a professional, and then let that professional handle it. Knowing every detail of the negotiation process will probably only get you worked up.

Hopefully these tips help you sell your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home more quickly and efficiently than you would've otherwise. You can be happy knowing that the house served you well while you had it, and that it will do the same for the next people who buy it. If you have any questions about buying or selling in the area, do not hesitate to contact me for help.

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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