Category: Sellers

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PCSing? How to Prepare Your House for a Quick and Easy Sale

Moving is already stressful enough, but add a quick sale to the mix and it can feel like your house is the bane of your existence. As a military family, we understand the pain of having to PCS on short notice and being stuck with a house that just won’t budge. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some tips and tricks to prepare your house for a quick and easy sale. Plus, we’ll throw in a few jokes to keep things light, because let’s be real, laughter is the best medicine.

First Impressions are Everything:

As much as we want to say that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, unfortunately, homebuyers will judge your house based on its curb appeal. So, before listing your house, make sure to spruce up the outside. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, power wash the exterior and add a pop of color with some flowers. And for the love of all things holy, take-down any tacky lawn ornaments. No one wants to see a giant garden gnome or flamingo. Sorry, not sorry.

De-Clutter and De-Personalize:
As much as you love your family photos, they don’t love you. JK, we all love some good old-fashioned family memories, but when it comes to selling your house, you want buyers to be able to envision themselves in the space. So, pack away any personal mementos and declutter each room. This includes anything that’s taking up space or is not necessary for daily living. Donate items that are still in good condition and throw away any broken or unusable items. The rule of thumb is the cleaner and more minimalistic the better.

Deep Clean:
Listen, we get it, cleaning isn’t the most fun activity out there, but it’s a necessary evil. A dirty house won’t sell, and it’s as simple as that. So, hire a professional cleaning service or deep clean yourself. This includes everything from the baseboards to the ceiling fans to the grout in your bathroom. Leave no surface untouched. And don’t forget to empty out the fridge and oven! Nothing is worse than a potential buyer opening up your fridge to find last week’s leftovers.

Find the Right Real Estate Agent:
Your real estate agent is your go-to person during the home-selling process, so it’s important to find someone that’s a good fit. Look for an agent that has experience selling homes in your area and understands the current market. They should also be responsive, communicative and have your best interests in mind. And if you’re not meshing well with your current agent, don’t be afraid to shop around. This is a business transaction, after all.

Price it Right:
Last but not least, price your house correctly. Your real estate agent can help you with this, but it’s important to do your research as well. Look at comparable homes in your area and see what they’re selling for. And don’t forget to take into account any repairs or upgrades needed for your home. Remember, a high price tag does not always equal a high sale price. Be realistic and reasonable.

    We know PCSing can be a daunting task, but preparing your house for a quick and easy sale doesn’t have to be. Just follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to a sold sign in your front yard. Plus, think of all the money you’ll save on storage fees and having to haul all your junk with you on your next move. Cheers to a successful sale and happy PCSing!

    Read more: PCSing? How to Prepare Your House for a Quick and Easy Sale

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      Washington Farewells – The Top 10 Activities to Enjoy Before You PCS Out of JBLM

      Hello, military families! So you’ve received your orders and it’s time to leave JBLM. But before you pack up your house and say goodbye to Washington, let’s make some memories. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a city slicker, there’s something for everyone in this list of the top 10 activities to enjoy before you PCS out of JBLM.

      1. Hike Mt. Rainier – This iconic mountain is a must-see before you leave. Strap on your hiking boots, pack some snacks, and hit the trails. If you’re short on time, take the Skyline Trail for stunning views.
      2. Explore Olympic National Park – From hiking to kayaking to hot springs, Olympic National Park has it all. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the Hoh Rain Forest and see the world’s largest Sitka spruce tree.
      3. Visit Seattle – Take a day trip to the Emerald City and explore the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the gum wall. Don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee from the original Starbucks.
      4. Go to a Mariners game – Catch a baseball game at T-Mobile Park and indulge in some stadium treats like garlic fries and hot dogs. You might even catch a glimpse of the famous Safeco Field Moose.
      5. Take a ferry ride – Hop on a ferry from Seattle or Bremerton and cruise through the Puget Sound. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and seals.
      6. Visit Leavenworth – This charming Bavarian-inspired town is perfect for a day trip. Stroll through the quaint shops and enjoy some bratwurst and beer.
      7. Go to a Seahawks game – It’s not every day you get to see Russell Wilson in action. Cheer on the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field and marvel at the sea of green and blue.
      8. Visit Pike Place Market – Take a stroll through Pike Place Market and sample some fresh seafood, watch fish being thrown, and listen to live music.
      9. Go to a Sounders game – Seattle’s MLS team is a force to be reckoned with. Watch the Sounders play at CenturyLink Field and join the crowd in singing their iconic anthem.
      10. Visit Fort Worden State Park – This historic state park in Port Townsend offers beaches, hiking trails, a lighthouse, and plenty of history. Take a tour of the bunkers and underground tunnels or rent a kayak and explore the bay.

      There you have it, military families – the top 10 activities to enjoy before you PCS out of JBLM. Whether you’re a nature lover or a city dweller, there’s something for everyone in Western Washington. And when it’s time to move, remember that I’m here to help you find your next home, no matter where life takes you. Thank you for your service and happy exploring!

      Read more: Washington Farewells – The Top 10 Activities to Enjoy Before You PCS Out of JBLM
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        PCS Checklist for Military Families – What You Need to Know For a Smooth Transition to Your Next Home

        As a military family, it’s no secret that you move frequently. Moving can be a daunting task, but it’s a necessary part of military life. A permanent change of station (PCS) can be particularly challenging, especially if you’re moving to or from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington state. There’s no need to worry, though. We’ve compiled a comprehensive PCS checklist for military families that will help ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

        Contact Guy DuVall: For your real estate needs, reach out to Guy Duvall. He is an experienced agent who can assist you with local housing around JBLM. Whether you’re moving to or leaving JBLM, he can help you find a home anywhere in the world.

        Create a Moving Binder: Create a binder or folder to keep all your moving documents and paperwork in one place. This will make it easier to access important documents when you need them. Label each section of the binder or folder with categories like medical records, housing, schools, and finances. You can also include a calendar to track important dates and appointments.

        Research Your New Area: Before you move, research your new area to find out what amenities, schools, and services are available. Check out local housing options, and find out the cost of living in the area. Use resources like Military OneSource, PCSgrades.com, and LiveLovely.com for easy access to local neighborhood information.

        Schedule Your Move: As soon as you receive your PCS orders, schedule your move with your moving company. Make sure you confirm the details of your move, such as the date, the weight of your shipment, and the delivery location. Double-check your insurance coverage and make sure you understand the moving company’s policies for damaged or lost items.

        Notify Your Utility Providers: Make sure you notify your utility providers to disconnect service at your current home and set up service at your new home. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, and home security services.

        Say Goodbye to Your Current Home: Once your moving date is set, it’s time to say goodbye to your current home. Host a farewell party, if you can, to say goodbye to your friends and neighbors. Make sure you clean your home thoroughly before you leave so you can avoid any issues with your landlord or housing office.

        Remember to use the resources that are available to you, including Military OneSource, https://home.army.mil/lewis-mcchord/index.php, and guyduvall.johnlscott.com, to make your transition as smooth as possible. Additionally, there are various local social media groups you can join to meet people in the area. If you require any assistance or would like a tour of the area, feel free to contact me.

        Read more: PCS Checklist for Military Families – What You Need to Know For a Smooth Transition to Your Next Home
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          Get Ready to List Your Home This Spring with These 8 Tips

          Spring is here and so is the prime time for selling homes. Are you planning to list yours this season? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some tips from the real estate guru, Guy Duvall, to make the process a breeze. From preparation to staging, these 8 tips will help you sell your home quickly and at a great price.

          1. Tidy it up: First impressions are everything, make sure your home is clean and decluttered. Clean up all the little details, shine those windows, organize those closets, and make sure everything looks attractive to potential buyers.
          2. Get some fresh air: Air out your home and let the natural light in by opening windows, cleaning ventilations, and turning on the lights. If your home is especially dark or outdated, consider repainting with a lighter, neutral color to make it feel bright and open.
          3. ‘Lawn’ and Order: Curb appeal is key: make sure your lawn is mowed, colorful flowers and plants are evident, and that the outside of your home is inviting. It might seem small, but a fresh coat of paint, new shutters, or even an eye-catching doormat can make a huge difference.
          4. Depersonalize: Make sure to store away all of the family portraits, personal photographs, and prized possessions that your potential buyers won’t care about. Instead of a personal touch, think impersonal hospitality like fresh flowers, lightly scented candles, or soft, fluffy pillows.
          5. Make closet space: Potential buyers love ample closet space-so, make sure that your closet is well-organized and clutter-free, making it appear extra pristine.
          6. Fix what’s broken: From electrical and plumbing to the leaky faucet and peeling paint, anything that is broken will discourage potential buyers. Make sure any repairs necessary are addressed so that the buyers don’t have to worry about it.
          7. Stage it : Arrange your furniture to create the most open space to show off your homes design potential. Diffuse harsh lighting and think of home staging as creating and setting up vignettes to highlight rooms’ most appealing features.
          8. Seek help: Look into hiring professionals, such as a real estate agent or a professional stager. Real estate agents will assist in creating an ideal price range for your house, while staging and redesigning services will find ways to highlight the best features of your home.

          We understand that listing your home can be stressful, but by taking these eight tips into consideration you’ll be able to relieve some of that stress and feel confident about what you’re offering buyers. You want someone to fall in love with your home; so, make sure it represents well, and with little effort and maybe even help, you can have your home certain to show well, sell well, and not linger on the market. From decluttering to staging, these tips will help you get started and be successful in listing your home this spring. Happy selling!

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