Selling a Home ...

General Information

For the real estate professionals at Prudential Prime Properties, it’s no secret why one home in a neighborhood sells faster than a neighboring home similarly priced and with equal features--marketing and expert advice!

An effective marketing plan goes a long way towards presenting one home as a better buy than the next, thereby attracting more potential buyers.

Your Prudential Prime Properties REALTOR® can help promote your home with highly effective advertising campaigns.

Leading the real estate industry in e-advertising techniques, Prudential is able to promote its client’s homes with the fullest spectrum of marketing media--ranging from traditional print ads to Prudential’s Inline Media Strategy, which includes many new Web alliances, online media partners and consumer resources. Prudential’s newest campaign reinforces Prudential Real Estate as a leading interactive real estate company and positions Prudential as a trusted source for real estate information.

Currently, Prudential posts all of our client’s listings on www.FrontDoor.com. FrontDoor.com is an online real estate listing service powered by HGTV, the No. 1 source for home-related media content. The site currently offers more than 1.5 million listings of homes for sale and partners with top real estate brokerages throughout the U.S. In addition to providing users with the latest residential for-sale property listings, FrontDoor houses expert HGTV advice and videos along with original Web series and a comprehensive library of engaging, interactive tools, guides and information.

The award-winning Web sites, created and supported by Scripps Networks Interactive, have attracted a monthly average of 15.4 million unique visitors and are category leaders in food, home and living space online.

The Scripps Networks Interactive Web properties, HGTV.com, FoodNetwork.com, DIYnetwork.com, FineLiving.com, GACTV.com, Recipezaar.com, and the newest FrontDoor.com, are not only extensions of Scripps Networks leading lifestyle brands, providing users programming information and additional instructional content, but also exciting destinations for original content, engaging video and powerful interactive tools.

Prudential Prime Properties’ marketing techniques continually stay ahead of the industry curve and provide our clients with rapid results. You provide the home, we provide the exposure!

Selling a Home ...

Here’s How You Can Help Us Sell Your Property

Pricing

Price your home to sell. Homes priced within market value sell much faster than those overpriced. Overpricing your home can cause you to miss out on potential purchase offers because buyers and other real estate agents may think you aren't a serious seller. Work with your Prudential Prime Properties professional to come up with a competitive asking price.

Appearance

Make a good first impression. Appearance -- inside and out -- is important to selling your home quickly. The outside of the home is the first thing the buyer sees. Make sure the yard is well-manicured, bushes and trees are groomed and the yard is free of debris.

On the inside, neutral colors and traditional layouts are thought of as "safe options" that appeal to most buyers. Homes with strong colors or busy wallpaper might make the home more difficult to sell.

Clear those counters and tables. If there is too much clutter around the home, chances are the potential buyer won't see the home for what it's really worth. Clutter will also make the home look smaller than it actually is.

Your Prudential agent can help suggest ways to "set the stage" and make the property ready for showing.

Leave the house

Give the buyer space. Most real estate professionals agree that a home sells faster when the seller is not present when prospective buyers are viewing the home. Buyers often feel uncomfortable around the seller and might not inspect everything they would want to. They might not want to offend the buyer or seem impolite. As a result, potential buyers may rush through the showing and simply move on to the next home on their list.

Availability

Make your home easily available for showing. If you have a complicated showing procedure--such as needing 24-hour notice for previews--you may cut off a good portion of the buying market. Many requests from real estate professionals are for same-day, even last minute, showings.

If you are considering selling your home, enlist the help of a Prudential Prime Properties professional who can assist you in creating an efficient marketing plan--a marketing plan that not only gives you the price you deserve, but also ensures that the property sells in a timely manner. Our agents will provide you with valuable advice on how to best meet both these goals.

Moving Checklist

(Click here to download a printer-friendly version)

One Month Before Moving

Fill out Change of Address from Post Office
Fill out IRS change of Address Form
Make arrangements with moving company or reserve moving truck
Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels
Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations
Obtain medical and dental records, e-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
Set up bank account in new city
Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based business, professional tests, business licenses and any special laws that might pertain to you.
Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
Make arrangements for transporting pets
Start using-up food items, so that there is less to pack and possibly spoil

One to Two Weeks Before Moving

Switch utility services to new address. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move.
Arrange for help on moving day
Confirm travel reservations
Reserve elevator if moving from condo
Have appliances serviced for moving
Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving
Plan ahead for special needs of infants
Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed.
Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.

On Moving Day

Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty
Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.

Arriving at your New Home

Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags
Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage.
Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees
Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home.

Moving Tips for Sellers

Develop a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified of the move.
Check insurance coverage for moved items. Usually movers only cover what they pack.
Note the weight of the goods you’ll have moved, since long-distance moves are usually billed according to weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight.
Check with your condo or co-op about restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits.
Have a "first open" box with the things you’ll need most—toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.

Plus, if you’re moving out of town:

Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets.
Get copies of children’s school records for transfer.
Ask friends for introductions to anyone they know in your new neighborhood.
Consider special car needs for pets when traveling.
Carry traveler’s checks or an ATM card for ready cash until you can open a bank account.

Six Items to Have on Hand for the New Owners:

Owner’s manuals for items left in the house.
Warranties for any items left in the house.
A list of local service providers—the best dry cleaner, yard service, etc.
Garage door opener.
Extra sets of house keys.
Code to burglar alarm and phone number of monitoring service if not discontinued.

Moving With Pets

Cats and Dogs

If you take your pets in your car remember to take along Food, Water, A leash for letting your pet out of the car, and Newspaper or sheets to keep your car clean. Animals can get car-sick and will require frequent stops along the way. Also, check ahead to see if the hotel where you are staying allows pets. Depending on the animal's temperament and size, it might be better to have it shipped by air. Be sure to check if your destination has any local requirements or restrictions on animals.

To have your pet shipped by air, make sure someone can meet your pet at the destination airport and take care of it until you arrive. A kennel can do this for you and keep your pet until you have completed your move, if necessary. If you are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment. You may need a Health certificate which can be obtained from your veterinarian. A pet container and tranquilizers to be given to your pet immediately before going to the airport. Your pet can be comforted by having a piece of cloth with your scent on it.

Moving House Plants

A Couple Of Weeks Before You Move

Prune plants to facilitate packing. Consult a florist or a plant book for instructions.

A Week Before Your Move

Place your plants in a black plastic bag, along with a bug/pest strip, conventional flea collar or bug powder. Close the bag and place in a cool area overnight to kill any pests on the plant or in the soil.

The Day Before Your Move

Place the plants in cardboard containers. Hold them in place with dampened newspaper or packing paper. Use paper to cushion the leaves and place a final layer of wet paper on top to keep them moist. If you must leave your plants behind, then take cuttings. Put them in a plastic bag with wet paper towels around them.

On The Day Of Your Move

Set the boxes aside and mark "DO NOT LOAD" so they won't be taken on the moving van. Close the boxes and punch air holes in the top before loading into your car.

When Moving

Park your car in a shaded area in the summer and a sunny spot in the winter.

Upon Arrival

Unpack the plants as soon as possible after arrival. Remove plants through the bottom of the box to avoid breaking the stems. Do not expose the plants to much sunlight at first. Let them get gradually accustomed to more light.

Moving and Packing Tips

These guidelines may save you money, time and help avoid preventable problems.

Lifting should be done through the knees rather than the back.
Keep boxes at 50 pounds or less. Heavy items should be packed in smaller boxes.
Pack or move items of monetary or sentimental value separately. While newspapers are useful in wrapping objects prior to packing, they should not be used to pack stainable items such as lampshades.
Carefully box fragile items and cushion with newspaper, bubble wrap or other means. Towels and other linens can be used to pack fragile items.
Be sure to mark and point out to movers boxes containing valuable or fragile items. They may advise sturdier boxes or re-packing for safer transport.
Movers usually will not transport or pack plants or pets.
All appliances should be unplugged and prepped for transport prior to the movers' arrival. Clean and dry appropriate appliances, such as refrigerators, at least 24 hours prior to the move. Lightweight items can be stored in some large appliances.
Important documents and files should be backed up from computers before being disconnected.
Movers will not transport or allow you to transport hazardous materials such as paint thinners, nail polish remover, oils, flammable or explosive items, bleach and so forth.
Label boxes with a description of what they contain and which room they should be placed in.
Place first aid kits, medical and dental records and other important paperwork in a safe and easily accessible place.
Reinforce the bottom of all boxes. Fill empty spaces with newspaper to avoid shifting.
Mirrors and pictures should be wrapped with bubble wrap and bound with heavy cardboard.
Drain gasoline, oil and other fluids from power tools.
If possible, pack audiovisual equipment in their original boxes.
When possible, disassemble large items for easier transport.

Packing Tips

Keep the following supplies handy for packing:

Boxes, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue
Tape and scissors
Tape measure

Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items.
Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.
Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
Label each box and indicate the following:

Which room it should go in
Whether it is fragile
If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.

Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.
Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for the move.
Pack medicines in a leak proof container.
Carry all valuables with you.
Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another. Many states have restrictions on certain plants to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.