First Impressions

The summer real estate season is almost upon us and its time to get your house ready to sell. And as the saying goes, you only get one chance to make the first impression and this is so true when preparing your house for sale. So, sellers, make your to do list! (Here are some tips to help you get moving…)

Get control of clutter. A cluttered home often looks cramped and small. The key here is to declutter by removing all those knick-nacks and personal items, file your paperwork and eliminate items that will divert buyers.

Kitchen and bathrooms should be spotless. Concentrate on your kitchen and bathrooms. De-clutter here too by eliminating personal items from your refrigerator door and packing your countertop appliances, canisters, etc. This will save you time packing later! Spend some extra time in your bathroom making sure this is spotless. The potential buyers looking at your home will appreciate it.

Time to refinish hardwood floors. Your hardwoods are a major selling point. Show them off by refinishing or at the bare minimum give a good cleaning. Sparkly hardwoods will make your home seem comfy and cozy and it will give your house an advantage in the market.

Paint, Paint, Paint. Painting is some of the least expensive and quick changes you can make. Neutral colors are best for marketing your home for sale. Choose a warm white or beige; your potential buyers will see a blank canvas to decorate their home.

Rent, buy or even borrow! Listen, it’s time to get rid of the old sofa you have in the family room. Why not borrow from a neighbor or think about buying a new piece for your new home? Even though potential buyers are not purchasing your furniture, you don’t want to give the impression you live in tattered home. They may think, if they let the couch get that bad, what else did they not take care of??

So, when making your to-do list, think about these important items to get your house ready to sell. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make your impression count, and you will get your house sold!

Focus on The Towns: Brighton, NY

This week’s focus is on Brighton, NY.  Located within the Rochester metropolitan area, Brighton has a population of over 36,000 residents.  It boasts some of the finest schools and parks in New York and is filled with historical charm!

According to Citytowninfo.com, Brighton was first settled in 1790 but not formally established until 1814.  The town was named after Brighton, England and became a brick making and farm community in the 20^th century. 

Although it may not be a farming community now, it has one of the city’s most popular farmers markets!  And since opening day of the Brighton Farmer’s Market is Sunday, May 30^th, I thought it might be fun to talk about.   The market was established in 2008 as part of the Town’s Color Brighton Green initiative, encouraging residents and businesses to partake in environmental sustainability.  

The Brighton Farmers Market tells us more about what sustainability means: “The market aims to support farmers who use sustainable growing methods and to encourage farmers to move toward greater sustainability. Some of our farmers are certified organic, which means they submit to a rigorous, government-regulated certification process. Others have chosen not to be certified, but nevertheless raise their crops following the same methods, using no synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. “  A sustainable food system is something the whole community can benefit from!

In addition to opening day, the market is hosting a Color Energy Green Fair where local companies will offer information on energy related topics.  The fair is June 13. 

The Brighton Farmers Market is one of the city’s finest gems and I encourage you to check it out!