Long-time Prescott realtor Kathleen Yamauchi has a new article on her web site about minor changes, which will maximize your chances of selling.

In Little Things That Make a BIG Difference, Yamauchi says that when getting ready to sell a house, a homeowner typically thinks of large projects like painting and remodeling in order to increase the value of the house. But there are lots of simple, easy things that sellers frequently overlook -- little things such as:

• Clean off the refrigerator door - remove all those cute little magnets, kids’ drawings, appointment reminders and the like.
• Pull down and replace any shower curtains that are stained and mildewed.
• Give your kitchen a fresh new look by replacing outdated cabinet and drawer pulls.

You can also wash the outside of the cabinets, drawer pulls and even doorknobs to really add a sparkle to your house.

• Create a more spacious feel by removing small pieces of furniture and throw rugs (and if those throw rugs are there to cover up stains, have the carpets professionally cleaned!)
• If possible, rearrange the furniture to create a smooth traffic flow -- it will be easier to walk through and will add to the feeling of spaciousness.
• Get rid of any plants that look sick, or better yet, go with one attractive large silk plant tree -- too many small plants look cluttered.
• Set your dining room table and leave it that way -- keep it attractive and neat, but not fussy (it’s probably not a good idea to have your grandmother’s antique silver and crystal sitting out in public view!)

Yamauchi points out that while these are quick and inexpensive fixes, together they will add up to create an attractive and appealing atjosphere, one that will attract buyers.

www.kathleeny.com.

The Palms of Pembroke offers a lifestyle typically found in a country setting with its spacious green-space areas and mature trees, its sparkling lake and the warmth of a family gathering. Life at the Palms of Pembroke is Grand.

It is conveniently located, with its proximity to Florida’s Turnpike, I-95, I-75, numerous shopping centers, excellent schools, sprawling state recreational parks, the mega-entertainment center of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and the pristine beaches of Florida’s East coast and all that South Florida has to offer.

The Palms of Pembroke offers extensive community and residential amenities. From the sparkling lakeside pool with spacious sundeck and hot tub, breathtaking lake views, a magnificent clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, a professionally equipped business center to the tranquil environment, you will experience grandeur and quality at an affordable price.

Selling an investment property for a loss will give you a tax write-off directly against your income.

  Steps: 

1.   Calculate your "basis;" this is the base variable used to calculate the gain or loss on the sale of a property. Your original basis is comprised of the property's purchase price plus the buying expenses (non-recurring escrow costs such as title insurance, escrow fees, recording fees, transfer taxes, commission, tax service, deed preparation, credit report, appraisal fee and termite inspection) upon acquisition. 

2.   Calculate your adjusted basis. The adjusted basis is the original basis plus improvements made to the property while you've owned it. 

3.   Sell the property. With an all-cash transaction the tax event occurs in the year the property is sold. 

There are pointers that will further increase your cash-out percentages:

- Recognize that a huge segment of the population will never qualify for a mortgage loan. They are permanent credit risks and are destined to be renters all their lives. It would be nice to "give them a chance", but stick with reality. Don't try to make homeowners out of these people.

- The present credit status of your buyers should be within striking distance of qualifying. FICO scores can usually be improved by at least 50 points over two years with conscientious effort. The buyers I like are those who have undergone a severe damaging event to their credit, such as major hospital bills, divorce, business failure, etc. In other words, their current credit status is a temporary situation, not a chronic one. They are eager to return to their former ranks of credit worthiness. Conversely, if a buyer's credit report shows charge offs going back for years, you are looking at a chronic situation which is unlikely to dramatically improve in your relationship.