Sell It Like It Is

Before you even put your residence up for sale, carefully consider extras that can be included to
increase the appeal and the value of your home -- and to cut moving costs. Discriminating buyers will
probably want everything but your family portrait. Many extras add more value to the house than they
actually cost in the first place. This is even true for apartment dwellers, who may find the future tenant
a ready and willing buyer.

24. From Chandeliers to Ceiling Fans.
Most buyers assume that such fixtures are included with the home. Unless there's a special sentimental
reason, they probably should be. Bulky, fragile ceiling fixtures require special packing and handling which
costs money.

25. Appliances.
Consider the age, size and color of your appliances. These are very heavy items, and usually require
professional servicing before the move and special installation upon moving in. So, if your stove,
refrigerator, washer, dryer or freezer won't fit or match in your new home, perhaps it's time to start anew.

26. Verify Type of Power.
You can prevent wiring damage caused by temperature changes by unplugging all electronic items 24 hours
before loading and waiting 24 hours at your new residence before plugging them into an outlet. Check to be
sure that you have the proper power connections and sources for your appliances in your future residence.
Don't move a gas stove or dryer to an all-electric house.

27. Hearth and Home.
They go together. Special fireplace screens and tools are hard to move and may not fit where you're going.
Sell them with your home.

28. Shelving Systems.
If you have a built-in shelving system, leave it that way. No new owner will appreciate holes in the wall where
the shelves used to be.

29. Satellite Dishes.
Be sure to check to see if the same cable company services your new city before you move your satellite dish.

30. From Flag Poles to Basketball Goals.
We've been asked to move them before! Sell them with the house and save yourself time, trouble and money.

31. Arrange for the Transfer of Valuables.
Start with the contents of your safe deposit box. Carry with you or send by insured or registered mail, small
valuables such as jewelry, insurance policies, legal documents, stocks and bonds, etc. Items of such unusual
value should not be included in your shipment. The same is true for important computer disks and CDs, which
can warp and become unreadable.

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