2013 is off to a great start in the Lenexa Real Estate market and for those building their dream home in Cottonwood Canyon. Building projects are well underway and the cities top builders are going above and beyond to ensure those moving into Cottonwood Canyon are pleased with every detail of their new home.
You may have come by one of our open houses or have seen our ads and are interested in taking the next step in building the custom home you’ve always wanted surrounded by the beautiful and serene setting of the Golf Club of Kansas. However, you know that building and moving into Cottonwood Canyon will require you to sell your current home.
Whether you live here in Lenexa, in Kansas City or are planning to relocate from another state, our team here at Cottonwood Canyon wanted to highlight ten things you can do to help sell your current home.
1. Examine your Front Door: Lenexa winters, as well as wear and tear from use, can leave front doors looking dingy and weak. Replacing doors with a more energy efficient door looks great and saves money on heating and air. Don’t want to spend a lot? A simple paint job will give your old door an updated and refreshed look.
2. Clean Gutters: Gutters are a breeding ground for insects, mold, mildew and algae spores that can enter your attic and allow biological growths to enter your home. Scoop out debris and run water down the gutter with a hose. Invest in a gutter cap or screen. Scrub out the inside with a gutter brush.
3. Check the Foundation: Inspect the foundation of your home for large cracks and shifts in the blocks. Seal large cracks and gaps between the foundation and concrete/earth and directly on the concrete.
4. De-Clutter: It’s easy to collect things in your home during the winter months, but spring is all about having a fresh start! Take time to evaluate the things you really need to keep and those things that you can part with. Then, establish an organization system. Hardware stores offer a range of affordable shelving solutions.
5. Check the Basement: Scan everything in the basement of your home. Check the water and sewer pipes for leaks, mold and tearing and pests. Address problems immediately either with a water vacuum, dehumidifier or new gutter drains. Drain sediment from hot water heaters and change your furnace filter.
6. Clean the Deck: Warm weather in the Lenexa area means spending a lot of time outdoors on your home’s deck or patio! You want this area of your home to really shine and reflect how you care for your home. Remove grime, pollen, fungus and mildew by scrubbing the surface with a deck or patio cleanser. Of course you’ll also want to brush off your outdoor furniture and create the living space that you’ll enjoy for months to come!
7. Get Rid of Mold: Examine your ceilings, attic, walls and bathrooms. If you do notice mold, you must identify the source of the mold before repainting. Ask a local contractor for help. When you are ready to repaint, use mold growth inhibitor paint made for high moisture areas.
8. Exterior Paint: Carefully scrape, prime and paint peeling spots on trim or woodwork. You'll protect wood against summer's heat and moisture and prevent a more difficult paint job come fall.
9. Reseal: Caulk and other sealants safeguard your home against rain and snow at vulnerable points such as cracks and open joints. Winter can rip caulk apart. Scrape out old caulk using a painter's five-in-one tool. Clean and disinfect with one-part liquid chlorine bleach in three parts warm water.
10. Add some green: The first thing guests notice when approaching your Lenexa home is color, light and symmetry. When adding new shrubbery, keep it symmetrical. Change outdoor light bulbs to energy efficient bulbs. It is amazing what some flowers, light and fresh paint can accomplish!
While these tips may seem simple, they can make a huge difference in the sale of your home! Buyers want to know that they can move right in and won’t need to do any major work.
As you consider selling your current home and taking the next step in building your custom home in Cottonwood Canyon, we hope you’ll contact us with any questions you have!
We look forward to hearing from you!
Cottonwood Canyon Community Team
