Blake D. Scroggins - GAIN MORE FREEDOM BY DOWNSIZING YOUR HOME

Consider what you’re willing to throw in to sweeten the deal, and what items are off-limits. Here are some items to consider using as leverage: • Major appliances: stove, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer • Custom-built furniture: bookcases or shelves • Area rugs that fit a room perfectly • Patio furniture: planters, benches, ornaments • Outdoor maintenance equipment: lawnmower, power washer, leaf vacuum • Recreational equipment: pool tables, above-ground pools, hot tubs, trampolines, swing sets • Offering to prepay taxes or closing costs • Offering a year of landscaping, pool cleaning, or maid service The decision-making process is fairly simple if you consider what items you are willing to part with based on how easy or difficult it will be to move them. Consider also how often you use movable items and the replacement cost. You can offer many incentives and buyers might also request them. Buyer requests or seller incentives may include:

• Reduction of asking price • Help with down payment or closing costs • Offering to close in a short time • Offering or transferring a home warranty • Prepaid property taxes for one year • Payment of HOA fees • Offering a mortgage buy-down

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