Dear Jan: We are going to list our home next month, should we wait until then to contact an agent, or should we be talking to them now? Also, any tips you can give us?

Thanks.

— JKD

Dear JKD: Great question! There two type of clients.

There are the clients who prepare their home for the market and complete all those projects that they wish they would have done years ago, plus staging here and there. Then there are the other type of clients. They plan things out in advance.  After researching real estate companies and real estate brokers, they call the broker they have chosen, invite the person to their home to see what suggestions the broker may make to assure that they are market ready.

Which way is best?  Either way is just fine. This is your ball game, so you get to choose which client you want to be. Of course, most brokers would prefer to have more time on their hands, but we are flexible so can work under either condition.

My hint: Pretend you are a buyer. As you drive up to your home, what do you see? First impressions are crucial. Look at each room like a buyer would.  Is there plenty of room in each room, or do you need to move/remove a table or dresser to make the room look bigger? Do you need to paint? Clean the carpets  or replace them? Would you buy your house in this condition?

Best wishes to you. May all your 2014 dreams come true!

— Jan Zufelt is an agent with John L. Scott Real Estate in Kingston.