On a weekly basis, I talk with local homeowners who are thinking about a move to a new home.  Sometimes, they are relocating to a new town or city. 

One of the first questions a homeowner asks about the home they currently live in is: What should I keep in the house, and what should go? 

As someone on the outside looking in, this is usually a much clearer picture.  For the homeowners, it’s sometimes difficult to notice when there are too many items in a room because they have functioned in the home with these things in place over a period of time. 

Things like extra furniture pieces, bookcases, knick knacks, picture frames, toys and exercise equipment can be better located in the home, or taken out altogether. 

Getting a house ready to sell and introduce to buyers is a key element in today’s market. With the healthy inventory of homes available for purchase, a home needs to stand above the competition. 

One of the easiest things to do in preparation is to de-clutter. So why not have a yard sale? Yard sales are a great way to say goodbye to the things you seldom use and are taking up space. Here are some tips to holding a successful yard sale

• Check with your township or borough to see if you need a permit.  Lansdale and North Wales Boroughs do not require one. Towamencin Township does not require a permit, but only allows you to post signs on your property. Montgomery Township does not require one.
• Ask neighbors if they want to participate, and have a “block” sale.
• Advertise.  Use local news sources, Craigslist and signs, or email friends.
• Price items, and keep in mind that yard sales are supposed to be bargains.
• Its best to keep pets away during the yard sale.
• Have an electrical outlet available so shoppers can test appliances.
• Have plenty of bags and newspapers to wrap something fragile.
• Make sure you have enough change, and keep an eye on your cash.

If you’re cleaning out the garage or basement and notice some old paint, oil, or other hazardous waste, you can dispose of it safely through the Household Hazardous Waste disposal program.

On June 25 at Montgomery County Community College, you can bring items for proper disposal and recycling. For more information, call the county recycling office at 610-278-3618.  This location can also accept electronics, like computers.    

Once you have eliminated the extra items in your home, you can arrange the furniture better, stage the home with fewer distractions, attract buyers with clutter-free photos as they view them on the Internet, and display a well-organized home. 

If you would like more information on this topic, please contact Gina Wherry, real estate agent, at 215-256-1200, ext. 322; email gina@scottloperteam.com; or visit www.scottloperteam.com.