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Tips for buyers and sellers

Donna Pozzuoli, president of the Lake Board of Realtors, has some time-tested tips for those buying or selling a home:

For sellers:

Clean it up and de-clutter » A clean and tidy home makes all the difference. “Get rid of the junk — get a storage shed if you need to,” she said.

Make small improvements » “Small, inexpensive things can make a big difference,” Pozzuoli says. “Things like paint and caulk are fairly inexpensive but can have a big impact.”

Be willing to make concessions » The feds have cut down on what sellers can do for buyers in recent years. But sellers still can offer a home warranty or pay some or all of the buyer’s closing costs.

For buyers:

Make an offer quickly » “If you find a home at a good price and in good condition, you need to make an offer quickly,” she said.

Sell the home you are in » Offers contingent on the sale of your own home likely will be thrown out in this type of market.

Get preapproved » Don’t even think about making an offer without financing. Sellers aren’t interested.