“I would recommend Arnie and Mary to any of our friends without hesitation!”

Arnie and Mary, Realtors® is a locally owned Fargo real estate firm and a leader in the Fargo, ND - Moorhead, MN real estate market. Our Realtors® have an unique understanding of the market, with specialities in residential, commercial and rural real estate.

Interested in buying a home? Start searching today.

Selling? Find out how much your home is worth. Consult Expert Fargo Realtors today.

Find a home currently on the market. Get instant access to information on homes for sale.

For a free consultation, or to arrange a tour of a home you find during your search, please contact us:
Call today: (701) 451-8000
E-mail: Office@ArnieAndMary.com

Please note: Your e-mail address or phone number are required if you wish to receive a reply.

The Importance of Pricing

Determining the price of your home is the one of the first and most important steps in the home selling process.

Correct selling prices generate immediate interest among real estate agents and buyers. Allowing your home to sell faster and for the highest amount the market is willing to pay.

Incorrectly priced homes sell for less and take longer to sell. Incorrect selling prices attract fewer buyers, showings and offers. These properties are forced to drop in price. However, this will not generate the same enthusiasm as a newly listed home.

To ensure you receive the best possible price for your home, we analyze current market conditions and employ decades of real estate experience to ensure your home generates maximum attention and value.

Call Arnie & Mary today: (701) 451-8000
Toll Free: (877) 451.8008

• Clean the home. A good “spring” cleaning creates an uplifting feeling and lets buyers know the home has been well cared for.
• Make minor repairs. A house that needs repairs, even routine maintenance, looks like work to a buyer.
• Reduce clutter so it is easier for the buyer to imagine his or her own furniture and décor in your home.
• Neutralize odors. Air out the house, use an odor-removal spray on fabric items, light candles or bake cookies to fill the house with a pleasant smell.
• Update the décor. This can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint in a warm, neutral color to make the house feel clean and
  spacious.

When you’re getting your house ready for sale, taking care of small things can remarkably impress potential buyers. Walk through your house and make a list of minor quick fixes. Here are some moresuggestions:

• Dust ceiling fans, especially the blades.
• Clean light fixtures.
• Check faucets and showerheads for leaks and drips.
• Repair running toilets.
• Dispose of extra hangers in your closets.
• Put fresh towels in the bathrooms.
• Wash away cobwebs.
• Make sure your doorbell and garage door opener work.
• Trim bushes so they don’t block windows and cut down on light.
• Buy a new doormat.
• Put a fresh coating on your driveway.
• Edge the grass around walks and trees.
• Keep your garden tools out of site.
• Be sure kids put away their toys.
• Buy a new mailbox.
• Upgrade your outside lighting.
• Use warm, incandescent light bulbs for a homey feel.
• Clean your gutters.
• Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.
• Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light.
• Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.
• Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.

• Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to hold extra belongs.
• Outdoor space. Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. However, if you hate yard work, this may be perfect option for you.
• Amenities. Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.
• Maintenance. Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you’re not home.
• Security. Many condos have keyed entries and or even doormen. Plus, you’ll be closer to other people in case of an emergency.
• Reserve funds and association fees. Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, you will have to pay the fees agreed to by the condo board, whether or not you’re interested in the amenity.
• Resale. The ease of selling your unit is more dependent on what else is for sale in your building, since units are usually fairly similar. Single-family homes are usually more individual, so even if there are others for sale in your area, they probably won’t be exactly like yours.
• Freedom. Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property. For example, some condos prohibit home-based businesses. Others prohibit pets. Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully before you make an offer.
• Proximity. You’re much closer to your neighbors in a condo or town home. Look at profile of other owners be sure you’ll be comfortable. If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors.

What neighborhoods would you prefer?

What school systems do you want to be near?

How close do you need to be to:
(a) public transportation
(b) schools
(c) airport
(d) expressway
(e) neighborhood shopping
(f) other

What architectural style(s) of homes do you prefer?

Do you want a one story or two-story house?

How old a home would you consider?

How much repair or renovation would you be willing to do?

Do you have special facilities or needs that your home must meet?

Do you require a fenced yard or other amenities for your pets?

2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.

3. Don’t throw out everything. If your inclination is to just toss it, ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you’d feel if you no longer had it.

4. Pack like items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils.

5. Decide what if anything you plan to move yourself. Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you.

6. Use the right box for the item. Loose items encourage breakage.

7. Put heavy items in small boxes so they’re easier to lift. Keep weight under 50 lbs. if possible.

8. Don’t over-pack boxes and increase the chances they will break.

9. Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes.

10. Label every box on all sides. You never know how they’ll be stacked and you don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what’s there.

11. Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.

12. Keep your moving documents together, including phone numbers, driver’s name and van number. Also keep your address book handy.

13. Back up your computer files before moving your computer.

14. Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.

15. Remember, most movers won’t take plants.

1. How many years have you been in the business?
2. How would you market my house?
3. Will you organize and coordinate meetings with potential buyers personally?
4. Where do you feel your strengths lie?
5. Can you provide names and phone numbers of other families who have used your services?

These questions should help you find the best agent to sell your home. Ask Arnie & Mary. Call (701) 451-8000.

2. Buy your homeowners and auto policies from the same company and you’ll usually qualify for a discount. But make sure that the savings really yields the lowest price.

3. Make your home less susceptible to damage. Keep roofs and drains in good repair. Retrofit your house to protect against natural disasters common to your area.

4. Keep your home safer. Install smoke detectors, burglar alarms, and dead-bolt locks. All of these will usually qualify for a discount.

5. Be sure you insure your house for the correct amount. Remember, you’re covering replacement cost, not market value.

6. Ask about other discounts. For example, retirees who are home more than working people may qualify for a discount on theft insurance.

7. Stay with the same insurer. Especially in today’s tight insurance market, your current vendor is more likely to give you a good price.

8. See if you belong to any groups—associations, alumni groups—that offer lower insurance rates.

9. Review your policy limits and the value of your home and possessions annually. Some items depreciate and may not need as much coverage.

10. See if there’s a government-backed insurance plan. In some high-risk areas, federal or state government may back plans to lower rates. Ask your agent.