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You've
decided to sell your home. How long
will it take? Will you get your
asking price? What if you find a
new home before your current one
sells and you're stuck with two
mortgages? These are some of the
thoughts that may keep you up at
night. But what if you could follow
a 10 step plan to put all the odds
in your favor? You can!.
First
Impressions:
You
only have about 15 seconds to make
a good first impression. It's true
when meeting people and it's true
when selling your home. Your front
yard and home's exterior set the
tone so trim the hedges, cut the
grass, remove the clutter and add
some color! |
Don't
be afraid to invest a little money in
fixing and replacing the basics. Remember
that it takes money to make money, so
before you put the sign on your lawn take
time to clean up, fix up, and prepare
for your first potential buyer. If you
spend wisely on the right improvements,
you will be rewarded with a higher sales
price and a quick turnaround.
Simplify
The
house is your product, not your furnishings
and décor. Simplify each room so
that the buyer sees the great features
your home has to offer, not the family
photos, your favorite collections, or
anything that might offend, such as an
overabundance of religious icons, or your
fully stocked bar.
Remove Clutter
Nothing
is more distracting than clutter. It will
make the space feel small and claustrophobic.
Buyers want to feel expansiveness and
perceive ample space for their own belongings.
This applies to your closets too.
Make it Shine
Wash
the windows, remove spider webs, polish
the wood, scrub the grout, clean the chandelier
and create a spotless kitchen and bath
area. It's simple to do, costs practically
nothing, and is one of the best selling
points you can create for your home. It
shows you care and will give the impression
that the rest of your home has been well
maintained.
Bring in Light
A dark
home can be a depressing place. Maximize
natural light from windows by removing
heavy draperies and window coverings,
or at the very least, open them up when
showing your home. If the view outside
is not ideal, either fix or downplay it
in some way. You can't hide the offending
space forever.
In
addition to allowing natural light to
shine in, create mood areas with accent
lighting, and add task lighting to work
areas. Avoid exclusive use of ceiling
lights. They can cast shadows and detract
from other features.
Freshen Up
The
potential home buyer doesn't want a carpet
or paint allowance. They want a home that
is move-in ready. If your walls are dark
green, purple, red or another bold color,
repaint them in a neutral tone. Remove
dated or busy wallpaper.
If
you own pets, have young children, or
your carpeting is several years old, please
replace it. Spills, pet odors, worn areas
and grime are all big turnoffs. Your investment
will be well worth it. If that's not possible,
hire a professional carpet cleaner. Remember,
your home is selling in a competitive
market. There may be several others available
in your price range, so make yours the
one that creates a bidding war.
Accentuate the Positives
In
every home there is something that makes
it special. It could be the crown moldings,
a beautiful fireplace, built-in bookshelves,
or an open, spacious floor plan.
You
may possess beautiful views from the windows,
ample storage, or a garage workshop. Sometimes
it's just the fact that you live in a
well kept neighborhood, a favorable school
district, or on a golf course, that appeals
to potential buyers.
Remember
what attracted you to the home in the
first place, or ask your realtor about
your home’s unique selling points.
Even a fixer upper can be seen as an asset
to a first time home buyer.
Downplay the Negatives
On
the flip side, virtually every home has
a problem or two that detracts from its
desirability. You may have grown accustomed
to them or no longer notice them. Take
the time to identify the challenges and
ask a professional about possible remedies.
Consult With Us
Because
you've chosen us carefully and after much
thought, and we are expert at home selling,
listen to our advice, and work with us
as a trusted partner in the sale of your
home.
Before
you spend a bundle on home improvements,
be sure the changes you plan to make are
cost effective and don't end up overpricing
your home in comparison to others in your
neighborhood and market. Certain improvements
are more desirable than others in the
eyes of home buyers, so don't waste money
on changes that produce low-returns.
Welcome The Buyer
It's
Showtime! Your house is on the market
and is no longer your private space. When
the lockbox is attached to the door and
the sign appears on your lawn, it's time
to take on a new frame of mind. Your home
has become a product.
If
yo've followed the suggestions of your
realtor and implemented some of the strategies
I've mentioned, all you have left to do
is maintain cleanliness, keep it smelling
fresh, well lit, and inviting. Be sure
you leave the house when the showing takes
place. Provide an open guest book in an
obvious location so you can gauge the
exposure you're receiving.
Offer
a flyer with a photograph and statistics
about your home, a disclosure statement,
and a list of repairs and recent improvements
you've made. Anything you can do to make
your home stand out and be memorable will
set you apart from your competition.
Good
luck! May your home sell quickly, at or
above your asking price!
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