Selling Tips
Your home is an extension of who you are – your personality, style and values. That’s why selling it can be an emotional experience. But it can also be exciting and rewarding. Here are some simple tips that can help lead you to a successful, timely sale.
Price it Right. Sellers are often tempted to try listing their home high, and lower it later if it fails to sell. Research shows that overpricing your home and then dropping the price several times while it sits untouched on the market usually leads to selling it at a much lower price than what you originally should have asked for. As a real estate agent, I stay up to date on market trends and do the research for you. Together we will arrive at the best price to effectively list your house.
Maximize Curb Appeal. First impressions are critical. Take the time to pull weeds, rake leaves and trim overgrown shrubs, especially if they block windows or the path to your front door. Make sure driveways and sidewalks are free of ice and snow in the winter. During warmer months, planting flowers or adding new sod can make a difference. A fresh coat of paint on the front door or a new mailbox are easy ways to add curb appeal.
Make Repairs. Take care of the details. Fix things like leaky faucets, torn screens, and sticky drawers. Buyers tend to overestimate the cost and effort minor repairs might require. Taking care of the little details protects the perception of your home’s value.
Lighten and Brighten. Maximize the light in your home. Good light is the one thing that most buyers say they want in a home. Clean the windows, open the drapes, dust the lampshades, and make sure all light bulbs are working. Light, neutral colors are best for walls in bedrooms and living areas. Warm, earthy tones work well in kitchens. Need some inspiration? Check out these examples: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/19/8-best-neutral-paint-colors_n_4661574.html
Rearrange and Stage. Make sure your furniture placement allows for easy traffic flow and shows the purpose of each room. If you have too much furniture, rent a portable storage device to hold things until you are ready to move into your new place. If you don't have enough furniture, borrow or rent.
Organize and Declutter. Buyers want to envision themselves in the home, so remove personal touches such as photos and portraits. Pack up clutter and knickknacks to allow buyers to see more of the home and less of your stuff. Organize your closets and remove half of your clothes to give the impression of spacious amounts of storage.
Clean. Clean every inch of your house, including windows and floors! If your carpet is old and stained, think about replacing it or having it professionally cleaned. Use air-fresheners that neutralize odors. Clean homes sell!
Keep it ready to show. As difficult as it may be, it is very important to keep your home in show-worthy condition at all times. Each room should be clutter free, have a clear, functional purpose, and be clean. Opportunities for showings can present themselves at any moment, and sometimes with only a small time frame to accommodate the showing. Until you have a signed contract in hand, always be ready to show.
