 |
 |
 |
 |
Preparing Your Home for Sale
We use the following selling secrets to sell your home faster - and get you the best possible price. If you have questions, please ask. We're here to help you sell your home fast - Let Us Work for You.
Price It Right
Experience shows us the right price sells a house faster than any other factor. When the listing price is set higher than 5% above market value, the price alone discourages buyers. Remember, an overpriced house scares away potential buyers who think they can't even afford to look at your home. Buyers who do look at an overpriced house know they can get more house for their money elsewhere. This is where a real estate professional can assist you.
In Top Condition
A home that sparkles gets top dollar when it comes to the bottom line. Price plays a vital role, but "move-in-condition" sells your home fast! Get rid of the junk you've accumulated (be ruthless). Clean top to bottom and refurbish where needed. Generally speaking, spending elbow grease is as effective as cash.
Good investments: carpet shampoo, floor polish, stronger light bulbs (or extra lamps), open curtains, white graphite for locks, household oil for hinges, window cleaner, brass polish, bagged limestone for damp odors, hydrogen peroxide mixed with cream of tartar for stained porcelain, and soap-scum remover for filmy ceramic tiles. Dare to make your home look better than you've ever had it looking before. Make it truly "a model home."
Click here for a list of cleaning agencies.
Impressive Curb Appeal
Your house gets only one chance to make a good first impression. That's why curb appeal is probably one of the most critical points in selling. Buyers are apt to fall in love at first sight - or not at all. If a buyer is not immediately turned on, chances are the first impression will not be counteracted by the most perfect floor plan or the most immaculate and tasteful interior.
Buyers "in love" picture themselves at home in your home, and they are the ones willing to pay your price. Spruce up the view of the house from the street. Keep lawns mowed and shrubs trimmed. Make sure shutters are straight and windows are clean. If you have blinds, keep them at a uniform height across the front of the house for a neat appearance. Spruce up the front door, mail box, and walkway - whatever will enhance your home's "buy me" look.
Appealing Decor
Probably the best dollar-for-dollar investment for selling your home fast is fresh paint. Neutral colors are best, as they are unlikely to clash with other people's furniture and accessories (don't use colors like the color of this page!). Few buyers relish the idea of having to paint before moving into their new home. Next to fresh paint, fresh carpeting (replaced for either condition or color) makes a big difference.
Click here for local painting contractors.
Room in Your Rooms
The three most inspected areas in any house are the kitchen, master bedroom and garage. In the kitchen, clear off counters and unclutter cupboards. Remember, some prospects will judge the whole house by the cleanliness of the oven. In the master bedroom, move or remove furniture to create spaciousness. Clean out off-season clothes and clutter to make closets appear larger. The ideal garage stores only cars, so throw out or store your junk offsite - show off how much room your garage has for the prospective new owners to store their stuff.
Flexible Financing
Be flexible about financing. The more buyers you appeal to, the greater your chances of selling faster. Consider FHA and VA financing, seller financing, a price reduction, or paying closing costs, points or a decorator's allowance. Flexibility can give you something your competition won't have - a fast sale!
Good Teamwork
Selling a house is a team effort between you, as the home seller, and your professional real estate team. Be ready to tell us the "pleasure points" of your house and the neighborhood, and supply information on utility costs. You know your home better than anyone and can supply us with valuable knowledge. We'll give you feedback on how to keep your house at its maximum marketability.
Good Seasoning
Make the most of the seasons by accenting your home with color and fragrance. Depending on the time of year, potted flowers out front, a wreath on the door, or a crackling fire in the fireplace will add colorful and welcoming touches. Add pleasant fragrances by putting potpourri in bathrooms, baking cookies or bread, grinding up cinnamon or vanilla sticks, or by placing aromatic extracts on a light bulb. A feeling of freshness and cleanliness everywhere is important. To help with this, run a lemon or orange through the garbage disposal. Ask us for more suggestions!
Show Time!!
During showings and open houses, plan to be away from home, but let our team know how to reach you quickly. Experience has taught us that too many introductions can spoil a showing. When you're away from home, agents accompanying prospects to see your home will leave their business cards. Alert us afterward so we can follow up to gain valuable feedback on what they liked or didn't like.
Meet and Greet
If you are at home during a showing or open house, do all you can to make prospect feel at home. This means keeping children close to your side and pets out from underfoot - some people are afraid of or allergic to animals. Be your usual friendly self, but low key. It's true, buyers want to buy from someone they like, but their time in your home will be better spent looking around rather than socializing. If you are able to leave while they are viewing the home, even better. As your professional realtor, we can schedule showing times around YOUR schedule.
Key Negotiations
Approach negotiations in a positive frame of mind, not as an adversary of the buyer. After all, you both want the same thing - a closed sale. Negotiating can be challenging, even fun. Leave most of the discussion of price, terms, possession and other conditions up to us, your REALTOR. After all, that's our business. We represent your interest.
Be Ready to Sign
One of the most important moves you can make is to reply immediately to an offer. When buyers make an offer, they are - right then - in the mood to buy your house. Moods, as you know, can change, and you don't want to lose a sale because you stall in replying. Your professional realtor will explain the contract and the bottom line so you can make an informed decision on whether to accept the offer or add some conditions of your own.
Contact Bill Gann Agency and Let Us Work For You