11 things to do to help bring you the most money when selling your home...
To beat the competition today, you simply must avoid mistakes other sellers are most likely to make. Then you'll sell faster and get the best price too! Here are the 11 great ideas you can use to get your home sold for the most money in the least amount of time.
Pricing
The right price sells a house faster than any other factor. Buyers today are educated and know when they look at an overpriced house; they will get more for their money elsewhere. In addition, an overpriced house will scare away potential buyers who think they can't afford to look in that price range. In today's market, a house should be priced within 5% of market value.
Condition
Most buyers are looking for a home in move-in condition. A showcase home will always get top dollar. Buyers that are willing to tackle repairs after moving in automatically subtract that cost from the price they offer. It is important to do these little fix ups before putting your house up for sale. However, never invest a dollar unless you can get two back. We can advise you what repairs are best to prepare your house for sale.
Curb Appeal
First impressions do count. "Curb appeal" is how the buyer sees your home the minute they step out of the car. Spruce up the view of your house from the street, including lawn, shrubs, shutters, windows, front door and mailbox. Add potted flowers out front, a wreath on the door. Remember, you only get one chance to make a great first impression.
Clutter Bug
A fresh, bright decor is what buyers want. Fresh paint is probably the best dollar investment when selling. Neutral colors are best. Next to fresh paint, flooring makes a big difference. Buyers will discount outdated linoleum or worn carpeting. Cleanliness and spaciousness also make an impact. Start by having a garage sale, make closets spacious, box up stuff you are not using and put it into storage, clear off kitchen counters, clean stove & refrigerator, move or store extra furniture to create spaciousness, clear space in the garage for a car.
Over-Improving
While it is important to prepare your home for sale, over-improving could cost you more money than you would get in return. As mentioned previously, do not invest a dollar unless you expect to get two in return. If a house already has a new roof, furnace or windows, the asking price should be reflected accordingly. On the other hand, a buyer will usually discount these items if they need to be replaced. We can give you advice on what repairs will be beneficial to prepare your home for sale.
Show Me a Sign
Some home owners feel that displaying a real estate sign on their lawn is showing their business to the world. However, a sign accounts for 20% of buyer interest and a For Sale sign is easily recognized from afar. Prospective buyers driving around might just be looking for a home in your neighborhood and with no sign; they will simply pass you by. In short, that sign could be responsible for selling your house.
Ask the Professional
Trying to sell by your self could spell disaster. Although the intention is to save money, it could end up costing you money. Realtors do a lot more for you than most people realize. Nine times out of ten the buyer who looks at a house privately has only one thing in mind and that is saving the commission, so they usually subtract it from the sale price of the house. This, of course, defeats the purpose of trying to sell it alone. Add in the cost of advertising, waiting by the phone, no shows, following up on prospective buyers, unqualified buyers, handling the negotiations, follow up after the offer and is it really worth it? Surveys show self-sellers often net less from the sale than sellers who use a realtor.
Being There
Buyers like to view a home without feeling they are intruding. If you can be out of the house for a showing, it will give them the time and freedom they need to check out every nick and cranny without fear. Their realtor is the salesperson but if you have to be there for a showing, be your usually friendly - but low-key self and keep children and pets out from underfoot. Don't offer information unless asked. Many a sale has been undermined by too much information. That's why you hired a realtor.
Unpleasant Odors
Your home may be the sweetest smelling place in the world to you but not necessarily to a buyer. Pet odors, food odors or odors from cigarette smoke may be offensive or even have allergic consequences for some people. Sterilize and deodorize as much as possible. Some buyers won't even enter a home if they can "smell" it.
Relax... It's Time!
Negotiating is an art but no one wins if you go in on the defensive. When an offer comes to the table, take a breath, no matter how far off it seems at the time, the buyer has the same thing in mind as you - a sale. Let your realtor lead the discussion about price, terms, possession and other conditions. They're working for you!
Don't Delay
When a buyer makes an offer, don't delay in responding to it. He who hesitates is lost. A bird in the hand... well, you get the picture. When the buyer is in the mood to buy, you do not want to stall in replying. They might have a back up property in mind they are considering.
If you are planning to list your home for sale in the next 90 days, call or e-mail me for
- A fast over the phone market evaluation.
- A FREE computerized Market Evaluation.
