Seller Tips for a Successful Sale

In order to sell your home in the shortest time possible, I have always found the following hints very helpful. 

Exterior-the first impression!  

• Grass and shrubs:  Keep trimmed!  Consider using a fast greening fertilizer such as Ammonium sulfate (inexpensive) for a deep green lawn. 

• Pets:  If you have a dog, clean up any dog dirt on a daily basis.  Secure pets when the house is being shown. 

• Fences:  Make any needed repairs.  A neat, well-painted fence gives a positive impression. 

• Flowers: Plant seasonal blooming flowers, especially near the front door and in the patio area.  A profusion of color can have your home self-sold before the door is even opened. 

• Paint:  Front door should be refinished or painted if it shows excessive wear.  Check exterior paint.  Often, only the trim, or, depending on sun exposure, only one or two sides of the house need painting.  Inside, warm, neutral colors appeal to buyers these days. Keep in mind the fact that paint is cheap compared to the extra dollars a home with a clean fresh appearance will bring.

• Roof:  If the roof needs to be repaired or replaced it's best to have the work done.  Otherwise, buyers will want to deduct the cost even if your price already reflects the required work.  Delaying repairs can actually cost you twice as much.  

Interior-the 2nd first impression!  

• Housekeeping:  You are competing against model homes, so your home must look as much like a model as possible.  Clean means Green! Floor, bath fixtures and appliances must be sparkling.  Consider using a car wax on appliances.  Make beds early in the day.  Unmade beds and late sleepers create a very negative image. 

• Odors or Aromas: Avoid using vinegar as well as heavy frying or cooking strong smelling foods such as cabbage.  The odors last and work against the image you are trying to create.  On the other hand, some smells have a positive effect on people; baked bread, apple pie, chocolate cookies and cinnamon rolls are examples of food that can help sell your home. There are candles available now that mimic these smells. Don’t use strong smelling fragrances; some people are sensitive to strong odors.  

• Paint:  If you have leftover paint, you can accomplish a great deal by touching up paint where needed.  If the paint is dark, repaint with bright colors such as off white, oyster, light beige or pale yellow.  Light colors make rooms appear fresh as well as larger. 

• Plumbing:  Repair any leaky faucets.  Make certain you don't have a gurgling toilet. 

• Drapes and Carpets:  If drapes need cleaning, have it done!  If they are old and worn, stained or dark, consider replacing them with light colors.  Dirty carpets should be either professionally steam cleaned (preferred), or you should rent a heavy duty cleaner. 

• Lighting:  If any room appears dark, increase the wattage of your light bulbs.  Before a showing, open the blinds and drapes and turn on the lights, even during the day.  You want the house as light as possible.  Make certain your light fixtures and windows are clean. If you have outdated light fixtures, consider replacing them. Updated lighting makes a huge impact for the cost involved. 

• Too Much Furniture:  Many homes appear crowded, with too many pieces of large furniture.  Consider putting excess furniture in a storage locker. 

• Garage and Basement:  Spruce up your work area.  Consider a garage sale to get rid of the excess items too good to throw away but of no use to you.  Put excess items in boxes and stack them neatly in a corner.  Considering using a commercial garage floor cleaner (not carpet cleaner.)   

• Temperature:  On cold days, a natural fire in the fireplace will help us sell your home.  Start the fire before the showing is scheduled.  On hot days, consider turning the air conditioner four to five degrees cooler than normal.  The contrast will seem phenomenal, giving a very positive reaction.  In moderate weather, open windows for fresh air.  

You!

When your home is shown by a real estate agent, it's best that you disappear for a while.  Buyers feel restrained with an owner present.  If buyers will not voice their concerns, then their questions cannot be solved and a sale is not achieved.  Never, never follow the agent around the house during the showing, volunteering information or answering questions the buyer may have. If the agent asks you questions, that’s okay.  

If you are selling “For Sale by Owner”, you obviously will not be able to leave the buyer alone in your home. You can be present, give the potential buyer directions around the house, and step out on the patio for a few minutes, letting them know you will be available for any questions. Do not follow the potential buyer around the house volunteering information.  

Be aware of security issues. If you are a woman, home alone, keep your phone in your hand and don’t allow potential buyers to place themselves between you and the door (your escape route). Keeping in mind, what you will do if someone approaches you threateningly. These situations are extremely rare, but better safe than sorry!  

If the buyer is asking you personal questions, like “why are you moving”, be careful of your response. You do not want to give away any of your negotiating power, by saying something like, “I can’t afford to live here”. Plan ahead with your generic answer, such as, “I’m downsizing.”  

Happy home selling!!  

              Leah

Creating solutions for today’s market!