Thursday, September 28, 2006
Steps To Improve Your Chances For A Quick Sale
When listing your property here are some tips that can make a big difference in being successful.
1. Hire a cleaning service
Clean homes sell more quickly and at a higher price. If you are not good at cleaning then it is better to hire a service.
2. Keep home fresh
Vacant homes can develop odors. Odors should never be masked with heavy scented perfumes, etc. Set out potpourri but nothing is better than fresh air. If you are living there, bake a pie before an open house.
3. Neutralize colors
Neutral colors appeal to more people, even though it may be trendy for dark colors. A fresh coat of paint inside and out does wonders.
4. Maintain the exterior
Trim the bushes and keep the lawn mowed. Sweep the driveway and walks.
5. Open house
Turn on all the lights and get rid of the pets. If you do not have a open house, but your agent is showing the property, tell him/her to arrive ahead of time and turn on all the lights, open the blinds and open all inside doors.
6. Walk the property
Walk through your property as though you were the buyer. Write down the positive and negatives. (i.e. New roof, clean, kitchen counter cluttered.) Correct the negatives and give your agent the positives for the listing sheet.
7. Identify the competition
Know the current conditions for your area. What price ranges are selling, current market inventory, upgrades and other incentives for neighboring properties.
8. Listing price
Don't go with an agent who is telling you that your home is worth way more than what other properties are selling for in your area. Remember, some agents may do this to get the listing and then continue to ask you to lower your price when there is not a sale.
9. Remove clutter
If you have extra items, furniture, etc. remove them and put in storage. This will make the rooms and garage look larger. A neat home will give the buyer a comfortable feeling.
10. Add positive touches
Fresh flowers, new towels and rugs in the bath room add a nice touch and put away small items that would otherwise create clutter.
1. Hire a cleaning service
Clean homes sell more quickly and at a higher price. If you are not good at cleaning then it is better to hire a service.
2. Keep home fresh
Vacant homes can develop odors. Odors should never be masked with heavy scented perfumes, etc. Set out potpourri but nothing is better than fresh air. If you are living there, bake a pie before an open house.
3. Neutralize colors
Neutral colors appeal to more people, even though it may be trendy for dark colors. A fresh coat of paint inside and out does wonders.
4. Maintain the exterior
Trim the bushes and keep the lawn mowed. Sweep the driveway and walks.
5. Open house
Turn on all the lights and get rid of the pets. If you do not have a open house, but your agent is showing the property, tell him/her to arrive ahead of time and turn on all the lights, open the blinds and open all inside doors.
6. Walk the property
Walk through your property as though you were the buyer. Write down the positive and negatives. (i.e. New roof, clean, kitchen counter cluttered.) Correct the negatives and give your agent the positives for the listing sheet.
7. Identify the competition
Know the current conditions for your area. What price ranges are selling, current market inventory, upgrades and other incentives for neighboring properties.
8. Listing price
Don't go with an agent who is telling you that your home is worth way more than what other properties are selling for in your area. Remember, some agents may do this to get the listing and then continue to ask you to lower your price when there is not a sale.
9. Remove clutter
If you have extra items, furniture, etc. remove them and put in storage. This will make the rooms and garage look larger. A neat home will give the buyer a comfortable feeling.
10. Add positive touches
Fresh flowers, new towels and rugs in the bath room add a nice touch and put away small items that would otherwise create clutter.
