An Overview
There are only two things to remember when selling a property;
Price and Exposure
Without these two key elements factored into the marketing of your home, you will be waiting
a long time for any respectable offer.
The best opportunities to sell your property occur during the first few weeks it is
on the market. Studies show that the longer a property is on the market the less likely the
seller will realize a beneficial sale.
It is important to price your property close to market value when you first list it.
The market is so sensitive to price that over-pricing, by even a few thousand dollars,
could mean a long period of frustration and disappointment. It's interesting, but your
first offer is usually your best offer. Here are reasons for pricing your property at
the market value - from day one - in order to net you the most amount of money in the
shortest amount of time.
An overpriced home:
- Lowers buyer response
- Limits qualified buyers
- Limits financing opportunities
- Minimizes offers
- Often nets the seller less
*If you are unwilling or unable to offer your home for sale at current market value,
you would be best advised not to place it on the market.
Access:
Easy access is a key - pun intended - to a beneficial sale. Buyers are usually working
to a definite schedule. If they can't see your home at their convenience, they won't buy it.
The greatest way to encourage showings on your property is to make a key and access readily
available.
When your home is being shown, consider doing the following:
- Keep all lights on
- Keep all drapes and shutters open
- Keep all doors unlocked
- Leave soft music playing
- Take a short walk with your children and pets
- Let the buyer be at ease and let the agents do their job
Curb Appeal
The front exposure, yard and setting reflects the overall desirability
of your house to most buyers.
First impressions are critical. Make certain that the trees are trimmed so
the house can be seen from the street. Have the grass mowed, trimmed and edged.
Walkways should be swept. Clean away debris. Remove parked cars. If a buyer doesn't
like the outside, they are not likely to want to see the inside.
Clean
Most people are turned off by even the smallest amount of uncleanliness or odor.
A vendor can lose thousands of dollars by not presenting the property in a clean and
fresh manner.
If your house is squeaky clean, you will be able to sell it faster and net more in
the process. If you are planning on moving, why not get rid of that old junk now so that
your house will appear larger? Make more space.
Odors must be eliminated especially if you have dogs, cats, or young children in diapers
or if you are a smoker. You may not notice the smell, but the buyers do! If you employ an
agent to get the most amount of money for you, please don't take offense if he or she
suggests ways to eliminate problem odors.
Paint and Carpet
Nothing improves a property more than fresh paint and clean broadloom.
Paint makes the whole house smell clean and look crisp. If your house has chipped paint,
exposed wood, or the paint looks faded ... repaint.
If your carpet is worn, dirty, outdated, or an unusual color, you may need to seriously
consider replacing it. Don't think that buyers have more money than you have to replace carpet.
They don't. They simply buy elsewhere.
Remember that painting is the least expensive renovation to your home considering it
covers over 90% of your home!
