Seller Tips
Please read the suggestions below that will help you get "Top Dollar."
Remember that selling you home is very different than everyday living. Mark the items that need attention.
Chose an aggressive Agent with a written plan of attack:
- Chose an Agent that is honest and dedicated to your best interests.
- Ensure that your Agent has a written marketing strategy with specific action items to get your home sold! A detailed plan is a must.
- Professional photography is a must in today's marketplace.
- Make sure your Agent is advertising heavily on multiple real estate websites.
- An exterior brochure box is a must for advertising.
- Make sure that your Agent is committed to constant communication and consistent weekly updates.
Do not over-price:
- You need a logical, market data driven pricing strategy
- Ensure your Agent personally shows you the details on the homes that have sold, pended, expired and that you are in direct competition with.
- Never overprice your home - you will be chasing down the market with price reductions and losing precious time and money.
First Impression - as we all know you never get a second chance (especially in real estate!):
Start with the first thing potential buyers see, your lawn.
- Is the lawn trimmed and edged?
- Are the flower beds clear of leaves, weeds, grass and other debris?
- Colorful flowers add instant curb appeal and character (cheap investment).
- Is the light post, mailbox, fence or basketball hoop in good condition?
- Clean off exterior cob webs and power wash stains on the driveway.
- Are children's objects removed, such as toys, old swing sets, sandboxes?
- Have any bare areas in the lawn, ruts, weeds or crabgrass been taken care of?
- If winter, remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk and steps.
Create a welcoming front door for prospects:
- A seasonal door decoration adds a warm, inviting touch.
- Does the front door need fresh paint or need to be cleaned?
- Is the storm door, door hardware, light fixtures and door bell in good condition? Corroded door hardware sends the wrong message!
- Is the front step/porch in good repair?
- Ensure there are no issues with the front door lock and key... it is common that agents have issues with the front door lock. Make sure the key that is put in the lockbox works smoothly... you don't want to get the showing off to a bad start (or not at all).
Decorating encourages top dollar and a quick sale:
- Paint colors make a dramatic impression but are often a major distraction for a buyer. Neutralize your bold / personalized paint colors with a soft beige. Paint is most definitely a high payoff investment.
- Liquid Gold does wonders for scratched and dry-looking wood.
- Adding attractive plants to the interior of your home adds warmth. Pots that are ceramic or designer plastic add flair. This addition is inexpensive and worth the effort.
- Adding mirrors can increase the sense of space and elegance when used properly.
- Has any "hard to decorate around" wallpaper been removed and walls painted?
- Remove personal pictures. Removal of such personal items helps buyers envision the home as their - and encourages an emotional connection.
- Update old brass fixtures and hardware - these finishing touches make all the difference. Adding new or installing cabinet hardware is easy and well worth the investment - it will change the look and feel of the kitchen instantly.
- Are the switch plates clean?
- Make sure toilet lids are down during showings!
A clean kitchen is a requirement:
The kitchen is usually the first place buyer look... so make a lasting impression! Many buyers also judge the overall housekeeping by the oven and the stove.
- Is the interior of the oven, stove and dishwasher stain free? (make sure to empty the dishwasher before showings)
- Make sure the exterior of the appliances are spotless.
- Have the cabinets been wiped down and cleaned (especially above the microwave)?
- Have the cabinets been cleared of all but the essential items?
- Is the cabinet hardware in good condition?
- Are the sink and faucet in good condition? Make sure the faucet doesn't leak! Bar Keepers friend will help rejuvenate old or scratched up stainless steel.
- Are counter tops clean, organized and free of clutter?
- Is the Formica stained? (Baking soda is good for removing stains without marring the finish)
- Are backsplashes free of oil and grease stains? Make sure to wipe down or touch up with paint.
- Make sure to take out the trash so the buyers aren't greeted with any unsightly odors.
- Make sure medications are not on the counters and properly stored!
- Add an air freshener.
Sparkling bathrooms help sell your home:
Spick and Span throughout is the way your bathroom will be judged.
- Are shower doors, surrounds, ceramic tiles and grouting free of soap scum?
- Are fixtures polished and free of water marks?
- Have appliqués in the tub been removed?
- Is the lighting adequate?
- Are counters free of clutter? (hairdryers, toiletries)
- Are exhaust fans quiet and functioning properly?
- Do any of the toilet seats need to be replaced?
- If there is a window make sure it is clean.
- Make sure to empty laundry and trash baskets before showings.
- Adding an air freshener is a nice touch.
Avoid cluttered appearances:
Perhaps now is a time to plan a garage sale or to secure a storage unit.
- Do you have excess furniture which makes rooms feel cramped and small?
- Are toys, newspapers and other articles picked up?
- Is the staircase clear?
- Has the garage been cleaned out?
- Have personal pictures been removed?
- Are children's play areas cleaned up and organized?
Make closets look as large as possible:
Remove or pack items that can be stored elsewhere. Closet space is critical in today's market. Remember that selling a home is very different than everyday living.
- Are the closets neat and well organized?
- Are the wall surfaces in need of paint touch-ups or patching?
- Is the shelving and hardware in good repair?
- If the closets have a light, make sure they are bright enough and are not burnt out.
- Do the closet doors operate smoothly and quietly?
From top to bottom:
Remove all unnecessary items. Additionally, minor flaws suggest neglect to the prospect... so have them fixed to get top dollar!
- Have you checked the basement, garage and other utility space and removed all excess items?
- Is there a damp smell in the basement or crawl space? If so, place a bag of limestone in the damp area.
- Do all the lights work? Are they bright enough?
- Are the window areas clean and sealed properly?
- Are the window wells free of debris?
- Are all of the floor coverings in good condition? Carpet cleaning is very affordable.
- Are the steps and handrails in need of repair or paint?
- Is the sump pump operable? Is there a battery back-up? Is the sump pit uncluttered?
- Is the driveway in good condition?
- Is the roof in good condition? Any shingles missing?
- Do the gutters drain away from the house?
- Is the storage shed in good repair?
Check major appliances:
A little attention and effort is worth your time
- Is the furnace filter clean?
- Is the exterior of the water heater clean?
- Does the water softener work? Is it clean? Is it properly stocked with salt?
- Is the water heater in good condition? Drain a few gallons of water from the unit to help remove rust particles and debris.
- Does the furnace work properly? Have you had regular service?
- When was the air conditioner last serviced?
- Do the kitchen appliances work properly?
- Does the garage door opener work properly and quietly?
Critical activities for showings:
- Never turn down a showing unless it's absolutely necessary. Buyers want to view homes on their schedule... not necessarily yours. It only takes one buyer to get you on your way... don't let them get away.
- Ensure the home is not too hot or too cold. Temperature will impact the first impression and the willingness to spend time in the home.
- Open blinds/draperies for light - will make the rooms appear larger and more welcoming. Dark rooms feel enclosed.
- Make sure that no light bulbs are burnt out. |
