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If you have made the decision to sell your home, of course you want it to sell well. By selling well, we mean that you would expect to generate interest in buyers when your property is listed, be proud of your home as it is shown to prospective buyers, yield a good sale price and with all transactions running as smoothly and effectively as possible. But how does one promote this type of positive and smooth-sailing sale? As the owner of the property, there is a lot you can do to help convince buyers that your home should be their home.
Preparing the Home for Sale
In the soft market that we are currently experiencing, buyers have the edge and they know it. That means that once they enter a property unless they are compelled to stay, they will simply move over to the next home on their list.
Keeping in mind that buyers lean toward the most effectively priced homes as per the market– and also the ones that are clean. By clean, we mean more than just vacuumed carpets, swept floors and spotless bathrooms. In terms of selling a home, “clean” goes a lot further than that. Be sure that beyond standard cleanliness, you also address larger items like windows, major appliances, basement area storage, the garage and exterior areas of the home.
Another thing to consider is how cluttered the space is when a buyer walks through it. Less clutter translates to the buyer viewing more of the house while visualizing his or her own personal touches in the home. Similarly, by removing your own personal touches such as photographs and school calendars etc. on the fridge, for example, potential buyers can focus on how they might see themselves living in the home.
Many homeowners neglect to pay attention to curb appeal – a very important part of the home that makes a very strong impression on buyers. Check that the outdoor space is maintained, landscaping is updated and the entryway is appealing.
Renovations, Updates and Repairs
A common question asked by sellers is what level of renovation and/or updating should they do prior to selling a home – and the answer will vary from one Realtor to the next. We suggest that you stay with the more basic of updates such as having carpets steam cleaned, walls touched up, or other important repairs that are essential to function, safety and security of the home. Aside from these things, any renovations you have done may not be useful depending on the buyers’ tastes and should be avoided if possible. Buyers may want to use those areas as part of negotiation based on their own needs or requirements.
Preparing for Sale in the Winter Season
Keep in mind that if someone is willing to come to your home and view it in the midst of snow or uncomfortably cold temperatures it indicates the level of seriousness with which they are considering the purchase. Make sure the environment of the home is warm, inviting and comfortable. Walkways and pathways should be clear of any snow or ice. If you have already vacated your home, pay extra attention to turning on one or two lights in the evening hours or more if there is to be a showing.
Another aspect many sellers tend to forget is how the home smells. If there is a potential for any odors such as from pets or smoking in the home, be sure to rid those areas of the smells prior to showing the home since buyers are very sensitive to this. Finally, remember that while there may not be as many competitors in terms of sellers on the market during winter months, the buyers that are out there are far more serious than the myriad browsers come spring. One way to gain an edge over other sellers vying for your prospective buyers’ attention is to offer extra concessions or incentives.
Selling a home is not easy, especially these days with so much more inventory on hand than buyers. But if you plan it right and make good decisions you can and will succeed in your quest to sell your home – even in the winter. A good Realtor that is experienced and knows the ins and outs of selling in a tougher market will be able to guide you, helping you to reach your selling goal sooner, better and at the best price possible.
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