Selling Your Home: Where to Begin

Selling Your Home: Where to Begin?

First Impressions
Remember what first attracted you to your house when you bought it? What excited you about it most? When deciding how best to present your home for sale, it is helpful to try to get back into that buyer’s frame of mind.

A spruced-up house makes a great first impression on potential buyers. An attractive property grabs their attention and makes them excited about finding a house that looks and feels well cared for. Because buyers believe they’ll encounter fewer problems if they buy it, your house becomes more appealing and stands out from the competition. So if you prepare your home correctly, you’ll save time selling it when it’s on the market.

A good first impression makes an impact on a number of levels. It’s not just the way your house looks to potential buyers, but how it feels and smells to them, how their friends and family will react, how they imagine it would be to live there.

With simple improvements throughout your house, you can grab the attention of potential buyers and help them see why your house is right for them.

Plan Ahead

Create a plan to enhance your property. Keep a notebook, and as you stroll through your home and yard, make a list of what needs to be done. Consider what your property looks like to people driving by or walking through your door. What will they like or dislike? What needs fixing, painting, cleaning? What can you improve? Whether you paint your house or fix up the yard, your efforts don’t need to be costly; even inexpensive improvements and minor repairs go far towards attracting serious buyers. But remember, those seemingly insignificant problems you’ve learned to live with can actually discourage potential buyers.

Here are some ideas for increasing your home’s appeal in order to sell it quickly at the best price:

Interior

Clean Everything

Buyers expect a spotless house, inside and out, so clean everything, especially your windows and window sills. Scrub walls and floors, tile and ceilings, cupboards and drawers, kitchen and bathrooms. Wash scuff marks from doors and entryways, clean light fixtures and the fireplace. Don’t forget the laundry room. And put away your clothes.

Cut the Clutter

People are turned off by rooms that look and feel cluttered. Remember, potential buyers are buying your house, not your furniture, so help them picture themselves and their possessions in your home by making your rooms feel large, light, neutral, and airy. As you clean, pack away your personal items, such as pictures, valuables, and collectibles, and store or get rid of surplus books, magazines, videotapes, extra furniture, rugs, blankets, etc. Consider renting a storage unit to eliminate clutter in your garage and attic.

It’s hard to get rid of possessions, but cleaning and clearing out the clutter can really pay off in the end. Packing away your clutter also gets you started packing for your next move. Make your garage and basement as tidy as the rest of your house. Simple little tasks such as storing your tools and neatly rolling up your garden hose suggest that you take good care of your house. Don’t let anything detract from making your best first impression.

Closets

They’re an important consideration to many buyers. By storing clothing you won’t use soon, you’ll make closets look more spacious.

Paint

A new coat of paint cleans up your living space and makes it look bright and new. To make rooms look larger, choose light, neutral colors that will appeal to the most people possible, such as beige or white.

Carpet

Check its condition. If it’s worn, consider replacing it. It’s an easy and affordable way to help sell your home faster. Again, light, neutral colors, such as beige, are best. If you don’t replace it, you can suggest to potential buyers that they could select new carpet and you’ll reduce your price; buyers like to hear they’re getting a deal. At the very least, have your carpet cleaned.

Repairs and Renovations

It’s best to avoid making major renovations just to sell the house since you’re unlikely to recoup those costs in your selling price. Make minor repairs to items such as leaky faucets, slow drains, torn screens, damaged gutters, loose doorknobs, and broken windows. Make sure repairs are well done; buyers won’t take you seriously if your home improvement efforts look messy, shoddy, or amateurish.

Leaks and Moisture

Water stains on ceilings or in the basement alert buyers to potential problems. Don’t try to cosmetically cover up stains caused by leaks. If you’ve fixed the water problem, repair the damage and disclose in writing to the buyer what repairs were made.

Exterior

Curb Appeal

The “Wow” factor — that first visual, high-impact impression your home makes on potential buyers — can turn a looker into a buyer. To determine your property’s curb appeal, drive through your neighborhood and note other properties; then approach your own house as if you were a potential buyer. How does it look? Does it “wow” you? Will its curb appeal attract buyers? Note what needs improving, such as trimming trees, planting shrubs, or painting gutters. Little things convey that you’ve cared for your home, and this is your opportunity to sell that important message to buyers who are shopping from the street, simply cruising neighborhoods looking for houses for sale. To get them through your door, do what you can to make your property look like someone’s dream home.

Paint/Stain

If it’s peeling or blistering and you can’t remember the last time you painted it, your house needs some attention. That also goes for stain that is significantly faded. A newly painted or stained exterior will help sell your house faster, and whether you do it yourself or hire someone, you’ll also increase your home’s value.

In the Yard

Grab people’s attention by enhancing your yard and landscaping. If your house looks inviting and well-maintained from the street, people will imagine that it’s attractive on the inside, too.

Prune bushes and hedges; trim trees.
Keep your lawn looking healthy and green by mowing it often, fertilizing it, and keeping it edged and trimmed.
Clean up and dispose of pet mess.
Weed your gardens; add fertilizer and mulch and plant colorful flowers.
In winter, keep your driveway and sidewalks shoveled, de-iced, and well-lit.
Stack firewood, clean out birdbaths, repair and paint fences.

The Front Door

An attractive entry catches a buyer’s eye and says, “Welcome,” so highlight this area of your house with decorative touches, such as a wreath on the door or new shrubs and flowers around the steps. For an even grander entry, clean and paint your front door, or replace it with a new one for a few hundred dollars. Don’t forget to fix and polish doorknobs, repair torn screens, and then put out that new welcome mat.

Cleaning and Maintenance Checklist:

Windows, sills, and screens
Walls and floor
Tile
Ceilings
Cupboards and drawers
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Light fixtures
Ceiling fans
Carpet and rugs
Mirrors
Garage
Attic
Basement
Laundry room
Yard
Gutters
Replace furnace filter
Dust furniture, TV and computer screens
Closets
Remove clutter
Pack personal items

Repair

Leaky faucets and plumbing
Torn screens
Slow drains
Gutters
Loose doorknobs
Deck boards
Broken windows
Electrical fixtures
Water stain damage
Broken appliances
Damaged walls and ceilings
Worn carpet and rugs
Damaged sidewalks and steps

Improvements

Stain or paint deck
Store tools
Roll up garden hose
Paint or stain exterior
Prune bushes and hedges
Trim trees
Mow lawn, fertilize, edge, and trim
Weed gardens, plant flowers
Shovel driveways, de-ice
Stack firewood
Clean out birdbaths
Caulk windows and doors
Repair and paint fences
Seal asphalt driveway
Make sure doors close properly
Enhance entryway
Replace welcome mat

These elements are no secret – selling anything is about presenting it as favorably as possible, and a home is no exception. With the right Realtor® and the right presentation, you may find that selling your home is a painless, quick, profitable process!

10 mistakes sellers make

If you want to sell your home, now is the perfect time to prepare. For most people, a home is their largest lifetime investment, yet many home sellers make costly mistakes when trying to cash in. Here is a list of the most significant errors and how to avoid them:

Home seller mistake # 1: Trying to sell their own home.
Some people are able to sell their own home but many aren’t. Statistics also show that those sellers who are successful in selling their home without a real estate agent net less than sellers who use a professional.

You probably visit a doctor when you are in ill health. You also likely take your car to a mechanic for repair and maintenance. When you require legal advice, chances are that you seek the services of an attorney. Doesn’t it make sense that you should contact a real estate professional when you are preparing to sell your biggest asset?

Home seller mistake # 2: Choosing the wrong agent.
Don’t make selling a home more difficult by choosing the wrong agent. You want an agent who works for you and understands your needs and goals. It’s important to choose an agent with a solid marketing plan and track record to sell your home. Your agent will also be in close contact to walk you through the process so it’s important to choose someone who is both competent and enjoyable to work with.

Home seller mistake # 3: Basing their asking price on needs or emotion.
Many times, people make their pricing decisions based on how much they paid or on how much time and money they have invested in their home. This can be an expensive mistake. Overpriced homes take longer to sell and eventually net the seller less money. Consult with a professional you trust and listen to their opinion. They can assist you in pricing your home correctly from the beginning.

Home seller mistake # 4: Failing to stage their home correctly.
First impressions are the most important. Experience shows that for every $100 in repairs that your home needs, a buyer will deduct $300-$500 from their offer. Thoroughly clean and prepare your home before you put it on the market if you want top dollar in the shortest amount of time.

Home seller mistake # 5: Signing a listing contract with no way out.
Many real estate agents want you to sign a listing contract with no way out. Things may not go perfectly so patience and understanding is important when selling a home, but staying with the wrong agent can cost you valuable time and money. Ask potential agents about your options if you aren’t happy with their performance and avoid signing a contract with no way out.

Home seller mistake # 6:  Failing to take the first offer seriously.
Many sellers believe that the first offer received will be one of many to come. This is especially true if the offer comes in soon after the home is listed. Often the first offer is the best offer, and many sellers have had to accept less money than the initial offer much later in the selling process.  Homes are most saleable early in the marketing period so don’t fail to take the first offer seriously.

Home seller mistake # 7: Not leaving the home for showings.
It is always best to leave the house during showings. Home buyers feel awkward about opening closet doors and lingering for a really good look at the house if the seller is there. Give the buyers adequate time and freedom to view your home without being present to avoid this mistake.

Home seller mistake # 8: Not knowing all of their legal rights and obligations.
Real estate law is complex. The contract that you will sign when selling your home is legally binding. Small items that are neglected in a contract can wind up costing you thousands of dollars. You should consult a knowledgeable professional who fully understands the real estate transaction. If you work with a good agent you will be educated along the way and avoid this mistake.

Home seller mistake # 9: Leaving unpleasant odors.
House odors are big on the uh-oh list. And narrowing it down, odors from cigarette smoke and pets take top billing, with mildew not far behind. If you smoke in the house the smell can offend non-smokers. If you have pets, it might smell, even if you don’t notice it. Ask someone who doesn’t live there (and don’t get angry when they tell you the truth).

There’s only one solution. Eradicate the odors so that you can present buyers with a clean, fresh atmosphere, not a house that’s full of perfumes to cover up the smell. Take the time and effort to eliminate odors and avoid this mistake.

Home seller mistake # 10: Not considering curb appeal.
You must grab their interest from the curb if you want top dollar. Buyers often refuse to go into a house with an unkempt yard, sagging doors or peeling paint. You say you can’t afford to paint? Okay, but get that yard in tip-top shape and grab a screwdriver to fix those doors. These small details can make all the difference in how many buyers even consider viewing the inside.

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