Below
are some suggestions to help you to prepare your property
for the market. By following these suggestions you will
not only help your real estate agent to a quick sale you
will possibly add thousands to the final sale price.
Cultivate
curb charisma.
Some of the best buyers are the most impatient because they
need to make a fast decision. If the view of your home from
the street turns them off, they might not even stop.
Take a critical look at your home’s front side.
If
it’s weathered looking, or if anything that needs repair
can be seen , eliminate these problems. Don’t turn
your buyers off before the inside can turn them on.
Never
stay in your home with house hunters.
Let the agent handle it and remove yourself if you possibly
can. Remember, the agent has worked many hours with these
people in most cases and knows what they are looking for
and how to work with them. Let them do their job without
interference. You may feel that an agent isn’t showing
the important features of your property, but they know people
aren’t sold by details until they’ve become emotionally
involved with the big picture of your home. The presence
of any member of the seller’s family can’t help
– it always unnerves possible buyers and often prevents
a sale. Don’t put this obstacle in your path –
leave when buyers are coming to inspect. People are often
cruel in their comments about you pride and joy - you don’t
need to hear this sort of comment – your agent will
give all of the important feedback to keep you up to date
with the marketing of your property.
Give
your dogs and cats a vacation.
Having pets (especially aggressive dogs) around when you’re
selling your home can be incredibly expensive. Many people
are actually uncomfortable around some animals, and simply
can’t think buy when their minds are on bye.
You
can’t find a better investment.
When you are selling your home, you can’t find a better
investment than a few cans of paint and putty to brighten
up it’s interior.
Drips
do worse than run up your water bill.
They make possible buyers worry about your home’s entire
plumbing system.
Maintenance.
Squeaking doors and creaking floors, torn or missing screens,
cracked glass and anything in need of repair dampens the
house hunter’s enthusiasm. Many believe there will
always be ten problems they haven’t noticed for every
one they do see.
Hide
(or neatly arrange) everything that looks like work.
Hide lawn mowers, hoses, vacuum cleaners and all the gear
you use to fix up the house. Accent everything that looks
like fun – sporting goods, toys in the kid’s room
etc.
De-clutter.
Re-pack compactly, dispose of unneeded items or rent a mini
storage room and move out as much material as you can. Your
home’s storage space can’t look adequate to a
buyer if you’ve got it jam packed.
Make
it comfortable
If it’s hot – cool it. In summer if you have air-conditioning
and are able to switch it on 20 minutes before inspections
then you are helping to demonstrate an often important feature.
Harmonise
the elements.
Radio or stereo on softly (if there is road or air noise
this will help mask it). TV off, curtains open (nobody likes
a dark home) – some homes lend themselves to some daytime
interior lighting – others don’t so discuss this
with your agent if you are likely to be home prior to inspections.
Little odours that buyers are aware of can be replaced by
the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. A fragrant oil burner
or evaporator can help create a pleasant atmosphere.
You
can sell pride of ownership faster and for more money.
It’s called cleanliness, and cleanliness has more buyers
than used dirt. Put sparkle into your bathrooms and kitchen
and you will make a lot more silver.
