We've had some good times together, but the time has come for us to go our separate ways. You'll be moving on and I'll stay behind. Yes, it's true, you have outgrown me. Before you walk away, here are a few hints to make our parting filled with more sweet than sorrow:
1. Garage sale, Goodwill or Simply Give Stuff Away: I don't want to look like I'm bursting the seams of every room, closet and drawer. So please help me lighten the load, look sleeker and more spacious by keeping only what fits. Once that excess baggage is gone you'll be surprised at how roomy I can still look.
2. Cover the Walls (and scuff marks, crayon marks and fingerprints) with a Fresh Coat of Paint: Paint is to walls as botox is to wrinkles. There's nothing like fresh paint for an instant lift. Dollar for dollar it is one of the best pre-sale investments you can make. Go neutral but not boring. There are some gorgeous taupes, vanillas and milky whites shades of paint. Every room does not have to be white. Show off my best architectural features with a shade lighter or darker in the same color family. After the painting is finished scrub, polish and shine the rest of the house. You may be surprised to discover your old house can still turn more than a few heads.
3. Now Don't Get Emotional, You Want Someone Else to Fall in Love with Me: I know I'm looking so good you are having second thoughts about leaving, but you know in your heart we are no longer right for each other. I appreciate your help in making me as attractive as possible for my next owner, but I know it serves you well too. Your extra efforts will put more cash in your pocket at the closing table. A house with curb appeal and interior pzazz will often sell sooner, and for more money, than a neglected "as is" wall flower. You did the right thing and can leave with your head held high, plus the extra cash will come in handy when it's time to dress up your new place.
4. Deferred Maintenance Will Get You One Way or Another: Fix it now, or pay later either with a cash credit or repairs prior to the close of escrow. My roof is patched and showing its age and yes, those leaky faucets are still dripping away. I'll show so much better with those problems gone.
Ok, I see that admiring look in your eyes, you're pretty pleased with my results aren't you?
Together we were quite a team, and moving forward will be so much easier with a little effort before the "For Sale" sign goes in the ground.
Find more tips for home sellers on my Seller's Tips page.
Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800
South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.
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South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Based on information from the Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing as of the initial date of this article/blog publication and /or other sources. Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
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53 Comments on Sellers, This is Your House Talking to You---4 Things I Need Before You Leave
What a cute way to get the idea across without making the seller mad! Very nice!
Excellent, we all need to think of new ways to go about doing our job, and it always helps to think outside the box.
Cheers,
Tap
www.TeamTapper.com
To this day I simply cannot understand why homeowners choose NOT to maintain their home. I try to send out little reminders and various things they can do around the house to help keep it somewhat maintained but in the end, it's up to them.
I think the biggest issue are the air filters not changed for years. Simply amazing!
Norma - I really enjoyed this post. I like # 3 - don't get emotional.
These are great tips and very cleverly written. I've had clients wonder after all the work done if they really want to move. . .
Lisa - Another point of view can be refreshing.
Mark - Most sellers already know what needs to be done, they just need a friendly nudge to get it done.
Caren - Sellers need to understand 'what's in it for them' before they spend time and money fixing up a house they are leaving behind.
Jeani - It's fun to try a new approach every once in awhile.
Tom - Staging, painting, repairs and other pre-sale changes often pay huge dividends.
Patricia - Check your email.
Charles - You're welcome!
Rob - I think that's a common question once sellers see what a big difference little changes make.
Joe - Good point, and one I will remember to share with sellers.
Andrew - Yes, I decided to approach it from a different angle.
Chris - Feel free to share it with your sellers.
Regina - Yes a little TLC makes a big difference.
Hello, another Norma. Good to see you here. Where was the picture on the camel taken? I also have one taken in Turkey? I'll have to post someday. I used it for a Christmas card and then used the caption. "Not just wise men rise camels"
Hi Norma -- Price and condition are always the two most important aspects, and you nailed it!
If a home could talk that's what he/she would say for certain!
Marian - Just a different way to say the same thing--the important thing is getting the sellers to act on the advice.
Sabrina - That's exactly what I'm talking about.
Beverly - We do become blind to the flaws of our own home. You love the dog that made those scratch marks, the new buyer does not.
Georgina - Thank you and I appreciate the comment on the blog and profile--hours and hours of work to get it to where it is--and it's still a work in progress.
Joe - You are so right about the sellers needing to understand the "why" of what they are asked to do.
Kristi - Humor is a great way to approach a delicate task.
David - I find a box to be a very confining space.....
Russell - I think I'll go check my air filter....I think I changed it last fall. I do agree it is easier to keep up with maintenance as it is needed rather than to play catch up just before it's time to sell.
Sharon - The emotional thing can get out of hand--I once had a seller tell me she was thinking of taking her house off the market because she did not want to move away from her favorite grocery store.
Thanks for the comment and I hope all is well in Florida.
Norma, Your talking house makes a lot of sense especially that de-cluttering part.
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