TURN AN EXPIRED LISTING ~ INTO A SALE - PART 3
THE VIEW FROM AFAR!
In our previous installment we talked about curb appeal and interior appeal.
Now lets take a critical look from afar.
Being objective is critical to changing the outcome. Are there things in and around the home that cause buyers to overlook the positives and focus on the negatives?
Start by going around the exterior and interior of your home looking for ways to improve the way it shows. In the last installment we suggested sitting outside your home and making a critical assessment.
CURB APPEAL: Keep the lawn and shrubs trimmed, plantings weeded and add fresh mulch. If the exterior of your home looks drab or plain add some color. Add a nice seasonal wreath to the front door.
Place colorful pots with plants or small shrubs outside the front door. Power wash your home to eliminate green mold, cob webs, and accumulated dirt. Wash down the driveway. Clean the gutters and remove branches from the roof. Keep all lawn equipment, toys, and clutter stored away out of sight.
KITCHEN: This is probably the most important room in the home. If your kitchen is outdated or messy it will not show well.
Look for some inexpensive fixes to make it more appealing. Dark and dingy cabinets could be given a fresh look with paint. Try washing the cabinets with Murphys Oil soap, waxing them and adding new hardware.
How is the counter top? If it is scratched or laminate is peeling consider replacing it with a more modern inexpensive laminate.
How is the paint? Is it neutral? Consider repainting the kitchen.
How is the floor? Does it show wear? Use some throw rugs in areas that are not perfect.
Keep the counter tops as free from clutter as possible. That lovely 4 piece canister set maybe distracting.
Remove everything you can from the counter. Make it look spacious. No magnets on the refrigerator. No dishes left in the sink.
This kitchen is dark, cluttered and looks small.
PAINT: All the rooms should be neutral. If any are painted strong colors this can be a turn off. Strong colors make a room look small and dark.
Consider repainting. Many homeowners feel they will leave the painting to the new owner. In today's competitive market prospective buyers are selecting homes that need the least amount of work. A fresh coat of neutral light paint might completely change the way your home shows.
FLOOR COVERINGS: If your carpet shows stains arrange to have it professionally cleaned. If it is worn or stretched you might want to consider replacing it.
Many prospective buyers are looking to eliminate carpet because of allergy factors. Your Realtor can offer you advice as to the trends in your market. Today there are several choices for floor covering that offer affordable solutions. If you have hardwood floors under the carpet you might consider removing the carpet and rejuvenating the hardwood.
BATHROOMS: Clear off the vanity tops. Remove any unnecessary decorating items. Keep the tub, shower doors, toilet and sink clean. Be sure the caulking around the tub is not black, cracked or pulled away from the tile. Make sure the grout is clean in any areas that are tiled.
CLUTTER: Start packing now. Pack away off season clothes, collectibles, and any items you do not use on a regular basis.
Clean out all the closets so they do not looked stuffed. Pack up toys that the kids have outgrown or donate them. It's fine to neatly store boxes in the garage or basement. Less is more.
Too much stuff in this room. The photo was taken at Christmas, but was still on the MLS in June.
PETS: A bird in a cage is not usually a problem. There are some pets that are innocuous. There are others that can create a problem.
The best advice is to remove all signs of the pet before a showing. Remove dog or cat beds, scratching posts, and dishes. Be very aware of pet smells and do what you can to neutralize them.
Living around the pet everyday and in the environment you will become immune to noxious odors. Ask a friend or relative to give your home the sniff test. Make it a point to remove the pet well in advance of showings. Some people are highly allergic to pet dander. It's ok that they know you have a pet, it's better that they don't see it.
BE READY: A showing request can come anytime. Most sellers want notice and Realtors understand that. Always be reasonably prepared for a showing. If you do get a short notice request it won't impact you adversely. Doing a quick pick up or a load of dishes is much easier than cleaning the entire house. That spur of the moment showing might be the buyer you have been looking for.
WHAT IF THERE ARE BIG PROBLEMS? In a future installment we will discuss prioritizing improvements or changes. Some issues are too cost prohibitive to completely eliminate. Rather than ignoring them we will come up with a plan to address them.
Please watch for more articles in this series.
Part Four ~ No Duct Tape Please
Part Five ~ Spring into Action
Part Six ~ Plan a Staging Party
Part Seven ~ Who is the Best Realtor
If you have any questions I'd be delighted to answer them. My area of practice is North East Pennsylvania. Through my Active Rain community I have relationships with thousands of active and successful Realtors all over the country. Some may work in your home town. My fellow
Comments(2)