Every Seller wants to be as prepared as possible so that they can sell fast and get top dollar for their home.  Sellers need more than just good luck when it comes to selling in today's challenging Real Estate Market.  Home Sellers want to "up the odds" in selling their home and have sound strategies so that Home Buyers are rushing to see their home and place an offer on it, not the neighbors down the street.   Here is how to turn your home into the house that goes from "For Sale!" to "Just Sold!"

1.  Do Away with Pet Odor from Fido and Fluffy - A Great Tip From Dave Sulvetta - Camden County NJ Realtor.

• Clean up pet stains
• Place odor neutrilizers around cat litter boxes
• If possible, keep pets at a friend or relatives when your home is shown.   There is nothing worse than a buyer being greeted by slobbering Fido at the front door.

2.  Make Minor Repairs

• Patch up holes in the wall
• Paint in neutral colors - Don't give a buyer any reason to think they are going to have to do more work (such as paint the pink bathroom)
• Complete finishes - base molding, door molding, buy matching light switch plate covers and electrical outlet covers and finish the unfinished projects you have lived with for years.
• Fix leaks and repair water damage
• Get your air conditioner serviced

3.  De-Clutter - It is amazing how much every home seller accumulates in such a small amount of time. 

• Clean off your desk and organize with essential office supplies only.  Sort through and file or shred the papers that have been sitting on your desk for months.
• Pack, sell or donate nick-knacks
• Organize pantry cupboards, clothes and linen closets.  You want people to see how much storage space your house has.  Line up your shoes, shirts, and pants.  Neatly arrange your spice racks.
• Clean off kitchen counters and bathroom counters - only keep essentials that match in that space.
• Rearrange furniture to create room and openness.

4.  It is Nothing Personal, so "De-Personalize"

• Pack up personal heirlooms
• Pack up the majority of personal photographs and replace with pictures and artwork that matches the color theme and style of your room.

5.  Remove / Replace Any Items That You Plan On Taking With You

• If you are planning on taking your $1,500 front loading washer and dryer with you, have them removed from your house (put in storage or at a family or friend's home) and replace with traditional washer and dryer.
• Do you love your wine refrigerator?  Make sure and remove it from sight as many Buyers might expect that it comes with the house, or use it in negotiations.
• Any window treatments or light fixtures that are not staying?  Replace, replace, replace or be prepared to see them included in the contract and you don't want to have a disheartened buyer if you are not prepared to sell them with the house.

6.  Make Your Whole House Sparkle and Shine

• Vacuum
• Wash windows
• Keep your bathrooms sparkling clean
• Do the dishes everyday so they do not pile up

7.  Separate Emotionally With Your House

• Treat all negotiations and contract offers as "business deals." 
• Don't take low offers personally.  Ask your Listing Agent to show you the comparable solds and then counter the buyers offer strategically - don't counter from an emotional point of view.  Your goal is to sell and although low, the offer is not meant to be personal.   
• Be prepared to hand over the keys on closing day - picture yourself handing the keys over and anticipate ahead of time what that may feel like.

8.  Have the Lowest Priced and the Most Show Worthy Home in Your Community - You want your Listing Agent's comments to other Realtors in the MLS to be, "Your buyers will not be disappointed!  You will be proud to show this home!"

• Visit the comparable homes that are also for sale in your Fort Myers community - Know your competition and make your house look better both through the listing price and the general appearance.
• Stay up to date through your Fort Myers Listing Agent and ListingBook Accounton the new homes that come on the market and their prices in your community.

9.  Focus on the Curb Appeal

• Trim the bushes
• Keep your grass mowed
• Plant flowers in bright colors such as Yellow
• Take away any nick knacks in the yard that might be distracting and take away from your house

Shane and I are available to answer your Real Estate questions.  It is better to ask then to wonder and our focus is on educating our clients so that they can be as successful as possible in the sale of their home.

Providing Excellence and Service in Your Real Estate Experience!

Happily serving Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, Nort Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Beach, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco Island, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island.

Shane and Joy Goushaw

Licensed Professional Florida Realtors

Sandals Realty

Cell:  239-823-5280

Fax:  239-245-8042

sgoushaw@hotmail.com

Our Website:  www.FortMyersRealEstateFloridaHomes.com

Our Blogsite: www.WeLuvFortMyers.com

www.realestateclipart.com