What's that smell? Condition does matter to a sale in Colorado Springs

        The 3 major factors in a home sale must blend together to create the perfect combination for success: location, price, and condition.  When these three areas are addressed at the beginning of the transaction there is a greater chance for a profitable sale in a reasonable time period.  They do interconnect and if one has a major flaw then another must be altered to reflect.  For instance, if your home backs up to a busy highway then price must be adjusted according to the competition. 

    Cleanliness:This area cannot be overemphasized.  When a buyer looks at a property, they are emotionally stimulated to investigate the property further or write it off the list of potentials.  Bad smells such as pet odors and mustiness must be addressed and can turn off a buyer immediately.  Always have the home present like a model void of knick knacks, family photos, and with limited personal items. Look up, down, and under to find neglected dirt or clutter that might distract the buyer. Take a few moments every day to pick up and put away items where they belong leaving an inviting clean atmosphere for the buyer to peruse.

    Maintenance: NOW is the time to finish those little projects that have been on your to do list!  Replace burned out lights, broken shades, loose rails, and all the other little items that seem to always be on the list.  PAINT.  This is the cheapest and most cost effective way to give a home the boost it needs to look fresh and inviting.  Tone down extreme colors and smooth out those dings and scuff marks.  For the larger jobs that might be a deal breaker hire a professional and get it done.  A few hundred dollars now can reap greater profits later.  Buyers will usually discount more in the offer than it would have cost to repair/replace. 

    Curb Appeal: Buyers will actually discard a home before ever entering the property just by what they see as their first impression.  A neglected yard screams handyman special and they won't bother to investigate further, unless of course they are looking for a fixer and will make an offer as such.  Trim, add color, mow, and replace.  Spruce up with mulch and fresh plants.  Paint or remove old worn furniture.  Paint porches, add style appropriate light fixtures, and again eliminate clutter.  Dead plants have to go.  Address dangerous steps or walkways.  Let your home be the one that looks well cared for and inviting.

    Stage:   Give each room a purpose and clearly define that purpose with the appropriate items.  Multi use rooms have a tendency to confuse the shopper and they will be left wondering how that particular space would serve them. If you give them an idea then they can interpret that as potential valuable space and it will stimulate ideas for their personal use.  Think of furniture arrangement as a tool to emphasize the floor plan, architecture, and most importantly square footage.  Less is sometimes better.  Rent a storage unit and remove larger pieces, multiples, and miss matched items.  Add a few decorative touches but don't make it distracting to the main objective and that is selling the home. 

Staging doesn't have to be expensive or stressful.  Visit a few model homes and get ideas on furniture placement and décor.  Mimic those ideas with your own creativity and utilizing items you already own. Have a friend critique your home as a buyer would see it and get another perspective.  Your Realtor should be able to give you suggestions and tips for staging as well as provide the name of professional stagers as an option. 

For more information on how to get your home sold in Colorado Springs contact Lorraine Sayer www.desirablecoloradospringshomes.com