A prospective buyer's first impression of your home can or break a successful sale. A poorly maintained lawn, peeling paint on a wall or windowsill, even a cluttered room can cause buyers to move on to the next home on their list.
So take a little time to make certain that buyers love what they see at first glance. The rewards might be huge. After all, your home is usually the largest asset. Below is a checklist of steps to take before that first potential buyer arrives at your house.
- Straighten up messes - newspapers, china & nick knacks in the china cabinet, and please put the ironing board back into the closet and don't leave dishes in the sink.
- Clear off your tables - The collection of magazines may be convenient for you on the coffee/end table, but it is actually unwanted clutter.
- Confine your pets!- Fluffy might be friendly but the buyer doesn't want to find out. If you have a cat, clean the litter-box. If your house has pet odors then remove the odors so the buyers aren't hit with dog/cat stench.
- Leave the lights on. - I know this isn't very green but if you don't have great natural light then turn on keys lights. There's nothing worse than opening the door and tripping over a table trying to find the light switch.
- Leave home when possible.- This may not be the most convenient but buyers aren't comfortable walking through the house when you are there. It's not personal just take a walk or go see a movie. If you can't leave then go outside or in the garage if it's raining.
- Stage!- It is important to stage your house. Staging means to arrange the rooms in your house to make them as spacious as possible. This could mean you need to remove some furniture. If you make your house look like a model home then you are ready to get it SOLD!
- Team up with your Realtor- Your Realtor has a wealth of knowledge and experience in every aspect of home selling. Take advantage if their success and work together for a quick and successful sale.
- Price to Sell - Price is one of the most important factors in selling a house. If you do everything above and you overprice your house, your just spinning your wheels. Price it at or just below current market value and follow this checklist and your house should sell quickly! A buyer is more willing to make an offer on a fairly priced house rather than making a low offer on an overpriced house.
When you are thinking about making a move and would like personalized help, feel free to call/email me!
David N. Slavin, ABR www.SellMyHouseDave.com
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