The "Kiss of Death" List
After looking through the list of expired listings today, I took the time to actually look at the MLS data and listing photos. These properties reminded me of listings that I have had in the past that have been a challenge to sell. If you are a home seller, or new to the real estate business, here's my "Kiss of Death" list. "Kiss of Death" meaning; if your home has one or more of these features or characteristics, you will have a marketing challenge on your hands.
•1. Light Blue! The carpet, the walls, yikes!
•2. Wallpaper. No longer in style - dates the house.
•3. Berber carpet. Ditto above comment.
•4. Steep driveway. Not good for snow/ice, or children on tricycles!
•5. No first floor master suite
•6. Inadequate closet in master suite
•7. Inadequate laundry facilities
•8. Outdated kitchens and baths
•9. Basement garage - who wants to carry groceries up the stairs?
•10. Trashy neighbors ( i.e.: clutter and trash everywhere)
•11. Houses that smell - "If you smell 'em, you can't sell 'em!"
Obviously, a house in disrepair inside or out will be difficult to sell. Many sellers believe buyers will just make a low offer, however, that IS NOT THE CASE! What will happen is you will get NO OFFERS, period. Most buyers do not want to make repairs. They just want to move in and live happily ever after. The ones who will do repairs are looking to buy at a considerable discount!
If your home faces any of these marketing challenges, your Realtor® can guide you in what to do to optimize marketing and get you home sold fast! We have the experience to know what will really make a "marketing" difference.
If you are an agent looking to list one of these type properties, consider how much the seller is committed to doing what it takes to get the home sold. If they are not committed, you'll have to decide if it makes good business sense to list the property.
Comments(8)