Spring is Peak Selling Time in New Jersey - Be Ready for the Buyers

Success in most endeavors means being mentally ready, not just for the initial success but for the steps you need to take afterwards.  Like they say about tennis, you never really have a break of serve until you hold in the next service game.

If you want to sell your Mercer County NJ home this year, Spring is the best time and that is coming up soon.  You want to be ready.  In addition to the normal considerations of cleaning, staging the home for its best impressions, putting away the clutter and tools,  and making all the necessary repairs you can afford, here are a few more ideas. 

1.  I mentioned cleaning, but this is the most important thing you can do (besides price) to sell.  Make sure there are no odors from last night's dinner or baby diapers or pets, that the windows are spotless, all appliances clean, and - of course - baths and kitchen and floors.  Probably the biggest turn off for a buyer is the prospect of cleaning someone else's mess.

2.  Make all the necessary repairs, like torn screens and replacing light bulbs, but be cautious in redecorating to suit your own tastes, knowing you won't be there.  Even if buyers have to repaint or recarpet, the house will be more inviting with neutral colors.  Don't assume you can find the one buyer in 1000 who likes purple walls or flowered linoleium.

3.  You have to get the buyers out of their car and up to your front door.  That's the 1st step.  So once you are sure your home will make that good first impression, let the home sell itself with your Realtor's help.  Don't follow buyers around pointing out features.  You should make sure your Realtor knows all the best selling points, then leave with the kids and pets, so he or she can do their professional best to sell your home.

4.  Be absolutely honest in your seller's disclosure.  You want the buyers to know what defects there may be, and what expenses may come up after they buy.  Lowering the price a little in negotiations for future repairs will be a lot cheaper than a lawsuit.

5.  Be ready for the offer.  Mentally be realistic, ready to negotiate, and ready to move.  Unless you have a property which, in today's market, is very very special, you can't afford to draw a line in the sand.

Call or email me to discuss the sale of your property, and if the price you might expect will meet your needs.  I know the communities in Mercer County NJ and surrounding counties intimately, and can help you plan for a sale.