Now That Fall Has Arrived, Is There One Item Which Should Receive The Most Attention As It Relates To The Selling Of My Improved Property?

Sellers often ask me during this time of year what additional strategies may be utilized to help sell their improved property. I educate them on incorporating the use of the Three “P” Rule. The Three “P” Rule consists of enhancing your property’s stature among competitive listings as it relates to Pricing, Presentation and Perceived Value.

Let’s assume your improved property is competitively priced and the perceived value among prospective buyers is commensurate with the price. The attention to Presentation becomes a critical element when considering the factors which affect a realtor’s ability to achieve success in selling your property. In the following paragraphs we will share the importance of presentation and how attention in this area can accentuate your property being described as the “most desirable” by prospective buyers...

Following Labor Day weekend, a transformation of sorts takes place. School is now in session; college football takes center stage and for many property owners, activities associated with property maintenance will receive minimum attention until the warm days of spring return. For those who have enlisted the services of a realtor, a different attitude must prevail. While a majority of property owners perform various levels of “winterization” to their improved property, sellers on the other hand, must maintain their property so it appears ready for occupation. First impressions are first impressions - a home overwhelmed with this year’s collection of leaves and fallen tree branches won’t present itself as a property which receives scheduled maintenance. As a consequence, a prospective buyer may wonder what other maintenance items the owner has left unattended. Fortunately, property owners who schedule regular maintenance/cleanup, giving their property the inviting “come visit us” look, will find their homes on the short list of prospective buyers.

Here is a “Top Ten” list of fall maintenance items which will separate your home from the “rest of the pack”.

   1.  Keep the exterior of your improved property in “lived in” condition.
        Gutters and roofs should be devoid of leaves and branches. Remove
        “dead” annual plantings from flower beds. 

   2.  Remove all spider webs and mud dauber columns from porch areas and overhangs.

   3.  Have a window cleaning service wash the windows.

   4.  Remove any accumulation of “green algae” and/or “black mildew”
        from patio furniture, wooden fences or masonry.

   5.  Prune any bushes, trees or other plantings where the overhang
        will impede one’s ability to utilize walkways, paths or ramps.

   6.  Clean and paint/stain any exterior surface which shows a
        “weathered” look.

   7.  Clean all hardwood floors and tile to remove summer’s “footprints”.

   8.  Remove clutter from garage/carport areas. The basement and
        yard storage buildings should receive the same consideration.
    
   9.  If your property will remain vacant during the winter months,
        drain all toilets (mark accordingly), water heaters and pipes.

 10.  Maintain a reasonable temperature in your home during the
        winter months. Most prospective buyers will spend little time
        in a home where the “inside” temperatures hover at or near
        fifty degrees.


While looking, buyers have a tendency to remember which homes present a favorable “first impression”. Keeping your property first and foremost in a buyer’s mind increases the possibility it will receive consideration when decision making time arrives.