10 Things Sellers Should Replace Before Listing Their Northern Virginia Home


Most Northern Virginia sellers spend a lot of time preparing their homes for market.  Cleaning closets, organizing the pantry, getting rid of old toys/books/stuff...the list goes on and on. Many even paint, recarpet or tackle minor remodeling projects.

There are a couple of simple things, however, that sellers often Brass Chandalieroverlook.  Because all real estate IS local, I can only comment that these items are off-putting for buyers in the Northern Virginia market--buyers in other parts of the country may not react to them in quite the same way.

  1. Hollywood lights: Those bar lights above the bathroom sink that feature multiple round light bulbs
  2. Brass 3 or 5 light builder-grade chandalier: Brass plated, with or without glass panels cost builders a couple of dollars--and buyers know it!
  3. Brass cabinet knobs: The color of the late 80's and 90's has been replaced with a preference for stainless steel and other finishes. Even though these knobs were expensive (in true brass finish), they look dated.
  4. Pull-down vinyl shades: Inexpensive window coverings that often feature fringe along the lower portion. You are better off with wood blinds--or vinyl blinds, if you must.
  5. Linoleum counters: Those original basic counters, selected at the time the house was built, because they were part of the base package. I am NOT referring to some of the new, updated linoleums
  6. Worn, Torn or damaged flooring: Carpet that is stained or stretched, linoleum that the dog has chewed, hardwoods that are scratched or broken
  7. Wallpaper (no matter how nice or expensive): Buyers worry about the cost and trouble of removing it--even if they like it.
  8. White builder grade tile: Those little square white tiles that were an improvement over previous generations of colored tile have been replaced by a preference for stone-like tile
  9. Sagging closet shelves: Too many things stored in your closet or pantry wooden shelves will cause sagging. Replacement with wire shelving is inexpensive and contemporary looking.
  10. Torn window screens: People notice these tears--they are easy and inexpensive to repair.
If you have read my blogs in the past, you may have seen me mention many of these items before.  It is because they really do bug Northern Virginia buyers. Why would you want buyers noting all the ways that your home is deficient, rather than all the ways it could work for them? Don't get me wrong, your house can sell if you don't update these items, but it might take longer and result in a lower sales price.

The Spring market of 2012 is almost here. If you are interested in buying or selling your home this Spring, give me a call and we can put together a plan to get your house in fantastic shape for Spring marketing. 
 

 

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momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

 
This post has been included in Virginia Real Estate News Fairfax County, VA Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Around The Water Cooler
Post is included in group: Diary of a Realtor
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7 Comments on 10 Things Sellers Should Replace Before Listing Their Northern Virginia Home

JAN
06
2012

Great job and great blog good luck to you this year keep up the good work
7:18am • #1
526,187 Points 54 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Holly - This is an excellent list for sellers to consider when putting their homes on the market.  Spending a little time and money can result in getting the home sold.
7:56am • #2
905,565 Points 93 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

EVERY person who is thinking of selling their home NEEDS to read this prior to putting it on the market. Great job with this post Holly.
10:24am • #3
965,776 Points 60 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Holly, what a great list.  All too often sellers just ignore things like these.  They close their eyes and hope buyers won't see it, or hope their Realtor waves her magic want.  Silly people.
12:23pm • #4
492,483 Points 46 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Josh, Thanks for stopping by. Best of luck in 2012!

Barbara, Sellers are almost always reluctant to spend a little money before listng their homes, but when you factor in carrying costs when it takes longer to sell, they can actually save money.

Craig, Thanks again for all your support. I look forward to continuing our friendship in 2012!

Karen Anne, If I can open one seller's eyes, it makes our job just a little easier!
3:10pm • #5
960,141 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog

A great list

Funny how when I was reading this, I was thinking of places I recently visited.

Happy New Year

your friend in Charlottesville
7:51pm • #6
428,199 Points 23 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Holly...these are all fairly inexpensive fixes and yet would make a world of difference.
9:45pm • #7

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Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA

Reston, VA

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Momentum Realty,LLC, Potomac Falls,VA

Address: Reston,Herndon,Great Falls, Vienna, Oakton, Oak Hill, Falls Church, Sterling, Potomac Falls, McLean,Chantilly, Leesburg, Ashburn, Reston, VA

Office Phone: (571) 643-4902

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