My Open Letter to Home Sellers

I have to get something off of my chest- it is something that sellers are doing every day that is sabotaging their chances at selling their home for the best value. I believe the hardest thing for sellers to do is to look at their house objectively. Don't get me wrong- when my parents sold my childhood home- it was impossible to be objective. It is understandable considering many home owners have a lot of great memories of their home and their home holds a certain value that they see that others might not see. But sometimes the truth hurts.

Your home may be on a busy corner or it may need a new roof, or the flooring will need to be replaced. The simple fact is that almost all homes (with the exception of new construction) need some kind of work. It may be staging- to appeal to the every man- or it may be a fresh coat of paint to boost curb appeal.

Almost always- it is a simple few things that a seller should do to make their home appealing to the masses:


Outside:
- paint the exterior a neutral color
- mow your lawn and clean up leaves
- pressure wash your driveway and walkways
- plant colorful flowers and add mulch


Inside:
- consult a stager
- remove any clutter- yes, even the collectables
- keep curtains and blinds open during the day showcase your natural light
- paint- again, with a neutral color

And most importantly...watch your local market. Consider what comparable homes are selling for in your home and be willing to compromise.