Don’t Hide Your Home’s Assets
When preparing your home for sale - play up the positive aspects. This past week, I was previewing homes to show an out-of-town buyer and ran across the following:
While this particular fireplace is not exactly a show-stopper in appearance it certainly could be enhanced by some de-cluttering. As it is now, visitors and prospective home buyers may not realize there is a fireplace in your home plus all of the toys may give the impression there is not enough storage in your home.
Pretty simple to do and free of charge. Surprise - prospective home buyers can actually see you have a fireplace.
Michael Jacobs is a Realtor who serves the Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley as well as the northeast foothill area communities within the city of Los Angeles and can be reached at 818.516.4393 or michaeljacobs@coldwellbanker.com.
The Celtic Connection Realty - Queen Creek, AZ
EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY - WE TAKE THE HIGH ROAD
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
Yes, that fireplace is gorgeous, but lost. Too many times I see far more "things" in a home than there should be out and about. If the buyers can't imagine themselves in the home, you have lost a sale.
Good suggestions, Michael!
Apr 29, 2012 01:12 AM
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
Celia and Edward -- thank you for stopping by and commenting.
Suzanne -- "stuff" happens and living in a home is much different when your home is on the market for sale. It's not easy to have strangers filing through and opening doors, cabinets and closets peering into your personal life so why not make it less stressful by packing up and mentally getting into a "sold" mode.
Apr 29, 2012 01:50 AM
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!
Sometimes those simple things are overlooked...good to enter our homes with a fresh eye, and see what jumps out. Then remove it!
Apr 29, 2012 03:05 AM
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!
Hey Michael -
The fireplace is blocked from sight and I'm wondering what else is??? This is one where the listing Realtor® may have to have 'the talk' with his clients. Sometimes the first talk doesn't sink in. Are you going to mention this when they call for feedback? I try to be as honest and tactful when giving feedback and want others to be the same for me.
I've been out of pocket with buyers and honey do's this weekend. Did get a contract presented. Hope you're having a great weekend in all you do!
John
Apr 29, 2012 04:25 AM
Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. - Zimmerman, MN
Sabinske & Associates Inc.
Great post, and I agree that not playing up features of the home is like taking money out of your pocket. Good luck with the open today!
Apr 29, 2012 05:08 AM
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
Li -- a fresh set of eyes can definitely help in seeing things that a homeowner may miss.
John -- good point. Some buyers cannot see through the clutter and will become quickly disullusioned.
Don -- I firmly believe a well-presented home is a step closer to selling and for a higher price. It's definitely worth the extra effort.
Apr 29, 2012 11:56 PM
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!
Michael. That is frustrating. I point that out all the time on listing appointments. Fireplaces are so important in Colorado. I always have people clean out the wood buring style fireplaces and stack firewood in them so the buyers can visualize themselves sitting in front of the crackling fire.
Apr 30, 2012 04:54 AM
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
Belinda -- it is frustrating when you see that a seller is leaving $$$ behind when they can easily and inexpensively make changes that can benefit their bottom line. I love it when I hear buyers talk of rooms where they can visualize themselves or talk about potential family gatherings. Where do we put the Christmas tree kind of moments!
Apr 30, 2012 10:39 AM
Hansen Real Estate Group Inc. - Wellington, FL
REALTOR
Michael - Great advice! Declutter and moving some furniture around can go along way.
May 04, 2012 12:13 PM
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH
New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information
Howdy and evening Michael
Michael my friend, folks sure do want to be sure to de-clutter their home. So when Buyers come to see it, they can get a good feel for the home and be able to get a picture in their mine of their things being in the home.
Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire
May 10, 2012 04:55 PM
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
Good morning Dale -- you would think something this simple would not have to be repeated but as you can see it happens ....over and over. Buyers want to see the home and imagine themselves living there. Thanks very much and have a great weekend.
May 10, 2012 11:32 PM
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4,584,546
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
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