I've put together a short list of some important "do's" that I've noted Sellers should pay more attention to. Adhering to this list might just propel your house into a much faster sale.
DO MAKE SURE YOUR HOUSE IS PRICED COMPETITIVELY
As a Realtor® and in this market, I will not list an over priced house. Simply put, a house that is priced too high will in all probability, not sell. You won't see the traffic (called prospective buyers) going thru your house and furthermore, buyers will not feel you are even serious about selling.
I know the feeling that is often shared from sellers is, "We have to leave some room for negotiating". Perhaps the emphasis should be placed on "some room", but I believe a good Listing Realtor®, one who is strong in his/her negotiating skills, will understand the comparables along with the present market and will present a strong case for you in defending your asking price! Aggressive pricing means you are one step closer to your house being on the market and sold.
DO GET RID OF CLUTTER
Another neglected area is what I call clutter. Sellers, you really need to examine your closets, living rooms, family rooms and even the garage for clutter and get rid of it! I've suggested to some clients, if you can't make yourself throw something away and create more open, inviting space, then rent a storage locker. This could be the means of you selling your house faster.
By the way, when dealing with clutter, don't forget your counter tops. The fewer items displayed the better. An open, unrestricted area is best for the kitchen counter.
DO SOME SIMPLE LANDSCAPING
What is it about your property, the landscaping, that says to someone who is doing a drive by, looking for a new house, "I want to drive into that drive way and see what is inside"! At the very least, your grass should be mowed, sidewalk swept, shrubs properly trimmed and manicured and the weeds pulled around the flowers.
DO MAKE SURE YOUR PAINT APPEARS FRESH SO AS TO GIVE A NICE CLEAN APPEARANCE TO YOUR HOUSE
As a seller, you should look around outside your house noting what needs to be painted. Often, with vinyl siding and brick these days, there isn't too much that needs attention. On the other hand, something small but yet needing some work will stick out and be a deterrent for someone to want to come in and see your house that is listed for sale.
You should also make sure that the paint looks fresh on the inside of the house. Remember, first impressions when trying to sell are extremely important. Don't allow a simple thing like a coat of paint to hinder your house from selling quickly or even at all.
DO BE CAREFUL WITH COLORS ON YOUR WALLS
While we are on the subject of paint, a seller should be careful about the colors chosen for interior walls. Unless you have been fortunate enough to employ the services of a professional interior designer that is exceptionally good with color, I believe you should stick to more neutral shades. Anything else might mean your house is not ready to sell.
MAKE SURE YOU DE-PERSONALIZE
There is an old saying, "Once you've placed your residence on the market to sell, it is no longer your home but simply a house for sale". In other words, your home has in a sense, become a business item. The business is that of selling it! Too many personal pictures, too many items that are private (more tuned in to your family) and displayed on the coffee table can be a deterrent in having a successful sale. You need to spend some time de-personalizing it. Your time will be well spent because it will have helped to achieve a quicker sale.
David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Northern Virginia Fine Homes, Reston, Virginia 20191
Phone: 703.391.9200 x9119
Burrows Properties
Buying thought for the day:
When getting ready to buy a home, make sure you do first things first! Begin by getting your pre-approval with a reputable Mortgage Company.
Interested in some great reading on selling your home? Take a look at these articles on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin?
Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale When you land on the main page try one of our custom searches listed on the bottom of the page. No registration is necessary for the Fairfax MLS general search on my site. If you check the box to receive automated updates sent to your email, you will be required to give us your name and a valid email address.
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