You may have questions about real estate and making your home sell and not sure whom to ask? What things do not help your home sell and have "got to go!". You could ask me as your personal REALTOR® or you could ask the usually reliable but sometimes erratic "Garden Gnomes".
You prefer to start with the garden gnomes, you say. OK, OK. Your REALTOR® is busy and the Garden Gnomes are sitting around outside, in where else, your garden. Wisdom awaits.
Ask the garden gnomes how to make your sell by determining what has "Got to Go!".Giveyour REALTOR® the day off
Walking into the garden, the Garden gnomes meditate and answer the question, "How to make a home sell and what things have got to go to get top dollar?"
What is the best thing to do in order to sell a home? What would you do?
Some things have GOTTA GO when selling a home.
The Got To Go items are home features that scream "I AM OUTDATED!" Don't expect to get the same price as your neighbor's pristine, updated same model home if your home is outdated.
Yes, everything still works. You may not feel your home is outdated, but the average buyer will feel a home is outdated if your home has one or more of the following conditions. It is time to clean, re-arrange, upgrade or remodel.
Old Door Knobs
Are yours old, brassy? Does the one on the front door look like it has been through one to many winters or scratched with brillo?
Herman Munster styled- Front Door and Door Lighting Fixtures
Do you expect to hear chains rattling inside the door? Spring for a nice door. Get an inexpensive but modern light fixture.
1970s Style Stove and Oven
Does yours have a clock with dials and switches that yell Ozzie and Harriet? Time to "Lose It" and replace with something newer.
Microwave plugged in on the counter
Buyers want a built in microwave over the stove.
Shag Carpets and LInoleum
Yikes! Laminate flooring is inexpensive and buyers really like it.
Wall/Floor Moldings
Are yours simple and cheap and old? Get some new molding with some character. Inexpensive.
"Creative" Paint in the orange, purple and lime families
Have you noticed new homes? The designers and stagers paint the walls tan/champagne and with white trim on the moldings. There is a reason. Buyers like it.
Also as noted in the following by Roslyn Ashford in a recent article for Inman News.
"Dusty" fake plants
There are a number of easy-to-grow houseplants widely available, from the virtually indestructible snake plant to the common philodendron. Some plants thrive well in low sun and others work well with lots of sun and less watering. Consequently, there is really no need for fake plants in real life. They end up being dust collectors.
Messiness
Now we all know that not everyone is Felix Unger (of "The Odd Couple") neat. But if you know your house is on the market (hint: there is a real estate agent's lockbox on the outside of your front or side door), there is no need to leave your home with underwear on the floor, unmade beds and stacks of laundry on the coffee table. Would you be motivated to buy a home that shows like this? Why leave it like that for someone else? Some people do not even pick up for the Realtor's pictures...oh my!
Popcorn ceilings and wood paneling
What else can be said? These items instantly date your home. If only I had a magic wand to make all the bad ceilings and wood paneling go away.
Kitchen cabinets busting at the seams
You know all of those small plastic containers accumulated from the weekly trips to the deli at the grocery store? Yes, it is OK to recycle these, along with plastic bottles, cans and glass bottles. Or you could even take some along when you donate clothes to local shelters or food to local food banks.
Just know that you don't have to keep each and every one that you receive. Because when a prospective buyer opens a cabinet door and they all fall out -- not so cool.
Houses with too many pet items
Sellers: Not everyone loves your pets like you do. Doggie doors, scratched doors and cabinets?Not only should your pets be invisible during showings, but their accessories must go as well. That would be pet toys, food and water bowls, perches, dog beds, dog and/or cat carriers, large containers of food, etc. I'm not saying you have to toss it, but please find a way to store them out of the way for showings."
More Ideas
For more Garden Gnome ideas that will attract Buyers see how to "Make your home SMILE"!
The Garden Gnomes may look wise and have some good answers, but I as your licensed REALTOR® am ready to help and represent you as your personal Seller or Buyer's agent or refer you to an agent in your local area.
Ready to give the Garden Gnomes the day off and talk to your REALTOR® to get your home listed? Thanks, I am ready to help you. Are you ready to sell or buy a home? For answers to your questions: Selling My Home in Scottsdale or Arizona or Buying a home in Scottsdale or Arizona.
Add your own home selling ideas... to the Garden Gnomes meditations here.
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