Certainly one of the most important things a REALTOR does is advise their sellers of the things that should (must) be done to make a property more marketable, especially in a slower market.
A listing I have has been on the market too long. One of the first things I suggested be done is the purchase of a boat slip. Just about everyone that moves to Lake Anna is here because of a love of the water. They want to be able to access the water by boat for fishing and other activities. The owners subsequently purchased a slip for $18,000.
Having an assigned boat slip means you can leave your boat in the water all year round if you want to. That is a big plus and factors into resale potential also. When working with and representing buyers, I always advise that we look at lots and/or homes that have a dedicated boat slip if they are looking for off water property.
Next came the installation of two new windows. Included are before and after photos so you see the difference they make. (Sorry, I thought I had the before pictures but they are either on my other computer or I actually deleted them which would be a first for me. Please use your imagination and picture the house with those windows on each side of the gargae gable missing.) From the moment the house was built it was obvious that it needed curb appeal help. We discussed it off and on for some time until I used a little cut and paste doctoring up a photo of the house with new windows. That convinced the sellers.
There's more. The house has a walk-out lower level placing the main level a story off the ground. It did not have any access from the main level to the back yard. I felt the house sorely needed a deck off the rear with access from the family room. This was just completed. Not only do we have a deck, we have a 30' x 16' deck and sliders.
What more can I ask to have done on a house that is listed at $349,900? It definitely is not overpriced now although it was originally priced too high (not my idea).
The house is a new construction and cries out for staging. There is not a single thing in there, completely vacant. I would love to suggest it again. Yes, I have mentioned it once.
Have you had a similar situation? If so, how did you handle it?
Anyone else, any suggestions?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim. Kate lives at Lake Anna, knows Lake Anna, loves Lake Anna, and specializes in Lake Anna area real estate.
Call Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web sites and blog at http://lakeannaandbeyond.com/ or http://lakeannacountry.com/
Comments(5)