So you have made the decision to sell your home and you have to quickly prepare it "For Sale"? Many believe "quick" preparation to sell a house is simply about hiring an agent, agreeing on a price and slapping a "For Sale" sign in the front yard and then they are ready to go and the sale will just happen. Often this kind of individual fails to think about, "What is the real price that I will have to pay?" If you are to adequately prepare your house to sell, then you must consider the cost of time, the cost of labor needed to complete the work and of course there will be at least a small investment of money. Here is a truth to remember: Getting your house ready for this market is no puny project. For certain, it can't be taken lightly in this competition filled market where you are in all probability going to see more than one "For Sale" sign on your street.
Here is what all home sellers must remember. First impressions must be a positive thing. It isn't enough to get a prospective buyer inside the front door. I've observed buyers in the past who enter, turn around and immediately walk out! The goal must be to get the buyers walking the entire house. To do that your home must be adequately prepared for marketing. Here is a simple five step plan to follow, should you have to quickly get your house on the market that will make your house more desirable and ready to give an encouraging first impression.
Step One: Say "Good Bye" to clutter! How much clutter you have, really depends on how you've dealt with it thru the years. Here is the good news: You can take what you have and donate it, sell it or simply box it and store it. Your home must be de-cluttered.
Step Two: Get out the rubber gloves, cleaning supplies and clean your house. A clean home will help make the right impression. Some people will even employ a Maid Service. If you yourself are doing the work, while cleaning, care for things like refrigerators, laundry rooms, kitchen cabinets and drawers and especially bathrooms.
Step Three: Sometimes we lack time for painting so try to get rid of marks on walls with a good cleaning solution or remember, someone a long time ago invented a Paint Brush.
Step Four: You need proper lighting. Suitable lighting is a huge plus when marketing your home. I generally recommend hiring professional window cleaners to clean screens and windows. You can do it yourself, but if you are like me, there will always be some streaks you didn't count on when the sun comes up the next morning.
Step Five: Think about drive bys and what people see. This means your lawn must be mowed and kept that way throughout the marketing period. All landscaping must compliment your house. Freshen up your decks, patios and the like. Don't forget some flower pots on the deck.
Burrows Rule To Follow: Bake cookies, chocolate chip cookies when you know there is going to be a showing. There is nothing like the aroma of something that smells good in the house. Perhaps you should leave some on the table for your prospective buyers. Included with the cookies might be a thank you note for viewing your home.
David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.391.9200 x9119
Burrows Properties
A Burrows' Thought For The Moment: Before making a phone call to secure a loan for a new house, check your Credit Score Online so that you will have NO surprises.
Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these reports on my website: BurrowsProperties.Com Seller Reports
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 powerful link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale
The search engine on my site will allow you to find a house by Mapping, County, Subdivision, Zip Code, Address or City. I encourage you to try the Fairfax MLS and in fact, search the entire Northern VA Real Estate area.
Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!
Click on the following link for your Complimentary eCalendar & Daily Planner. This is a Free Gift from David. There is absolutely NO sign-up, registration, tricks, or gimmicks. It really is free for you to enjoy! This is a great tool for keeping track of your schedule for all of your Real Estate needs. There is NO obligation.
Visit the Northern Virginia MLS, on my other Website. There you will find Northern VA Homes For Sale and Northern VA Real Estate.
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