Yesterday I was out "on tour." That's where listings are available for agents to see without an appointment.
And, I noticed the following at one of the listings:
1) the lawn was brown and weedy
2) the cement pad at the front door was severely cracked and coming apart
3) there were weeds in the landscape area near the front door
4) the screen door was ripped
5) there were rust stains on the front door
Now, these were just the front door impressions. In today's market, when a buyer has a choice of 25, 50 or even 100 homes in his price range, if your home doesn't have curb appeal you're not going to get the buyers into the house.
Remember, that almost all of our listings are online and they either have the exact address or a map which shows the approximate block. I know that most of my buyers do drive-bys of property to cull the list. They'd take a pass on this one.
So, what are the things that sellers need to know in today's market?
1) Price
2) Location
3) Condition
4) Financing
Price: It can't be low enough! If all the similar homes have sold between $375,000 and $390,000, then don't expect a buyer to pay $400,000 or more. It's not going to happen!
Location: Next to freeways/tollways or busy commercial streets, electric high wires, landfill dumps, devalue the property. Could be by 2%; could be by 10% or more.
Condition: It must look like a model! Store your "stuff." Or better yet, have a garage sale and what you don't sell, donate. Hire a home stager.
Financing: FHA/VA financing permit a first-time buyer to get into a property. Don't hold out for "conventional" financing. And, do offer to help with closing costs.
Now, the above only applies IF you're motivated to sell!
And, if you're motivated to sell...then contact me!
C Move UP to Naperville Blog, Eileen Landau
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