1. The most activity will come in the first 3-4 weeks. This is a crucial time and it would be ideal to get an offer during this time period. Assuming the property is priced right with great curb appeal, the best offers will come in this time period.
2. First impressions count! Get rid off the pet odors, and keep the house tidy and neat at all times. The worst thing you want is to have your house known as, "Oh, you mean the 'cat' house?"
3. De clutter, depersonalize and demystify. Remove all unnecessary clutter from the home. Getting rid of this stuff will make it easier when you do move. Start packing the items you are going to keep and store them away. Buyers want to envision themselves in your home, having dinner or gathering in the family room. The less of your personal belongings on display the better it will be for them to imagine themselves living there.
4. Touching up. This involves touching up and painting those areas where the pictures and artwork came down. If you have strong decorating tastes, this might be a good time to paint your walls a neutral color.
5. Curb appeal. If you've been putting off painting the exterior, now will be a good time to do it. Remember, its all about how the buyers perceive the property. Make sure the lawn looks nice, free of toys, equipment etc. Trim the shrubs, maybe plant some flowers.
6. Pricing. This is a tough one for sellers. Market value will determine how much your home will sell for. Pricing it too high will mean a longer time on the market and too low and you'll lose money. In the first weeks, if your house is priced too high, you'll get buyers looking in that higher range and your home won't compare to others in the higher price range. At the same time, you just eliminated the 'true buyers who didn't see your home because it was priced out of their range.
7. Repairs. Get 'em done. When an offer does comes in, these items will have to be addressed. Why not do them now? Service the HVAC and fix broken seals on windows. Have the carpets professionally cleaned or replaced if too worn.
8. Documents. Try to locate the title policy and any previous appraisals, surveys, or plats. Your Realtor can add the survey to your marketing materials to give the buyer an idea of the lot lines on your property.
9. Invoices. Assemble records of any repairs, upgrades with invoices. This adds value and shows a potential buyer what maintenance and care you've shown to your home.
10. Be prepared to not be at home when the showings take place. This will give the buyer a chance to express themselves freely and to wander the home thinking of the possibilities.
The home priced right and with great curb appeal will always give you the edge over the ones not maintained- even if they are priced lower.
Call or email me for a complimentary Comparable Market Analysis on your home.
Nogui Aramburo
Cell: 919.771.3609
nogui@amypomerantz.com
Twitter: Nogui
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