While showing homes to perspective buyers recently, I have noticed more and more potential roadblocks that are inhibiting a seller’s ability to actually sell their home. Things that are an easy fix and would possibly capture and keep a prospects interest. Sure, we’ve all heard the horror stories about disgusting homeowners, but those are isolated incidents that are rare indeed. What I am really talking about are the simple, subtle details that make a difference and should not be overlooked when putting your home up for sale.
A listings first impression is when a Realtor sends photos to their clients via email from the MLS. Not surprisingly, the listings with tiny, grainy, dark photography do not even make my client’s short list. Also, photos with too much personal clutter tend to distract attention away from a room’s selling points. When listing your home, always try to budget for professional photography. You can get great pictures for as little as $300, and the price is well worth it. I know from personal experience that buyers always want to tour those with great photos first.
Showing instructions seem to get in the way sometimes too. If you are selling your home, try to make it as easy as possible for buyers to view. Imposing a lot of time and date restrictions can lessen your exposure because buyers don’t always give their Realtors much lead time. I can’t tell you how many times I have gotten a call from clients that want to go and see houses in an hour or two.
Tidy-up your home before leaving to work. If you know that you will be away for at least a few hours, pick up toys, make your bed, and wash dishes. A sink with a bunch of dishes is always a huge turn-off to buyers. After you are in contract and open escrow you make all the mess you want, but keep it clean during the marketing period.
Here are 3 more tips that may help:
1.Draw your blinds/curtains open-Buyers never complain that a home is too bright and cheery.
2.Open windows after cooking the night before-The smell of last nights’ dinner is always bad.
3.Small accent notes-If there are neat things about your home, point them out with post-it notes!
Selling your home is serious business. If you take the sale of your home seriously, potential buyers will sense that and in-turn show you more respect as a seller. That is paramount from a negotiating stand-point. If it is perceived that there is a lot of interest in your home, buyers will tend to increase their offers in order to compete. The difference can equal thousands, if not 10’s of thousands. Remember, a little hard work and a small budget can go a long ways. Good luck and happy selling!
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