Want to get top dollar for your Arlington, VA home sale?

If you are thinking of selling your Arlington, VA home, you probably want to get the most money for it, right?   Value is determined by the market, which essentially means, if there are buyers out there who are willing to pay a certain price for your house, that is what it is worth.    Yes as part of the mortgage loan process, an appraiser will have to also determine value, but that won't really matter unless there is a ready, willing and able buyer who will go through with the purchase.  The trick is, you have to believe that this is the value, that there's not a buyer waiting in the forest on a white horse who is going to give you just what you want for your house.   In this market, that is not going to happen.   

So you think you know what your home is worth?  Why exactly?  Because a neighbor's house sold for X amount?  Okay, that's fair, but do you know the differences between that house and yours can make a BIG difference in value?   It's not just the square footage or street that makes the value of a house.   Home buyers in Arlington, VA want a move in ready house.  Arlington home buyers tend to be busy working professionals and the majority of them don't want a fixer upper, and they are willing to wait for the "right house."  

So, if you are thinking of putting your house on the market understand that cosmetics matter - a lot!  Here are some of the current, popular trends that buyers crave and that make Arlington, VA homes sell for top dollar.

Remodeled kitchens:

Stainless and granite sell houses in Arlington, VA.  Shallow as it may seem, that is what is in style and that will automatically give buyers peace of mind that they are buying an updated, current home that is worthy of top market value.  For some reason, when buyers walk into a house with old appliances and formica countertops, the ballpark estimate that goes off in their head is MUCH higher than reality and they take it out of the price of your house.   You can make these changes for less than $10,000 - but in the value of your home in a buyer's eye?  Could cost you twice or three times more off the price of your house.

Current, neutral paint:

This is so basic and so cheap.   You see, there are so many different opinions out there as to what colors are pleasing. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," therefore you must appeal to the most people and that's why neutral is king.   I recently took a buyer out who was so turned off by the paint colors of a very nice house that she didn't want to see it.  I convinced her that paint is easy to change and she should give it a shot, but it took some convincing.   So if you are a potential Arlington, VA  home seller, you don't want to turn off even one buyer with your extreme paint colors, as stylish as they may be.    I don't mean dump a can of "shell white" all over the walls, either.  You need to make it warm, inviting and neutral.  I can help with this.  As part of my services to sellers, I recommend paint colors, and facilitate contractor scheduling too.

Staging:

I can't emphasize enough how important this is.  And staging does not mean you have to pay someone $5000/month for extra furniture.   Now if you have a large house and it is vacant, that is most likely the best course.  But if you live in your house, I can help you stage with what you own and some extra purchased accessories.  Minor changes like new bedding, pillows, window treatments and art can make all the difference in a sale.  And if you are on a budget, I can work with you.   I will stay within your budget and get you bang for your buck.   

My most recent Arlington, VA home sale was one I staged myself on a budget.  I told the sellers what they needed, and with about $1,000 and many trips to Target and Home Goods, I got their home in model condition and they got two strong offers and settled in less than 30 days.  And the sellers loved their new accessories, and took them onto their new home out of state.  This is how they described the process on Zillow in this review. 

So if you want to get top dollar for your Arlington, VA home, contact me for a confidential consultation.  I am already talking to sellers about spring 2012 sales.   There is a lot of planning that goes into your sale if you want the best price.