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Biggest Mistakes Home Sellers Make (Staging)

By
Real Estate Agent with BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY Georgia Properties 157561

Part 2 of my series, “Don’t Make These Home Seller Mistakes” (view chart) discusses staging - preparing your South Forsyth home to sell.

The South Forsyth real estate market has definitely picked up, which means that your home will be competing against more homes than ever (including new construction). So, in a competitive market like ours, your home must stand out and be memorable in a GOOD way.

 

TRUTH#1 - You are the MVP of the Home Selling Team

No one has a more important role in the home selling process than you. Here are some ways your participation can contribute to a successful sale.

 

Exterior:   Curb appeal is your first chance to entice buyers. Focusing your efforts on the front of the house will assist in grabbing buyers’ attention. It’s true that first impressions are lasting, so be sure that your house creates a strong first impression.

Studies show that over 85% of today’s buyers use online tools to begin their home search before even contacting a Buyers’ Agent. With the multitude of mapping software available, they can easily spend a weekend narrowing down their choices.  Your home needs to make a good impression from the moment these buyers see it from the street if you want to have a chance of them seeing the upgraded features inside.  (See the full list of my Exterior “must do’s” here)

 

TRUTH #2 - EXTERIORS ATTRACT, BUT INTERIORS SELL:  Curb appeal draws buyers into your house, but appealing, well cared for interiors make the sale!

 

Interior:  Your house may fulfill all the criteria potential buyers have in terms of location, price, style and amenities but it still needs to make an emotional connection. Inspire buyers by creating scenarios where they can picture themselves. To do so, create a neutral slate by using subtle colors in your entryway, living room, family room & dining room. Eliminate excess personal memorabilia and engage all of the senses with soft music and fresh scents. Just remember - There is no such thing as “too clean” or “too well maintained” you’re your home is on the market.

 

Making minor cosmetic improvements can have a major impact on your final sales price.  We often overlook things we see every day which are extremely obvious to a visitor. Make an effort to see your home as a buyer will.  Most buyers want a clean, “move in ready” home and will make MAJOR reductions in their offer price if they feel that repairs or updates are required.  Pay attention to deferred maintenance issues that could give the buyer and excuse to “reduce the price”.  Find it and repair it before you put it on the market.  (See the full list of my Interior “must do’s” here)

  

If you are thinking of selling your South Forsyth home, please call me and I’ll provide you with my full Seller Pre-Listing Preparation Package.

 

Read Part 1 in the series - Pricing

Read Part 3 in the series – Showing Availability

Read Part 4 in the series – Odors

Read Part 5 in the series - Repairs

Read part 6 in the series - Negotiating

 

John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Excellent post Gayle and looking forward to your series.

Feb 02, 2014 09:10 PM
Gayle Barton, Forsyth County Real Estate
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY Georgia Properties - Cumming, GA
Cumming GA Homes For Sale (404) 710-0204

Thanks John...The AR team provided us a really great tool this time.   Hope you have a productive day!

Feb 02, 2014 09:15 PM
Winston Heverly
Coldwell Banker Access Realty - South Macon, GA
GRI, ABR, SFR, CDPE, CIAS, PA

Gayle, what a well timed post, I have enjoyed it and will look forward to your next blog.

Feb 02, 2014 10:26 PM
Gayle Barton, Forsyth County Real Estate
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY Georgia Properties - Cumming, GA
Cumming GA Homes For Sale (404) 710-0204

Thanks Winston.  With the spring market almost upon on I'm hoping to help out at least a few sellers (and agents )

 

Feb 02, 2014 11:42 PM
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

HI Gayle, This was a great blog, I saw that Praful had re-blogged it and wanted to stop by and comment.

May 01, 2016 07:34 AM