Tips for Selling Your Home in Pittsburgh
There are numerous articles and blogs available for home sellers that deal with how to prepare a home for sale. So, why am I diving into the fray?
The answer is that this aspect of the home sale is so important that it never hurts to remind sellers. We are in a very competitive market right now and anything you can do to give your home an edge in this market will certainly benefit you in the long run.
Here are my tips for a quicker home sale:
1. Pre-inspection - Probably the number one deal-killer is the home inspection. With a lot of homes to choose from, buyers are not shy about walking away from a deal if they don't like what they see in a home inspection report.
A pre-inspection will alert the seller to any problems. Regardless of how long you have owned your home, and how well you think you know it, there will usually be something that comes up in an inspection that you were not aware of. Knowing what the problems are in advance can give you a head start in figuring out how to deal with the repairs.
You can either make the needed repairs or decide in advance how much to offer in concessions to the buyer by getting an estimate for the repairs. The bottom line is that you won't be caught by surprise.
My advice is to make the repairs, if at all possible, rather than take it to the negotiating table where things could get sticky and the deal could fall apart.
Another advantage to a pre-inspection is that you can present prospective buyers with the inspection report, along with documentation on any repairs you made. That should go a long way in gaining the buyers' trust.
Cost for a complete home inspection, including pest and radon test, will probably cost around $450. However, it's a small price to pay for the possibility of selling your home faster and at a higher price. At the very least, it will minimize the possibility of losing a sale.
2. Home Warranty - Whether or not you choose to go with a pre-inspection, offering a home warranty to the buyer is a great selling point. Home warranties typically cover all the major home systems - heating, cooling, ductwork, plumbing, electrical, water heater, dishwasher, stove, and other items. The more peace of mind the buyer has before making an offer, the more likely an offer will submitted.
Some companies are now offering a la carte "flex plans," which will allow you to pick and choose the systems that are covered, at varying costs.
2. Interior - The smallest of things can give a buyer the impression that a home has not been well maintained - even if it's in otherwise excellent condition.
A burned out light bulb, dust bunnies scurrying across the floor, chipping paint, clutter (in the home as well as the garage), dirty windows, stained carpets, scratched flooring, dripping faucets, odors - any of these can, and usually will, send up a red flag for a buyer.
Note: In the case of odors, try to figure out what's causing the problem, rather than try to mask the odor with air freshener. The heavy use of these fresheners can arouse suspicion that you're trying to hide something.
If you can afford to paint, refinish hardwood floors, or replace carpeting, do so. But be careful about the colors you choose. Neutral is always best.
Try to move out as much furniture as you can to create a feeling of spaciousness, especially in smaller homes.
3. Let there be light - A dark home will probably turn off a buyer. Make sure the shades are up and drapes are pulled back for showings. Turn on all your lights, even if it's in the middle of the day.
4. Exterior - Make sure lawns are mowed and leaves are raked. Check for loose or disconnected downspouts. Screen doors should be in good condition. Consider new paint or a power wash for siding. Replace the doormat if it looks worn. De-clutter the yard, front and rear. Check the condition of your deck if you have one.
5. Updates and upgrades - There are also larger projects you may want to consider, such as updating your kitchen and baths, which buyers consider the two most important rooms in the home. However, you'll have to be careful that you don't over-improve. In other words, you want to avoid having a lot more money invested in the home than what it can sell for in your particular market.
You may also want to consult a professional in the field of home staging. These people are trained to bring out the best in the appearance of a home.
If you can't afford to make all the repairs or improvements that are needed, do as much as you can. Every little bit will help. If nothing else, keep your home spotless (especially kitchens and baths). It will go a long way toward making a good first impression.
For more suggestions on how to prepare your home for sale, visit HGTV's web site at:
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_real_estate_selling/article/0,,HGTV_3165_5819925,00.html
Ken Belferman can be reached at 412-372-1050 x340, by e-mail, or thru his web site at http://www.pittsburghhomesrus.com
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