Maintain Your House as You Maintain Your Health

The subject of this post is really common sense but it is not so common!

Delayed issues with a house, just like health, have the potential to become serious problems which cost dearly - especially if it is medical expenses!   Sometimes, as homeowners, we (me include) have lived with the "aches and pains" of a dripping faucet, running toilet or some other issue with aging.

Sometimes the issues are worse and impact major systems like the roof or air conditioning.

And then the day comes when the property is placed on the market.   This day does come eventually for all properties!  

While a seller can ignore an issue buyers will not be as forgiving.

Remember the old axiom about real estate (actually its not that old I just made it up!)...sellers look for reasons for a buyer to pay them more while buyers look for reasons to pay less!

So when you are ready to sell your Florida home to let these two rules influence your current behavior.

1. People will judge a book by its cover. Your home may have all that prospective buyers seek but if they have already crossed it off the list because of its poor presentation, no offer will come.  Or, if an offer comes it will likely be lower than otherwise.
2. First impressions are difficult to change.  

Sometimes the question from sellers will be about giving a credit for repairs or repairing a problem.    There is no one right answer. 

It really all comes down to the seller's motivation.  The return on some repairs is well worth the expense or effort (some jobs are just do it yourself things like painting a red bathroom!). 

If its a negative and easily addressed - fix it!  Besides the cost to replace or repair something is almost always over estimated by buyers when they start negotiating getting a credit or justifying a low ball offer.

I suggest sellers think of their likely buyer. What will they expect to find in a home like yours, priced like yours, in your location?

Know this one thing..... buyers can tell

• if a seller has pride in their home.  
• if a seller is motivated.  
• if they want to live in your home.

As a seller make sure you convey the right message as you only have one chance to impress.