We live in a seller's market here in the Westfield area. Even so, you still need to prep your home to show off its best features. Most buyers look for a "move-in ready" home rather than a fixer-upper. In fact, sellers benefit from a pre-list inspection. So, you might want to consider hiring an inspector to come to your home before you put it on the market. But even if you decide not to do that, keep these home sale "don'ts" in mind to capture the attention of as many potential buyers as possible. Plus, you'll get your home sold in a shorter time frame for more money.
How to Hurt Your Home Sale
Take Your Own Photos
No matter how great of a camera your cell phone provides, leave the photo-taking to the professionals. Most real estate agents work with a professional photographer. They may even include this with their services. A professional photographer knows the right angles and lighting to use to showcase a property properly. Unprofessional photos stand out like a sore thumb against the pros. Since the majority of home buyers start their search online, you need your photos to entice them to come to see the property in person.
Ignore the Kitchen
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. It also helps sell your house. So, if you want to hurt your home sale, ignore it. However, if you want an offer, invest in updating your outdated kitchen. No money in the budget for a major overhaul? At least stage it by clearing off the countertops, cleaning it from top to bottom, and getting rid of any "artwork" on the fridge.
Forget to Stage Your Bathrooms
Yes. Buyers want to see bathrooms as well as the bedrooms, kitchen, and other living spaces in your photos. But do not forget to stage them first. Again, get rid of everything on the countertop. Clean the mirror, floor, window, and shower until they gleam. Add fluffy towels and rugs for a spa-like feel. And, for goodness sakes, close those seat covers.
Neglect Your Outdoor Space
Whether it is your curb appeal or your backyard, always make sure that your outdoor space looks just as good as your indoor space. Touch up or repaint as necessary. Mow the yard. Trim the bushes. Weed the garden. Store away toys and tools. Keep trash bins out of sight. If the outside looks rundown and unkempt, it makes buyers wonder what other things the seller has not taken care of inside. The last thing you want to do is sow a seed of doube in a potential buyer's mind. That will definitely hurt your home sale.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
Originally posted on my Westfield area luxury real estate blog here: https://www.luxuryhomesnj.com/westfield-seller-tips/how-to-hurt-your-home-sale-westfield-nj/.
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