Of all the things homeowners control when selling their home, the condition of the property is on of the most important.  It is a crucial part of marketing any product.  According to the National Association of Realtors, the average purchaser looks at 10-20 properties prior to purchasing a home.  Regardless of how many properties are on the market, available buyers will always seek the best priced property that is in the best condition.

 

This is business, not personal.  You are selling shelter, lifestyle, and dreams.  People want the best for themselves and you home should represent the buyer's answer to that goal.  Remember, they arrive at your front door wanting to find the right home.  Don't make them search somewhere else for it. 

 

Walk outside and take a critical, honest look at the property.  Is there anything that needs repairing, looks worn, or is outdated?  Start writing these items down on your list.  Walk through the interior and do the same things.

 

Complete all of your repairs, improvements, and enhancements prior to your first showing. Remember, your best showings come in the first two weeks.  Be ready; you only get one shot to make a great first impression.

    Achieve the highest possible sale price in the least amount of time!

 

If something needs repair, fix it!

Every area of the home must sparkle and shine!  Would you rather buy a clean car, or a dirty one?  Would your hurry to buy a pair of shoes with mud on them?

Position your home on the market to be as livable to as many people as possible.  Forget your personal taste.  The average buyer will have a hard time looking beyond blue carpeting and bold wallpaper.  Consider replacing unusual or bold colors with neutral tones.

 

Create the illusion of more space!

Create the atmosphere of your home as a shelter, a place that is safe, warm and in good condition.

Use color, lighting and accessories to emphasize the best features of your home.

Don't let the outside turn buyers off before the inside turns them on!

The entry hall's flooring will carefully observed by the prospective buyer.  Make sure the surface is spotless and add a small rug to protect the area during showings.

 

Make the entry hall closet appear roomy.  Remove all off-season clothing.

 

Sweep and clean the fireplace.  Place a few logs on the grate to create and attractive atmosphere.

 

Place something colorful on the mantel.

 

Improve the traffic flow by removing excess furniture.

 

Remove oversized television sets if they dominate the room.

 

Set the scene by setting the table wit an attractive arrangement.

 

Visually enlarge a small dining area.  If your dining table has extra leaves, take one or two out.  Remove any extra "company" chairs.  Consider putting the oversized pieces in storage until your house is sold.

 

Avoid clutter!  Clean counters of small appliances and store whenever possible to maximize the appearance of work space.

 

Sinks, cabinets, appliances and counter tops should be clean and fresh.

 

Clean off the top and front of the refrigerator.

 

Clean and organize all storage space including cabinets, drawers, shelves, and closets.

 

Organize all closets and storage space.

 

Consider adding an attractive, coordinated throw rug.

 

Make certain the stairs are safe!  Stairs must be clutter free, stair railings tight and secure, and runners or carpeting tacked securely.

 

Large master bedrooms are particularly popular among today¿s home buyers.  Paint the room a light color; remove furniture if the room is crowded.

 

A private bathroom off the master bedroom is a real sales plus.

 

Virtually all buyers are looking for a house with plenty of closet space.  Remove and store all out of season clothing.

 

Remove crowded, unusual, or personal wall hangings and store them until your home is sold.

 

Replace work or dirty shower curtains, clan and repair caulking.

 

Clear off countertops and store all personal care products out of sight.

 

Repair any faucets that leak or do not function properly.

 

Clean and organize all medicine cabinets and drawers.

 

Sweep and wash the floor to remove dirt and stains.  Organize tools, garden equipment, bicycles, etc.

 

Get rid of anything that you don't plan to move to your new home.

     Keep in mind that buyers want to obtain the lowest price and best terms for themselves.

 

We recommend that you try to not discuss the following information with anyone, not even your neighbors:

1.      Reasons for selling

2.      Motivation/urgency to sell

3.      Willingness to consider an offer less than the listing price

4.      Terms under which you would sell.

5.      Relocation, timing, benefits of policies--if applicable.

6.      Items of personal property which you "might" be willing to include in a sale.

7.      Any confidential information that would give away your negotiating position.

 

If you have any questions regarding the keys to selling your home, give us a call.

 

Every property is different and has different challenges, so the 7 keys are typical of most real estate, but there are others.  We the Breen Elia Team believe we make a positive difference in our clients' lives.  When you are ready, please consider allowing us to represent you and your family.