Selling for Top Dollar!
Did you know? The best chance for selling your property is within the first seven weeks! Studies show that the longer a property stays on the market, the less financial return the seller will net. There are 5 main factors to achieving your goal of getting top dollar for your property. Factor 1: PRICING It is very important to price your property at a competitive market value right when you list it. The market is so competitive that even over-pricing by a few thousand dollars could mean that your house will not sell. I have found your first offer is usually your best offer. An overpriced home:
For people unwilling to list a property at current market value, I usually recommend holding off on putting the property on the market for awhile. Factor 2: CLEANING Most people are turned off by even the smallest amount of uncleanliness or odor when buying a home. Sellers lose thousands of dollars because they do not adequately clean. If your house is squeaky clean, you will be able to sell your home faster and net hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars more. If you are planning on moving, why not get rid of that old junk now so that your house will appear larger? Make more space! Odors must be eliminated, especially if you have dogs, cats, or young children in diapers, or if you are a smoker. You may not notice the smell, but the buyers do! Most agents have a difficult time communicating to their sellers about odor. If you employ an agent to get the most amount of money for you, please don't take offense if he/she must confront you about odor problems. Factor 3: ACCESS Top selling agents will not show your home if both the key and access are not readily available. They do not have time to run around town picking up and dropping off keys. They want to sell homes! The greatest way to show a house is to have a key! When your home is being shown, be sure to do the following:
If your carpet is worn, dirty, outdated, or an unusual color, you may need to seriously consider replacing it. Many houses do not sell because of this problem. Don't think that buyers have more money than you do to replace carpet. They don't. They simply buy elsewhere. Factor 5: CURB APPEAL The first impression a buyer gets of your home is from the curb. Your front yard immediately reflects the inside condition of your house to the buyer. People enjoy their yards. Make certain that the trees and bushes are trimmed so the house can be seen from the street. Have the grass mowed, trimmed and edged. Walkways should be swept. The front door should be freshly painted or freshly stained. Clean away debris. Remove parked cars. This all adds to curb appeal. If a buyer does not like the outside, they may not stop to see the inside! If you carefully consider these factors, you will maximize your chances of selling your property within the first seven weeks for top dollar! |
Selling First Impressions ...
When selling your home there are no guarantees that a buyer will simply walk through the front door. In many cases you may have to bring your home to the buyer! Certainly effective marketing will help ensure that your property receives maximum exposure to attract a ready, willing and able buyer. But the appearance and overall condition of your home contributes to a buyer's crucial first impressions. Appearance and condition apply to the outside of the home as well as the inside. So stand across the street from your house and review its “curb appeal.” Then walk into your home with inquisitive eyes of a home-buyer. Try to see your home as a buyer would, and take action accordingly. Tips to improve your curb appeal:
Tips to consider for the interior of your home:
Other important reminders and suggestions:
Follow these tips to create the best first impression of your home. Improving your home’s curb appeal and interior appearance can minimize your home’s days on market and maximize your financial result! |