As the official "busy" selling season starts I awake this morning with thoughts swirling in my head about things I have learned over the last few years -- and tips I have for some sellers. Now that I have had a cup of coffee in me, let's get started!
1. Attachment to your home: Something I realize before I even go on an appointment is that a seller usually, genuinley loves and is attached to their home. That is plain and simple. The home could be big, small, clean, filthy, overcrowded, nicely decorated, in disrepair or remodeled....any condition, really. As human beings, we tend to form attachments to places and things -- even if we think we don't! My advice for sellers: Admit you are attached to something about your home and start to let go. Sometimes what may seem as the smallest of attachments can cloud judgement later on - and sometimes cause a deal to stall.
2. Presentation of your home: Sellers tend to like what they have in their home and how it is decorated. Some buyers are not able to see past wallpaper or bedspread colors and patterns. Try as they might, these buyers look at the whole package, failing to realize the package they are buying does not include the bedspread. As a seller, the best thing you can do is depersonalize your home - and tone it down. If you know your style is busy and eclectic, try to pack up some of the busier pieces. Put away some of your personal photos, knick knacks, etc. A cleaner look will help you sell your home and all potential buyers see the best of your home!
3. Photos of your home: Remember that the photographs are taken to help draw buyers in. The more, the better. The exception? If you have rooms that lack decent lighting, or walls with wood paneling (that are dark and make a room look smaller). As REALTORs (R) we will take photos and post the best representation of your home. Sometimes, 5 out of the 10 photos are not helpful -- so we won't post them - all to help the potential buyers see your house in its best light!
4. Pricing your home: REALTORS (R) want to get your house sold! In order to do that, sometimes that means pricing your home for less than what you think it is worth. Zillow's Zestimates are not fully accurate -- big shock! Funny thing is, I usually have people quoting Zillow only when it gives a higher price than what they are told they can get....Usually, though, Zillow so off base, it can't be supported with true Comparable Properties. The folks at Zillow have succeeded in making the average internet surfer think they know the value of their home -- or their neighbors'....that's about it! Trust your REALTOR (R) and their market knowledge - if you don't, get a second opinion!
5. Showing your home: It seems there has been an increase in Appointment Only listings -- I speak from experience. A house can still be sold while making an appointment, and it certainly takes away from the hassle of being disturbed while the baby is napping -- but guess what? Sometimes buyers are visiting from out of town, or maybe they just happened to drive by your house on the way to another....so, accessibility becomes a real plus! If there is a lock-box, your house can get shown easier. I know it can be a drag, but in today's market it is more important than ever. Many people are looking at vacant homes that are easy to see. The average seller has the advantage if they have a lock box -- why not show off your great home at every chance you get? The objective is to sell your home...make it easier to get the job done!
In closing, I have listed 5 points of advice I think will help when selling your home. As your REALTOR(R) my objective is yours -- to get the job done!!! Stay tuned for Buyer Tips -- coming soon!
Stacy
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