Home Selling Tips

Before you put your property on the market it is good to try to "tour" your home just like a prospective buyer .

Begin at the curb or driveway. How is the curb appeal? Does the trim need paint? Is the landscaping in need of an update? How about the windows? Make sure that the grounds are free of trash and weeds.

As you go in the front door what do you notice first? Does it smell nice and look clean and attractive? Is the furniture arranged so that you can easily move around the rooms? If there is too much furniture or too many pictures and knick-knacks think about packing and storing them. Often ,"less is more" when it comes to personal items. Clear the counters , it will make the house look more clean and spacious.

Many prospective buyers are uncomfortable with animals. Take your dog or cat, etc. off of the property before it's being shown. Clean up all the excess hair and loose toys to make the best impression. If you can't remove the animal(s) from the property when it's shown...at least try to corral them in a small area.

Take care of all your valuables. Always put away jewelry, money and important papers. Gun and knife collections should be put someplace safe.

Some people bake bread in their bread machines during a showing or leave candles burning. Others will leave nice music playing or fires burning in the fireplace. Always think about safety first. Creating a nice,"home-y" feeling can help you sell your property...but you want to make sure candles and fireplaces aren't left to burn with no one home.

Buyers will look more freely and be able to discuss their likes and dislikes about your house if you are not there. Your Realtor will be able to discuss and perhaps overcome their objections and then report it all to you. Most showings last only 10 to 20 minutes...so why not take a drive around the neighborhood?

It's been said,"There are only 2 things that keep a house from selling: "Price and Location". If you've had your home on the market and it's not selling ask yourself which is your problem, price or location. How did you choose the list price? A) Did you have a certified appraiser give you their opinion?B) Did your Realtor do a Competitive Market Analysis? C) Did you just listen to your neighbor or the guy at work and set the price?D) Did you figure out what you owe on your mortgage and how much you were going to spend on your next house and come up with a figure? If you answered A or B you probably have a good idea of your home's value. If you answered C...well maybe you should get another opinion,(from your Realtor). If you answered D...most buyers will only pay , and most lenders will only finance, the fair market value of the property.

For more tips and information call one of our agents at 765-825-1103.