If you missed last night’s Seller Workshop but are interested in attending the next one, simply reach out to get on our list. We will be scheduling another workshop soon!
In the mean time, here is a little taste of what you missed:
When you go to sell your home, your listing price will be determined by the location, condition and the current market. While you have no control over the market or location you do have complete control over the condition of your home.
The number one thing that you need to do when you go to list your home is CLEAN. This is a no cost/low cost item and there is really no excuse for not doing it. A clean home feels and smells good and buyers spend more time there. Buyers will also believe the home has been well cared for and are able to focus on the other details in the home. On the flip side, a dirty house can make a buyer feel uncomfortable and gives the impression that the sellers have not taken care of the home.
Every house going on the market should be clean to the level of a deep spring cleaning. You know, every nook and cranny gets wiped down and furniture and appliances moved and cleaned under. Light switches, fixtures and baseboards cleaned. Windows washed and floors mopped.
Another item to think about is furniture and decor. Rooms should be set up to show off the purpose of the space — don’t make the buyers guess what the room is online or shake their heads when they are in the house wondering why it is being used that way. What you have in your home and how it’s set up gives your home its perceived value.
Ever watch the shows on HGTV where the couple is commenting on the furniture and not the house and you’re yelling at the TV “but you’re not buying the couch!” Well guess what, buyers take everything into consideration as they view your home to see how it “feels” to them.
Empty homes have very little personality and it’s hard for buyers to determine if their things will fit. Poorly laid out rooms make a home feel small and awkward.
Another note about furniture: if you are going through a divorce or separation, it is more important than ever to stage your home. Buyers can see evidence of this the minute they walk in and see half of the furniture is gone and empty nails on the wall. We understand that this may be a very difficult time, but staging takes that burden off your plate so you can focus on you.
It’s best to make sure your home feels, looks and smells great when you go on the market. However, please no air freshener scents in the house — too many people are allergic to scents and everyone else just thinks you are hiding some kind of smell in your house.
And lastly, let’s talk about cameras inside homes. While we understand that security and peace of mind may be your top priority, having an obviously surveilled home creates a feeling that buyers are being watched and they can’t fully relax and experience the home. We recommend keeping your interior system to a minimum, or at least less obvious. If eliminating interior cameras is not an option for you, adding a note at the door letting potential buyers know they are being recorded gives everyone a heads up, especially in states that require consent to be recorded.
Wherever you’re at in the selling process, it’s never too late to get your home into tip-top shape. And if you’re in over your head, give us a call, we’re here to help.