Planning and Preparing to Sell Homes
All home Sellers share certain things in common – they would like to get the best price with the best terms and the least amount of hassles. Our mission is to provide the expertise and services required for you to reach your objectives. Understanding the different steps and planning accordingly will make the process less stressful and more productive.
Things to consider before putting your home on the market
Before you actually list your home for sale, you may want to think about certain questions:
- Is this a good time to sell?
- What can I expect to get for my home?
- What are the market conditions?
- Is it a Buyer’s market or a Seller’s market?
- What will the cost be to sell and relocate?
- What are the tax consequences?
If in doubt, check with us and we can provide insights into the market and answer any questions or concerns. Once you have gathered enough information and are comfortable that selling is the right move for you, it’s time to start preparing for sale.
What are the factors that make a home sell?
- Sale price
- Terms of sale
- Condition of the property
- Location
- Market conditions
- Marketing exposure
The item that you have the most control over is the condition of your property. Maximizing your home marketability will also maximize the net proceeds from the sale of your home.
Think like a Buyer
If you were shopping for a home, what would you be looking for? Most Buyers will be attracted to a home that is attractive and in excellent condition. Following are some of the main to-do’s to get your home ready for showings:
Clean – Make sure the home is sparkling clean – including any odors from smoking or pets. Carpets should also be cleaned or replaced if necessary. If you would like professional help, we can recommend excellent cleaning services.
Paint – Use neutral colors. A good paint job is one of the least expensive and most effective ways to make a home look good.
Repair – Fix anything that is broken or in disrepair. Home shoppers will notice these things and will assume that other things are also broken or worn out. Replace any burned out light bulbs.
Remove clutter and storage – By removing clutter and seldom used items, your home will look cleaner and more spacious. Some people will rent storage units and move items during showings to make the closets look bigger and the unit roomier.
Staging
Once your home is clean and in good repair, focus on issues such as lighting and staging. Make sure the home is well lit for showings. Window treatments should be open and lamps and lights should be turned on.
Staging is a term that applies to preparing your home by rearranging furniture and art work, adding plants and flowers – anything to make the home as attractive and inviting as possible. Many Buyers will utilize the services of stagers that will do a “makeover” of your home prior to going on the market. It’s amazing how much difference this can make when done by a skilled stager with a good eye and a fresh perspective. If you are interested in this service, we can provide recommendations and referrals.