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The goal is to provide the buyer with the most value when compared to similar homes for sale so that they will want to purchase yours. Visit open houses and arrange to preview the other listings in your neighborhood so you know what you are competing against. Is your home upgraded or over-upgraded? How do the other homes show? Make sure your house shows the best so you get the offer. Buyers will pay a little more for a house that is “turn-key.” By being aware of the other homes in the neighborhood, you know how to put your best foot forward.
By: Terry Haas
This housing market, as we all know, is a moving target and can change daily. It is our job as professionals to show the public how valuable we are and that they truly benefit from our expertise. We need to show them that there is a better way to sell a home, and you have to work hard for it, not just stick a sign in the yard and hope someone drives by.
Here are some great tips that I have used on HGTV and with my own real estate clients to get the job done – my Top 5 irresistible house tips:
1. PARTICIPATE IN YOUR OWN RESCUE
A staged home will sell, on average, 17 percent higher than an unstaged home. (U.S. Housing and Urban Development)
You are competing against so many homes and some prices well-below market due to foreclosures and short sales. You have to do everything in your power to stand out to buyers and show them the value of your home. By preparing your house for sale and making it as desirable as possible, you are more likely to not only get an offer but to get more money. You can’t expect your agent to work magic if your house is not in good condition and doesn’t show well. Spend the money now to prepare your home for sale, and you will get more money when you sell it.
2. KNOW WHAT YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE DOING
In controlled tests selling identical homes professionally staged vs. those not staged, the unstaged houses sold in 102 days, the staged houses sold in 45 days! (RealEstateStagingAssociation.com)
The goal is to provide the buyer with the most value when compared to similar homes for sale so that they will want to purchase yours. Visit open houses and arrange to preview the other listings in your neighborhood so you know what you are competing against. Is your home upgraded or over-upgraded? How do the other homes show? Make sure your house shows the best so you get the offer. Buyers will pay a little more for a house that is “turn-key.” By being aware of the other homes in the neighborhood, you know how to put your best foot forward.
3. FIRST IMPRESSION IS A LASTING IMPRESSION
Buyers will judge a home in the first 7-10 seconds and whatever emotion is evoked will carry with them the entire showing. Curb appeal is so critical! House numbers must be visible so buyers can find the home. Make the exterior of the home immaculate so that buyers are wowed from the start and will want to come inside. With so many homes to choose from if the curb appeal is lacking there is a good chance buyers will keep on driving.
4. LET’S TALK ABOUT THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
It is estimated that only 10 percent of home buyers can visualize the potential of a home.
As the seller you need to address and fix major issues that everyone else will notice such as stained carpets, chipped paint and bad odors. Don’t sweep it under the rug; address it and fix it. Don’t be in denial because if the buyer has to fix the issue it will cost you more money. Buyers estimate repairs to be three times the price. You might not want to spend the money now but if you don’t it will cost you more money later. Most buyers can’t see past these major flaws, and even though your home may have potential all they see is a house they don’t want to put work into.
5. THINK HOTEL, NOT HOSTEL…PICK IT UP, CLEAN IT UP
Would you be ready for a showing right now? Make sure the house is clean, decluttered, neat and tidy. All beds should be made, all messes cleaned up and items stored where they belong. This can be difficult when you are living in your home, but you have made the choice to have your house on the market in an effort to sell it, and there is a certain amount of responsibility that goes with that. Remember that buyers can be really critical. The media tells them to be because the assumption is that everyone who is selling right now must be desperate.
For more great ideas from Terry Haas, visit www.makeeverybuyerwantyourhouse.com.