Getting Ready To Sell?
Like all things in life preparation is a key to success. We have been hearing all good news about the real estate market. Activity is up and interest rates are down to near record lows. FHA has loosened their terms allowing buyers to afford even more. Now is the time to act, but not in haste. Read over these helpful tips to get you and your home ready for the market then call Team Chapis to set the plan and implement. Keep in mind looking with the "buyer's eye" may be humbling but will give you the upper hand in marketing and negotiations. By taking steps ahead of time you may able to make a great impression and cut their marketing time in half.
OUTSIDE - CURB APPEAL
First impressions make a big difference! Make sure the outside of your home looks just as clean as the inside. Start by removing any debris from around your home. Any simple roof or window repairs should be done before buyers tour your home. Don't be fooled into thinking you can just credit a couple thousand dollars to make the deal work. Making repairs ahead of time will most likely cost less than what the home inspector suggests. Clean your windows and touch up paint for a crisp clean look. Pay close attention to the entrance. A clean uncluttered porch and a freshly painted door is quite inviting. Trim trees and maintain the lawn, walkways, drives, garden bed areas and fences to set the tone for an outstanding first impression.
INSIDE - SET THE STAGE
Neutralize! A buyer may walk into your neon orange kitchen and want to find the nearest exit. Make each room more appealing by keeping it neutral. Think tans, whites and grey's when considering freshening up the paint, it may seem boring to you, but the buyer will see less hassle and more house. Depersonalize each room. You may have many great memories of all the wonderful life events that happened in your home, but keep in mind the new owner will create their own. You want prospective buyers to picture the memories they will create. Too many pictures can make others feel like they are intruding in your personal space and this can make a potential buyer uncomfortable. Again, deal with your maintenance items before opening up your home to the public. Everything costs more when your negotiating an offer! If you are not in the position then price accordingly and be prepared to make price adjustments to compensate for that broken window and peeling paint. Clean, clean, clean. Buyers favor the good smelling home that seems to have been taken care of, over the cluttered, dusty home that will require them to get scrubbing on their hands and knee's. Simple organizing and de-cluttering rooms can make the room far more appealing and feel more spacious.
Neutralize, Depersonalize, Organize!
FINAL THOUGHTS
You cannot get the first impression back. Set your home apart from the competition by hiring a professional stager if this is too much for you to wrap around. Selling your home is an emotional process and the more mechanical you can be will certainly payoff at the closing table. Team Chapis can recommend trusted contractors, stagers and other services to help you save money and beat the competition. We are always here to help. Just reach out and we will be there for you.
