We’ve all seen it – on our drive in to work a For Sale sign pops up in the lawn of a home and gee, months and months go by and it is still there. After several months you may even start to wonder, “What’s wrong with that house?” There must be something wrong, right? Not necessarily. Most likely either seller or their agent made a decision up front that cost them a quick sale. Granted, there are areas and price brackets in every market that move much slower than others. You can’t change that – but you may be able to change whether or not it is the one that does sell.
Aside from hiring an agent with experience and a great marketing plan there are several other factors that will make your home stand out against the competition.
- Price – you need to price it to move. Gone is the day where a home lists way over value and people still flock to it with negotiating on their minds. Buyers have too much knowledge at their fingertips these days; they know values. Price it at market value and negotiate firm. Listen to your agent and look at the comparables. Unfortunately what you wish your value to be isn’t usually what reality is. Pricing slightly below market value is shown to bring a stampede of buyers in the door. This can result in a bidding war which is good news.
- First Impression – there’s only 1! You know the old saying that there’s never a 2nd chance to make a good 1st impression. It doesn’t just apply to people, but your home as well. What are the best ways to make a good impression?
- Create curb appeal. Landscaping is shown to have the highest ROI there is in real estate. Make your entry awesome. Is your doorframe cracked or peeling? Are there cobwebs? Bushes not trimmed? Get it done! Whether you hire a professional or make it a DIY project, it is super important to a good 1st impression.
- Get Rid of Your Junk. Walk around your home with your cell and snap pics – look at them and what do you notice? If you see your “stuff” instead of the features of your home; get a storage unit and get rid of it. If you don’t need it on a daily basis and it isn’t enhancing your home just pack it up. A storage unit is a super cheap way to enhance your home’s value and 1st impression.
- Smell Stinks! Not much worse than opening a front door and being greeted by dog or dirty laundry smell. For that matter, the same goes for potpourri. Take the time to eliminate the source of your odors. Be sure any automatic air fresheners are a natural clean scent. Don’t use something strong that makes the buyer take notice.
- Update Wisely. Don’t go spending a huge amount on updating your home and think you’re going to get it all back. Ask your agent. Do your research but pay attention to what market you’re researching. Just because you find an article that says spending $30K in kitchen updates is a great idea – it doesn’t mean it applies to Mid-Michigan! Kitchen and baths, aside from entrances are the best places to see a good ROI. A good can of neutral paint and new hardware on your cabinetry can do a whole lot to update your look. Have an old nasty appliance? Replace it with a new stainless one. Doesn’t mean you have to replace all – people tend to see one and forget the others.
There are a lot of variables in making your home sell. There’s no one perfect solution. Your best bet is to ask your agent what their ideas would be (assuming you have a good agent). You might also want to invite some friends over and have them look at the house with fresh eyes and tell you what they think. It isn’t a time to be defensive, but open to suggestions. When we get a home ready for the market the idea is to make it look in such a way to be appealing to the highest number of people possible. Sometimes that means making room for people to have their own ideas and not be pre-occupied with all of your personal effects /decor. Neutral with a touch of flair attracts the widest range of buyers and that is what we’re looking for.
Time to list? Feel free to call/text/email me any time. 989-475-2958 mdvgilbert@gmail.com I look forward to hearing from you.
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