Selling Tips

When selling a home there are several factors which influence marketability.

There are factors you CANNOT control....

Location.  As we all know location is a very important factor in marketing your home. Buyers consider the community and it's amenities, schools, area employment, and the visual attractiveness of the home.

Floor plan.  When you chose your home, you selected a floor plan that hopefully fulfilled your needs.  Good traffic flow and spacious rooms are important in today's market.  Your Buyer will be looking to make sure that your floor plan fits their needs.

And there are factors you CAN control....

Agent.  Choosing and hiring the right agent with an aggressive and effective marketing plan is essential to sell your home in today's competitive marketplace!

Condition.  The condition of your property will attract or discourage buyers.  Be certain that your property looks it's best inside.....and outside.

Price.  Pricing your property for the current market is the most crucial step in attracting buyers.  After the property has been on the market for several months, interest in it will begin to decrease. To sell your property quickly, you should establish as competitive a price as you can when you place the home on the market.

Preparing Landscaping and the Exterior of Your Home:

Most buyers will decide whether or not to consider your home when they drive up to the curb.  It is helpful to give special attention to the landscaping and exterior condition of your home.

• Grass and shrubbery should be neat and trimmed
• The exterior should look clean
• Sidewalks should be swept free of litter
• Toys, etc.. should be kept off of the front lawn, driveway and sidewalks
• Gutters should be clean and free of leaves and debris
• Seasonal flowers should be planted or placed in prominent areas to add visual appeal

Preparing the Interior of Your Home:

The same careful attention that you pay to the outside of your home should be placed on the inside of your home.  You want buyers to see your home at it's best!

• All interior walls should be clean
• Rooms should be appear clean and uncluttered
• All lighting should have fresh, bright bulbs
• Doors should open smoothly
• Your garage should be clean and uncluttered
• Your furnace and air conditioner should be checked and those areas clean

Presenting Your Home to Buyers:

After you have prepared your home to look it's best, you can add some last-minute touches before Buyers walk through your property....

• Remove your pets to a separate area
• Open draperies and shades
• Open interior doors except for closets
• Turn on all interior lights day or night
• Turn on all exterior lights at night
• Turn on soft music, light aromatic candles
• Remove jewelry, money, prescription medications and other valuables to a safe place
• Be AWAY from the home for showings so that Buyers are relaxed!

Hire the Right Agent: Did I mention that hiring the right agent is as important as the other steps mentioned above?  Hiring an agent with an aggressive and effective marketing plan is essential to sell your home in today's competitive marketplace. 

You may want to consider an agent that meets the above criteria AND lives in your neighborhood.  Who better to promote your neighborhood in addition to your home, then someone that lives in your neighborhood!

Contact your NEIGHBORhood REAL ESTATE EXPERT Matt Lutz