Are you thinking of selling real estate, but the enormity of the decision is scaring you? Selling is really not that difficult. It just takes a lot of planning. At Oakstrand Realty, we understand that selling your home can be a daunting process, but we are here to help you make the transition as easy as possible. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a successful real estate sale.
When you are selling your home, it is important to make sure that all personal items are removed from display. This means taking down family photos, calendars, etc. A buyer needs to be able to envision their own belongings in the space, so it is important to make sure that the house is as neutral as possible. Additionally, it may be helpful to put some of your things in storage and paint the walls a neutral color to help buyers imagine their own colors.
If you are selling your home in the fall, make sure to settle on a listing price that is competitive, even marking your residence down lower than other homes in the area. This will get the attention of buyers who are searching for a good deal and may help you get more for your home by igniting a bidding war.
Sometimes when you want to improve the looks and resell value of your home, several small changes makes a bigger difference than one big chance. You want to do this so that the house looks good all over instead of one beautiful and expensive room and several mediocre, disappointing rooms.
It is also important to make sure that your home is clean from top to bottom before starting to show it. Your house should be a showpiece before buyers get there eyes on it. Bleach your grout, re-caulk your tubs and wax the floors. Simple steps like these will make your house much more appealing to a buyer.
Set the mood during the showing of the home you want to sell. A fire in the fireplace, candles glowing on the tables and rippling water fountains make the home feel more tranquil and relaxing. These things may help keep buyers from noticing less desirable noises that may be heard otherwise.
Most buyers can appreciate a spacious, tidy backyard, especially in suburban areas where lawns are typically smaller. In order to make your backyard appear larger and more attractive, remove all lawn furniture, kids' play structures, or sports equipment. If you have a pool or spa, be sure that it is well-maintained. Finally, clean up after your pets by removing toys, doghouses, and waste.
While it might be tempting to pack things into every nook, corner, and cabinet in your house, this strategy will not do you any favors in the eyes of prospective buyers as they tour the house. Remove clutter from the garage, closets, and storage areas; this creates an invitation for buyers to imagine all the things they could do with the extra storage space if the home was their own.
If you are comfortable with allowing potential buyers into your home while you are away, consider allowing your real estate agent to install a lock-box. A copy of your house key will be placed into a locked receptacle attached to the front door; the agent is the only person who can unlock the receptacle and gain entry into your house. By allowing home shoppers to view the inside of the home,