HomeViewers Selling Tips # 2

How to Sell Your Home Faster

and for More Money!

The Following will guide you step by step through the process of preparing
your home for sale to achieve the highest possible sales price in the least amount
of time. I'll concentration on these six areas: (1) Repairing, (2) Cleaning,
(3) Neutralizing, (4) Space Management, (3) Neutralizing, (4) Space Management
(5) Odors, and (6) Staging.

I often come across a home that the seller is getting ready to put on the market
and my appointment might be 3 to 5 days away but when I arrive the house
is a mess. this is the typical seller explanation in three words. "it's lived in"
But I'm thinking, OK, then you're expecting a "Lived In Price"? and I think we
all know what the answer to that is. 

This makes it difficult because my # 1 objective is to negotiate the best possible 

price for my clients. 

REPAIRS

1. The rule of thumb is, if something needs repair, Fix it! If there are things in
your home that you have simply become used to over time … that may not be
working properly that you have been promising yourself that you will attend to. 

The buyer will mentally add the cost of repairing the items of those minor
flaws and end up with an amount that is generally much higher than what
it would cost you to do the repairs.

2. Check all walls for peeling paint and loose wallpaper.

3. Large repairs: In today’s climate of open disclosure 

and vigilant professional home inspections, the rule is

“Treat a buyer as you would yourself.” Repair any
problems with major systems or offer an allowance
for the buyer to make repairs after closing. Always
disclose anything that you know about the property.
Having been a consumer myself, I know that buyers
will more readily make a purchase decision with someone whom they can trust. 

CLEANING

4. Every area of the home must sparkle and shine! Each hour spent will be well worth it. Would you rather buy a clean car or one that you would have to detail?
5. Clean all windows, inside and out. This helps make the 

house sparkle.
6. Clean all wall - to - wall carpeting and area rugs. 

Clean and polish linoleum, tile and wooden floors.
7. Clean and polish all woodwork if necessary.

Pay particular attention to kitchen and bath cabinets.
8. Clean and polish all light fixtures.

NEUTRALIZING

9. Be cautious about selecting colors when painting or replacing
carpeting. Your objective here is to make your home appeal to the
largest possible buying segment. Ask yourself, “How many of the
available buyers would be able to move into your home with their
furniture and not have to replace the carpeting?”

Position your home on the market to be as livable to as many 

people as possible.
10. Forget your personal taste. The “market” is always demand - driven!
The average buyer will have a hard time looking beyond blue carpeting 

and bold wallpaper.
Consider replacing unusual or bold colors with neutral tones. 

The coats of white paint (semi gloss) may be the best investment you ever made. 

SPACE MANAGEMENT

This involves creating the illusion of more space.
11. Arrange furniture to give the rooms as spacious 

a feeling as possible.
Consider removing furniture from rooms that are crowded. 

If necessary, store large items.

Example: Remove extra dining table leaf and chair (s) to give the impression of a larger dining room area… etc. 

12. Pack up collectibles… both to protect them and to give the room a more spacious feel. Leave just enough accessories to give the home a personal touch. Dispose of unneeded items.
13. Remove all clutter and make it a habit to pick up clothing, shoes, and personal possessions each day for possible showings.
14. Empty closets of off - season clothing and pack for the move. Organize them to demonstrate the most efficient use of space. Leave as few items on the floor or shelves as possible.
15. Use light to create a sense of space. All drapes should be open. Turn on all of the lights throughout the home before a showing, and be sure to replace any burned out light bulbs!

Need Help? I've used this cleaning service when I get a Bank Foreclosure and need a good
cleaning service.. They have no idea that I'm recommending them.

ODOR

16. A clean smelling house creates a positive image in the buyer’s mind. Be aware of any odors from cooking, cigarettes, pets, etc. that may have adverse effects on potential buyers. Remember that some people are much more sensitive to odors than others. Smokers rarely notice the odor of tobacco that fills their homes, and pet owners may be oblivious to cat and 

dog odors. 

17. If smoking or cooking odors have permeated your home, have your carpets and furniture cleaned, and air out or dry clean your drapes. 

18. Mildew odors are another no - no. Don’t allow wet towels to accumulate in hampers or dirty laundry to pile up in closets.
19. Recent studiess have shown that humans have strong, positive responses to certain smells. Cinnamon, fresh flowers, breads baking in the oven are all excellent ways to enhance your property for sale.

STAGING

20. The effect of a vase of flowers, an open book on the coffee table, a basket of birch logs by the fireplace a scented candle can make the difference in a room.

21. The use of brightly colored pillows in a wing chair or a throw blanket on a couch can add dimension to a sterile room.

22. Add light to your rooms and maybe even replace heavy curtains with sheer white panels. Never apologize for things you cannot change. The buyer will either decide to accept or reject the property regardless of the words you say. You must present your home in the best possible way with complete honesty.
23. Remove most of the family photos from the wall (s) especially in the hallways and entry.

I know this was lengthy but it was very necessary: to help with your clean up 

here's a service that I've used on a number of occasions .  (they're not aware of my referring them) Tracy Elite Maid Service:   Tracys@EliteMaid.Com 714: 541.4848  

More Selling Tips: 

4 Reasons Why You Should Think Of Selling Now

DanSellsRealEstate@gMail.Com

562.618.4993