Assisting Transitioning Military and the
Family Members Who Support Them
WATCHRelocation
SELLING A HOME - PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE
As a seller, you need to step back, take a look at your home and think like a buyer. As your real estate professional will tell you, if the little things are in order, most buyers are more likely to believe the whole house is in order and good condition.
The Three Most Important Selling Points:
1. Location - The proximity to schools, shopping, and medical facilities increases the value and desirability of most homes.
2. Price - A realistic and competitive price will attract more offers. Consult with your real estate professional for a current market analysis of your home. They will research recently sold homes in the area and be able to show you list prices as well as final sales prices, days on market and occasionally, information on any special terms of the contract. They will also research current competing properties and provide an analysis, typically of square footage, lot size, bedroom and bath count, room sizes, improvements such as pools/spas, and number of days the homes have been on the market for sale.
3. Condition - The initial impression is the one most remembered. Give your home an objective look as to drive-by appeal, interior condition, cleanliness, and spaciousness. Trim the shrubs, cut the grass, and add some blooming flowers. Natural light inside from clean windows adds to the openness and warmth of the home. Paint the walls, clean the carpet, and do repairs (big and small) that you've been putting off.
Review the questions below to see what you may need to do to help your home sell faster:
1. What can I do to improve the buyer's first impression of the exterior of our house?
2. Shall I re-seed the lawn or get the landscaping into shape?
3. Does the house or any part of the house, fence or auxiliary buildings need painting?
4. Should I replace the doormats with new ones?
5. Are the porch and entryway swept clean?
6. Are there holes in the screens? Are the windows clean? Do they work well or do they need attention?
7. Is the bathroom clean? Should I replace the worn or dirty shower curtains?
8. Should I give my real estate agent a list of things my family likes about the house and the neighborhood?
9. What was the buyer's first impression as they stepped inside my house? What can I do to improve it?
10. Are pets under control at all times? Does the house smell as if animals have lived in it? Should it be professionally cleaned?
11. Does the carpet need cleaning or replacing?
12. Are all appliances in good working order? Are they all clean and shiny?
13. Can I take items from the kitchen cabinets to make them look more spacious? Do any cabinets need to be touched up or refinished?
14. Should I clean, empty or rearrange the basement, garage or closets to make them look more spacious?
15. Is there any furniture I could store or dispose of to make the rooms appear larger? Is the furniture clean and in good repair; should I cover it?
16. Since the buyer will be looking in the closets, should I take some of the clothes out to make them look roomier?
17. Should I remove any item that a buyer may want as part of the house? For example, a special chandelier or wall system?
18. Are the garage and storage areas as clean and neat as they should be?
19. Should I stay out of the prospective buyer's way?
20. Should I ask my real estate agent for a list of recommendations prepared specifically for helping me market my house?
21. Are the price and terms offered going to appeal to most of the buying public in my price range?
22. Before spending needless time and money, should I consult my real estate agent?