The 6 things that count most when selling your home are:
Price
Price is of course always important. However, in a buyers market it is more important than ever to properly price your house. In a recent article I discussed the various reasons why you should Price It Right on day one. Please take a moment to review this article.
All you can do is ensure the price is reasonable and justifiable. This should ensure that buyers will consider your house. The price is actually decided by what a willing and able buyer will pay.
Condition
When thinking about a homes condition many people think about the roof, the plumbing, the electrical, the appliances, etc. However, condition is much more than the major components. Condition also includes things like cleanliness, is there clutter sitting around, when you open a closet do things fall out, does the house smell like smoke, or your friendly pet. All of these effect how a prospective buyer views the condition of your house.
The seller is in total control of this important consideration.
Marketing
Marketing a listing is all about creating the widest possible exposure. This means using all available media to expose your house to the widest possible buyer pool. Also, listings within different price ranges should be marketed differently. EX: You wouldn’t want to market a $300K listing the same way you market a $80K listings. Not only do the houses greatly differ, but so do the potential buyers.
It takes more than a sign in the yard and an ad in the Sunday paper to get the best price in the shortest amount of time. Your Realtor controls the marketing, make sure they will actually market your house, not just run an advertisement. There is a big difference!
Curb Appeal
Walk out to the road and take a look at your house with a fresh eye. I can’t tell you how many times buyers agents pull up to a house and the buyers tell them to go to the next one because this one doesn’t interest them. The potential buyer just made a decision based on the curb appeal of your house. Just like the old saying, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”. That also applies to selling your house.
Make sure your home looks inviting, warm, and welcoming from the road. If you’re not sure your Realtor can assist you with insight and suggestions.
Easy Showing Instructions
Nothing is more frustrating for a buyer than wanting to see a house but they can’t seem to get an appointment. Obviously if you want to sell your house it will have to be shown to potential buyers. Therefore, you should make it as easy as possible for all potential buyers to view your house.
You should keep your house clean, neat and tidy. This way when you receive a call that an agent wants to show the house in an hour it’s no big deal. All you have to do is pick up a few things and you’re ready. I always say that a listing should be ready to show in 15 minutes.
The next thing is scheduling the appointment. This too should be easy for your Realtor. What I prefer is to call the number you provide. If I get voicemail I will leave a message detailing the appointment day and time and then I go ahead and schedule it.
Preparation for Showings
If you are home and it’s time for a showing, doing a few simple things will definitely help your house stand out. Again, your house should already be clean and uncluttered. Therefore all you have to do is walk around and pickup, turn on all the lights, and leave for a while. This will not only impress but allow your house to stand out in the crowd.
I hope you have enjoyed this article. When it’s your time to sell these simple yet effective steps will help maximize the potential for a quick and easy sale.
Thinking of Selling Your Home? I can prepare a No Obligation Market Analysis to aid in determining its Market Value.
David C Recker, Associate Broker, Realtor ® licensed in North Carolina. Reach David at: 252-442-2687
Copyright © 2008 By David C Recker, Rocky Mount Real Estate Guy, All Rights Reserved. *The 6 Things That Count Most When Selling Your Home*
Related Articles at NC Real Estate Now Blog:
Price It Right
8 Tips for Low Cost Staging
Good Landscaping Draws in Buyers
Visit David C Reckers website, www.NCRealEstateWeb.com, and Blog, NC Real Estate Now Blog, for more information about Dave’s Professional Services, Service Areas, Homes for Sale, and local information.