| OK, so you made the decision to put your home on | | | | they see. That's why it is critical that you critique, |
| the market. It sounded like such a good idea at the | | | | identify, and eliminate these concerns before they |
| time, but now you're feeling overwhelmed. Where . . . | | | | even become an issue. |
| and how should you begin? The answer - begin at the | | | | The following is a list of inexpensive repairs, remodeling |
| beginning! Look at your home through "buyers eyes", | | | | ideas, and areas of concern you should address to not |
| the same eyes you are going to look through when | | | | only reduce the amount of time that your home is on |
| you are the one out looking for your next home. This | | | | the market, but also insure that you get top dollar for |
| can be a difficult task because over time we become | | | | your home: |
| so accustomed to our surroundings, it's hard to see | | | | * Pay attention to curb appeal. The exterior of your |
| them at all. You may want to consult with a | | | | home is the most important 'first impression' buyers |
| professional home stager who has been trained to | | | | form, and will determine if they even want to look at |
| look at your home unemotionally and objectively. They | | | | the home . . . or walk away. Make necessary repairs |
| will help guide you through this very important first step | | | | such as adding a fresh coat of paint to trim, |
| of preparing your home to sell. | | | | shutters,around windows and doors, and updating the |
| Buyers in today's market are not looking for a tired | | | | colors if necessary. Make sure that your gutters are |
| home with potential, better known as a 'fixer - upper'. | | | | clear of debris and in good repair. Replace them if |
| They are looking for a home that has obviously been | | | | needed. |
| well maintained, and is in showcase, move in condition. | | | | * Landscaping is another very important area, |
| Selling a home in "As-Is" condition is quickly becoming a | | | | instrumental in demonstrating how you have cared for |
| thing of the past. It may still work when selling cars, but | | | | the home. Your lawn should be well manicured, |
| NOT houses! | | | | mulched and planted with seasonal flowers to |
| The National Association of Realtors has reported that | | | | enhance the look of the home and grab the buyers |
| the average buyer will look at twelve plus homes, | | | | attention. |
| some multiple times, before submitting an offer to buy. | | | | * Fresh, professionally cleaned carpeting is a must. |
| Currently we have a market that is glutted with | | | | Again, replace if necessary. There is no greater turn |
| inventory in both existing and new homes. Buyers can | | | | off to a buyer than a carpet that looks stained, dirty, |
| afford to be pickier than ever before . . .they are | | | | and, or smells! Remember, people buy what they see . |
| aware of this . . . and so they are! | | | | . . and smell. With so many houses on the market to |
| Because homebuilders are paying interest on an | | | | choose from, they aren't going to settle. |
| enormous amount of standing inventory, they are | | | | * Painting is a quick and affordable way to spruce up, |
| more than willing to lower prices, offer incentives such | | | | cheer up and lighten up a home. Rooms which are |
| as a free pool, Mini Cooper car in the garage, pay all | | | | freshly painted in todays colors will bring an added |
| closing costs etc. For sellers of existing homes who | | | | aesthetic value to the home. Color can also be used to |
| aren't able to offer such lavish incentives, it has | | | | accentuate and highlight key architectural features of |
| become extremely more difficult to be competitive in | | | | the home . |
| this demanding market. Therefore, it has never been | | | | * Kitchens and Bathrooms are hot buttons for buyers. |
| more important for sellers of existing homes to go the | | | | Make sure all appliances and plumbing fixtures are in |
| 'extra mile', (or two or three), in preparing their homes | | | | perfect working order. If they are not, replace them. |
| to be presented in their best possible light. | | | | You can easily and affordably change the look of |
| It has been proven that minor repairs and cosmetic | | | | cabinetry by adding stylish pulls, refacing, and adding |
| improvements not only help sell properties more | | | | new countertops in a solid surface to update the look. |
| quickly, but they can save you literally thousands at the | | | | Backsplashes can transform the look of a kitchen by |
| negotiating table. If left to the buyers, statistics show | | | | featuring mosaic tiles or tumbled stone. Repair caulking |
| they will factor in two to three times the actual costs | | | | and replace towel bars and rings, soap and paper |
| of the anticipated repairs, a large price to pay by | | | | holders for a stylish, more up to date look. |
| anyones standards. While you may not like the idea of | | | | Remember, homebuyers today are ultimately looking |
| putting more money into a property that you plan to | | | | for a home that projects the image of being well loved |
| sell, view it as a necessary investment which will add | | | | and cared for. They want a home that is in showcase, |
| greater aesthetic value, and ultimately result in a home | | | | move-in condition, not one sold "As-Is", initially requiring a |
| that is better prepared to compete in this market. | | | | great deal of both their time and money. Paying |
| Buyers are savvy, and will automatically start | | | | attention to details, presentation, and necessary repairs |
| discounting the asking price of a home in their minds | | | | will go a long way in projecting this image, and getting |
| with each cosmetic deficiency and minor repair that | | | | your house sold. |