In reviewing the buyer surveys on today's market. Sellers ponder this question: How can I net the most money for my house in the shortest period of time, after all "I am not going to give it away".
Here are 10 tips:
1. Hire the Right Agent- he or she will give you sound advice, recommend pricing strategies and market your home to the right demographic of those more likely to buy your home.
2. Spruce up and De-Clutter- we are in a price war and a beauty pageant. Your home must smell and look clean. Rent some storage space if you must. Put away personal photos, think like a buyer. Everything must be neat and orderly, showing off the space. According to the National Association of Realtors, this alone will cause a home to sell for a better price and more quickly. Make a lasting impression with this one thing.
3. Remove Wallpaper then paint in todays colors- if you are competing with 100 other homes in the same price range, yours has wallpaper and others do not.. Guess what the buyers will do? Yup.. they will either submit a very low offer or go to the next house. If you have lime green or deep purple walls, repaint in sand tones, light soft greens, soft grays, whites.
4. Fix all minor items- i.e. cracked tiles, broken or cracked brick stairs, powerwash deck, fix loose stairs or railing.
5. Curb Appeal- mulch all of your flower beds, paint the front door if needed, use large flower pots of annuals or planters near the entry way.
6. Home Inspection- Yes, sellers can do their own pre-inspection. This is an inexpensive way to know what major items need to be addressed prior to listing the house for sale. Sellers can use this as a checklist. Be sure to repair or replace all major issues, .i.e. heating system, plumbing, mold issues, pest issues.
7. Staging- A staged home sells faster for 1-2 percent more than an unstaged home. It will also sell faster.
8. FSBO?- Statistically, for sale by owner homes sell for up to 16 percent less than if sold by a realtor.. why? Those looking for bargains are investors and buyers who want a deal. Even at a 7 percent realtor fee, sellers sell higher when they use the services of a Realtor.
9. Price it Right- Sellers must get real in this market. In Massachusetts homes are selling for 2002-2004 prices depending on location, style, condition. Gone are the days when buyers will "just make an offer". Sellers do not need "wiggle room" Many homes priced under market will sell higher than list price..Even in a buyers market!
10. Hire an Attorney- for $250-500 it is small price to pay to have a professional draft and review your purchase and sales agreement and be a legal representative protecting sellers from liability. Realtors aren't attorneys. Realtors represent their clients to market and sell the home.
The 10 points above..yes it is work, yes it is time consuming, and may be an investment of time and money..but well worth the effort for equity positioning and competition.
For more information or questions, Please call Lori Lincoln at Keller Williams Realty 508-878-0917 or email at lorilincoln@kw.com website: http://www.LincolnTeamRealEstate.com
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