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What can you find through out the house that may make a bad impression? It helps to have a friend or family member who will be honest with you do the survey too. You may overlook things because they are so familiar to you. In walking through each room and each closet, continue to look for any oblivious negative impressions:
Floors squeak?
Doors fit up poorly?
Faucets drip?
Ceilings show stains from roof leaks?
Sheetrock shows cracks or peeling tape?
What things need fixing that are not obvious to the buyer?
You will probably be required to sign a disclosure (optional in New York State) that relays any knowledge you have of roof leaks, termites, foundation problems, plumbing problems, and a number of other potential problems for the new
owner. Request a copy of the disclosure form from your real estate professional so you can be addressing the problems in advance.
Prioritizing the List
Your list may be overwhelming. Some fix up tasks may be quick and easy; others may be expensive. Discuss these items with your realtor. Some things will tend increase the value of the property in the buyer’s mind and others won't. The best things are:
Painting
Clutter Removal
Cleaning
Yard Care
The decision to replace other more expensive items depends on the condition. If carpet is worn or the roof is in bad shape, replacing them can be well worth the cost because of the increase in potential selling price. If there is any major defect, that defect can delay the sale of the house and reduce your selling price.
If you are willing to invest money in a remodeling project, consider the kitchen. The appeal of a nice kitchen can return more for your money than many other areas of the house. Bathrooms are another good investment in the long run.
How do I know if my house or furnishings appear to be outdated?
Buy home improvement or decorating magazines. You will get ideas of what colors and decor appeal to the majority of buyers. Tour open houses and “Spec” houses, which are built on the speculation that a buyer will come
along, tend to have neutral color schemes that appeal today’s buyers.
It is hard to go wrong with white or stainless steal appliances and a bright interior. Dark wall coverings and paneling make a house less attractive to today’s buyers, who prefer light and open spaces.
What about clutter?
Minimize trinkets, collections, and extra furniture that make walking through the house like going through a maze. An emptier room looks bigger and is less distracting. The buyer wants to envision his or her own belongings in
the house, not be distracted by yours.
Finishing Touches
Buy a new entry way mat that looks thick and luxurious.
Buy thick, luxurious bath towels to hang in your bathrooms.
Get new shower curtains that match your color scheme.
Put the mat, throw rugs, and towels out for the showing of the house. Put them up when the buyer is gone so they stay looking fresh and new.
Should I use a realtor or sell it myself?
A realtor can advise you on improving marketability, show the house for you, provide a go between in tough negotiations, and guide you through the closing.
If you choose to use a realtor, be selective. Choose one that is a “go-getter” rather than one that hopes a buyer will drive by. Asking the realtor his or her marketing plan will help you understand how aggressively he or she will
market your house.
Setting an Asking Price
View other homes for sale in the area. Make notes of the age of the house, price per square foot, location, and quality of construction compared to yours.
Some people pay for a professional appraisal. This does not always mean that you will get that price for your house. Your realtor can best help you with a full comprehensive evaluation comparing your house to comparable houses in
the area which have sold recently.
Marketing Your House
Whether you sell your own house or use a real estate professional, a marketing plan should be made. However, you increase your chances of selling in a reasonable timeat a reasonable price by using a realtor, ask him or her what
the marketing plan is.
Local advertising is vital. Buyers will search local newspaper listings and drive the area of interest. Your realtor should have your property featured on more than one website, as well as the local Multiple Listing Service.
It is important that you make your home available to your realtor to have "Open House" days. Your realtor should post photos on the internet site with additional descriptions of your home. Flyers showing a few photos and
a carefully written description should be given out to all prospective buyers.
Preparing the House to Show
Make sure windows are cleaned, especially glass doors and mirrors. Put up last minute clutter. It is much better to let a buyer discover your clutter in a closet than to let it bring down the appearance of the whole room. Clean floors and sweep the sidewalk.
What to Do Just Before the Buyer Arrives
Put dogs and cats out of the house. Some people dislike having animals in the house, and you don’t want to turn them away. If possible, have children stay outside.
Have fresh cookies or other types of desserts out for show. The aroma makes the buyer feel at home immediately. Over the counter house sprays that feature certain smells also can do the trick. Turn on every light in and outside the house, even in closets. It gives the house a cozy, lived-in appearance.
Showing the House
Welcome the buyer and their realtor to walk through the house at their pace. Be available to answer questions, but don’t distract him or her with a sales pitch. As the buyer is leaving, ask if this house is close to what he or she was looking forward. The responses can help you know what changes you made need to make to the house to improve its appeal to other buyers.
When should I put my house on the market?
You should get your house as ready to show as soon as practical before listing it with a realtor. If you put the house on the market and then fix it up as time passes, you may miss the buyer who would pay the most. When a house
first goes on the market, it generally has more showings. Then the number of prospective buyers viewing the house diminishes with time. If you have a deadline and no choice, focus on the basic cleaning, clutter removal, and most obvious defects. Also, ask your realtor for advice, because they have the knowledge of the marketplace.
I would be happy to assist you in determining what you may need to do to make you home ready to sell.
Please call me directly at 347 712-2190 or at my office: 718 967-2600.
REMEMBER - FIRST IMPRESSIONS HELP MAKE YOUR SALE HAPPEN!
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