IMPORTANT DOs AND DON’Ts

 

WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

 

Take a good look at your floors - Give all floors a thorough cleaning.  At the bare minimum. Steam clean carpets.  Consider having wood floors refinished if they are in poor shape. 

 

If you don't want to invest in refinishing floors.  Strategic placement of area rugs can go a long way.

 

Welcome visitors with inviting porch - Even if you have only a tiny stoop, make it say "welcome home" with a clean doormat.  Potted plants in bloom and -- if you have room -- one or two pieces of neat porch furniture.

 

Keep your porch lights on in the evenings in case potential buyers drive by.  Illuminating the front walk with solar lights is a nice extra touch.  Especially if you will be showing the house during the evening

 

Use extra rooms wisely – If you have been using a spare bedroom as a dumping ground for odd pieces of furniture and boxes of junk, it's time to clean Up your act. 

 

Each room should have a clearly defined purpose.  So, think about what potential buyers might like to see here. An office?  A guest room?  Another kids' room? 

 

Whether you buy inexpensive furnishings, rent them, or borrow some from friends, making a real room out of a junk room will have a big payoff.

 

Use Counterintelligence – Go through the house and clear off all the horizontal surfaces.  Like kitchen and bathroom counter tops.  Old magazines?  Toss'em.  Knick-knacks?  Pack'em. Counters need to be clear and clean.

 

Think Seasonally – Make sure your garden is in beautiful shape in the summer.  Any extra features you have, like a pool or a fire pit, are cleaned and ready to go.  

 

Take advantage of the cozy vibe of the season in Autumn and winter.  By building a fire in the Fireplace and simmering hot apple cider on the stove.

 

Take the home out of your house – One of the most important things to do when selling your house is to de-personalize it. The more personal stuff in your house. The less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there.

 

Get rid of a third of your stuff – put it in storage. This includes family photos, memorabilia collections, and personal keepsakes.

 

Consider hiring a home stager to maximize the full potential of your home. Staging simply means arranging your furniture to best showcase the floor plan. And maximize the use of space.

 

Style your dining room table – The dining room is often a blind spot in decorating the home. Between dinners, a large dining table can look bare and uninviting. So, styling it up with visitors in mind can increase the appeal.

 

An oversize arrangement can look too stiff and formal. So, try lining up a series of smaller vessels down the center of the table instead.

 

Strike a balance between clean and lived-in – Yes, I know I just said to get rid of all your clutter (and you deserve a big pat on the back if you did it).

 

But now it's time to judiciously bring back a few elements that will really make your home appealing. Think vases of cut flowers, a basket of fresh farmer's market produce on the kitchen counter or a bowl of lemons beside the sink.

 

Storage space sells – Roomy closets and other storage space ranks among today's most desired features. Especially with younger people who typically buy boomers' homes.

 

The Problem is many boomers live in older homes with limited storage space. So, remove excess seasonal clothing from closets. 'Color-code' what's left on the sides to make small spaces look larger and more organized — with empty hangers in the middle.

 

Shelving units or organizers in walk-in closets are a fast-growing must-have — and worth their price tag. Also, pare down kitchen cabinets and remove drain cleaners. And other products that may indicate potential problems.

 

Stage the outdoors too – Even if your condo has only a teensy postage stamp – Size balcony. Play it up with a cute café table and chairs, A cheerful tablecloth and even a little tray of dishes or a Vase of flowers.

 

When people look at this scene, they won't be thinking "small," they will be thinking, "What a charming spot to have breakfast!"

 

Stage the exterior too – Stage the exterior with fresh paint, immaculate landscaping, and even outdoor furniture.

 

Set up a Sunday brunch on the deck picture. Buyers often fantasize about enjoying their backyards by entertaining and spending time outside.

 

Spring for new light fixtures – Renew the look of the room by replacing old or dated light fixtures, door hardware, light switches, and outlets. If it's tacky and older than you, get it out of there.

 

Smells like home – I've heard of many real estate agents bringing in a toaster oven to bake cookies or fresh bread. One colleague joked about keeping an Easy-Bake oven in the trunk of her car.

 

I usually opt for a few plug-in air fresheners. I like using vanilla in the kitchen, fresh scents in the laundry, apple cinnamon in the living room, and such. Specific aromas add a theme to the tour, even when it's not an open house.

 

Show how you can use awkward areas - If you have any room beneath the stairs or a nook anywhere in your home, try to find a unique way to show it off.  By setting up a small workstation, a home command center with a bulletin board, or built-in shelving. Your awkward spot becomes another selling point.

 

Remove personal photos – People can be very photogenic, but many home buyers are distracted by portraits of the sellers.  Which will make buyers miss out on key selling points of the home.  

 

As an amateur photographer, I love displaying my work. But if I'm selling my house, art will be displayed without people in it. No matter how nice the display, personal photos are just that: too personal.

 

Pricing it right – Find out what your home is really worth before you even think about putting it on the market. All the pictures, advertising, and other marketing efforts are useless if the price is not perfect.

 

Remember Zillow and other websites are not correct which is why they say estimates. Things that can alter the price of a home are size differences, age, and condition. Other things such as a pool, lot size, and home extras can also make a difference. Therefore, you should never trust these websites.

 

Post a video love letter – Coordinate with your REALTOR to do a walk-through of your home AND your neighborhood. Telling prospective buyers about what you love the most about the house and the neighborhood.

 

Why did you purchase the house?  The layout of the house?  house features? Yard?  Nearby park?  School?  Shopping nearby?  Exedra.... Buyers like to know that a home was well-loved.  It also helps them visualize living a great life there, too.

 

Please go away - No buyers want to discuss your home while you are standing there.  On average, home buyers spend about 20-30 minutes in a home that has some promise.  Very few stay more than five minutes in a house with the seller in earshot.  If nothing else, go outside on the porch or in the yard and let the home speak for itself.

 

Also, only let one home buyer at a time into the house.

 

 

Pet-proof the pad - If you have pets, especially indoor pets, make sure that during your listing period, you are cleaning up after them.  

 

Ask a very good friend (or your real estate agent), who will tell you the truth, to come by and give it the sniff test.  Also, if you have pets and are trying to sell your home, the purchase of a few air purifiers may also be a great investment.  Consider buyers with pet allergies.

 

 

Pay attention to color and light - You may love hot pink in the living room, but too-bright colors turn buyers off. Homebuyers also see work that must be done to the house which costs money or work they don't want to do.

Neutralize strong colors for the broadest appeal. A neutral home appears larger and has less chance of offending someone.

 

Also, open blinds and draperies to make sure there's sufficient natural light throughout the home. Remember, lighting is the most effective way to set a mood.

 

Painting pays - Fresh paint provides the best bang for your buck, so apply a fresh coat to walls and even ceilings. Bright white ceilings enhance perceived height and natural light. For wall colors, visit new neighborhood developments and see what colors and finishes are being used. Then copy those in your home.

 

Paint the story - A coat or two of paint is always a good investment. If you decide to make the effort, consider flat paint in areas for resting and relaxing. You can add some colors, but neutral is always best. Satin paint is great for common areas and places where there is a bit more action taking place. It's also easier to clean if someone spills some tomato soup on the wall.

 

Open those closets - Open-house visitors will peek inside your closets. Closet space can be a make-it-or-break-it selling point for buyers. So, show yours off to their full advantage by giving excess stuff the heave-ho.

 

Again, this is really important!!! So even if you need to store a few boxes elsewhere, it's worth it. Aim to have 20 to 30 percent open space in each closet to give the impression of spaciousness.

 

Offer A Financial Goody Bag - Many sellers offer to prepay taxes or closing costs.  It may cost less to offer to pay for a year's landscaping, pool cleaning, or maid service — before negotiations begin.  If you have a great garden, people respond to it … and immediately think, 'Oh, so much work.'  So, remove any potential problem by offering upfront to make that beautiful garden come with a gardener for a year.

 

Make Your Home Ageless - There's a difference between an old house and a classic home. If the house looks 40 years old. Such as 40-year-old paint, 40-year-old appliances, and 40-year-old carpet, that's a hard sell.  Keep everything fresh and up to date. You have a solid home in an established neighborhood -- a real looker.

 

Light it up - Maximize the light in your home.  After location, good light is the one thing that every buyer cites that they want in a home.  

 

Takedown the drapes, clean the windows, change the lampshades, increase the wattage of your light bulbs, and cut the bushes outside to let in sunshine.  Do what you have to do to make your house bright and cheery – it will make it more sellable.

 

Let neighbors choose neighbors - If you are on Facebook or Next-door send a link to your home's online listing to your friends and neighbors.  Also, invite your friends and neighbors to your open house – turn it into a block party.

 

That creates opportunities for your neighbors to sell the neighborhood to prospective buyers.  And for your neighbors to invite house hunters they know who have always wanted to live in the area.  

 

Leave Some Good Stuff Behind - We've all heard about closing cost credits.  But those are almost so common now that buyers expect them. Closing cost credits don't distinguish your house from any of the other homes on the market anymore.  

 

What can distinguish your home is leaving behind some of your personal property.  Items that are above and beyond what the average homebuyer in your home's price range would be able to afford.  That may be stainless steel kitchen appliances or a plasma screen TV, or it might be a golf cart if your home is on a golf course.

 

Know the eight-second rule - In that time, many buyers decide whether they'll buy the home.  For better curb appeal, ensure that the lawn and entryway look neat and crisp.  And plant yellow flowers. Studies show that yellow excites and stimulates buying.

 

The Kitchen Comes First - You're not actually selling your house; you're selling your kitchen – that's how important it is.  The benefits of remodeling your kitchen are endless, and the best part of it is that you'll probably get 85% of your money back.

 

It may be a few thousand dollars to replace countertops whereas a buyer may knock $10,000 off the asking price if your kitchen looks dated.  The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware. Use neutral-color paint so you can present buyers with a blank canvas where they can start envisioning their own style.  

 

If you have a little money to spend, buy one fancy stainless steel appliance. Why one? Because when people see one high-end appliance, they think all the rest are expensive too and it updates the kitchen.

 

Half-empty Closets - Storage is something every home buyer is looking for and can never have enough of.  Take half the stuff out of your closets then neatly organize what's left in there.  Buyers will snoop, so be sure to keep all your closets and cabinets clean and tidy.

Also, put all valuables and medications in a safe place.

 

The First Impression Is the Only Impression - No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door.  You never have a second chance to make a first impression.  

 

It's important to make people feel warm, welcome, and safe as they approach the house.  Spruce up your home's exterior with inexpensive shrubs and brightly colored flowers.  

 

You can typically get a 100-percent return on the money you put into your home's curb appeal.  Entryways are also important.  You use it as a utility space for your coat and keys.  But, when you're selling, make it welcoming by putting in a small bench, a vase of fresh-cut flowers, or even some cookies.

 

Embrace the Quietude - When showing a home, music is not necessarily a bad thing.  If you don't know the potential buyer and their taste in music, don't push yours.

 

If you are going to play music, be sure it doesn't have vocals. Avoid niche music; not everyone loves hard rock or country and western.  If you are set on having music playing in the background for viewings, opt for soft jazz playing at a low level.  Unless you have the music-only channels, keep the television turned off.  It's a distraction.

 

Don't over-upgrade - Quick fixes before selling always pay off.  Mammoth makeovers, not so much.  You probably won't get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your house on the market.  

 

Instead, do updates that will pay off and get you top dollar.  Get a new fresh coat of paint on the walls.  Clean the curtains or go buy some inexpensive new ones.  If you have dated facets or shower stalls, replace them. Replace door handles, and cabinet hardware, make sure closet doors are on track, fix leaky faucets and clean the grout.

 

Ditch the Kitsch & Hide Your Opinions - My favorite example of unnecessary and unwelcome kitsch is the pink pig sitting on the fridge door asking if you're eating again.  It oinks when your potential buyer opens the refrigerator.  

 

This and other comical quips are great fun when you're living in your home, not when you're trying to sell it.  Especially avoid politically charged material that expresses strong opinions.  You don't want a potential buyer to dislike you for your beliefs.  So, remove all questionable material out of sight.

 

Conceal the Critters - You might think a cuddly dog would warm the hearts of potential buyers, but you'd be wrong.  Not everybody is a dog- or cat-lover.

 

Buyers don't want to walk in your home and see a bowl full of dog food, smell the kitty litter box or have tufts of pet hair stuck to their clothes.  It will give buyers the impression that your house is not clean.  If you're planning an open house, send the critters to a pet hotel for the day.

 

Clean Up Your Act - If you are selling your house, cleaning is a no-brainer. And clutter is a killer.  Get a head start on packing and begin boxing up extras that are taking up space on your mantel, and table surfaces.  Etc... Clutter makes a house look smaller, and if you have a small house, it makes it feel claustrophobic.  Not advantageous to a quick or profitable sale.

 

Choose Sophisticated Neutral Colors - Now is not the time to experiment with that "fun"-looking lime green. But that doesn't mean you need to go all white, either.  

 

Rich mid-tone neutrals like mocha and "greige" create a sophisticated backdrop. It makes everything look more pulled together.  

 

Boost Curb Appeal - This is something you always hear, and with very good reason. Many people thinking of touring your home will do a quick drive-by first. Often deciding on the spot if it is even worth a look inside. Make sure your home is ready to lure in onlookers with these tips:

·         Power wash siding and walkways

• Hang easy-to-read house numbers
• Plant blooming flowers and fresh greenery
• Mow the lawn, and reseed or add fresh
  sod as needed
• Wash front windows
• Repaint or stain the porch floor as needed

 

Always be ready to show - Your house needs to be "show-ready" at all times – you never know when your buyer is going to walk through the door.

 

You must be available whenever they want to come see the place and it has to be in tip-top shape.  Yes, it SUCKS!!!

 

Don't leave dishes in the sink, keep the dishwasher cleaned out, the bathrooms sparkling and make sure there are no dust bunnies in the corners.  It's a little inconvenient, but it will get your house sold.

 

Accentuate The Positive - Home sellers usually know what they like best about their home.  It's usually what they saw that made them want to buy, or it's something that they added to make the home particularly special.  

 

Whether it is a staircase, a great view from the kitchen sink, stunning built-in bookshelves, or a three-car garage, do something to make the buyers linger in that magic space.

 

the buyer is as lazy as you - If the property needs work -- dated wallpaper, ratty carpet -- have it replaced now so that all buyers have to picture is moving day.

 

The more changes buyers calculate they'll have to make in the home, the more concerned they get