Selling Tips

1. First step to selling your home is to get potential buyers to see it as THEIR home – so you must depersonalize it.
2. Remove clutter – clutter covers the counter space, shelf space etc., and makes your home seem chaotic and distracting. The kitchen is often the most important room in the house and should always be clutter free – displaying maximum counter top & shelf space.
3. Perform minor interior “fixes” – stay away from major remodel – instead do the basics, clean (paint if necessary) the baseboards, clean the carpets if necessary, make sure all light fixtures have working light bulbs (people like to turn on the lights when walking through a potential home), clean stainless appliances, sinks and windows/sliding glass doors.
4. Fix up the exterior – perform necessary yard maintenance, clean up your landscape and replace dead or dying flowers, bushes etc., perform basic touchup paint where applicable. Curb appeal is the first impression a potential buyer has and we all know how important it is to make a good first impression.
5. Most real estate sales are occurring by 1) internet and MLS exposure 2) the sign in the yard. Make sure your realtor has the resources necessary to maximize your exposure.
6. Interview multiple agents and don’t be afraid to ask questions about their CMA (a comparative market analysis – basically a document the agent should bring with them to the listing appointment) and fully understand why they believe you should ask a certain price. Be familiar with your basis in the property (what you paid + the cost of any material improvements) and know what you owe on the property.
7. Keep your house neat and clean – a showing could happen at any time and you won’t always have a chance to go home & clean before your potential buyer wants to view the home.