It’s spring! It is the most popular time for homeowners market their homes for sale. Marketing a property for sale requires more than sticking a sign in the yard and a couple blurry images loaded onto the MLS system (contrary to what many “discount” brokerages will tell you, BUT that’s another story for another day).
In the current market, 1. correct home pricing and, 2. home showing condition are extrememly important. I routinely leverage the home staging team to help with showing condition. Home stagers strongly encourage sellers to complete some essential tasks to ensure the most critical first step takes place: driving buyers to a an in-person viewing of the property.
“Many people think all they have to do is make sure the inside of their home is clean, but it really goes far beyond that when it comes to making sure your home looks its best so that buyers will take a look,” said Thomas Scott, vice president of Operations for Showhomes Franchise Corporation. “That is why we have released five essential tips that can help local residents stay on the right track when preparing their homes for a sale.”
Five tips for selling a vacant (or a lived in) home:
1. Curb Appeal – the better the curb appeal of your home is, the more attractive it is to prospective buyers. Make certain the walkway to the front door is enticing. You know those cobwebs you walk by every evening on the lower corner of your entry way? Sweep them.
- Trim overgrown bushes, weed beds and add a fresh layer of mulch
- Clean your front door and repaint if needed- don’t forget the hardware!
- Add a fresh, cheery doormat
- Keep grass cut, edged and blown
- Plant some color in the beds to add contrast
2. Cleaning – for most buyers, dirt equals stress and the last thing most buyers want is more stress in their lives.
- Pressure-wash the driveway and sidewalks.
- Clean windows inside and out
- Pressure wash decks and patios
3. Paint – the condition and color of the paint can make a huge difference in how buyers react to your home. Select light neutrals – creamy kakis, pearly grays or soft greens.
4. Replace Worn Carpet – Dirty carpet is unsanitary and nobody will be able to overlook your worn carpet. Replace the top layer with inexpensive neutral colored carpet and you will always recoup the investment. TRUST ME on this one. Offering a carpet rebate does not work. Most buyers can’t get past someone else’s carpet wear.
5. Stage your home – Buyers who look at vacant homes only see floors, walls and ceilings. With nothing else to look at, they focus on flaws. Because of this, vacant houses are very vulnerable to low-ball offers and often sell for 15-20 percent below list price.
My professional staging team is at your disposal- from a 2-hour consultation, to a complete home staging.
If you are even thinking about listing your home for sale, please enlist the services of a professional stager. Even if you choose to list your home “by owner”, especially if you list by owner, you need the advice of a professional.
