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Getting Top-Dollar For Your Home
Studies show that the majority of all home sales happen within the first 30 days of listing. Therefore,
it is very important that sellers hit the market with their homes ready to sell and have a strategy to get
offers quickly. Research shows that the longer a home is on the market, the less the seller will net.
There are five main factors that contribute to a quick sale and help sellers get top dollar for their home.
These factors are listed below:
Pricing Factor
It is very important to price your property at a competitive market value right when you list it.
The market is so competitive that even over-pricing by a few thousand dollars could mean that your house
will not sell. It's interesting, but your first offer is usually your best offer. Here are reasons for
pricing your property at the market value right from the start in order to net you the most amount of money
in the shortest amount of time. An overpriced home:
- Minimizes offers
- Lowers showings
- Lowers agent response
- Limits financing
- Limits qualified buyers
- Nets less for the seller
80% of the marketing is done when we decide on what price to list your home. If you are unwilling to list
at current market value, you would be better off not putting it on the market at this time.
Curb Appeal Factor
I’m sure you have heard that first impressions are the most important, and the same is true for your home.
Poor curb appeal and a bad first impression can cause a buyer to reject the idea of buying your home before
they even walk through the front door. Because of this, put your best foot forward and really wow them
with your curb appeal. Your front yard immediately reflects the inside condition of your house to the buyer.
People enjoy their yards. Make certain that the trees are trimmed so the house can be seen from the street.
Have the grass mowed, trimmed and edged. Walkways should be swept. Clean away debris. Remove parked cars.
This all adds to curb appeal. Other factors to consider are:
- Plant flowers in the gardens
- Hang plants or set rocking chairs on the front porch
- Paint or replace the front door
- Change the front door knob and lock
- Make sure the foyer floor and entrance looks as clean and beautiful as possible.
Remember, if a buyer doesn't like the outside of your home, they may not stop to see the inside.
Access Factor
Top selling agents will not show your home if both the Key and access are not readily available.
They do not have time to run around town all day picking up and dropping off keys. They want to sell homes!
The greatest way to show a house is to have a key! When your home is being shown, please do the following:
- Keep all lights on
- Keep all drapes and shutters open
- Keep all doors unlocked
- Leave soft music playing
- Take a short walk with your children and pets
- Let the buyer be at ease and let the agents do their job
Clean Factor
Most people are turned off by even the smallest amount of uncleanness or odor when buying a home.
Sellers lose thousands of dollars because they do not adequately clean. If your house is squeaky clean,
you will be able to sell your home faster and net hundreds, if not thousands of dollars more. If you are
planning on moving, why not get rid of that old junk now so that your house will appear larger? Make more
space. Odors must be eliminated especially if you have dogs, cats, or young children in diapers or
if you are a smoker. You may not notice the smell, but the buyers do! Most agents have a difficult time
communicating to their sellers about odor. If you employ an agent to get the most amount of money for you,
please don't take offense if he must confront you about odor problems.
Paint & Carpet Factor
Paint is your best improvement investment for getting a greater return on your money. Paint makes the
whole house smell clean and neat. If your house has chipped paint, exposed wood, or the paint looks faded,
it is time to paint. If your carpet is worn, dirty, outdated, or an unusual color, you may need to
seriously consider replacing it. Many houses do not sell because of this problem. Don't think that buyers
have more money than you have to replace carpet. They don't. Even if you offer a paint or carpet allowance,
the buyers will still be turned off by the house when they get there and not want to buy.
They simply buy elsewhere.
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