It is that time of year. Spring is just right around the corner and many people are striving to sell their home at this optimum period. However, with the past years poor performance and lackluster market, there is a glut of homes on the market and buyers are enjoying a distinct advantage over motivated sellers. People today are taking the process of selling their homes much more serious than simply deciding to sell. Buyers are not just showing up and making offers. To sell a home today, the seller must make much more of a concerted effort to seal the deal.
First and foremost, the seller must dissociate themselves from their home. It is important to remove your emotions and memories from the equation. This is a business deal, pure and simple. It is vital that the seller already have the mindset that the home is no longer theirs but simply a commodity to be sold. Along these lines, it is also helpful to de-personalize your home so it is easier for perspective buyers to see themselves in the property. Buyers have a hard time seeing past personal items, so it is important to make sure their focus is on the house and not your personal items. They must be able to say. “I can see myself living here.”.
Call 1-800-Got-Junk! Less is better so the buyer can visualize their own furnishings in your home. De-clutter throughout your home. If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably don’t need it so give it away to charity. If you pack up your knick-knacks and photos, you have a head start on the move you will have to make anyway. Look in your closets and cabinets and make sure everything is neat and organized. This gives a great impression to the buyer and will help facilitate a sale. If necessary, rent a storage unit to show empty space rather than clutter. Empty space says to the buyer that your home is roomy and spacious. Clutter says to the buyer they need to get a bigger house.
Make minor repairs that will pay big dividends. If you have a favorite fixture or built-in that you want to keep, remove it before showing the house so this does not become an issue. Patch holes in the wall, fix leaky faucets, fix doors and windows that are not tight.
Finally- make your house sparkle! Clean everywhere and make sure the house smells good and fresh. Never show a house with pets present. Baking cookies and bread before a showing is an old idea, but a good idea. Good luck with your next move!