Buyers

When a buyer is looking for a home, they typically focus on four factors: location, price, condition and appeal. You can't do anything about the location, so improving the salability of your home should focus on price, condition and appeal.

Pricing

Pricing a home is not an exact science. You can get an estimated value online, but it is seldom the right price. In order to determine the fair market value, a real estate professional should inspect the property and complete a Market Analysis. The Realtor will check the square footage and take into account other factors such as location, curb appeal, condition, number and price of competing homes on the market, and sales prices of comparable sold homes. From this information, a fair market value can be determined.

Condition

Two homes with the same square footage, sometimes even with the same floor plan and in the same neighborhood can sell for markedly different prices, depending on the condition.

Included in condition are items such as landscaping, roof, paint color, floor coverings, window coverings, cabinets, and appliances.

Make sure that everything is working properly (no dripping faucets) and has a reasonable remaining useful life. If the hot water heater is 15 years old and leaking, replace it. A purchaser will generally subtract more from the price than the repairs would actually cost, so get them done before putting the home on the market.

If improving condition includes decorator items such as floor coverings or paint, consult with a Realtor experienced in staging before making selections. Here's a hint: white walls are never the right choice.

Appeal

The roof may be new, and there may be a fresh coat of paint on the walls, but if the home lacks appeal, it will typically sell for less. A buyer will form an impression of your home within the first minute or two of a showing. A home that is dirty, cluttered, or generally unattractive will quickly be eliminated, or the price discounted.

So the first way to increase appeal is to clean, clean, clean. A home for sale should be spotless. Clean walls, floors, light fixtures, countertops, windows, and especially, bathrooms.

The balance of appeal comes from "staging". It is amazing how much difference rearranging the furniture or adding plants and artwork can make. Although some vacant houses need complete staging, most staging can be done at little or no cost to the owner. As a member of the Real Estate Professional Staging Association and as a Certified Home Staging Professional, my expertise is offered at no charge to property owners who list their homes with me.

If you are thinking of selling, call me for a no cost, no obligation, Market Analysis.