Selling Your Home – Roberta’s Proven System
Providing Outstanding Results!
Selling your home in Todays Real Estate market requires extra attention to the details. By understanding what the buyer wants, sellers can reduce the days on market by taking the time to prepare your home to sell.
Know what the Buyers Want
First and foremost Buyers want to make a good investment. They want a sound home that does not have problems. Sure there are Buyers looking to put their personal touch on a home by updating an outdated home, and even a few that are willing to take on a fixer. But the largest buyer segment today is looking to buy a well maintained home, that is move in ready, and free of drips, leaks or deterioration.
Roberta’s System for Selling Your Home
My proven system is based on the knowlege of the property, and preparing it upfront. Whether you have lived in your home for 2 years or 40 years, or a rental that has reached your investment goal, the simple fact that a home that is market ready, meaning the buyer can “move in” at closing, is going to sell at the maximum market value.
Many Listing Agents will suggest to the seller some minor cosmetic changes. The agent wants to quickly put the home on the market and then they advertise the home as “move in condition”. Buyers and their agents come into the home and see the visible signs; dripping faucets; discolored caulking; a roof that is in need of attention; dirty air intake vents; feel any dampness or smell of mildew. All of these items can make a buyer run from your property. The home was not prepared to sell.
Let’s say the buyer’s agent does submit an offer and the seller accepts it. Next, there will be the buyer’s home inspector to examine the home and provides a detailed report. The Buyer’s agent consults with the buyer about what repairs are necessary. Every real estate professional has had a transaction fall apart over a few dollars of needed repairs. The seller feels they have given it in the price and the buyer feels they are buying a home over priced because of the needed repairs. Neither is willing to move and the transaction falls out of Escrow.
By following my system we will eliminate any potential problems upfront, then prepare your home from curb appeal to closing the deal!
Here’s how:
1. In order to fully understand the condition of your property we will start with a complete inspection from a licensed home inspector.
2. Together we will review the inspectors report and determine what items should be repaired.
3. Repairs are scheduled. Some may be minor such as a dripping faucet or a tub in need of new caulking; some may be maintenance items like a furnace tune up or chimney cleaning.
Your home is now ready, and we have the Inspector’s Report and documented our list of performed repairs, thus eliminating the nightmare of repair issues and addendums. Plus we have covered all the hot-spot issues that would be top of the list for any buyer’s inspection. My “System” will strengthen the selling position of you home.
Curb Appeal to Closing the Deal
Emotions Start at the Curb
We have all driven by homes that catch our eye. The well kept tidy little bungalow with its flowering gardens, to the McMansions that are well designed and professionally landscaped. Curb Appeal matters in every price range. This is the first emotional connection to your home. Here is a great way to start.
Drive your neighborhood. Stop across the street and take a good look at your home and the surroundings.
What is your first impression of the home and the yard?
What was the best feature that caught your eye? Can you enhance it?
What was the worse feature? Can you minimize, remove or improve?
Make your list and tackle it. Do the clean up first, then repairs. Once complete take your drive again. Add needed enhancements to entice an emotional connection with buyers.
Don’t Forget Evening Curb
It is not uncommon for buyers to do their drive bys in the evening after the dinner hour. Lighting can be especially useful. If your homes interior is visible from the curb, make sure it is pleasing.
Defining Emotions Indoors
First place to start is a sparkling clean home. From your windows to the bathroom tiles your home should shine. Carpets cleaned, clutter removed, from garage, attic or basement. You are selling your home and preparing to move, so now is not the time to be shy about packing up a few things. Now we can stand back and see if the home is in need of minor painting or Home Staging.
Staged homes focus on the space allowing buyers to visualize how they might live in your space. Read more….
Think about how your home might smell. Do you have pets or smoke? You may be used to these smells but these odors can distract a buyer from focusing on the design elements of your home.
Finally, set the mood for your home. Fresh flowers, scented potpourri, soft music are all wonderful ways to help a buyer linger and focus on your home.
Cosmetic changes need not be expensive. It is the attention to basics that reinforces the message “this home has been well maintained”. It may be a challenge to keep your home is “show condition” that will help you get maximum market price.
Remember, most buyers cannot visualize these changes. And the buyers who do have the vision most likely want the seller to compensate for the work by reducing their price.
Setting the Price
We have inspected, repaired, cleaned and prepared your home for sale. Now we need to set the price. As a seller, you want to get top dollar for your home. By setting an artificially high price may cause your property to sit on the market week after week. Thinking a buyer will submit a “lowball” offer to get things started, may not happen in todays market. Reducing your asking price later may lead buyers to wonder if it will go lower still, or something may be wrong with your home.
Set the price right from the start.
There are basic factors that will determine the pricing of your home.
1. Location, Location, Location
2. Economic conditions/Seasonal influences of your community
3. Local housing market – Supply of homes vs Demand
4. Local Schools
5. Average price of homes in your neighborhood
6. Your homes amenities; fireplace, central air, etc.
Finally and most important is what the Buyer is willing to pay. Homes that are well maintained, well priced, and well marketed will be the first to contract. My proven system will help sell your home.
Call me now at 503-495-5231, or complete my form below. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Roberta Nopson
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