Enlist the Help of a Realtor
The sale of your home is one of the most important business transactions you will ever be involved in. Why a Realtor? Realtors follow a strict Code of Ethics, they are committed to treating all parties in a transaction honestly, and they are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. Choosing the right Realtor to represent you is key once you have decided to place your home on the market. He or she can make the experience satisfying and profitable.
Price Your Home Accurately
If your home is not priced competitively, buyers will reject it in favor of other homes on the market that are accurately priced. At the same time, buyers who should be looking at your home will not see it because it will be out of their price range. The result is increased market time. When the price is eventually lowered buyers are wary because the home has been on the market for so long. Nobody wants to buy a home that no one else wants!
Showcase Your Home
A home that is not clean or well maintained is a red flag for buyers. Buyers look for homes that they would like to live in. Often times when a home needs sprucing up or renovations buyers are poor judges of the cost these improvements will entail. They then build in a large margin for error when placing an offer on this type of property. Make sure that your home is in the best shape possible. If priced accurately these two tips will lead to top dollar offers.
Do Not Over-Improve
Often, sellers spend thousands of dollars doing the wrong upgrades to their homes prior to attempting to sell in hopes that they will recoup this cost. If you are considering selling, be aware that only certain upgrades, depending on the market, are cost effective. Consult with your Realtor before committing to upgrading your home.
Paint and Carpet
Two of the most noticeable finishes in your home are your paint and carpet. Look for smudges and smears on your walls. A little touch up paint can go a long way in selling your home. How does your carpet look? It is wise to invest a little money to have your carpets professionally cleaned.
Disconnect Yourself Emotionally
Once you have decided to list your home, you should begin to see it as a marketable commodity. Property. Real Estate. Your goal is to get others to see it as their potential home, not yours. You could inadvertently create a situation that takes longer to sell your home if you do not consciously make this decision. One step in achieving this is to make your home 'anonymous'. Taking down family photos, sports trophies, collectible items, souvenirs, etc., will remove your 'brand' from the home and help potential buyers envision themselves living in the house. Box these items up and put them in storage.
De-clutter the House
This is often the hardest thing for homeowners to do because they are emotionally attached to everything in the house. After living in a home for several years clutter collects in such a way that may not be evident to the homeowner. Even if you do not realize it, it will affect the way the potential buyers see the home. Clutter can collect anywhere! You want to achieve as much open, clear space as possible. That means every little thing needs to be cleared away. Take a step back and pretend you are the potential buyer. Check your basement, garage, shed, closet and any other place clutter can appear.
Create Curb Appeal
A potential buyer’s first impression is based upon their view of the house from the car. That first impression is known as 'curb appeal'. Compare your home to others nearby and see how yours compares. The front door should be especially sharp since it is the entryway to the house. The landscaping should be well groomed. Do any paint touch ups that are necessary (shutters, mailbox, trim). Also be aware of any repairs that need to be made (such as cracks in pavement, loose gutters, faulty hardware). Also, make sure all outdoor lighting is running efficiently.
Obtain an Appraisal
If your idea of what your property is worth and the listing broker’s recommendation does not coincide, an appraisal may be in order. When prepared by an experienced, licensed professional an appraisal is as close to an objective evaluation as you will get.
Featuring your home
Prepare a list of features of your home to give to your Realtor. These features can be used when showing your home. What upgrades have you done since you purchased your home? Do any warranties come with your home? All these features can help sell your home.
For more information about
buying a home or
selling a home, please go to
Louisville Home MLS listings.
Contact the Jimmy Welch Team for all of your Louisville real estate needs!
