Making sure your house is the one a buyer wants!

What determines which homes are sold and which stay on the market?  And does it change when we are in a buyers’ versus sellers’ market?

Forget about the things that you can’t change, location, size of the home, or whether or not it has a basement.  Let’s consider the location and the type of property to be equal for this discussion.  It really boils down to three things that play into the determination.  And no, it does not matter whether it is a buyer’s market or seller’s market.  In a buyers’ market each of the three things are even more critical.

First, and absolutely essential, is pricing the home right.  Your real estate professional should provide you with the necessary market information including sold comparisons, active competitive listings, and expired listings to help you determine the correct price.

The second critical factor in determining which homes sell is exposure.  If no one knows you are trying to sell your home, your chances of finding a buyer are not too good.  The more exposure you have, the more prospective buyers can consider your home as an option.  Again, your real estate professional should guide you through a well planned and comprehensive marketing plan.

The third critical component to this equation is appearance.  How well your home shows, what updates you have undertaken, and curb appeal, are all things that can push your home to the top of a buyers list, or help sell your neighbor’s home.  This is especially true in a market in which there are many listings for buyers to consider.  Even with pricing being constant, if your home stands out against the one down the street, it can make the difference between an offer and staying on the market.

Anyone that has turned on HGTV knows that home remodeling projects and staging are not a new phenomenon.  The question becomes what things make sense for attracting the buyer and represent a good return on investment.  While these specifics really should be discussed with your real estate professional with regard to your specific house, the items below are intended to provide a general direction for where to start.  See you at the closing table.

Home Preparation Basics:

Organizing

• Make every room look larger and feel neater. If a house is cluttered, buyers have trouble imagining themselves in it. By removing or storing items you don’t need, you create a roomy, comfortable feeling that will be inviting to prospective buyers. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out, sell it, or give it away!

• Cleaning makes the house easy for buyers to explore and gives the impression that it has been well cared for. Be sure every room smells as good as it looks,
  paying special attention to pet areas, nurseries and bathrooms. Some fresh paint and a one-time professional cleaning service can make your home look like new!

• Repairing eliminates buyers’ objections before they arise. If you think something is too much trouble to fix, chances are the buyers will, too.
  Buyers tend to think repairs will cost more to fix than they actually do.

• Neutralizing helps buyers see their possessions in your house and picture themselves living there. Neutral paint, decor and carpeting create a home for any lifestyle. Eliminating distracting colors and accessories allows buyers to concentrate on positive impressions.

• Dynamizing™ makes the exterior and every room of your house special. Since your house is competing with many other properties on the market,
  you need to make yours stand out and be memorable. Look through magazines and catalogs for ideas. Ask your real estate professional for the latest “must have” buyer items.