You decided to put your house on the market to sell. To optimize your sale, there are a few things that need attention for the outcome to be as expected. Here’s a simple recipe for selling:
Repair
Reduce
Refine
Repairs
This includes not only the leaky faucet but it also means anything that might not allow you to pass an inspection. Did you add any rooms to your living space that did not get a permit for? Are your systems up to date and working, like heating, water etc. When selling these can affect the sale. If I see a few “red flags” during a consult I will suggest getting a pre-inspection so that the seller is aware of what might arise, and can avoid if taken care of prior to selling.
Reduce
This is always hard because we all have a tough time being objective when it comes to our homes. The first thing that needs to be realized is that your home is now a house (product) in a market with a lot of competition. If you want the outcome to be successful with your sale, you need to be objective.
What must be reduced are personal items, possibly furniture, and items that you most likely will not use in your new house. By removing them now, you will save yourself a lot of time when you move. The personal items are probably what made your house feel like home, but they are making it feel like your home, not one that buyers can see themselves in. A buyer needs to view the house, not your things. A professional stager can help you highlight the details that buyers are looking for.
Refine
Refining is when you take what you have, and highlight the desirable and play down the non-desirable aspects of a house. The color of the walls can have a huge effect here, as well as placement of furniture, art, and accessories used. The attention to details is extremely important because not only do buyers have a wish list, they are hoping to find a property that fulfills that and more. Refining accentuates the value, positive features of a house, and showcases what a buyer can own. Buyer’s for any product want to consider their purchases as quality with a lot of value. Seller’s need to provide that feeling when selling to get the best offer possible with their house.
Depending on your house, one of these areas may need a little more attention than another but if all three are addressed, the outcome of the sale will result in a strong offer, reducing time on the market.
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