Today's consumers
are comparison shoppers. Although eager to achieve the best possible
return
on their hard earned investment dollars, they will shy away from
properties
that are listed too high or too low.
Listing above market
value, you will more than likely sell your neighbor's house instead of
yours, or at the very least, risk a lack of potential purchasers
visiting
your home. By listing too low, you create the impression that you are
desperate
for the sale, or that something is seriously wrong with the structure.
As your REALTOR,
I will provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that includes
information
on competitor listings, properties that have recently sold, and those
that
are currently pending. In addition, I will:
Evaluate your
property's location and lot size.
Appraise your home's
condition, size and age, and any improvements you have made. Review the
assessed value of your home, taxes, and utility costs. Help determine
what
is the best selling feature of your home and suggest what interior
and exterior repairs should be considered.
Buying or selling
property in today's fluctuating and competitive marketplace takes
industry
knowledge, a proven track record, and expert opinion. It also takes
dedication,
commitment and the ability to achieve the goals set before you. When
discussing
the critical factors in the sale of any property, your Real Estate
Agent's
expert opinion will guarantee that your home is accurately positioned
for
market dominance.
In the end, it's
still your choice as to pricing. However, by taking into account years
of professional experience and real estate wisdom, you increase the
possibility
of selling your home within the critical first 30 days for the highest
possible sale price, or achieving a fair market price for the home you
are purchasing.
Disclosing the
Facts
No home is perfect!
In one way or another, they all have defects to some extent. However,
concealing
problem areas can result in costly lawsuits....at your expense!
The horror stories
come in many forms. During the height of purchasing excitement, not
everyone
will notice the cracked foundation or faulty roof that leak only when
it
rains, turn on the hallway light to experience electrical gymnastics,
or
even flush the toilet to watch it overflow because the septic lines are
blocked.
Undisclosed defects
can come back to haunt, destroying what you originally considered
protected....your
pocketbook and peace of mind!
It is in both your
best interest and that of your purchaser to obtain a structural
inspection
during contract negotiation. Settlement and legal fees cost far more
than
if you had agreed to a price concession or repaired it yourself!
Repair Priorities
You consider your
home one of your most prized possessions. You have lavishly decorated
to
individual taste, using paint and wallpaper as expression of your
personality.
Eyes glued to yet another magazine, you finally found the perfect
window
treatment.
Your furniture reflects
the colors and textures that have become important over the years. And
don't forget, you DID spend hour after weekend hour bent over that
magnificent
garden. However, it will cease to matter once you sign the "For Sale"
agreement.
The paint, the drapes
and the carpeting mean nothing to those outside the family. And that
lovely
bathroom tile you imported from some exotic land isn't even mentioned.
How could they NOT notice that you spent a great deal of money and
months
waiting patiently for it to arrive at the shipyards?
The answer is
simple... your potential purchasers are not emotionally involved in
your
investment.
Unlike you, they
see the flaws you have come to ignore over the years. They will notice
the carpet your cat has used as a scratching post, the tap that drips
incessantly,
and the ugly stain in the kitchen caused by the leaky roof.
To them, it's nothing
but added expense, and probably not worth the effort. After all, there
are many, many more properties on the market other than just yours.
However, the
marketability
of your home WILL increase if you take the time and effort to view it
through
their eyes, and take extra care in ensuring that minor things are
attended
to.
One sure way of
guaranteeing
that your potential purchasers can see themselves enjoying life in your
home, is to make it as presentable and uncluttered as possible. What is
known in the industry as "curb appeal" may become the difference
between
"Sold" and "continued showings".
The tiny handprint
that adorns the front door is cute only to you. To the other side, it's
a combination of filth and downright laziness. Despite the cost of a
can
of paint, your family room should NOT resemble a mud-room. And remember
the sun shining through the windows? A little bit of elbow grease goes
a long way!
When the time comes
to list your home for sale, take into account that your potential
purchasers
are searching for new roots. They need to be enticed, enthralled and
enchanted
at first glance. It needs to feel like THEIR castle, THEIR history,
THEIR
love story the moment your home comes into view.
If expense is a concern,
do it yourself. If there's litter in the front yard or the grass needs
cutting, hire the teenager next door. Five dollars a time REALLY CAN
make
the difference!
If not, there are
numerous contractors, painters, decorators, cleaning services, and
landscaping
firms that your Real Estate Agent can recommend. For the more major
repairs
including replacement roof, flooring or structural defects, etcetera,
you
can opt to invest in the repair, or you can choose to disclose this
information
in the Listing Contract.
Also pay attention
to the "finishing touches" - the serene background music, the tidy
bathroom
, the made beds, and the bouquet of flowers. Open a few windows, the
air
will be fresher. A welcome mat at the front door is inviting, and
please,
no laundry running in the machines while you attempt to catch a few
more
minutes of lost time!
By being ruthlessly
honest in your evaluation of your home prior to listing, you will
improve
my chances of selling your home fast.
