SELLING TIPS FOR HOME OWNERS (by Veronica Kraft)
Are you thinking of selling your home in this fast-moving real-estate market? Selling your house can often be stressful, especially when you’re still living inside the home. Here are some tips to make the experience go smoothly.
- Declutter Your Home
Rooms look larger once clutter is removed. Keep on the basic furniture and neutral wall pictures. Keep accessory items to the minimum. Remove extras such as personal pictures, children’s toys, countertop clutter and used animal toys & animal beds. Also remember to remove valuables from the home and to secure electronics before showings.
- Deep Clean Your House
Dust, vacuum and clean floors, kitchens cabinetry, countertops, bathrooms & house baseboards to remove dirt and scuff marks. This gives the appearance of a newer home. Remember that pet odors are more obviously noticed by newcomers, so deodorize rooms where pets are housed.
- Apply Fresh Paint to the Walls
A fresh coat of paint adds a lot to a home. Apply a fresh coat of paint to the walls, use neutral tones and colors that appeal to a wider spectrum of individuals. Don’t forget to touch up the front door, which is a first impression focal point for potential buyers.
- Fix Obvious Repairs
If you have obvious small-to-medium sized repairs that need to be made, that are not of high value, fix them before selling your home. Small repairs such as tightening door knobs and fixtures, replacing burnt-out light fixtures, filling in holes in walls, securing baseboards, and repairing small cracks will go a long way with appearance issues when showing your home. Also remember to weed the shrubbery and trim landscaping to welcome potential buyers from the outside in.
- Clean & Straighten the House
Remember that as others come through your home, they may notice dishes in the sink, an un-made bed, a messy floor or countertop, standing laundry or stinky trash that hasn’t been disposed of. Make a house-cleaning checklist and stick to it weekly to ensure a clean home before and during showings.
- Hire a Professional Real Estate Agent
Using a professional to market, repair and stage your home is highly recommended. Not all agents are the same, and a few have significantly more experience than others. Some tips to finding a professional agent include asking the right questions. Questions to ask a prospective real-estate agent include:
- How long have you been practicing real estate? Is this your full-time job?
- Do you represent buyers and sellers?
- How many years have you been in this region of the state?
- What neighborhoods do you specialize in?
- How do you rank within your company?
- How many homes have you sold in this neighborhood?
- How would you market my home?
- Do you recommend any repairs or improvements for my home to sell?
- Can you send me some client references?
- How much do you charge?
- Remember that Pricing is Essential
After hiring an agent, listen to the agent’s advice regarding comps and pricing. Often times, homeowners make the mistake of having too much of an emotional attachment to the home, which prevents them from accepting an offer at the agent’s recommended price. But keep in mind that your agent has done research on comparable homes, which have sold in your neighborhood. These “comparables” or “comps”, set the base price for your home, along with your agent’s added expert considerations. Correct pricing is essential to selling your home efficiently and effectively. Listen to the advice of your agent.
8. Call Gilles Rais Fine Homes for Assistance
Gilles Rais has been the leading real-estate agent in the South Florida market for years. Backed by the Coldwell Banker name, he ranks as one of the top agents in the company in the South Florida area. With 25 years of experience in the community and a wealth of knowledge in the industry, Gilles has developed an impressive clientele of local families, global investors, business leaders, worldwide athletes & celebrities, who have entrusted him with a lifetime of real-estate transactions. As a result, he is revered as an expert in real estate in South Florida. To contact Gilles Rais for a complimentary consultation of your home’s value in today’s market, contact him today at 954.304.1579.