Seven must-do tips to sell your home

 
Before the ‘For Sale’ sign goes up in your yard and online, here are our Top 7 Tips to ensure your property generates the most interest, showings, and offers in the shortest amount of time:

Clean. Paint. Repair. Pack.
1.  De-Clutter!
This seems like a no-brainer, but when we say “de-clutter”, we don’t mean shove everything into the closets...because potential buyers WILL open your closet doors! Since you have made your decision to move, spend the week BEFORE your home hits the market cleaning out your closets, pantries, and shelves. A good rule of thumb is to box up about 50% of your belongings and place into storage or neatly in your garage. You want buyers to see your home and to envision themselves (and their belongings!) within your beautiful walls.

2.  Fix – It First!
All those little fixes you have been putting off forever, now’s the time to do them. That broken door handle? The stuck window? The carpet that never recovered from your New Year’s Eve party? It’s time to hire your handyperson or grab your tool belt and cleaning supplies. The first thing a buyer should notice is how clean and well-kept your home is and that can be accomplished with a little elbow grease.

3.  Paint!
This is the easiest way to freshen and prepare your home for market. Consider painting your main living area walls in a soothing, coastal tone – not only will it go miles in making your home feel new, it is also a very inexpensive way to make your property shine.

4.  Consider Staging
Now that your home is sparkling clean, de-cluttered, and painted, ask your Realtor’s advice on staging. Your property may benefit from a few pictures, lamps and accessories that enhance and emphasize our beach location and lifestyle. Most of these items can be obtained for very little cost and will go a long way towards helping a buyer fall in love with your home.

5.  Curb Appeal
Before you list your property, don’t forget to spruce up the exterior of your home as well. Many potential buyers will simply drive by the home first before scheduling a showing to see if they are interested. Small and inexpensive ways to help your exterior sparkle include power washing the siding and windows, removing your screens (they darken a home), plant some annuals, and place a couple flowering plants in colorful pots by the front door.

6.  Great Photos and Video are a MUST!
Repeat after me...No iPhone photos! 95% of buyers are actively searching online for their new home; therefore, it is imperative that your property is presented through photos and video in the best possible light. Ensure that your Realtor is using a professional photographer or videographer and discuss aerial photos, video, and lifestyle photos. The old saying “You’ll never have a second chance to make a good first impression” is never more true than in the world of real estate sales!

7.  Showings, Showings, Showings...
Now that your home is on the market, buyers will be calling to schedule showings! Be sure to spend the extra 15 minutes before every property showing cleaning out the kitchen sink, closing the toilet lids, sliding the dog food into a cabinet, making the beds, and turning on the lights. These small items will help buyers’ maintain their focus on your home and its features during the showing.



Top Seven Selling Tips