It can be a daunting task to sell your home. Your RealtySouth REALTOR” can provide incredible help, but you’ll also have an important part in making your home an attractive piece of real estate. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Ryan Serhant, Fredrik Eklund and Steve Gold from Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing: New York give insightful tips on selling your home – courtesy of NBC News.
Tip #1 – “Make sure the first impression is perfect”
The general idea is to dress your home to help buyers envision themselves living there. Help home buyers “see” their family in the home and the possibilities of making the property their space. First impressions are everything. Make the home you’re selling have a great lasting impression on who all sets foot in and out the door.
Tip #2 – “Remove personal photos and religious/political items”
Personal items tie back to you, the seller. There are a number of good reasons to hide or remove identifiable items. One – it’s identifiable. This helps protect your privacy and that of your family, especially if you have young children. Two – photos and other items that represent your political or religious beliefs brand the home as yours. Potential buyers may or may not be able to envision themselves living there and it may alienate them if your personal values don’t align with theirs.
Tip #3 – “Put away anything having to do with pets”
Lots of people love pets, but there are just as many people who don’t love pets. The smell of dogs and cats can be a big turn-off to potential buyers. What if the potential buyer has a pet dander allergy? That’s just utter discomfort, if not a health concern to potential buyers. Another thing to think about is the meticulous cleaning to be done after pets. You and your family may long be gone, but buyers often think about the time, energy and effort that goes into cleaning a home after pets that have likely branded it in some way. We love our adorable pets, but others may not share the same sentiment.
Tip #4 – “Consider clearing out 50% of everything in closets”
People searching for their dream home are likely looking for space to come with it. If buyers view a home and see extra storage bins, packed closets, busy rooms with too many pieces of furniture, it can translate lack of space. If buyers deem it as clutter, they’ll feel they can outgrow that home very soon. On top of that, they’ll assume the seller has outgrown the home – hence the selling.
Tip #5 – “Start packing before selling”
Have your things packed and ready to go to your next home. It might be a good idea to at least, be half-way out of the house you’re selling. As mentioned from one of the “Million Dollar Listing” real estate agents, it will make your move a lot easier. And who doesn’t like an easy transition during a major move?
Tip #6 – “Strive to detach emotions from the decision to sell”
Selling a home can be emotional for sure. Memories have been made. It may be the home in which your family has grown up. There came a point in time when you decided to sell the home. It may be time to downsize. It may be time to expand. It may finally be time to go after a new dream home.
Tip #7 – “When you’re moving, think about where you’re going”
There are bigger and better things around the corner for you. You’re literally moving from one home and closing that chapter to start the next chapter. The future is full of possibilities.
In most cases of selling – in general – you’ll have to spend some money. Selling a home is no different and the ROI (return on investment) will be worth it. Upgrades, repairs and some reasonable add-ons can result in a reasonably higher sell price. Put your money where you will see it. Selling a home is very visual.
Best places to spend money before you sell:
-
- Kitchen: nice counter tops, back-splash, cabinetry and – dare we say – appliances are eye-catchers.
-
- Staging: touched on in a previous post, this is clearly a must-do to sell.
-
- Master bathroom: towel bar, tile, medicine cabinet, shelves, shower door and soap holders are all valid considerations.