Prepare Your Home for Showings

This is very important as homes not prepared for showings are one of the main reasons why people fail to sell their homes. Great first impressions really count. As the saying goes” first impressions last a lifetime”.

A 3D tour allows a Buyer to walk through your home from the comfort of theirs. This is the most realistic representation of what your home looks and feels. Serious buyers want to preview a 3D virtual tour before they do an in-person visit of your property. Professional photography has always been important. With more buyers beginning their shopping online, it’s even more crucial.

Lighting

After location, lighting is what buyers want in your home. Increase the Wattage of your light bulbs and prune any shrubbery outside the windows to allow more light.

Don’t excessively upgrade

Cosmetic maintenance increases a property’s appeal. You probably won’t get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your home on the market. Instead, do upgrades that will get you top Dollars. Paint your walls with a fresh coat of paint. Paint your baseboards & doors & clean your vents. Wash your drapes/blinds or replace them.

Depersonalize Your Home

Remove and store your personal pictures and memorabilia collections. Consider hiring a Home Stager to maximize the full potential of your home.

Knowledge of the Local Market

You have to be realistic to market conditions. There is no substitute for a real estate professional for acquiring market information.

List It

Having an online presence is crucial. Most buyers begin their search online and, in this pandemic, this trend is growing. Your real estate agent should have the tools necessary to expose your home to a wide range of online sources.

What are the best months to sell your home?

According to Zillow, the best time to sell a house is as noted below:

• Nationally the best time to sell a house is in March if you’re trying to sell quickly, while the best time to maximize profit is July.
• If you’re hoping to sell for more than the asking price, aim for the week of April 22nd.
• It’s important to remember that local market circumstances also influence the best time to list your house. These conditions include job growth, mortgage rates & tax incentives.
• List your house on a Thursday to increase the chances of your house selling more quickly and for more money. You should have the offer presentation on a Sunday or Monday.

Showcase Your Home

In order to sell your home quick and seamless for the right price to get the best results take off 10 – 15% off the price of what your home is worth. This can lead to multiple offers even in the worst markets. It is imperative that you make your home as pleasant looking as possible. Declutter your home. As the phrase goes “less is more”. Remove all personal items e.g., personal photographs, jewelry, cash. In today’s pandemic environment, many buyers are looking at homes online. Staging has become more prominent as it is the difference between most buyers wanting to view your home or not.

Always Be Ready To Show

Your home needs to be show – ready at all times. Make sure there are no dishes in the sink. Declutter your kitchen. Turn all the lights on. Open the drapes. Have soft music playing and if possible, bake some cinnamon buns and leave it in the oven for flavor. If possible, have fresh flowers in a vase.

Open House

It has been historically proven that the buyer who purchases your home is not the one who came to your open house. Most times, people who come to open houses are “Window Shoppers”. They are not yet ready to buy. A good real estate agent will be able to distinguish between a “window shopper” and a real interested buyer.

Great First Impression

Great first impressions really count. As the saying goes, “first impressions last a lifetime. No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. Hence curb appeal is very important.

The Two Most Important Rooms in the Home

The Kitchen

When it comes to selling your home, the kitchen is the most important room for the majority of home buyers.

Therefore, renovating your kitchen could be a great investment, and it will also increase the value of your home. Having modern appliances, custom cabinetry, a functional island and a walk-in or butler pantry can make your home more attractive to buyers.

The fastest and most inexpensive way to update your kitchen is to replace your existing paint with a neutral color paint & to install new cabinet hardware.

You can also replace your countertops which may only cost you a few thousand dollars, and can prevent a buyer from attempting to shave $10,000 off the purchase price.

Replace your appliances with stainless steel, as these types of appliances are popular. They don’t necessarily have to be ‘top of the line’.

Keep your kitchen clutter free, bright and clean. Space should be your main concern. One of the focal points in the kitchen is the sink. There should be absolutely no leaks and drips and it should be free of stains and rust. Clean your fridge thoroughly and keep limited food, if necessary and odor free. Clean your stove inside out. Have your dishwasher cleaned. Stage your dining area with the table laid out with place mats and cutlery. Your kitchen renovation should earn around 70% return on investment.

The Master Bathroom

A spectacular master bath with features like dual vanities and soak tubs will help sell your home to prospective buyers. Consider these items:

• Upgraded faucet fixtures
• Upgraded light fixtures
• Design mirrors
• Adequate storage

Make sure there is no dampness or mold in the master bathroom. Keep the tub and standing shower tiles clean and caulked if necessary. The sink area should be free of clutter. Make sure the vents are working.

These are just a few small steps you can take to get your home ready for showings.

The 5 Most Important Rooms to Stage

• Living Room
• Dining Room
• Kitchen
• Master Bedroom
• Home Office or Guest Room