Studies show that the best opportunity for selling your property is within the first seven weeks, and that the longer a property stays on the market, the less the seller will net. Below are 5 main factors involved in getting top dollar for your property.
*PRICING
It is very important to price your property at a competitive market value right when you list it. The market is so competitive that even over-pricing by a few thousand dollars could mean that your house will not sell. It's interesting, but your first offer is usually your best offer. Here are reasons for pricing your property at the market value right from the start in order to net you the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time.
An overpriced home reduces showings and minimizes offers.
*APPEARANCE
People can be different in personality, but they tend to be the same when it comes to expectations at someone else's expense. No home is perfect, but a seller must try to do as much as possible to improve the likelihood of a sale.
Paint is your best improvement investment for getting a greater return on your money. Paint makes the whole house smell clean and neat. If your house has chipped paint, exposed wood, or the paint looks faded, it is time to paint. If your carpet is worn, dirty, outdated, or an unusual color, you may need to seriously consider replacing it. Many houses do not sell because of this problem. Don't think that buyers have more money than you have to replace carpet. They don't. They simply buy elsewhere.
*CLEANLINESS
--Most people are turned off by even the smallest amount of uncleanness or odor when buying a home. Sellers lose thousands of dollars because they do not adequately clean. If your house is squeaky clean, you will be able to sell your home faster and net hundreds, if not thousands of dollars more. If you are planning on moving, why not get rid of that junk now so that your house will appear larger? Make more space. Odors must be eliminated especially if you have dogs, cats, or young children in diapers or if you are a smoker. You may not notice the smell, but the buyers do! Most agents have a difficult time communicating to their sellers about odor. If you employ an agent to get the most amount of money for you, please don't take offense if he must confront you about odor problems.
* CURB APPEAL
--Good curb appeal is a must. Your front yard immediately reflects the inside condition of your house to the buyer. People enjoy their yards. Make certain that the trees are trimmed so the house can be seen from the street. Have the grass mowed, trimmed and edged. Walkways should be swept. Clear away debris. Remove parked cars. If buyers don't like the outside, they may not stop to see the inside.
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*ACCESS
Top selling agents will not show your home if both the Key and access are not readily available. They do not have time to run around town all day picking up and dropping off keys. They want to sell homes! The greatest way to show a house is to have a key! When your home is being shown, please do the following:
Keep all lights on
Keep all drapes and shutters open
Have soft music playing (no boom boxes or TV)
Take a short walk with your children and pets
Let the buyer be at ease and let the agents do their job
For questions or comments susanmorrow@homesvegas.com
