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| 5 Tips to Maximize Your Home's Value When You Sell |
Whatever the reason for selling, you'll want to get the most out
of the transaction. Some simple tips can help you market and
sell your home in the least amount of time, for the maximum
value.
1) First, do your homework. Find out the local market
conditions for your neighborhood. Depending on your area, there
may be better/worse times to sell. Once you've decided to sell,
there are three different levels of service that you may want to
consider:
* Sell the home yourself (FSBO)
* List your with a Discount / Flat fee broker
* Utilize a full service real estate agent/brokerage
If you are inclined to sell the home yourself, note that you
will bear the responsibility for marketing your property, along
with full legal disclosures, inspections, appraisals and the
like. You should be very comfortable with real estate related
documents, and comfortable with the legal implications resulting
from the transaction.
You can also choose to use a discount or flat fee broker, who
will assist you to sell your property. Depending on the broker
you select, you may be able to get some assistance with
marketing, open houses, disclosures, title/escrow, etc. Make
sure that you understand exactly what services you are willing
to pay. Make sure you understand what services are covered under
each pricing plan. Find out if your listing will be posted on
the website, what signage will be available to you; find out if
you are posting the home to the respective MLS (multiple
listings service) in your area. |
Each broker is different, so
make sure to get references from former clients.
If you want to market your property to the largest pool of
possible buyers, list your property with a full-service real
estate broker/firm. Now, before you pick up the phonebook or
check that postcard you received in the mail, make sure to take
the time to interview more than one agent/agency.
Find out if they are a REALTORŪ -- a member of the NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, a trade organization of nearly 1
million members nationwide. Members of NAR subscribe to a
stringent code of ethics to guarantee the highest level of
service and integrity. You may also want to know if they have
any special REALTORŪ designations, such as GRI and CRS, which
require that real estate professionals take additional
specialized real estate training. In addition to qualifications,
you should check references of the agent. Make sure to speak
with former clients to see if the agent is responsive and is
available to keep you up-to-date with progress. You need to have
direct contact with your agent, so you will need to be as
comfortable as possible. The agent that handles your listing
should:
* Detailed marketing plan for your house, including online and
offline marketing
* Prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of properties in
your area that have sold, as well as properties currently listed
* Help you determine the best selling price for your house
* Advice on suggested home improvements
During the time that |
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your house is on the market, potential
buyers will make appointments to view your home, along with the
planned open-houses that you or your agent may schedule. Try to
evaluate the house as if you are seeing it for the first time.
Buyers need to envision themselves living in the home, so take
care to present the property in its best light. Put yourself in
the position of a potential buyer and view the property starting
at the front, itemizing the most cost-effective enhancements to
make.
2) Clean up as much as possible. You may want to paint
walls (neutral colors are best) or spruce up wallpaper. Replace
old flooring and worn carpets. Check and repair damaged or
unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. If possible, hire a
cleaning service. Display your best linens, towels, and shower
curtains. Make up beds, and put fresh flower arrangements on the
table. Make sure that there are no offensive odors in the house.
Odor is the first thing buyers notice, and often a permanent
turnoff.
3) Make your house their new home. Put away or pack small
appliances and other items that might be sitting on countertops
or tables throughout the house. You want buyers to visualize the
space in each room, so it is best to remove as many smaller
items as possible. Remove personal items, pictures and items to
present clear shelves, book cases and walls. Move excess
furniture to make rooms more spacious. Replace heavy curtains
with sheer ones that let in more light. Clean and organize the
closets. If you must, store boxes in an out |
of the way location.
You may also want to rent a temporary storage unit, to allow you
to de-clutter every part of the house.
4) Don't forget the outside! The right landscaping can
enhance the curb appeal of a home. Eliminate weeds, patch bare
spots, fertilize and water. Take a good look at the shrubbery.
Bushes that have grown to cover windows should be pruned to let
sun and light into the home. Fill in bare spots with small
shrubs and colorful, fast growing annuals, such as impatiens and
petunias. A few well-placed flower pots by the front door can be
very inviting. Today's buyers want low maintenance. Your goal
should be a beautifully maintained yard that looks easy to care
for.
5) Allow your agent/representative to show your home.
Buyers don't want to offend current owners, so they may be more
hesitant to consider your home if you are present for open-house
events. Be flexible about showings. It's often disruptive to
have a house ready to show on the spur of the moment, but the
more often someone can see your home, the sooner you'll find a
seller.
About the author:
Cecelia Taylor writes for Bay Area Real
Estate Advisor. Find detailed descriptions of over 90
individual communities in
the Bay Area, all with average housing and property costs,
statistics on neighborhood schools and school districts, as well
as information on what the community has to offer in terms of
recreationa
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