LET ME ASK:
- Are you wondering if, as a seller, there is anything you can do to increase your chances for a successful sale in today's market place?
KEYS to
IMPROVE YOUR CHANCE 
FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE
- Pricing - Start with a realistic price based on today's market - Aggressive pricing from the beginning is one of the most important factors to the success of selling your home. Aggressive pricing requires that you cannot price "at" marrket but instead position your price so you are ahead of the curve. Keep in mind what you may have to give up on the selling side, you should make up on the buying side
- Staging - This is more important than ever before. FIRST IMPRESSIONS are important. You want to optimize the physical appearance of your home. Engaging a professional stager is well worth the time and the money.
- Pristine - Start with the carpeting and floors, walls and windows. A well-kept home gives the impression that everything has been kept up equally. Hire a professional cleaning service to give the house a detailed cleaning.
- Curb appeal - The first impression of your home is when the prospective buyer drives up. Prune trees and shrubs away from the house. Keep the lawn mowed and edged. Plant flowers for color if the season permits. Make sure driveways, walk ways and porches have been recently pressure washed.
- Fix Everything - Walk around the inside of your house and the outside of your home as if you were buying it for the first time. Anything which catches your attention...fix it!
- Painting - A fresh coat of paint is worth its weight in gold! It gives a dramatic improvement to the home. When painting the inside....keep it NEUTRAL! And, don't forget the trim and ceilings. If the trim and ceilings have not been painted in several years be sure to include them.
- Unclutter Your Surroundings - Inside and out. Start with the garage, any outbuidings, the basement, cupboards and closets. If you don't use it, get rid of it. If you use it ocassionally, consider renting a storage unit. Clear the clutter from the counter-tops. Less is more!
It
sounds like a lot. But it will be well worth the effort and save you
grief in the long run. And, if you live in an older home, give serious
consideration to necessary updates to keep you competitive with the
newer homes. It will play a critical role in your success.
You
can be
among many of the successful sellers this year but it takes
planning and an aggressive approach.
Do
you know a professional stager you would recommend? How about a
cleaning service, contractor/handy man? Or how about a really good
landscaper? Please share.
4 comments • Janice Slaven, Suwanee Georgia Real Estate • July 12 2008 11:54PM
Janice -
Very true, common sense advice - now, we just have to make sure our clients follow your important concerns and suggestions.
The true SKILLED REAL ESTATE PRACTITIONER can explain the benefits of this SYSTEM to their clients simply, so these key suggestions are followed.
Thanks for the system, the skills, and the reminder!
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Thank you for reading my post and the comments. I am encouraging more and more sellers to engage a professional stager. I am surprised by the positive reception. These are the sellers I know will be successful.
Janice
Janice, great advice! Great format as well.
Tony and Darcy - Thank you for the comments and the compliment. I am a work in progress when it comes to blogging. Thanks to Katerina and Nester Gasset and their article: How-To-Give-Your Blog More Pizzazz I am slowly learning.....
Janice