Cramped rooms are a definite turn-off, so make
sure you open up and brighten each room. Start
with the furniture - remove the oversized pieces,
or those that don't fit the room's main purpose.
For example, get rid of one of your living room
end tables, and remove the desk from your family
room. Buyers should see there is enough space
in the house for their needs.
Next, look at your countertops, shelves, and inside the cabinets. Keep the knick knacks to a minimum
and the decor neutral so buyers can easily picture
bringing their lives into your home.
There are two kinds of repairs
you should consider before
selling your home. The first is
cosmetic. These are the
"nice to haves" for buyers, and
the associated costs should be
relatively low. Repaint rooms to be
less bold, and replace outdated light fixtures
or hardware. The overall goal is that your home
should feel fresh and modern.
Second, you have the option of performing a pre-sale home inspection to determine any fixes that could affect your home's ability to sell. You know if you have an aging roof or radiator, but an inspection will tell you if they'll need to be replaced in order to complete the transaction.
Picture yourself as a buyer pulling
up to your home for the first
time. The lawn is well cared for,
the landscaping is impeccable,
and the front door has a fresh coat of
paint. These natural observations set
the tone for the entire showing,
so don't underestimate the importance
of curb appeal.
In addition to the details noted above, make sure
your house is well lit at night, and easy to find. Buy new, larger house numbers so buyers don't drive past it by accident. Brush off any walkways so buyers have an easy time getting to the front step.
Last year, sellers using real estate agents to sell
their homes netted $26,300 more on average
than those who chose not to hire an agent:
$26,000! Agents understand the local market
and the marketing practices necessary to sell
your home.
There is a lot of public record data out there, but
wouldn't you rather buyers hear it directly from
you? Create a simple binder showcasing the price
you paid, past owners and price history, and any
upgrades you've made to the property. Include
a page with recently sold data of similar homes
nearby, so buyers know that the neighborhood
is in high demand!
When a buyer is coming to look
at your property, it's important that you leave your home for the duration of the visit. Make sure
your home looks and smells clean while buyers walk through your home.
Compass
126 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
The Movement Group