Listen: You are hiring a professional for a reason.
So please listen to your agent when suggestions are made. Whether it is a suggested price, time of year to list, repairs, clean up or just simply getting ready for the market… Please listen. The facts are that we as Realtors work hard, and working against your sellers is just no fun. Real estate is a team sport so listen and participate.
Repairs: Be ready to make some
Yes, we know you have kids and dogs… but the crayon all over the walls or the siding that is chewed up gives the wrong first impression. Be ready to spend some money and some time to make a great first impression for the Buyers that will be coming into your home. And yes we know it’s hard work to keep your home clean with daily life but know that keeping up with the piles will ultimately help you sell your home.
Staging: Not everyone will love seeing your “stuff”
I know you have heard the basics. Take your family photos off the walls and de-personalize your home. But that goes for much more than what hangs on the walls. Too much furniture, too many things in closets and on counters… a garage you can’t walk into. You get the point. And just because your grandma left you the large china hutch and everything to go along with it, it doesn’t need to stay! Less is more when it comes to selling a home. Too much stuff means it appears cluttered and cramped.
Secrets are for best friends. Don’t keep something from your agent
Don’t keep a flaw or a necessary repair from your agent. In the long run, it will be identified and we are here to help you overcome objections. Most Realtors have a long list of people to help homeowners repair issues prior to the sale of your home. Overcoming objections and fixing repairs will ultimately help you get your home under contract and keep it in contract till it closes. We don’t need “hidden issues” to keep us from moving forward to a successful close of escrow.
Upgrades do not always get you the return you are looking for.
Your $100,000 kitchen remodel may not get you the price you are asking for. Most often the ROI (return on your investment) for large-scale personalized projects may not get you the return you had hoped for. While a nice remodel can enhance your property, the projects are never guaranteed to payback at the end. Of course, the payback will greatly depend on the type of home improvement that you did. Even better consult with a Real Estate professional before you get that sledgehammer out.
