Sunday, January 20, 2013

5 Focus Points for Selling in the Future

I've seen a lot of  homes for sale in 10 years of staging. Based on my experience, these are my top 5 Focus Points you need to conquer if you plan to sell your house in the future.

1. Home Inspection Report.  Be proactive!  Don't wait for your buyer's inspection report to divulge problems.  Invest in a professional home inspection.  Start working on the repair projects before you want to sell.

2. Curb Appeal.  Your buyers have to see your house to appreciate it. Stand at the street and take a good hard look at what your buyers will see on the approach.  Update landscaping, remove dead trees and low limbs. Manicure your yard to perfection!  Exterior paint faded and chipped?  Fix it.

3. Updates.  Now is the time to invest in new appliances if yours are old. Update light and plumbing fixtures. These are relatively inexpensive when compared to the bang you get for your buck when selling.  Worn and soiled carpets must be replaced. Paint, paint, paint your interior. Paint is the least expensive of updates. Appliance, paint and carpet allowances are relics in today's market. 

4. Garage Maintenance.  Often overlooked, garages are a top amenity for buyers. Clean it up and clear it out. Scrub shelves and countertops. Remove grease stains. Painted garage floors entice buyers and look great in MLS photos. Rent off premises storage for household overflow. Don't pile what you are taking to your next house to store in the garage.


5. Edit. Begin to sift through through your belongings.  Sell, share and/or donate extra furniture, accessories and clothes.  Rooms need to appear large and spacious. We are selling square footage and it must show to be appreciated! 

Remember that 2013 is a unique buyer's market.  If potential buyers don't like what they see, they simply move on to the next house.  You hire a mechanic to fix your car and get your hair cut and colored by a professional.  Your house is one of your biggest investments.  Spend the money!  Hire a professional stager, organizer, and contractor for advice and to get the work DONE!

19 comments:

  1. Hi Linda,

    Wonderful pointers! My husband and I are looking at property to purchase.. rental. These are things we look at:)

    Enjoy your day and thank you so much for stopping by.

    xxL

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    1. Thanks so much Leslie. I really enjoy your blog.

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  2. And don't forget color. Just because you're selling doesn't mean you have to go with beige :-)

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    1. I'm still not big on "color". New neutrals aren't beige but if you could see the colors I've encountered over the years you wouldn't mention color either!! I love the pretty new greys. Thanks Donna.

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  3. I seriously never thought of that garage thing. I guess I thought that since I don't care what the garage looks like no one else would.

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    1. Yes Kerry everybody thinks the garage is unimportant but it really speaks volumes about your house when you are selling.

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  4. That number 4 is a tough one for me. Even though we aren't moving...I see the garage everyday and it is not pretty. Great tips.

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    1. No problem if you aren't moving and your garage isn't pretty. There are no rules when you are living in your house.

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  5. These are great tips. I want to do a post about how Coldwell Banker is always stressing curb appeal, but their offices look like horrible.

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    1. Oooooh yes, Linda! I'd love to read that. But hey, I break all the rules in my house-BUT I'M NOT SELLING!

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    1. Patty is your garage so bad at MC will have to start cleaning now even if you don't move for years? HA!

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  7. WEll, I hope to stay put in this house for a while - but all of your tips are wonderful!

    www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Kim. Yes, always easier to stay where you are than have to consider and plan for moving!

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  8. Great post Linda! I wish I was going gallery hopping with you tomorrow-can't wait for you to post about it.
    xo Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

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    1. Oh Nancy, it was so wonderful. I'm so blessed to be living in a location where there are so many opportunities to see Master's art.

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  9. some really great points I have to never know anymore..but good to boss your kids around with!

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  10. Ha! Realtors use me as their 'bad' guys to the sellers. Then the sellers tell their kids 'this lady says 'you need to pack up your toys.' So, I am familiar with being used to boss around your kids.

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