With current high mortgage interest rates, this is a tough sellers’ market! Get out ahead of the game by following these steps to prevent disaster and get top dollar for your home! A quality real estate agent can provide many of these services for you as part of their listing process. Consult with one early and let them absorb select costs as part of their service! Questions? Happy to explain more or help – contact me on my cell at 253.888.9001. James Marszalek, Owner, Operation Red Dot.
- Step 1: Avoid Late Discovery of Home Issues by Buyers, Pre-inspect Your Home.
- Hire a professional home inspector to identify any issues that need to be addressed, such as leaky roofs, faulty plumbing, or electrical problems.
- Fix any major problems that could affect the sale price. This could include repairing or replacing the roof, updating outdated electrical or plumbing systems, or addressing any structural issues.
- Step 2: Dress for Success, Stage and Organize Your Home.
- Remove clutter and personal items to make the home look spacious and inviting. This could include decluttering countertops, removing excess furniture, and organizing closets and storage areas.
- Rearrange furniture to create an open and welcoming feel. Consider removing bulky or oversized furniture to make rooms appear larger, and repositioning seating to create conversational groupings.
- Add decorative touches such as fresh flowers or plants to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider adding pops of color with throw pillows, artwork, or accessories to add interest and personality to your space.
- Step 3: Don’t Give Buyers Leverage Because of Deferred Maintenance.
- Fix any minor issues that could turn off potential buyers, such as broken tiles or chipped paint. Consider refreshing dated bathrooms or kitchens with new fixtures, hardware, or a fresh coat of paint.
- Replace old or outdated fixtures to give the home a fresh and modern look. This could include updating lighting fixtures, replacing worn-out carpeting, or upgrading kitchen appliances to stainless steel.
- Step 4: Create Pleasant Smells
- Use flowers, air fresheners or scented candles to create a pleasant smell throughout the home. Avoid using overpowering scents that could turn off potential buyers and be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities.
- Consider baking cookies or brewing fresh coffee before a showing to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- Step 5: Increase Competition. Have Your Agent Do a Video Walkthrough Explaining Special Features.
- Record a video walkthrough of your home highlighting its unique features and benefits. This could include showcasing a stunning view, highlighting a custom built-in, or showcasing a home theater or game room.
- Ask your agent to share the video on their website and social media channels to reach a wider audience.
- Step 6: Add Value & Reduce Buyer Risk by Offering a Home Warranty.
- Consider offering a home warranty to potential buyers, which can give them peace of mind and may help justify a higher sale price. This could include coverage for major systems like HVAC, plumbing, or electrical, or appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and ovens.
- Step 7: Further Modernize by Creating a “Smart Home” Atmosphere.
- Install smart home devices such as smart thermostats, automated lighting, and security systems to create a modern and convenient atmosphere. These features can be especially appealing to tech-savvy buyers.
- Highlight these features in your home’s listing to attract potential buyers who value convenience and connectivity.
- Step 8: Host a Neighborhood Block Party or Open House.
- Create a buzz around your home by hosting a neighborhood block party or open house. This can be a great way to generate interest and excitement, and may attract potential buyers who live nearby.
- Invite friends, family, and neighbors, and encourage them to spread the word about your home’s upcoming sale.
- Step 9: Add a Fresh Coat of Paint.
- Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to your home’s interior or exterior to give it a refreshed look. Choose neutral colors that appeal to a wide range of buyers and be mindful of any existing color schemes or design elements.
- Work with a professional painter to ensure a high-quality finish that will last for years to come.
- Step 10: Highlight Unique Features.
- Highlight any unique features of your home, such as architectural details, custom finishes, or outdoor living spaces. These features can set your home apart from others on the market and justify a higher sale price.
- Consider hiring a professional photographer to capture these features and showcase them in your home’s listing.
- Step 11: Work with an Experienced, Local Agent With Military Knowledge.
- A significant number of potential homebuyers will be military families with unique preferences and needs. Real Estate agents who know the military can make all the difference in creating competition and thus maximizing your home’s sale price.
- If you know what potential buyers are on the lookout for, you and your agent can be too. Check out our homebuyer video “Kick the Tires Before Buying a Home” that features top concerns buyers have when considering a JBLM area home.
- Your agent must help you price your home competitively, market it effectively, and negotiate with potential buyers to help you achieve the best possible sale price. Choose an agent who knows the local market and has a track record of success in selling homes similar to yours.
In conclusion, selling your home DOES NOT HAVE TO BE a stressful and daunting process. With the right preparation and attention to detail, you can eliminate common seller mistakes and thus maximize your home’s sale price and attract potential buyers. The more effort you put into preparing your home for sale, the higher the sale price you’re likely to receive. Use this checklist as a starting point, and don’t hesitate to reach out to me or our trusted real estate agents for guidance and support.
James Marszalek / Owner, Operation Red Dot, 253.888.9001 “Military Helping Military.”
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