Many people who ask Hartz Construction to build them a home have a house they need to sell. This can be a nerve-wracking situation. But, it doesn’t have to be. Over the past 50 years, Hartz has helped thousands of people who had a current home to sell. Many of the people who sold their home quickly and for a good price followed these tried-and-true rules.
Maximize curb appeal.
The first impression can be everything. And, the potential buyer will make that impression before walking through the front door. So make sure the outside is well maintained and the landscaping is spruced up and welcoming. Don’t be afraid to invest in this area, as you usually get back all the money spent to enhance curb appeal.
Declutter your house and give it a deep clean.
Make your home look as spacious as possible. Declutter your house to make it feel much larger. Remove unnecessary accessories and take out as much furniture as possible. And, since storage is important to most buyers, also take out a lot of your clothes from closets and straighten up what’s left. These same decluttering rules apply to what’s in your cabinets. Consider taking down drapes to let as much light as possible shine in. (Since a bright home is so important, think about increasing the wattage of your light bulbs.) Finally, give your home a deep clean from top to bottom.
Get things fixed.
Unless you are good at spotting potential home repair issues, consider hiring a professional home inspector. The inspection can run $200 to $400. Sure, the buyer will be getting one, but an early inspection will give you the option of fixing things ahead of time in a less stressful environment. While fixing broken items makes good sense, be wary of bigger make-over projects. You may not make your money back on large improvements.
Price it right from the start.
The first 30 days your home is on the market are critical. This is when it will get the most attention and activity. Price your home fairly during this period. Don’t be tricked into thinking you should start with a high price and then lower it if it doesn’t sell. This strategy is likely to keep buyers away during the best sales period.
Keep your home “show ready.”
It’s important that your home stays in tip-top shape while it’s on the market. Don’t leave dishes in the sink. Bathrooms should sparkle. Keep the beds made up. If you have a pet, remove or hide their food dishes and litter boxes. While it may be inconvenient, your home should be ready for showings at a moment’s notice, whether it’s at night, in the morning, or on the weekend.
Stay on top of the internet.
Regularly check that your listing is on Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com and that the information is correct. Your realtor should monitor this, but it doesn’t hurt to double check. You and your realtor must go beyond the MLS, and embrace the internet and social media in marketing your home to tech-savvy buyers. And, since so many buyers “shop” the internet first, it is imperative that your listing contains a lot of great photos of your home. You may wish to include photos of schools, attractions, shopping areas, and entertainment venues. If you need help selecting a realtor, contact Hartz, as we may be able to recommend one to you.