Home sellers need to realize that today's buyers are savvy and well informed. They expect a high quality product for their money and will accept nothing less. This is why home preparation prior to placing the for sale sign on the lawn is absolutely key in a successful sale.
Home owners that go the route of selling on their own can expect buyers showing up without advance notice wanting an immediate tour of the house. Home sellers can also expect empty promises, haggling, and a lot of requests for rent to own. They are opening themselves up to potential security issues and other risks likely not taken into account at the outset.
Today’s Buyers Want Houses that are Move-In Ready
Private home sellers need to realize that today’s buyer has high expectations making it increasingly important to prepare the property for sale before the sign goes up. With the exception of buyers purposely seeking “fixer-uppers” or “as is, where is,” properties, the majority are shopping for a house that is:
- Priced right
- Sparkling clean
- Clutter free
- Freshly painted
- Well maintained
- Tastefully updated
- Fresh smelling
- Suitably located
Before Placing the For Sale Sign on the Lawn - Pack or Purge
The first task every seller needs to face is removing everything the family does not use on a daily or regular basis. Pack up family photos, memorabilia, collections, and excess items. This reduces clutter and creates spaciousness so that the buyer can visualize their belongings in the house. Sell, give away or dispose of things that have accumulated over the years, are no longer useful and not destined for the new house.
For Sale by Owner - First Repair or Replace
The next step is to repair or replace everything that is broken, dripping, squeaking, scarred, marred or chipped. Go through the house. Make a list of everything that needs to be done from oiling squeaking doors to replacing dripping taps. Purchase the necessary materials then carry out the repairs.
Have the heating, electrical and other systems inspected and keep invoices as proof of recent maintenance.
If there is carpet in the house, remove it and replace it. Many buyers will walk away from a house with carpeted floors. Potential buyers see carpet as labour intensive and expensive to replace.
To help sell a house fast - Clean or Cover
Above all else a clean property will sell faster than an unkempt one. Pay attention to details like light fixtures, switch plates, trim, mouldings, doors, cupboards and closets. Those unable or unwilling to clean should hire a professional. The cost is not prohibitive and is a worthwhile investment. Keep the yard and driveway tidy. Curb appeal is also extremely important.
Paint walls in neutral colours that brighten and enlarge the space. Seek advice from a professional when it comes to choosing colours. Make sure they know the house is going up for sale. Geographic area and target market will be a determinant in the recommended colour palette.
For Sale By Owner - Be Aware
- For sale by owner companies sell their product on the basis that the homeowner will save significant amounts of money by not paying commission and imply that real estate professionals make more money than they should without presenting a balanced picture of what licensed REALTORS® do for their clients. Check all options carefully and then decide.
- It could take longer to sell the property given the marketing limitations of the average person compared to the extensive reach Realtors® have with the specialized marketing tools available to them.
- For sale by owners need to be alerted that when showing the property to potential purchasers they are giving strangers insight to their schedule, habits, family members and assets.
- One marketing strategy private home sellers can do is an open house. Do all the purging, repairing, and cleaning ahead of time, plan well in advance, advertise the open house and be well prepared for the event.Be prepared for strangers showing up at the door unannounced and expecting to see the property without notice.
- Be prepared for the hassles that come with private home sales. Friends, neighbours, relatives and strangers are more likely to be confrontational about the asking price and a number of those who look at the house will ask for a rent to own option.
- Negotiating the terms of a sale can be difficult and risky. Consider seeking the advice of a solicitor when the time comes to setting out details and conditions of a purchase and sale contract.
These are a few steps to get a house for sale and cautions linked to selling privately. Armed with this information readers can decide if they have the time, skill and energy to take on the task. Associated real estate topics such as home staging and marketing not addressed here will be discussed in upcoming articles.
Janet Williams - Hi. I'm so happy to finally be here. All my life I've said that I wanted to be a writer. Well, guess what? Writers write;and I wasn't ...
