Tips for Selling your Home

There are no universal marketing standards for real estate because marketplaces are localized.  But here are some tips to help sell your home.

Fix what is broken no matter how minor the problems, otherwise buyers may think they are bigger problems they can’t see.  So, take your tool box around and start fixing.

Decide on how to market your home.  A real estate agent will take care of many details you may not want to be bothered with.  In addition, agent brings experience to the table and broadens your home’s exposure to other real estate agents and the public.

Set a price.  Get your home appraised by a certified appraiser.  Appraisers rely on an in person, a visual standpoint inspection of your home, recent sales of comparable homes and other data to arrive at an independent unbiased value of your home.  It is not the same as home inspection.  Then, decide whether you want a quick easy sale or the highest possible price.

Clean and de-clutter your home.  Properties with clutter translate into increased time on the market and lower values, not only because the clutter decreases the perception of size, air and light, but also of the perceived level of work involved in maintain the property.  The interior should be immaculate.  Box up your collections, your personal photos, and anything you won’t find in a furniture show room. Consider putting at least one quarter of your furniture in storage, one third of your books away, and at lease one half of your knick knacks in boxes.  Buyers need to imagine themselves in your home.

Keep your home and yard in tip top shape and keep your home smelling clean.  The yard should be well kept and the grass green and the exterior of the house should look attractive and well maintained.