STEP 3: Prepare to Sell

Go to Step 4: Accept an Offer
Go back to Step 2: Select an Agent and a Luring Asking Price

PREPARE TO SELL

Preparing to sell means mapping out your next living arrangements, checking to make sure you have all necessary warranties and permits (and they are closed with the town), while getting your home in shape to place on the market. We will discuss the latter here. There are many ways to increase the appeal of your home to create a lasting impact on the minds of ready, able and willing home buyers. Even if you have been extremely conscientious in the maintenance of your home during the time you have owned it, putting it on the market requires taking the next step.

3.1 First Step

The first step is to take a buyer’s view of your home by taking a clear-headed look at your property, not your home. The easiest way to do this: go to a day of public open houses. Choose places you believe are comparable to yours AND you think look good from the online pictures. Meander through all of them, then pull up to the front of your home last. Look at it long and hard. Give it the same critical look you just gave all the others (you know what I mean). Now, walk through your FRONT door.

What stands out and catches your eye? The beautiful landscaping and the new roof? Or does something else strike you, like the faded exterior paint, the ruts in the driveway or the two missing shutters? Remember, this is how your home will “introduce” itself to a potential buyer. If the appeal isn’t there, buyers will likely move on to the next available property, regardless of how beautiful the interior of your place may be.

Remember, you are selling a commodity called a house/condo/townhome. You are not selling your home.

3.2 Second Step

When a real estate agent brings in a buyer, it is important to make their visit as pleasant as possible–and that means having the whole house ready. You want them to be as comfortable as possible and to linger in the home. A “turn off” issue will send them scurrying quickly to the next house on their list.

Contact us to go over how best to stage/prepare your home inside and out. Staging and preparing could be as simple as adding a vase of flowers and packing up some books or more involved as landscaping, painting, re-arranging furniture, and more. We will work within your schedule and budget to complete improvements to maximize the greatest return on your investment.

3.4 Last Step: Showtime

The stage is set. We have helped you create the priceless appearance in which to show your property. It’s well-lit, spotless, and inviting. Now, it’s important to leave while real estate agents are showing it to potential buyers. Buyers are more comfortable discussing the merits and drawbacks with their real estate agent if you are not there; they might even feel like they are intruding if you are around. Also, you don’t want to accidentally volunteer information we could use more strategically during negotiations.