January, 2017

You have talked about it and decided to put your home on the market.

As you start checking things off your to-do list, it’s also important to pay mind of what not to do. Below are a handful of things to get you started.

Don’t over-improve.
As you ready your home for sale, you may realize you will get a great return on your investment if you make a couple of changes. Updating the appliances or replacing that cracked cabinet in the bathroom are all great ideas; however, it’s important not to over-improve, or make improvements that are hyper-specific to your tastes. For example, not everyone wants a pimped-out finished basement equipped with a wet bar and lifted stage for their rock-and-roll buds to jam out on. (Okay, everyone should want that.) What if your buyers are family-oriented and want a basement space for their kids to play in? That rock-and-roll room may look to them like a huge project to un-do. Make any needed fixes to your space, but don’t go above and beyond—you may lose money doing so. Remember rooms with water get the best return on investment, kitchens and bathrooms.

Don’t over-decorate.
Over-decorating is just as bad as over-improving. You may love the look of lace and lavender, but your potential buyer may enter your home and cringe. When prepping for sale, neutralize your decorating scheme so it’s more universally palatable.

Don’t hang around.
Your agent calls to let you know they will be bringing buyers by this afternoon. Great! You rally your whole family, Fluffy the dog included, to be waiting at the door with fresh baked cookies and big smiles. Right? Wrong. Buyers want to imagine themselves in your space, not be confronted by you in your space. Trust me when I say, it’s awkward for your potential buyer to go about judging your home while you stand in the corner smiling. Get out of the house, take the kids with you, and if you can’t leave for whatever reason, take a book and sit in the yard or on your deck, this will get you out of their way and show them how relaxing your home is.

Don’t take things personal.
Real estate is a business, but buying and selling homes is very, very emotional. However, when selling your home, try your very best not to take things personally. When a buyer lowballs you or says they will need to replace your prized vintage carpet or barn board pannelling with something “more modern,” try not to raise your hackles.

There is a lot of speculation as to what the market will do this coming year. We are hearing lots of varied opinions from all manner of "experts"! The key thing is to know how to react and create a positive, memorable customer experience when people view your home regardless of whether the market is hot, cold, or flat. With 26 years of experience we have the tools to help you achieve your go...als and help you move forward regardless of the market conditions.