Preparing Property For A Quick Sale
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OK, so you decided to put your home or investment property
on the market. Before you get a valuation from a real estate
professional (preferably a Home Investor Specialist), be sure to get your home
looking as polished as possible. This helps create a very positive image
in the mind of the Agent so they will be sure to compare it favorably to
other properties on the market. |
| Despite the tendency for many people to
request "fixer-uppers", very few are actually willing to buy a
run-down property. Many buyers consider a fixer-upper as a way to get a
deal, but they really just want a good home at a discount, preferably
without the nuisance of having to actually fix it up!
Quick Tip: Your first selling job is to sell your home
to the person you engage to sell your home for you. (If you are not
convinced you need an Agent, read "Using a Professional").
To get the best price in the shortest time, we need to focus on the
power of the three P's: |
- Positive Curb Appeal
- Polish
- Presentation
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Positive Curb Appeal
The first thing a prospective buyer will notice about your property
is how it looks from the road.
If your home isn't attractive from the road, many buyers won't even
bother to look inside. Even if your home cannot be seen from the road,
prospective buyers will drive up and turn around if the property doesn't
fit the image they have in mind.
Ten simple things to do to maximize curb appeal:
- Remove or cut-back shrubs and trees that are obscuring the front
of the home. Large shrubs against the side of the home will make the
home look smaller and feel more closed-in.
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Mulch borders with fresh mulch.
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Mow lawns and trim the edges to give a
clean and well maintained appearance (the message you are giving is
this is a well cared for home).
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Get rid of any weeds in the pathway /
driveway
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Clear away leaves and dead plant debris.
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Get rid of parked cars in the driveway.
(You don't want your driveway looking like a used-car lot). Park
your cars in the garage.
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Look around the edges of the home. Junk
seems to accumulate there, so be sure to get rid of it all
completely.
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Make sure the trim is clean and freshly
painted at the front of the house (and preferably all round). Repair
or replace any visibly damaged trim boards.
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Remove toys and bikes from the front yard.
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Examine the front door. This is the first
place a buyer will focus on, so be sure it is freshly painted and in
good repair.
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| Learn about the types of
buyers shopping for homes |
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