Curb Appeal Is Essential
A mowed, trimmed lawn and weeded garden create a good first impression. Inspect the exterior of your property: Shutters, windows, front door and steps. If the house needs painting, buyers will notice and may consider it a major objection to purchase.
Neatness Counts
Scrub each room thoroughly. Give special attention to the entryway, kitchen and bathrooms. Shampoo the carpet if necessary. If carpet is worn or old, consider replacing or removing it if hardwood floors are underneath. And don’t forget cobwebs in corners!
Eliminate Clutter
Buyers will open closets and cupboards, so make sure they’re as tidy as possible. Get rid of items you don’t use. Remove unnecessary furniture to help make each room appear more spacious.
If It’s Broken, Fix It
Easily fixable items such as loose doorknobs, a broken dishwasher, a dripping faucet, and squeaky doors all detract from your property’s value. An afternoon spent making needed repairs now can eliminate a buyer’s objections later.
Small Changes Can Make A Big Impression
New towels can freshen a tired kitchen or bath. Fresh flowers add warmth to any room. And even a fresh coat of paint doesn’t cost much.
Don’t Forget About Aromatherapy
Make sure your home passes the scent test. Right before an open house, bake some cookies or bread, simmer a pot of apple cider & cinnamon on the stove, or light a few scented candles. Strong odors could send potential lookers running out the front door.
Accepting an Offer
Someone has decided your property is just right––and makes you an offer. After Brian conveys the offer to you, you’ll know whether the price the buyer has suggested is fair. It may be less than your asking price. Yet you don’t have to reply immediately if you’re not certain the price and terms are acceptable.
Consider the current real estate market: Are houses in your neighborhood selling quickly, slowly or not at all? Don’t assume that one offer will lead quickly to others. One predictable factor in the real estate market is that it’s totally unpredictable so Brian’s guidance will steer you to the decision that is right for you.
Finding a Compromise
If you and your potential buyer are far apart price wise, you could offer a few concessions such as appliances or a security system, or make some improvements prior to closing. If your property has multiple offers then your need to provide concessions is minimized and perhaps even eliminated. Each real estate transaction has its own personality and temperature so Brian’s expertise in understanding these two key gauges will get you to where you need to go as efficiently as possible.
When completing the purchase agreement with the buyer, provide as much detail as you can about what’s being sold and what’s not. Fixtures, lamps, solar panels, potted plants, etc., etc.The more fully you spell out the details of the sale, the less room there is for misunderstandings later.
Most buyers insist that a provision for cancellation without penalties is included to protect them if they’re unable to get a mortgage, or the home inspection uncovers major problems. They might also ask you to make your sale contingent on the sale of their current home. Again, each transaction is different so Brian’s guidance in helping you understand market conditions and how your home fits into it will give you a clear path to know when to concede and when not to.
