If you're planning on selling your house in 2014, now's the time to start preparing. Selling your home can be a stressful endeavor, but with a little planning and organizing, you should maximize your return in this year's Spring market. Here are some good pointers to follow.
*Call us for input
Put us to work for you. Pick our brains about the current market, what the future looks like, what repairs should be done, timing ideas, and anything else. We can give you the insight into where the market is heading and how it will impact your home sale.
*Declutter and organize
Get rid of what you don't need or never use. Start early and do a little each day so you won't feel overwhelmed. If you're not sure about something, get a storage unit and decide after the sale. For now, get everything out you need to so the house appears bright and open. We have the resources to help, from movers to junk haulers to painters to contractors. We can help with everything except the actual packing of the boxes. Use us for our experience and expertise.
*Upgrade and repair
Small repairs can make a big difference. Fresh paint, new bathroom fixtures, and other fixes can make a big difference in the number and amounts of offers you will receive. Again, we are glad to make recommendations, and can facilitate getting the work done. When your dog starts to get fat, you don't notice because you see him every day. When the vet sees him, he notices the additional weight. Same thing with buyers. They will notice the small things you don't even see any more.
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*Get open house ready
Now is the time to clean. Once the necessary repairs and organization is done, wash the windows, scrub the floors, dust and vacuum. Keep the beds made and the kitchen sink empty. Buyers will look in all the nooks and crannies. Most people don't live like this day to day, we certainly don't, but with a little effort you can keep the house sparkling for the buyers. A clean house sends a subconscious message to buyers that "this could be the one." It's worth the time and effort.
*Stay prepared for success
Between open houses, anticipate buyers showing up every day. Maintaining the look and feel you have created will provide big dividends. You never know when your buyer will appear, so stay ready. You don't want to lose a potential buyer because their "first impression" is negative.
*Close the deal
After we have helped with the negotiation and the contract is ratified, your hard work is almost over. Cooperating with inspectors, the buyer's agent, appraisers, and the buyers themselves is important. You never know what you might want from the buyers later. A buyer is more likely to respond in a kind way to some minor issue if they've been shown kindness. We will do the "heavy lifting", but the best settlement is one where all parties are smiling at the table. A little cooperation goes a long way.
We anticipate a very active Spring market. Buyers are out looking now. Prices are going up, interest rates are still very good, and inventory is still very low. It is a fantastic time to sell, and now is the time to prepare. Call us today and put us to work getting your home ready so you can take advantage of the hot market. Now is the time!
Barbara, Tom, Marc and Susan
Nalls Home Partners
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