REAL ESTATE 101 - Selling Tips

A real estate agent can be a helpful guide for setting up a home to be sold. Their experience allows them to prepare a home for an easier sale. If the potential buyer makes it past the outside, it’s the interior of the home that makes the sale. Remember, there are plenty of easy and inexpensive improvement that you can make to improve your home’s interior.

A clean home is your number one priority.
Your windows, floors and bathroom tiles should sparkle. Make sure you have clean heating and air conditioning filters. Shampoo dirty carpets, clean tubs and showers, repair dripping faucets and oil squeaky doors. Keep your home neat, clean and picked-up at all times. It may not seem fair, but a peek in the oven may be the hallmark by which a buyer judges how well you have kept up your home. Consider how your home smells. You may be used to the smell of a pet or cigarettes, but such odors can be a strong turn-off to potential buyers. Insure that your storage areas are tidy, and remove materials that may be to others who may not share your same views, beliefs or sense of humor.

Creating a vision
The buyers need to be able to visualize themselves living in your space, too much clutter can be a distraction that makes it harder for them to achieve that vision. If you have too much furniture consider putting some in storage. Not enough furniture try renting some. If you need some ideas visit a show home to see the levels of furnishings and decoration that is not too distracting.

Define living spaces
Having a living room/office/dining room/ storage locker can be a negative to buyers, not having an obvious purpose for a room makes it look less useful. Rearrange furniture to create focus areas inside of a larger room, define the spaces through a good layout.

Power of Paint
Painting is an inexpensive and easy way to give a room a makeover. You can paint a room in less than a day. If a room needs a fresh coat of paint, use a neutral off-white. Provide a blank canvas for them to create their vision. Light colors make the rooms seem larger, and airier. A fresh coat of paint also looks cleaner.

Security
Be certain to remove valuables such as jewelry and other items from view. It might be wise to put these items in a safe deposit box before showing your home.

Setting the Mood
On the day of a showing give you house a homey feeling, put out some live flowers and fresh guest towels in the bathroom. Place scented potpourri around the house or, pop a batch of frozen cinnamon rolls into the oven for a welcoming aroma. Remember, cosmetic changes do not have to be expensive, and giving the impression that your home is well maintained will help you get the price you want.

This information is intended as a guide for those interested in finding a real estate agent to assist them with the purchase or sale of a home. It is not intended to solicit services from those who have already signed listing agreements with a licensed Realtor or to act as legal advice. It is always best to take your questions to a licensed real estate professional in your local area. Find respected agents in your area at mostreferred.com. Most Referred Real Estate Agents® and REALTOR® are registered trademarks of their respective companies.