(but you still have to do the basics)
The arrival of summer has increased the traction to an already fast real estate market, and sellers may be tempted to skimp on some important details. Even with recent mortgage interest rate up-ticking (or perhaps because of it), buyers are pushing hard for the still-limited available inventory, and sellers almost anywhere are all but guaranteed an offer quickly. What sellers need to remember, even with a relatively advantageous position in the current marketplace, is that buyers still have a choice to not make a choice. In other words, the fundamentals for home selling are not to be overlooked. Here are my first five out of ten subtle but important things to remember to increase the marketability of your home:
1. Get rid of clutter; throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines, pack away most small decorative items, make your closets appear roomier by storing out-of-season clothing, and clean out/organize your garage. The process I'm describing is often called 'purging' and it is a form of therapy as well: if it is a piece of paper and you can't get rid of it, file it accordingly but otherwise cleanse your house of needless paper. There is a recycling center somewhere with your clutter's name on it.
2. Nobody likes to do it, but have it done nonetheless: clean your windows to bring in more light to your home's interior. If you need to delegate or pay to have this done, it will be money well spent.
3. Get your clean freak on! Selling time is the time to keep everything extra clean; wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and don't forget to clean the stove and refrigerator (yes, even the tops and sides). Bright lighting (see suggestion number 5) will help "illuminate" problem areas; don't be ashamed of markings along walls, carpets and floors you've never noticed, just deal with them appropriately and with an even pace.
4. Get rid of smells, this is a challenging one since over time people can become dulled to the smells of their house to where they don't even notice (pet owners take note). If you clean carpet and drapes, and open windows regularly, the smells which are immune to your notice will be almost completely eliminated anyway.
5. Here's an idea: light bulb! Place higher wattage bulbs in rooms to maximize brightness (making the rooms as inviting as possible), which is particularly important in rooms which are naturally dark. Obviously, you will want to replace any burnt out bulbs.
I've got five more tips to share which are a little more likely to involve some professional assistance if home improvement and landscaping don't really suit you, and I'll get into those in my next blog. In the meantime, sellers, there hasn't been a market like this in years, get your home prepared and get yourself prepared. A careful strategy planned with a seasoned real estate expert such as yours truly can insure you get the most out of this incredible market!
Sylvia
Harsin
714-612-5373
Sylvia@sylviaharsin.com
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