1. I have listed many homes and often times relate the same information over and over regarding the de-cluttering of the home as we home staging professionals call it. Basic 101 staging info is to de-clutter and clean up. Get the home ready. I am shocked at how many people just don’t understand why the home has not sold when it is an absolute wreck.
Has your realtor used the “de-clutter” word with you more than once? This is a professional form of saying “clean up”. Take a look around. If in doubt, ask a very close friend to come and help you clean up one day. They are more likely to tell you what needs to be cleaned up and cheaper than a cleaning service.
2. Unmade beds do not a great showing make. Sure, you gave your realtor a key to show your home but, you never make your beds when you leave each morning. You may fall into the “24 Hour” category. These are people who need a notice to get the home ready to show. Discuss this with your realtor. You may end up cleaning you home all night on a Tuesday for it to be shown on Wednesday but, I bet it shows better clean and you ‘ll now have a clean home for weekend.
3. Closets do count. Get your closets in order and arranged neatly. This does two great things at once. For one, people can see how much closet space you have and two, neat homes sell better!
4. Let the light in. I know, I love my dark bedroom for popcorn and movies in bed too ,but it doesn’t show well. Open the draperies, turn on the porch lights at night ,and liven things up a bit. Dark rooms are depressing and sell likely to be as appealing, as a bright a airy room.
5. LEAVE! No one likes to view a property with the homeowner at home. I once had a homeowner that refused to leave. She insisted she be present at every showing. Finally, I had her agree to stay in the yard. She still came into the home. Homeowners make viewers nervous and uneasy about opening cabinets and doors. My theory is if you want to leave this home forever you can get out for 30 minutes.
6. Clean up the Yard. Curb appeal is everything. Yes, your house is just precious inside and you have repainted and taken down that 1987 wallpaper but, have you considered your yard? Keeping a yard up throughout the selling process is part of the marketing plan. Don’t expect your realtor to work miracles on their end if your not holding up yours. Keep yards neatly manicured at all times. Half of the people who go see your home have already ridden by it once or twice.
7. Be available. Going out of town for a month? Sickness in the family? Do you sleep late every Saturday? Be sure to notify your realtor. It’s hard to sell your home if they can not locate you!
Advise your realtor of what your schedule is like. If I know someone sleeps late on Saturday’s I always schedule their home to be shown last. That way, they are more likely to be gone, and have had time to clean up and prepare for the showing.
8. Get the dog out! Others may be intimidated by your precious little “Fido” or even licked to death. Be sure your take them with you or have them locked safely away. I have had people refuse to go into homes due to dogs and cats being on-site.
9. Smell great. Smell is a great way to get people interested. Just as you walk past a person in the mall and notice that they smell great people will notice the smell of your home.
10. Take a hard look all over again. If you have had your home listed with three different agents and it still hasn’t sold maybe its time to realize its not the agents! Something is keeping your home from selling and and I will bet it has alot to do with numbers 1-9 on this list.
Property Profits
Deon Swiggs