Selling a Home

My job as your listing agent is to guide you through the whole home selling process from beginning to end. I want to get you the maximum value for your home, within your time frame.
I would be happy to present to you my marketing plan for selling your property and a free, no-obligation price opinion of your home.

Getting your Home Ready to Sell

You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one!
Focus on curb appeal
Keep the front of your home and sidewalks cleared. Store garbage cans, toys and garden equipment out of sight. Keep grass well-watered, mowed and edged. Paint faded window trim and front door if needed. Plant blooming flowers, especially with colors like yellow and red. Trim your bushes. Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number. Leave your front light on at night.

Clear out the clutter
De-clutter your home by removing unnecessary articles which have accumulated over time. Remove books from bookshelves, pack up knick-knacks, clean off everything from kitchen counters. De-personalize by packing up personal photos and family heirlooms. Buyers can't see past personal artifacts, and you don't want them to be distracted. You want a buyer to be able to picture themselves living there. Organize and arrange closets and kitchen cabinets. You do not want buyers to think there is a lack of storage in the home and if they see you are organized they will think you have taken good care of the house as well.

Make minor repairs
Fix leaky faucets, patch holes in wall, replace cracked tiles, fix doors that don’t close properly, and replace burnt-out light bulbs. These repairs may seem small, but left undone they can lead buyers to question whether you've taken good care of your home.

Make the house sparkle
Wash windows inside and out. Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior. Clean out cobwebs. Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks. Polish chrome faucets and mirrors. Clean out the refrigerator. Vacuum daily. Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures. Bleach dingy grout. Replace worn rugs. Hang up fresh towels. Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.

Make your home as comfortable and attractive as possible
Consider painting walls neutral colors. Set the dining room table with your best dishes. Put out a vase of fresh flowers. Make up the spare bed. Hang some fresh curtains. Put some logs in the fireplace. Use your imagination.

Showing Off Your Property While on the Market

Open the drapes and shades, and turn on all the lights to make it look bright and cheerful

Tidy up each room. Pick up toys, shoes, and other items that may be scattered about. No dirty dishes should be in the sink. Be sure the beds are made and clothes are put away in closets or drawers. The kitchen and bathroom should sparkle. And don’t forget to give the whole place a quick once-over with the vacuum.

Have all garbage cans and recycling bins tucked away in the garage

Keep pets out of the way and make sure that pet areas are clean and odor-free.

Turn off your television. Soft music on the radio can be appealing, but keep it low

Secure jewelry, cash and other valuables.

Check the temperature, in the winter keep it nice and toasty

What your Home is/is not Worth

The Market Value of Your Home is NOT:
What you have in it
What you need out of it
What you want
What it appraised for
What you heard your neighbor’s house sold for
What the tax office says it is worth
How much it is insured for
Based on memories and treasures
Based on prices of homes where you are moving

The True Market Value of Your Home is What a Buyer is Willing to Pay:
Based on today’s market
Based on today’s competition
Based on today’s financing
Based on today’s economic condition
Based on location
Based on normal marketing time
Based on showing accessibility

Properties that sell in today’s market: On a scale of 1-10, the “10’s” are the ones that are selling.

How Can Your Property be a “10”?
By improving the condition dramatically
By offering good terms
By improving the way the home shows
By adjusting the price

As a Seller You Control:
The price you ask
The condition of the property
Access to the property

As a Seller You Do Not Control:
Market conditions
The motivation of your competition
Value