GET YOUR HOUSE READY TO SELL

Antoine M. Thompson Executive Director

Many homeowners are utilizing different techniques and ideas to sell their homes in this very difficult economy.  While some houses are being sold in the first couple of days of being listed on the market, many property owners are waiting months to finalize their transaction.  In some parts of the country there are literally hundreds of good properties on themarket.  Individuals looking to purchase a home have an abundance of options and access to extremely low financing.  Sellers must to learn distinguish themselves and their properties from others on the market. Below are a few helpful tips:

1. Hire a licensed real estate agent.  Many homeowners try to sell their own home.  This is as bad as the person that puts their car on the lawn with a "For Sale" sign in the window.  Hiring a professional will help attract more potential buyers, allows for someone to negotiate with a buyer on your behalf, and you have a major real estate agency looking out for your best interests.  Owners selling their own property usually take longer and receive money. Most homes in America are sold by a licensed real estate agent. 

2.  Clean Your House.  Making the house presentable will give a good impression to prospective buyers.  Even if the house is not in the best construction condition,a house with no garbage in it, cut grass, trimmed hedges, dog droppings removed from the grass, as examples, will make the property more appealing to prospective homebuyers. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but cleanliness is cleanliness.

3.  Paint your house and/or trim.  Many people have different tastes. When you live in house, it is fine to have rooms that are purple, orange, red, pink, or black. When it is time to sell your home, return the rooms to traditional colors like white, ivory or tan.  Lighter colors make the rooms look bigger and are less likely to turn off potential buyers.  Also, paint the steps, porch, railings and trim or the entire house.  When potential purchasers approach your house, you want themto have a good impression.  A $1,500 to $5,000 paint job may generate more buyers for your home and a higher selling price!!!

4. Put a sign on your home.  Placing a sign on your lawn will help generate potential buyers.  Almost 10%  (1 out of 10) of prospective buyers come from your neighbors, people that know the owner, and people that see the agents name on the sign in front of your home.  Remember, a business with no sign, is a sign of no business.

5. Get your house ready for visitors. Mop and or wax the floors. Vacuum the carpets.  Wash the windows inside and out. Fix that doorbell, and clean the basement.  Paint the mail box and fix the broken parts of the fence. If the stair case railing needs to be painted or fixed, do it.  Get rid of the old couch with the cigarette burn or coffee stain. Remove any offensive or personal pictures, magazines, or movies from site view. You may like Aretha Franklin or Marvin Sapp but the buyer may not.