Seller Tips

Break out the duster and have the carpet cleaners over.  Dirt feels dirty and that’s never a good thing.  Remember, we’re putting our best foot forward.  Let’s make sure it’s not covered in mud.

Come on, you’ve got a stack of magazines from 2002 sitting there.  It’s time to find them a new home in the recycling bin. Spring Cleaning isn’t only for the spring!  Don’t forget you have to pack it all before you go, so let’s get an early start.

What’s the first thing people usually see when looking for a home?  Photos, photos, photos.  That plastic has done a good job keeping your couch looking new, but in photos maybe it is time for something a little more modern.  There are teams that can come in with new furniture and take photos in a matter of hours.  Imagine a team of movers with a change of heart because your house will look exactly the same when they leave.  It’s also really great for empty houses, because we get asked, “Do you think a bed would fit here?”

You really love the 70’s cabinetry with matching green appliances, right?  Or maybe you just rehabbed your bathroom so that when the door opens Yellow Submarine plays?  Those things can be very unique to you and to others….not so much.  Understand that things you find valuable may not be to others.  Don’t take it personal.

Isn’t the buyer supposed to do this? Usually when a buyer has given you a signed contract this is one of the very first steps in order to get a loan. Well, if you’re lucky enough to have a number of buyers who bid up your house over its appraised value then don’t be surprised if the bank comes back lower (appraisals are to be inline with neighborhood comps).  What usually happens next is either a cancelled contract or a lower selling price.  Either way, they both draw out the process.

Hey, wait a minute, doesn’t the buyer do this too?  Absolutely, but you don’t want to be caught off guard when there is an electric wire leading seemingly to nowhere.  We can’t tell you how many times items like this has drawn out negotiations, cancelled contracts, and reduced money in your pocket (surprise!).

Those windows are 100% noise canceling, self cleaning, indestructible objects built directly from the space shuttle?  Show me!  Having documentation will help move negotiations faster and also prove out the value of upgrades to the home.

Yes, it is your home and you still live there, but you are trying to sell it, aren’t you?  We can’t tell you how many times a buyer has been turned off and just moved on to the next because the owner was difficult to schedule with.  Or didn’t leave (that’s awkward for everyone).  Once again first impressions are key.

We want you to get as much for your property as possible, but it’s important that you remain fluid in the negotiations.  Try not to take things personal and look at it as a business transaction.  Is it really a big deal to give away your microwave if it stalls what you are trying to do, which is sell your house?  Big picture.  Most buyers expect to get a few bucks off the asking price.