Selling a Home? Tips Before Listing Your House
After a long winter, the FOR SALE signs go up all around town. And just because interest rates go down, a seller shouldn't think that their house will automatically sell easily. Sellers have some important decisions to make before listing their house.
The authors of “House Selling for Dummies,” Eric Tyson and Ray Brown, recommend that you “get your house inspected before you put it on the market.” Beat buyers to the punch and inspect your house before the potential buyer does. An independent professional can point out defects that are easily corrected. If a serious problem is discovered, then the seller can either disclose it, along with a repair estimate, or get the work done themselves. It is often well worth getting certain repairs done before putting the house on the market—it saves negotiation time.
In an article abstracted from The Joys Of Home Inspection, Bob Blomberg says that when sellers get a pre-sale home inspection, their prior knowledge of defects leads to a higher, not lower sales price. When buyers know about defects, they feel more comfortable. They know what they are buying and do not "hold back" for unexpected problems. Read more ...
Here are some suggestions and other useful articles to ensure that your house will be ready for the market:
- One of the key decisions is price. It is important to price a house correctly the first time. An overpriced house will sit in the market longer and after a while, buyers will think there is something wrong with it. Sellers should seek the advice of a realtor who has the pulse of the market in which they operate. The realtor can examine recent sales of comparable homes in the town and neighborhood and give the seller a good idea of a competitive price.
- In “50 Simple Steps You Can Take To Sell Your Home Faster and for More Money in any Market,” Author Ilyce Glink says “if you have not painted your home for several years, consider doing so.” White is best: eggshell, off white, or grey are O.K. A $1500 paint job can add $5000 to the sale price. Light bright homes feel bigger to buyers than do dark homes and space, next to location, the primary consideration.
- Robert Irwin, author of “Improve the Value of Your Home up to $100000,” says that floors are one of the most important features. If your carpet isn’t “spotless, perky, and looking great” replace it. Carpeting a 2000 square foot home can cost $3000 to $7000 but it will sell faster and for more money. Irwin also recommends refinishing wood floors if they are worn and scratched.
- Edith Lank, author of “The House Sellers Kit,” advises sellers against making any major improvements. Its usually impossible to recoup the money spent. But reseal your blacktop driveway “The job will give the outside of the home a crisp clean appearance.”
- Home Seller's Checklist
- Top Ten Mistakes Home Sellers Are Most Likely To Make
- Tips For Making Your Home More Attractive To Buyers
