Getting your home ready for market – “Move-in Ready” is Key – Unless absolutely impossible, it is my preference to prepare my listings to be “move-in ready” BEFORE they go on the market.
Because our inventory of homes is high and Buyers have much from which to choose, YOUR home needs to have the WOW factor.
When the Buyer walks through your door, they need to say, “I can LIVE here. In fact, I could move in TODAY!”
If they walk into a home with stained carpet, dirty walls and obnoxious paint colors, they’re going to turn around and walk out. It won’t matter if your home’s electric & plumbing is updated or that you have good insulation and low utility bills. Buying is an emotional decision, and if the Buyers can’t envision themselves living in your home, you will lose their interest.
The most inexpensive improvements you can make – from which you are sure to receive a return on your investment – are to the walls and flooring. Fresh paint is the least expensive improvement and new carpet is next in line.
Of course, you want to de-clutter also. If a Buyer sees your walk-in closet crammed with clothing, they will think that there is no possible way their clothes will fit. If they see your closets 50% full, they will delight in the amount of storage available.
I include a consultation with a home-stager in my listing services, because I believe it’s a great investment on my part. Staged homes sell almost 50% faster and for 6-9% higher than average. I would rather spend money on a home stager in trade for fewer days on market.
Yes, it’s more money out of pocket up front for the Seller, but having your home staged by a professional will likely speed up the selling process and net you more at the closing table.
Getting your home ready for market – “Move-in Ready” is Key
The combination of home improvements, de-cluttering and home staging will help you avoid costly price reductions. If you can’t afford some of these expenses, ask your Realtor about vendors who may wait until closing to be paid.
Your home will sell if it is in top condition, priced correctly and marketed aggressively. Choose the Listing Realtor that understands this selling strategy.
Preparing your home for sale requires some sweat equity and a humble attitude – but your participation in getting your home ready for market is truly “priceless.”
Please visit my site today to learn more about my listing services and definitely peruse my Preferred Vendor list!
