Seller Tips

#10: The Price is Right

Let John assemble a comparative market analysis (CMA) for your home. We'll let you know the current market value of your home based on what's happening in the market today. That value is determined by active sales, pending sales and sold properties in your area. Once that value is established we'll shave 10 to 15 percent off the price. You’ll be stampeded by buyers with multiple bids — even in the worst markets — and they’ll bid-up the price over what it’s worth. It takes real courage and most sellers just don’t want to risk it, but it’s the single best strategy to sell a home in today’s market. Don't worry, if this is too far beyond your comfort zone we will discuss what strategies could work for you. Oh, and FYI, don't just go with the agent that tells you they can sell your house for the most. An overpriced house will sit on the market for a very long-time. How else can it harm the sale of your house? Take a look.

#9: Holy Space-opolis

Storage is something every buyer is looking for and they can never get enough of it. Take half the stuff out of your closets then neatly organize what’s left. Buyers will snoop, you did when you bought your house, so be sure to keep all your closets and cabinets clean and tidy and don't hide a pile of junk under the stairs or anywhere else — keep it neat.

#8: Hey, Lighten Up

Get the most out of the existing light in your home. Right after location, good lighting is the one thing that every buyer cites that they want more of in a home. Take down the drapes, clean the windows, change the lampshades, increase the wattage of your light bulbs, but not more than recommended by the lamp manufacturer, you don't want a fire and trim the hedge outside your windows to let the sun shine in. Do what you have to do make your house bright and cheery and it will make it more sellable.

#7: Trulia Top Agent — John Hardy

A hidden sale killer is hiring the wrong agent. Make sure you have an agent who is well-informed. They must constantly monitor the multiple listing service (MLS), know what properties are on the market or able to find out quickly as well as what comparables are in your neighborhood. Find an agent who embraces technology – a tech-savvy one has many tools to get your house sold. Another benefit of working with Team Hardy is that the team leader, John Hardy, also runs a marketing business. John can assemble a custom flier for your home and knows how to write a description made to sell. The fliers will be customized and easy-to-read, not like the fliers you'll get from other agents who just print out the MLS detail sheet — which, unless you have a secret decoder ring, are often hard to decipher. A buyer won't buy if they can't get all their questions answered.

#6: Hide the Pets

You'd think a cute puppy would warm the hearts of potential buyers, but you’d be wrong. Not everybody is a dog-lover or cat-lover, in fact, many people are allergic to or despise animals. Buyers don’t want to walk in your home and see a bowl of dog food, smell a cat litter box or have tufts of pet hair stuck to their clothes. It gives buyers the impression that your house is not clean. If you’re planning an open house, take your pets with you or send them to the pet spa for the day.

#5: Easy Does It

Quick fixes before selling will always pay off. Huge Makeovers or remodeling projects are oten a waste of money because the immediate return on investment is usually 30-40% of the amount spent and even less if the fix was something the buyers expect to already be present for your home to sell. You probably won’t get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your house on the market. Instead, do updates that will pay off and get you top dollar. Put a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Clean the curtains or go buy some inexpensive new ones. Replace door handles, cabinet hardware, make sure closet doors are on track, fix leaky faucets, clean the grout and ask your John what else they believe you should do that is specific to your home.

#4: Take Yourself Out of The Picture

One of the most important things to do when selling your house is to de-personalize it. The more personal stuff in your house (wedding photos, family pictures, kids elemntary school photos, memorabilia, personal keepsakes, etc), the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Get rid of a third of your stuff – put it in storage. Consider hiring a home stager or redesigner, we know of several, to maximize the full potential of your home. Staging simply means arranging your furniture to best showcase the floor plan and maximize the use of space.

#3: Every Party Ends Up in the Kitchen

You’re not really just selling your house, you’re selling your kitchen – that’s how important it is. The benefits of remodeling your kitchen are endless, and the best part of it is that you’ll probably get 85% of your money back, the one exception to Reason #5. It may be a few thousand dollars to replace countertops where a buyer may knock $10,000 off the asking price if your kitchen looks dated. The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware. Use a neutral-color paint so you can present buyers with a blank canvas where they can start envisioning their own style. If you have a little money to spend, buy one fancy stainless steel appliance. Why one? Because when people see one high-end appliance they think all the rest are expensive too, perception is everything, and it updates the kitchen without a lot of work.

#2: Just Like the Boy Scouts Motto

Be Ready Prepared Keep your house "show-ready" at all times – you never know when a buyer is going to walk through the door. You have to be available whenever they want to come see the place and it has to be in tip-top shape. Don’t leave dishes in the sink, keep the dishwasher cleaned out, the bathrooms sparkling and make sure there aren't "dust bunnies" in the corners. It may be a little inconvenient, but it will get your house sold.

And the #1 Top Secret Tip for Sellers

Your First Impression Could Be Your Last No matter how good the interior of your home looks, most buyers have already judged your home before they even walk through the door, some may even drive-by the home before they even call to take a tour. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. It’s important to make people feel warm, welcome and safe as they approach the house. Spruce up your home’s exterior with inexpensive shrubs and brightly colored flowers. You can typically get a 100% return on the money you put into your home’s curb appeal. Entryways are also important. You use it as a utility space for your coat and keys. But, when you’re selling, make it welcoming by putting in a small bench, a vase of fresh-cut flowers or even some cookies.

If you are ready to put your house on the market contact us. We'll make it an enjoyable process.