Getting The Home Ready For Market...

So, yes....it is a Seller's Market.  Yes, Sellers are not having to do the things they did before to prepare their home for the market.  Yes, Sellers are on control right now.  No, this does not mean that Sellers can get away with doing nothing AND still maximize their profits.  "Whatchu talkin bout Willis?"  You heard me.  If you are intending to maximize your profits and want to push the needle as high as it will go.  If you are wanting to sell it as quickly as possible and still get top dollar...you will need to still do what you have always done as a Seller.  CREATE EMOTION!  

You see, in an effort to give you an idea as to why we share this as our position you first have to understand one of our foundational beliefs as a team.  People buy and sell on emotion.  We say this in our office all of the time.  It's true.  Once a buyer has determined that they are pre-approved for a home purchase in a certain range, what separates each home in that range?  It's the homes that capture a buyer emotionally. Spend a little time addressing some of the basics and you will enjoy a quicker sale at a maximized price.

Random thoughts:

While the broker is unlocking the lockbox at the front door, what is the buyer doing?  They are staring at your spider webs above your front door and noticed that you did not power wash the front porch, or walkway and driveway.  They noticed that the front door needs painting and the door handle is old and no longer matches that dead bolt lock.  Not the first impression you want to make.  When they step out of the car, let them see a perfectly clean driveway/walkway and entryway.  Wash or paint the front door and clean your front porch.  You may not need to power wash the entire home but clean that entryway.  A simple new door hardware and for just a few dollars you have changed that first impression!

Easiest way to add color to the front of your home?  Buy a NEW American Flag and fly it.  

Please stop using McDonalds and Burger King red mulch.  Please use a dark mulch and add a light layer right before picture day.  If it is summer time, you may want to water the mulch right before photos.  That dark mulch really stands out on the camera.

Paint or repair your mailbox and post.  Again Gang, these are simple and inexpensive things!!

Let's open that front door and enter inside.  Tools: Paint, Paint Brush, Magic Eraser, Cleaning Supplies, Patience.

Grab a Magic Eraser pack...will become your secret weapon.  Clean your baseboards and use Magic Eraser for the tough spots.  Use the ME to spot clean doors, door jambs, walls etc....  Boom, looks new.  

Roll up all of your throw rugs and runners.  Show us those hardwoods, those open spaces.  Yes, this means in the bathroom too.  In front of the kitchen sink as well Peter?  Yep, there too!  This, along with our next 2 tips will help make 2800 square feet feel like 3200 square feet! 

Clean out your closets.  Meaning give us room to grow in each closet.

Get everything off of the refrigerator, on top of your cabinets etc.  If you are leaving stuff out like this...it subtly tells the buyer that storage may be an issue!  

Most important rooms?  Kitchens and bathrooms.  Make sure the caulk lines and grout lines are in good order.  The shower door is clean.  All personal items are put away after each shower into a cabinet. In the kitchen, take your stuff off of the counter and put it away.  You do not need a drip coffee pot, a Keurig, a toaster, a toaster oven, your utensil caddy etc on the counter.  Put as much away as possible.  A pop of color?  How about a small bowl with 3 limes? 3 apples?  A small succulent plant? 

North Carolinians looooove the idea of outdoor living.  Don't have a gorgeous built in outdoor fireplace with a pizza oven?  Same here.  Want an easy fix?  Some river-stone in a circle with several pieces of white birch and a couple of chairs.  Who knows, maybe you'll find yourself with your significant other out there while selling your home and whispering sweet nothings to one another.  

Want more tips of the trade?  We have so many more tips and tricks....call us if you are thinking about selling your home!

Whether you are wanting to get your Raleigh Area Home ready for market or just have questions...we are here to help.  Many of these tips are often discussed on our weekly Facebook Live Show: Coffee Talk With Kima.  Every Friday at 8:30AM.