The Real Estate Avenue: Five things you should never do when selling a home!

For most of us our homes are our biggest assets. When we decide to sell that asset we are looking for top dollar and for the buyer to love the home as much as we have. I believe for every home on the market there is a buyer waiting to find it and claim it as their own. Whether the home is a Colonial, Traditional, Victorian, Raised Ranch, Luxury Home or even a Craftsmen how it shows can make or break your bottom line.

Literally selling the home as-is.....

It's okay to sell the home as-is you will be surprised how many buyers champion the do it yourself concept. However, as-is should not mean dirty and smelly. For those of you who have worked with me in the past or have read some of my blogs cleaning can be your best weapon in dazzling a buyer. Even on an as-is sale. Do no just limit yourself to counter tops and closets. I can assure you that buyers are looking at corners and baseboards as well. Pay special attention to bathrooms and Kitchens which are two of the biggest selling areas in the home.

Painting the walls loud colors.....
I have had the opportunity to view and sell many beautiful homes. In my experience I have found that the properties that have the most traffic and gain multiple offers quickly are the homes with neutral colors. Although Fuchsia is a gorgeous color it may be overwhelming for a buyer to see an entire room painted in the color. Neutral colors are calming and it is easier for a buyer to place themselves and their furniture mentally in the home.

Allowing the homes curb appeal to fall flat.....

Don't let the phrase its a jungle out there refer to your back or worse front yard. As you know curb appeal is king. In the past I have encountered instances where I have driven buyers to a home they fell in love with online, to having them want to skip the property altogether when they arrived. Overgrown weeds, unswept sidewalks or driveways, raggedy gutters and screen doors, broken outdoor lights need I go on. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk you know better! If you didn't before now you do...

Letting the pets run loose.....
I am a dog & cat lover so I feel your pain on this one. However, the goal is to sell your home so allowing Fido or Felix to meet the buyer at the door is not a good idea. Some buyers aren't to keen on pets being in the house. Lots of buyers are afraid of animals. I have had many buyers that didn't want to see homes with carpet because of allergies. The added element of a pet in the home can be to much for a choosy buyer to cope with. I am not saying give your pets away once you decide to sell your home. Just tuck them away in a cage or kennel if possible.

Making the home hard to show.....
This is one of my biggest pet peeves. Accessibility for the buyer is key. If the home does not show it cannot sell. I know it can be tedious working around the buyers schedule but it is necessary. Most buyers are available to see homes after work and on weekends. I can't tell you how many buyers and agents pass up viewing a property that could be a perfect match because it was difficult to show.

As an FYI if the home is clean even if its sold as-is, If the colors are neutral and a buyer can picture themselves in the home, if the curb appeal is great, if pets are not meeting buyers at the door, and if the home is easy to show that home has a better chance of going under contract quickly.

                  As always thank you for reading my blogs. If I am able to help you in the buying or selling process let me know.

                               The Dwelling Specialist
                                                   Who's selling your home?