TOP 10 TIPS FOR MORE $$$$

WHEN YOU SELL YOUR HOME!

Hello and Welcome!

Now that you have made that all important decision to sell your most prized asset, your home, it is critical that you take a few moments to look at your home through the eyes of the buyer.

What will that do? You will become aware of the deficiencies of your home, which could cost you money via a lower sale price, if you don't present your home well and rectify any problems. If you have noticed problem areas, then buyers will notice them too.

So, take the time to attend to these important steps, and reap the rewards: A better sale price!

HERE ARE MY TOP 10 TIPS IN HELPING YOU GET MORE FOR YOUR HOME!

1. PRESENTATION

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT!

What would you notice when you are walking up the street and approaching your home, if you were approaching it for the first time, as a total stranger? Think back to when you bought your home, and what you wanted to do to it, to make it yours. Have you done those things yet? Perhaps now is the time!

•  Do make sure that you trim trees, shrubs and edges, fertilize your lawn and keep it green.

•  Weed your gardens as well as your lawn. Add pretty flowers along driveways, paths, at the entrance of your home or hang some in hanging baskets.

•  If you have a much loved pet that lives with your family, make sure pet smells are kept at bay with light fragrances like vanilla etcetera left in the home, before inspections.

•  What does your garage look like? Cobwebs, disorganized, or neat, clean and tidy?

NOW, WE'RE INSIDE!

It's no good saying to yourself, that buyers just have to take you as they find you, or the house for that matter! To get the best price, you need to present it well, so that prospective buyers can imagine living there and enjoying it for themselves.

•  Get rid of clutter, dirt and dust. Have the house washed, if necessary.

•  Make sure that your home is neat and tidy and try to give the home a feeling of spaciousness. It might mean that you store some furniture, clean out cupboards, and tidy up daily instead of weekly, but it's worth it! Buyers like to think that a place has enough space for them and their belongings. If you keep the place in an untidy manner, they won't think there is enough space.

•  Keep your bathroom/s and kitchen/s spotless and sparkling - including leaving fresh towels and soap for all inspections.

•  Subdued lighting and candles (for night inspections) creates a soothing, pleasing atmosphere. For daytime inspections, open the curtains wide, let the light in, and create a further illusion of more space.

•  Think of stimulating the senses with fresh flowers, coffee or baking aromas. Scent is the strongest psychological trigger known to man or woman, and helps to arouse very positive emotional responses.

•  Soft music in the background is also guaranteed to stimulate senses and enhance the emotions - allowing the buyer to enjoy the ambience you have created, and begin to form psychological connections to your home.

2. LET YOUR NEIGHBOURS KNOW

•  Your neighbours are one of the best sources of finding the right buyer for your home. They can tell their friends and relatives and will certainly promote all the best features of living in the area.

•  As well, they usually see more value in their own area, than buyers from other surrounding suburbs.

•  Let your neighbours know when your ‘Open For Inspection' times are scheduled, and invite them along. It's also a good idea to discretely mention that you'd appreciate it if they don't mow lawns and/or use power tools during those times.

3. VALUE ADDED INFORMATION

Provide your real estate agent with any information relating to your property that would be beneficial for potential buyers.

•  Your agent can then make sure these documents are on display for ‘Open For Inspection' times, for the buyer to view. For example:

•  Recent building and pest reports or receipts.

•  Building approvals for extensions, copy of the Title (sometimes available with very old properties), plans, old photos

•  Information regarding the history of the property (buyers love this information).

•  Proximity to schools (name them), buses, trains, parks, medical centers, dentist, shops, cafes and restaurants.

•  This information is invaluable to buyers who are unfamiliar to your neighbourhood and gives them more reasons to want to buy your property. Most people are buying for their families to live in, and make a home of, the property. It is not just about how your house is built, it is about demonstrating how you have embraced a lifestyle that has given you a lot of joy and happiness. Why not show prospective buyers, why living in your house will make their life better?

4. PLAN YOUR OPEN HOUSE TIMES

Think about what time of the day your home looks and feels at it's best.

•  The aspect of your home is important when buyers are taking time to view, especially areas like the kitchen and living areas.

•  If your home is very hot at certain times of the day, hold your ‘Open for Inspection' at another time. Likewise, if it is the middle of winter, and your home is like an ice-box, use the sun to your advantage, and have a heater on to warm your home.

•  Make sure that the time you choose for your set Open House times, aids your home in looking light and airy.

•  If you have a view or outlook, make sure curtains are pulled back and there is nothing obstructing your view. It could mean many $1,000's of added value to your home.

•  Nighttime viewings are a great way to capture your audience and reinforce the value of your home. 

5. LEAVE THE PROPERTY WHEN BUYERS INSPECT

Here is another secret many homeowners are not aware of. Your Real Estate Agent has the expertise to show potential buyers through your home, in a way that encourages the prospective buyer.

The truth is, buyers often feel extremely uncomfortable when an owner stays on the property during a viewing. Buyers cannot focus on all the important aspects of your home when they feel they are intruding on you, no matter how hard you try to keep out of their way.

So please, go for a walk, visit a neighbour or pop down the shops, so that you are not home when your agent brings a potential buyer to inspect your home. It is much easier for the agent to negotiate a better price for you when the buyer feels he or she doesn't have to rush off.

As well, make sure that your loved family pet is not there either. Many people are afraid of animals, and their nervousness or anxiety will of course, disturb your pet. Importantly, though, your prospective buyer won't be able to relax and really inspect your property properly.

As well, many people who don't like dogs, cats, birds or mice, will instantly associate unpleasant smells with your home, or worse, imagine fleas in the carpet, ticks in the carpet, and hair everywhere. It's much safer from a sale perspective, and much more comforting for your pet, if you are able to hide your pet and all signs - food bowls, chewy toys - the comforting belongings, out of sight. That could mean taking your pet for a ride, and having a box to put all pet items into, so you are ready to inspect very quickly, if need be.

6. TARGET YOUR MARKET

Discuss with your agent who your likely buyer may be:

•  It could be someone like yourself or, look around the neighbourhood and take note of who is primarily moving into your area.

•  Your agent should also have information on who is moving into your area.

•  Make a list of all the reasons you bought your home and why you have enjoyed living there, plus the one thing you would change if you could.

This information is useful in making sure your agent highlights all the good points when marketing your home. You want to make sure that whatever message you send out to the market place is sent in the right direction - to your prospective buyers.

7. WARTS AND ALL

A misconception by some owners is to not tell the agent ANY negatives about your property.

This can have a devastating result after a sale has been effected. It is wise to advise your agent of anything that may effect the property adversely for example: any encroachments, easements, extensions and additions that may not have Council Approvals.

If you are not sure what may jeopardize your sale, it is advisable to find out from Council records. It is far better to be up front with your Agent and your buyers, than to leave it for them to find out after a contract has been agreed to. Most buyers, once informed up-front about any such things, are quite happy to proceed if they are interested.

8. CONTRACTS

You should only ever consider an offer of sale that is written on a contract, approved by your State or Country's laws.

•  This will show you the buyer is serious and therefore is less likely to change their mind. You may miss a genuine buyer for your home if you choose to negotiate with a buyer on a verbal basis.

•  Another important tip, don't be afraid to accept the first offer, often it's the best one. An exceptional agent should be able to give you enough information and feedback to help advise you as to whether you should seriously consider the first offer on your home.

•  Always remember that a cash, unconditional contract is far more favourable than a contract with many conditions. Although there may be a higher price, if there are a lot of conditions, there is also a far greater risk of the sale falling over. 

9. HAVE AN ACTION PLAN!

Now that you've done everything possible to present your home to the market, have done all your homework, all the preparation and hard work, YOU NEED A GREAT ACTION PLAN!

•  You now need to get as many buyers through your home in the shortest possible time to achieve the best possible price.

•  There are several Action Plans available, so discuss with your agent, which Action Plan is best, for your home and family situation.

10. CHOOSING THE RIGHT AGENT

Last but not least you need to enlist the services of a professional Real Estate Agent!

To help you, please request another Free Insider Real Estate Report SELECTING AN AGENT .

This Report is aimed at helping you present your home to best effect, and sell it for a higher price! Thank you for calling on me for help. If there is anything further that you require, do call.