Fresh paint is an inexpensive way to prepare your home for sale

Home Sellers should plan before selling – and get your Realtor’s advice. Unless impossible from a financial standpoint, home sellers should get their property move-in ready before putting it on the market. The inventory of homes is so high that Buyers will not spend a minute considering a home that has dingy carpet, hot pink walls or outdated curtains.

When Buyers walk into your home, you want them to say, “Oh my gosh, this is perfect and I don’t need to do a thing!” Your home must “WOW” the Buyers in the first ten seconds, which is why your front lawn/garden and entry way are critical.

Buyers also must see themselves living in your home. They must feel comfortable that their furniture will fit in your living and dining rooms and that your closets are large enough for their home. Realtors don’t ask you to empty 40% of your closets because we think you have nothing better to do – if your closet is crammed, the Buyer will think that there is not possibly enough room for their clothes. If your kitchen counters are cluttered with canisters, spices, toasters and mixers, Buyers will think that there is not enough counter space for them to prepare dinner.

Hiring a home stager for a consultation can pay off in the long run. We know that your favorite 20 year-old recliner is exactly where you want it to watch television, but is it making the room appear crowded? The National Association of Realtors reports that staged homes bring almost 7% more in price than homes that were not staged. So, while your furniture is arranged the way you want to LIVE, it may not be arranged in the best manner to attract a Buyer.

Yes, it’s an inconvenience to store that toaster if you are use to keeping it out, but wouldn’t you store it if it:

So, consult with your Realtor about what you need to do to prepare your home for market.

Typically, fresh paint and new flooring will be the least expensive improvements that will immediately increase the value of your home. If you carefully plan before selling and get your Realtor’s advice, you can avoid costly price reductions during your listing period and/or avoid extended days on market.

Remember that in addition to selling homes, Realtors work with Buyers. So, we know what turns Buyers on and what turns them off. Get your home 100% ready to sell before your Realtor puts that sign in your yard!

Lori Cain is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa Oklahoma area, including midtown Tulsa, Owasso, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Sand Springs and Jenks. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

One Response to “Plan before SELLING – and get your Realtor’s Advice”