Saturday, 19 November 2011

9 Tips for Selling Your Home This Season

By Walt and Ali's Team
Tips to help homeowners sell their home faster and for more money during the winter months. 
 Think that the winter months are the worst time to sell real estate and that homes don’t sell?  Think again!  While home sales do tend to slow down over the winter months, nothing is more serious than a Buyer looking at properties over the holiday season.  These Buyers are motivated and are carrying their checkbook with them, ready to buy the house of their dreams.
So how can homeowners capitalize on these Buyers?  Follow these 9 tips:
1.)  Focus on curb appeal. Fall and winter months can be drearier than the spring and summer with their greens and flowers, however having raked your leaves, trimmed your hedges, cleaned the gutters and your yard will make a big impact on curb appeal for short money.
2.)  Play with the season. Homeowners can brighten up their landscape and make their home seem more inviting by using pumpkins, wreaths, holiday greens or decorations like a bright bow on the front door.  Too much decorating can have the opposite effect so try to decorate without over-cluttering.
3.)  Make your home sparkle!  Wow your Buyers when they walk in the door.  Cleaning your windows so that they sparkle inside and out, polishing floors to a high gloss, and bleaching dull grout are all ways to subtly impress Buyers and demonstrate a well maintained home.  And don't forget to clean the drapes and dust all the corners.
4.)  Bring in color. With accessories and don't be afraid to layer!  Light colored hand towels, kitchen linens and throw blankets are all ways to add color to your home without overwhelming the Buyer.  Layers also lend to a feel of elegance and make areas look more appealing to a Buyer's sense of sight.
5.)  De-odorize! Nothing can kill a deal faster than strong odors!  Pets and cigarette smoke are two odors most often complained about, but strong deodorizers can have negative effects on the senses as well.  Clean your home well, have smokers step outside and use light scents such as vases of fresh cut flowers, baked goods or stews in crock pots to entice your Buyers through their sense of smell.
6.)  Keep your home clean during showings. Have a mat outside to brush snow or mud off shoes, and another one indoors for the Buyers to take their shoes off during showings.  You can print up a nice note to put on a table inside your front door asking them to do so.
7.)  Connect with the Buyers. Treats wrapped in colored cellophane and water bottles on the counter are a nice and add a personal touch.
8.)  Flattering photos.  On-line pictures are usually the first way Buyers see the houses they visit.  For this reason, the on-line pictures must be clear and flattering.  Details are very important, so make sure the pictures are properly oriented- not upside down or sideways, remove any clutter visible through the lens-around the room, on tables and counters, remove trash barrels, and pay attention to the shades so that light is let in and they are placed at the same level.
9.)  Easy Access. This may seem to go without saying, but a Buyer cannot buy a house if their agent cannot get them in to see it!  Try to make your home as accessible as possible, especially during this season.  Restricted hours, accompanied showings and 24 hour notice are all ways of making it more difficult to show your home.  While Buyers may make an appointment for another day, they also may find the home they are willing to buy before then, so try your best to give access.
Following these nine tips and listening to your agent regarding pricing your home to sell will help move your home faster.  Buyers are buying the homes that show the best, so do your best to make your home at the top of the list!
Buzz This

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