The Fact of the Matter Is

PRICE FACT

The best chance for selling your property is within the first seven weeks. Studies show that the longer a property stays on the market, the less the seller will net.

It is very important to price your property at a competitive market value at the signing of the employment agreement. The market is so competitive that even overpricing by a few thousand could mean that your house will not sell. Interestingly, your first offer is usually your best offer. Here are reasons for pricing your property at market value right from the start in order to net you the most money in the shortest amount of time.

An overpriced home:

• Minimizes offers
• Lowers agent responses
• Limits qualified buyers
• Lowers showings
• Lowers prospects
• Limits financing
• Wastes advertising dollars
• Nets less for the seller

CLEAN FACT

Most people are turned off by uncleanliness or odor when buying a home. Sellers lose thousands of dollars because they do not adequately clean.

If your house is squeaky clean, you will be able to sell your house and net hundreds, if not thousands more. If you are planning on moving, why not get rid of the old junk now so that your house will appear larger? Odors must be eliminated especially if you smoke, own pets or have young children in diapers. You may not notice the smell, but buyers do.

ACCESS FACT

Top selling agents will not show your home if both the key and access are not readily available. They do not have time to run around town all day picking up and dropping off keys. They want to sell homes!

The greatest way to show a house is to have a key! When your house is being shown, please do the following:

• Keep all the lights on
• Keep all the drapes and shutters open
• Keep all the doors unlocked
• Leave soft music playing
• Leave the premises
• Take a short walk with your children and pets
• Let the buyer be at ease and the agents do their job

PAINT AND CARPET FACT

Paint is your best improvement investment for getting greater return on your money.

Paint makes the whole house clean and neat. If your house has chipped paint, exposed wood or the paint looks faded, it is time to paint. If your carpet is worn, dirty, outdated or an unusual color, you may need to seriously consider replacing it. Many houses do not sell because of this problem. Don’t think that buyers have more money than you to replace carpet. They don’t. They will simply buy elsewhere.

YARD FACT

Your front yard immediately reflects the inside condition of your house to the buyer.

eople enjoy their yards. Make certain that the trees are trimmed so the house can be seen form the street. Have the grass mowed, trimmed, and edged. Walkways should be swept. Clean away debris. Remove parked cars. If a buyer does not like the outside, that person simply drives on.