How to Sell Your Home in a Down Market
De-personalize: Take all family photos down from walls, remove kids' artwork, and pack away lawn ornaments., De-clutter: The potential buyer should be able to see your home's best selling points without interference from a clutter of miscellaneous...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: De-personalize: Take all family photos down from walls
Buyers should be encouraged to see themselves living in your home. -
Step 2: remove kids' artwork
Remove items obstructing the view of counter tops, fireplace mantels, and hardwood floors.
Buyers are typically looking to “upgrade." The less clutter they see, the more spacious the home will appear. , Make sure the windows are spotless.
The house should smell fresh.
Carpets should be shampooed, pet odors neutralized.
Use orange, lemon or eucalyptus-mint scents to mask unpleasant odors.
You don't want smell to overpower, so keep it light. , Busy, dated couches or bedspreads distract a buyer's eye.
Paint, replace or cover items that look busy.
Add softer, more neutral décor.
This will help buyers envision the rooms decorated in their own style. , If it's a family room, don't put a pool table or exercise equipment in there.
If it's an office, don't use it to store kids' toys.
Help potential buyers see how each room can be used. , Plant seasonal flowers in pots by the front door and other entrances.
Add new light fixtures by the doors if existing lighting is dated or in poor condition.
If you have a large porch, add wicker furniture.
It will look inviting and stand out from the competition. , If you begin with the right price, you won't have to keep lowering it to attract interest. , Stay informed about your agent's plan of action and marketing process.
If you're aware of recent "walk-through" feedback, you can respond with appropriate tweaks and improvements. , Avoid incentives such as gift certificates, vacations, or televisions.
These can undermine your efforts by making you appear a bit desperate. , According to the National Association of Realtors, unstaged homes remain on the market 50% longer than those professionally staged.
In addition, staged homes tend to sell for up to 20% more than a comparable, unstaged home. -
Step 3: and pack away lawn ornaments.
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Step 4: De-clutter: The potential buyer should be able to see your home's best selling points without interference from a clutter of miscellaneous objects.
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Step 5: Clean: Wash everything from ceiling fans to base boards.
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Step 6: Neutralize: Tone down overly ornate décor or loud wall colors.
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Step 7: Designate rooms: Make sure rooms distinctly show what they are.
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Step 8: Increase curb appeal: It's important that your house stand out.
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Step 9: Price it right the first time: The longer you have your house on the market
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Step 10: the more value it can lose.
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Step 11: Maintain a good working relationship with your agent: It's critical that the lines of communication remain open.
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Step 12: Consider offering an incentive: Paying for a year of Home Owner's Association fees or a portion of the closing costs offer real value without lowering the asking price.
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Step 13: Use a professional home stager: It will cost you a little money
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Step 14: but it is a worthwhile investment.
Detailed Guide
Buyers should be encouraged to see themselves living in your home.
Remove items obstructing the view of counter tops, fireplace mantels, and hardwood floors.
Buyers are typically looking to “upgrade." The less clutter they see, the more spacious the home will appear. , Make sure the windows are spotless.
The house should smell fresh.
Carpets should be shampooed, pet odors neutralized.
Use orange, lemon or eucalyptus-mint scents to mask unpleasant odors.
You don't want smell to overpower, so keep it light. , Busy, dated couches or bedspreads distract a buyer's eye.
Paint, replace or cover items that look busy.
Add softer, more neutral décor.
This will help buyers envision the rooms decorated in their own style. , If it's a family room, don't put a pool table or exercise equipment in there.
If it's an office, don't use it to store kids' toys.
Help potential buyers see how each room can be used. , Plant seasonal flowers in pots by the front door and other entrances.
Add new light fixtures by the doors if existing lighting is dated or in poor condition.
If you have a large porch, add wicker furniture.
It will look inviting and stand out from the competition. , If you begin with the right price, you won't have to keep lowering it to attract interest. , Stay informed about your agent's plan of action and marketing process.
If you're aware of recent "walk-through" feedback, you can respond with appropriate tweaks and improvements. , Avoid incentives such as gift certificates, vacations, or televisions.
These can undermine your efforts by making you appear a bit desperate. , According to the National Association of Realtors, unstaged homes remain on the market 50% longer than those professionally staged.
In addition, staged homes tend to sell for up to 20% more than a comparable, unstaged home.
About the Author
Frank Lopez
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in creative arts and beyond.
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