This month’s column is inspired by a continuing education class that I recently attended called “What sellers want to hear and what sellers need to hear. All too many home sellers are not ready face the facts about their property and why it is not selling. It is painful to hear that the buyers don’t appreciate your home or that it may not be worth the money you are asking. There are a number of facts you may have to face in order to get your home sold. Here are a few examples.
You must change the décor.
Everyone decorates their home to suit their own taste, that’s the way it should be. However, these days the buyers are all watching far too much HGTV and what they see on television is what they expect to see when looking at homes to purchase. When selling a house, however, it is crucial to appeal to potential buyers and not yourself. This may require some neutralizing and or redecorating.
You over-invested in the area.
Some people invest far too much money in their home when compared with the investment of surrounding neighbors and their properties. This could cost you in lost dollars upon resale. It is always best to keep your total investment in the same range as surrounding homes. Your improvements may help you sell faster, but not necessarily bring you more money.
Its cleanliness needs improvement.
You would take your car to a dealer for a trade-in assessment without running it through the car wash, would you? Because many homeowners work outside their home, it is more difficult to keep a house in perfect shape. Cleanliness and organization is a major factor in getting a house sold. If you cannot keep it as clean as you would like, consider hiring a cleaning service on a regular basis while your house is for sale.
Your home would sell better if vacant.
Some houses are more attractive completely vacant. This is usually not the case. The best advice is the opposite, but some furnishings detract from the sale. A vacant house is also easier to redecorate and keep clean.
Advice: Listen to your Realtor. They know what you need to hear and not necessarily what you want to hear. Would you think of telling your doctor how to do your next surgery? It’s the New Year, let’s get that house SOLD!
