Real Estate

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE BE HOMESMART THE BATSON TEAM – FROM OUR VIEWPOINT

By Al and Jean Batson of The Batson Team

QUESTION: We are think-

ing about selling our home. How do we start?

ANSWER: Unless you have a sudden job change or family situation that is unexpected, most of us ponder the idea of moving for quite some time. As we get older, we might want to downsize because we don’t need as much space; nor do we want to take care of it. Or young families need more space. Whatever the reason, often it is not a decision that comes without contemplation. So, start working on preparing your house the moment the thought comes to mind. Worst case, your home will be in great shape if you decide to stay.

The first step is to switch hats from ‘seller’ to ‘buyer’. Look at your home from the viewpoint of a potential buyer. As Realtors, we are often invited into a home to evaluate it, which we really appreciate. We’re an impartial third party who will tell you the straight truth. It can be hard to evaluate your own home.

It’s human nature to get accustomed to certain things – that leaky faucet or paint that is looking tired…furniture that is too big for the space or stuffed closets. Your goal in selling is to present your home as clean, with plenty of storage. If there is “stuff” everywhere, it tells the buyer there isn’t adequate storage or space. Start with closets and cabinets.

Start thinking ahead as to what is going to move with you, what can be donated, given away or thrown out. The point is two-fold.

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1. First, less is more when selling. You want your home to look spacious and clean so the buyers will mentally be placing their furnishings into the space – not looking at yours. Especially personal items such as family photos or collections. Pack them up; they’re going with you anyway.

2. Second, evaluate the condition of your home. Is it in good repair? Make the repairs you’re going to have to for the buyer anyway.

Once your home sells, the first item on the agenda is a home inspection. A home inspection will reveal every tiny blemish of your home; which is daunting. And by no means will everything on that report require your attention but some will. Everything needs to be working (appliances, lighting, plumbing, electrical) so start right away. Do yourself a favor - spread the cost of those repairs out over the time you’re contemplating whether or not you’re going to move. Even if you decide to stay put, think how much nicer your space will be!

Start outside – how does your home look from the street? Does the front look nicely landscaped or like a jungle? Do the sprinklers work or are some of the heads broken off? Is the front door in good repair? Is the pool sparkling clean? Once inside the home and you’ve decluttered, would a fresh coat of paint make everything light and bright? Perhaps that bright purple wall would be more appealing if it were neutral to appeal to the masses. Are there scuffs on the walls? You’d be amazed at the number of Buyers who say they’re not interested because of the paint color. It’s just paint! There are those DIY (do it yourself) buyers, but the initial impression is what appeals and most want their new home to be move-in ready.

Next, go through every room making certain it is clean, tidy and in good repair. Clear off counter tops everywhere. Do all the doors and windows close and lock? Do the electrical outlets work? Are there leaky faucets or toilets? Is the A/C functional? Moving or not, evidence of good maintenance (exterior/interior paint), is important to buyers but why not make those repairs anyway – just for you.

Odors are a huge turn-off. Every house has them, but we’re so accustomed to them that we don’t realize it in our own home. Food, pet or tobacco odors can be a challenge. Don’t try to cover odors up with candles or sprays; it’s a dead giveaway that something is being covered up. Pet odors cling to carpet and furniture [beware of litter boxes too]; tobacco is in the fabric, walls, carpet and vents making the difficult to remove. Fortunately, there is a service that specializes in odor removal. Nevertheless, always have your carpet cleaned when you’re selling so it looks fresh and clean. It’s a good start.

So, moving or not, these are tips that will make every house appealing.

If you have any questions or an idea for an article, please contact us at: Jean@AlandJeanBatson.com.

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