Temecula's Real Estate Blog

Tips For Selling Your House – Clean, Sun, Decorate

Neatness, smells, mellow music, sunlight, and minor repairs are just a few things that will help sell your house

If you really want to sell your home, then try this….. CLEAN YOUR HOUSE!

I just wanted to put a couple thoughts down on paper for those of you who might be thinking of making a move here in the next couple of months. I am forever amazed by the number of homes I see that look like they have never been cleaned, well… okay, they have the “lived in” look. The following are some ideas that might help when you are ready to allow people to see how you live…..

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING
The front door greets the prospective buyer. Make sure it is fresh, clean, and scrubbed looking. Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse.

DECORATE FOR A QUICK SALE
Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how your home could look, when you can show him by quickly redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. You can’t find a better investment when you’re selling than a few cans of paint to brighten it up.

LET THE SUN SHINE IN
Open draperies and curtains and let the buyer see how cheerful your home can be. Dark rooms are just that….dark.

FIX THAT FAUCET!
Dripping water discolors sinks and suggest faulty plumbing and lack of maintenance.

REPAIRS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Loose knobs, sticking and squeaking doors and windows, warped cabinet doors, and other minor flaws detract from the home’s value. Have them fixed. Many buyers believe that there will be ten problems they can’t see for every one they can.

SAFETY FIRST
Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttering appearances and possible injuries.

MAKE CLOSETS LOOK BIGGER
Neat. Well-ordered closets show space is ample.

BATHROOMS HELP SELL HOMES
Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make these rooms sparkle.

ARRANGE BEDROOMS NEATLY
Remove excess furniture. Pick up the toys and dirty clothes, keep beds made.

YOU CAN SELL PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP FASTER AND FOR MORE MONEY
It’s called cleanliness, and cleanliness sells more buyers than used dirt. Put sparkle in your bathrooms and kitchen, and you’ll take more cash with you when you leave.

By the way- This is what you need to do when agents show up at your house!!!

I know that one of the most invasive things you call deal with as a homeowner is an agent and buyer trampling through your home. Here are a few ideas to make it less stressful for you, easier for the agent and buyer, and to GET YOU MORE MONEY!

NEVER STAY IN YOUR HOUSE WITH HOUSE HUNTERS
Let the agent handle it, and remove yourself if you possibly can. Remember, the agent has worked many hours with these people, and knows what they’re looking for, and how to work with them. Let him or her do their job without interference. You may feel that the agent isn’t showing the important features of your home to the buyer, but the agent likely knows what features are individually important to the buyers, as well as which things about the house will help them to get emotionally attached.

The presence of any member of the seller’s family can’t help, always unnerves buyers, and often prevents a sale. Don’t put this obstacle in your path. Try to leave when buyers are coming.

PETS UNDERFOOT?
Keep pets out of the way-if possible, out of the house. Many people are acutely uncomfortable around some animals.

MUSIC IS MELLOW
But not when showing a house. Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the salesperson and buyer be able to talk, free of disturbances. Background “soft playing” music is okay.

OFFENSIVE SMELLS
Surprisingly enough, not everyone likes the smell of cigarettes or animals. Hopefully, you have changed the carpet and paint to combat this. Make sure to burn candles, or drop a little vanilla into a warm oven. Make the house smell inviting, not like something died.

WHY TRY TO PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE?
Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to potential buyers before he has purchased the house often loses a sale.

THREE’S A CROWD
Once you have sold the house, avoid having too many people present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder. Don’t force conversation with a buyer, remember, they are there to inspect your home, not pay a social call.

A WORD TO THE WISE
Let your agent discuss price, terms, possession, and other factors with the prospect. He is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion. Remember, this does not have to be an “us against them” situation. Everyone wants the same thing, for the buyer and seller to be happy with the outcome.

This is just something I was thinking about today…….