Tips of Selling Your Home
Partnering with a Kappeli professional can really make the difference in how fast you sell your home; as well as how much money you get for it. With a Kappeli associate’s expertise and professionalism, along with your role as an educated seller, your home will get the attention required to ensure a successful sale.
Here are some tips to consider before you put your house on the market. Remember, Kappeli Real Estate partners with only the premier professionals who will assist you with any services you might need while preparing your home to be listed.
1. FIRST IMPRESSIONS MEAN EVERYTHING.
The first thing that a prospective buyer will notice is the exterior of your home. Try to keep the exterior inviting to buyers and you will guarantee that most will want to see more. Keep your lawn and landscaping well manicured and maintained. During the fall months rake the leaves and attend to any gardening beds. During the winter months shovel the walkways and driveway to the edging to show their true size. In the spring, think of planting some flowers that will add some color and life to the exterior freshen the mulch around hedges and trim the lawn edging. Take a close look and see if the house might need a fresh paint job, maybe just the window or shutter trim, etc...
2. SQUEEKY CLEAN WINDOWS.
You know how great it looks when your windows sparkle in the Sun. Well, buyers are looking for that glimmer to hit their eyes in their new home. Not to mention, it will brighten up the inside of your home. For a finishing touch, dress your windows with colorful drapery.
3. REDECORATION NEEDED?
Does any part of your home need a quick facelift? Ask a Kappeli associate and they will be able to guide you as to how much is really needed and what the respective return on investment might be.
4. CLUTTERED?
If any of your rooms are cluttered, including your basement or attic, try to clean them up the best that you can. A disorderly room can appear small and unappealing. Many buyers have a hard time visualizing the true size of a home when it is unorganized or packed with miscellaneous items. Not to mention, that obstacles in any path can be a hazard for anyone navigating your home.
5. INVITING BEDROOMS...
here make a world of difference. Try to make your bedrooms feel as open as possible. We suggest using your best bed spreads and have the dresser and table tops neatly arranged. Also try refreshing air sanitizers with light fragrances that are warm and comforting.
6. CRAMPED CLOSETS...
can make it seem like the house does not have enough storage space. Buyers these days are looking for extra storage space; by maintaining neat and organized closets it will add yet another advantage to your home.
7. SPARKLING AND BRIGHT BATHROOMS...
exude a sense of cleanliness and freshness to your home. Make sure your bathrooms are clean, neat and brightly lit. Closets and medicine cabinets should be organized too.
8. LIGHT IS ESSENTIAL...
to bring life to the house. Prospective buyers are looking for cheerful rooms. Try to keep dark rooms as light as possible by using light curtains. Use bright bulbs in darker rooms (I.e. basement). Table lighting adds ambiance to most rooms.
9. KEEP DISTRACTIONS...
to a minimum when showing the house. Have as few people as possible in the house when it is shown. Most people like dogs but they too can be a distraction when showing your home, if possible try to keep them out of the way. Prospective buyers prefer a calm, quiet environment to ensure that they absorb the true appeal of your home. Turning off radios or televisions will aid the buyers experience in your home.
10. LET THE SALESPERSON DO THEIR JOB.
Always be polite but do not strike a conversation with the customer. The salesperson most likely already has a bond with the buyer so let him or her do their job. Do not follow the salesperson while he or she is showing the house. Over-enthusiastic owners have been known to spoil a sale by trying to “sell” the house while inspecting it with the salesperson. It is best that you stay in the background and available upon request.
11. DON’T APOLOGIZE
for the appearance or condition of your home; it might bring a negative aspect to the attention of the buyer which he or she might not have noticed before. Also, if a prospective buyer makes a derogatory comment about any aspect of your home, let the trained professional handle it.
12. SELLING THE HOUSE IS YOUR FIRST PRIORITY.
Do not try to sell furniture, rugs or drapes to the customer. This creates an unnecessary distraction and could hinder the sale of your home. If the prospective buyer is interested in anything you might be willing to part with, the salesperson will ask you.
13. SHOWING YOUR HOUSE AT NIGHT...
can present a challenge. When showing your house after dark turn on any porch, patio or driveway lights. It not only makes your house visible but it also makes it safer to walk around the property. Try to turn on as many lights around the house as possible as the appointment time nears.
14. ALL IN DUE TIME.
Do not get involved in conversations with the buyer concerning price, terms, or any other negotiations. Buyers can get turned off if certain things are brought up too early in the process. Always let the real estate agents do the negotiating. They will know when to bring things up at the appropriate stage of the process.
15. MAINTAIN A STRONG PARTNERSHIP...
with your agent. It is easier for your listing agent to be successful in selling your home if all appointments go through them. Always keep open communication with each other; it will ensure that everything goes smoothly.