Homebuyers shop around, so you as a seller have to set a fair market price if you hope to sell. At the same time, you will want to get as much as possible for your property. Things to consider when deciding on the price:
Age and condition of the property.
Does it need updating?
What similar homes in your area are being or have been sold for?
Do property values in your area have been increasing or decreasing?
Are there a lot of homes for sale in your area?
Keep in mind that:
A house that is overpriced by 10% of it's actual market value is much less likely to sell within the first 30 days than one priced within 5% of it's true value. Not only will an over-priced home take longer to sell, it is also likely to sell for less than it's actual value. This is due to the negative effect often associated with properties that have been on the market for a longer than average time.
Grass and shrubs - neatly trimmed, fertilized (grass will look lush and green)
Flowers - plant them in the front yard
Downed shutters, gutters - replace, remove
Debris from gutters and downspouts - remove
Torn screens on windows, doors - replace
Driveway and walk ways - clean and clear of obstruction at all times
Front door - should be clean and shiny
Porch - clear of clutter
Interior Clean-Up
Clean up in the living room(s), bathroom(s) - [DO NOT FORGET TO CLEAN AND FLUSH THE T O I L E T] and kitchen(s)
Windows - wash
Fans and ventilating hoods - clean
Floors - clean and polish
Draperies and wall-to-wall carpeting - have them cleaned
Wallpaper - replace or redecorate the room(s). Your house may be very good, but what about the wallpaper hanging from the wall?
Kitchens and bathrooms sell the house - Why? (appx. 90%) Who is going to choose a house? - The wife. Who is going to pay for it? - The husband.
Fix all little obvious problems: leaking taps, burned-out light bulbs, sticking or squeaking cabinet and closet doors. Put your best mats, towels, shower curtains. One of my buyers did not buy the property she liked only because the toilet has not been flushed. And neither the seller nor the listing agent has ever checked the property.
Rooms, Furniture - rearrange or get rid of. Make the rooms look spacious.
Valuables, personal belongins -put personal family pictures and valuables in a secure area.
Light - Let the sun shine in.
thinking of selling: Reasons to sell, Market and the sale of my home, Issues to consider before selling, Papers to have ready, Fixtures, Chatterls, Rental items
