If you are putting your home on the market you are undoubtedly looking for a quick sale that fetches the best price.  To insure that your home stands out above the crowd a little work and preparation is often required.

Today we are experiencing a buyer’s market, meaning that there are more homes on the market than there are buyers for those homes. As a result, competition is very high because buyers have so much choice. Buyers will often view so many homes that they can begin to look the same making it imperative that your home is particularly memorable.

As a “seller”, it will be to your advantage to adopt a “buyer’s” perspective to get a better understanding of how your home will be seen through their eyes. Take a close look and ask yourself if you would buy your home in its present state? Are there improvements that would make it more attractive to potential buyers?

Believe it or not, most buying decisions are motivated more emotion than by economics. What does this mean for you as a seller? If Mr. or Mrs. Home Buyer can walk through your home and instantly picture themselves grabbing a beverage from the refrigerator, sitting down on the couch, and watching TV then a quality offer could be very near.

To create the necessary sense of “home” to all those that view your home while it is for sale, here are few things to consider:

Curb Appeal – First impressions are everything. When buyers pull in the driveway make sure that the lawn is cut, gardens are weeded, and your yard is free of clutter

Spic and Span – Nothing turns off a buyer more than a dirty home. During the time that your home is listed you will need to maintain a stringent cleaning schedule

Organized – Make certain that both living and storage areas of the home are free of clutter. It should appear that everything has a place and that everything is in its place. This strategy often has the effect of making your home feel larger

Next to New – Now is the time for the three R’s of home selling; replace, refinish, and repaint

Maintenance Free – The thought of needing to complete repairs after they take possession will deter many buyers. No one wants to move in and immediately have to fix the broken gate, repair the garage door, or tackle any other job you have been putting off

Interestingly, many successful sellers often discover that by the time they have their house ready to sell it looks so nice they are reluctant to sell it. If you feel this way as the realtor puts the sign on the lawn then you have increased your chances of a quick and equitable sale.

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