Prepare Yourself Mentally

(Once you have finished this article see Getting Ready)

Helping you prepare mentally to get your home ready for sale is the first major hurdle The Crown Team must undertake.  Sellers that understand and address the need for this mental preparedness find the process much less painful and tend to move through the sale with fewer problems.  Once you enter the sales market your home becomes a commodity that is your responsibility to present and show in the best light possible to all buyers.  If you were at the supermarket selecting oranges from the display bin, would you pick an aging, rotting orange over one that was fresh and looked like it was just picked from the tree?  Buyers of homes are no different and if you want full market value for your property you need to understand you are not the only seller on the market, you will have competition.

1.  You must be able to separate your personal ties and look at the
      process as a business transaction.

2.  Your property must be in demand, if there are no buyers it has little to
     no market value.  For your property to sell it needs to be priced at
     market value, i.e. priced according to it's size, condition and location.

3.   You need to insure the property is easily available and accessible for
      buyers to see as they shop for homes.  This means more than just a lock
      box it includes items like alarms and animals that may be on the
      premises that tend to make it hard for the property to be shown.

4.   You will need to be able to access and use an affordable media to
      advertise to buyers.

Appearance
There is nothing like a good first impression to create a sale. There is nothing more lasting than a bad first impression.

Outside
Start by evaluating the property from the curb.  You will need to be objective, asking yourself what a buyer will notice as they drive up to the home.

1.   Has the exterior of the house been maintained?

2.   How does it compare with other properties in the area?

3.   Has the landscaping been maintained?

4.   Is there trash, clutter or litter that detract from the appeal of the house?

After competition of the front and back yard inspection as a buyer you will need to remain critical.  Now you need to put on the hat of the property inspector, termite inspector and any other professional that may be hired to scrutinize the property. Create a list of items that need attention and can be completed with minimum cost.

Inside
Start your inside inspection at the front door and walk through the house as a buyer would. At each doorway pause and analyze each room to get a first impression. Create a list of items that need attention and can be completed with minimum cost.

 Items of importance:

1.   Remove excess furniture

2.   Improve inadequate or poor lighting

3.   Keep everything clean and dirt free.

4.   Remove all clutter

5.   Spruce up poor decor

Summary
Make a list of the highlights of the home.  Provide this information to your Realtor for use in advertising and promotional materials.

If you find there are major repairs and changes that need to be completed before the house is put on the market you should talk with your Realtor to get a professional second opinion before you invest any money on repairs or renovations.  We have seen many occasions when sellers have spent thousands of dollars that where not necessary.  Unfortunately, in markets where there are more listings than buyers it is sometimes necessary to complete major repairs even though the cost will not be recouped through the sale of the house.

The entire process of getting your home ready to put on the market, requires a lot of effort and an impersonal approach and in some cases a minimal investment. If you are determined to sell your home, you will need the tenacity to do whatever it takes to get the property sold.  Do it correctly the first time and you will save time and have peace of mind with a timely sale.

(Once you have finished this article see Getting Ready)

3-14-2007

Copyright © 2007 High Desert Real Estate