Home Not Selling?
Home Not Selling? Sweeten the Deal.
With the housing market in a downward spiral, sellers need to get creative. Sweeten the deal and buyers will take a second look at your home. By this, I mean adding something to the deal or adding something to your home that will push it over the top. This real estate market is, without any doubt, a buyer’s market. That means that if you want to sell your home, you are going to need to do something to make it a better buy than the competition’s home.
What makes one house sell faster than the dozen others for sale in the same neighborhood? A little work and ingenuity can go a long way in any real estate transaction. These four tips will help you sell your house without taking a huge hit to your profit. These are things that you can do for yourself without having to go out and hire a big crew to do the work for you. If you are willing to put in a little bit of work and get your hands a little bit dirty, then you will find that success is in the offing.
Sweeten the Deal. A simple incentive can sway the buyer to choose your home instead of the property for sale up the street. Consider offering to pay weekly lawn-mowing or housecleaning services for their first six months. Agree to cover 25 percent of the buyer’s closing costs or their attorney’s fees. A potential buyer comments on your patio furniture? Offer to throw it in as part of the sale.
Paint and Plant. Visual appeal is key to locking in a sale. First, paint all the interior rooms appealing neutral colors. You might be fond of the purple bedroom but it could instantly turn off a potential purchaser. Outside, only paint the exterior if it is in poor condition. Otherwise, touch up trim, shutters and flower boxes. Add a cute birdhouse or two to the yard, and in season, plant some bright flowers, particularly near the main entrance.
De-Clutter. Clutter, knickknacks and rooms crowded with furniture are a turnoff for many buyers. Box up everything you don’t need and leave every room with plenty of open space. Buyers want to envision their own furniture and belongings in the rooms. If the house is completely empty, hire a staging company to set up temporary furniture and tasteful decorations that will give the house a “homey” feel. This is key to today’s home buyers, who are more and more inclined to go after a home that they feel comfortable in.
Remember the Senses. Smell is an important detail; open some windows before you show the home, bake if you have the time. Never light a floral scented candle; many people have allergies or are irritated by candle smells and they will rush through the showing to get back outside. Play mellow music at a low volume, especially if there is highway noise or construction going on nearby. Classical music is relaxing and a good choice.
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December 21 2008 08:00 am | Investment Property