How to get your home ready to sell
First impressions count! It is within the First 8 Seconds of viewing a home, that buyers know if they are interested or not. These first moments are what leaves the lasting impression of your property that converts to a sale – Let’s make those 8-seconds’ count! Follow the 11 cost effective strategies to sell your home faster and for more profit.
By: Robin J Lambrecht, Realtor
Introduction
You’re ready to sell your home and start a new chapter in life, So, what can you do to sell your home fast for the best price? It is important to create a welcoming ambience by presenting your home in its best possible light.
11 cost effective and simple strategies to make a lasting impression and sell your property faster and for more profit.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get your house prepared to sell. A well-ordered home, with great lighting, and lots of space is what everyone wants, not a home filled personal belongings. Spending a little time and effort before you list your property will increase your profit and you will sell your home in a shorter time frame.
1. Curb Appeal
Look at your home from the street and see how it compares to other properties close by. This is the first contact someone has with your home and it needs to look well-maintained, clean, uncluttered, and cared for. Even if the inside of your home is beautiful, first impressions count and buyers judge your home way before they step through your front door. You jeopardize your sale if the property doesn’t compare to those around you. Many prospective buyers have the impression that if a home is in good repair, that it was well maintained and therefore, there will be less issues later on after the purchase.
Ensure the grass is cut, hedges are trimmed, fences are in good repair, the pool is clean, and there is no clutter in the yard such as bikes, toys, garbage bins, etc. Consider a new coat of paint or wash the siding. These unsightly issues either diminish the buyer’s enthusiasm, or encourages them to put in a low offer because of the amount of perceived work that must be done.
2. Hire a Helping Hand
Make minor repairs and fix anything broken as these are what turn off potential buyers. Each time a buyer sees an issue the less they want to offer, because of the hassle of getting all the things fixed.
Walk through your home with a critical eye, make a list, and fix any leaky faucets, cracks or holes in the walls, chipped tile, cracked windows, stained carpets, broken items, squeaky doors, and ensure there are covers on all electrical outlets, etc. Ensure all the cabinets and doors close properly. A coat of paint goes a long way in making a home look clean, open and bright. Be sure to choose a neutral color that will appeal to more people. Light colors such as, (whites, light greys, and light beiges) to make the room look bigger and cover any wall imperfections – not all people like purple or bright orange.
The rooms that sell a home are the kitchen and bathrooms, so update these areas if needed. If there are major issues such as a new roof that would take too much time or that you can’t afford to repair, mention this in the sales listing as you need to disclose any problems. It is helpful to get estimates done for any major repairs needed -You could offer a discount on your price that goes towards the repair. These appraisals also are extremely valuable during negotiations to ensure you are getting the best price.
3. Remove Personal Items
Although you may like showcasing your big catch, the family photos, or your trophy collection, it’s a big No No. Think ‘Show-Home’ and make the space showcase the room without the distraction of your personal items in view. Buyers are better able to imagine and visualize the home as their own. Remove children’s artwork, souvenirs, certificates, etc.
The other reason is to protect your identity for safety reasons. Many buyers like to take pictures while visiting multiple homes to remember the specifics and you don’t want your personal pictures being circulated.
4. Declutter
Similar to depersonalizing your home, a clutter-free space allows buyers to focus on the house rather than your belongings. It may be difficult at first but goes a long way in appealing to buyers, as they want to imagine themselves living in the space with their possessions. It is important to put away all those extra things that distract a buyer from seeing your home. When a home is free of clutter, buyers can focus on the home. If a buyer is serious, they often look in cupboards so, ensure they are organized with plenty of room available. The emotional feelings one experiences has an enormous impact on their decision making.
Consider donating items, selling, or use a short-term storage unit to put away anything that is not necessary, such as golf clubs, over flowing closets, trinkets, toys, pet supplies, and excess furniture. ‘Less is more’ in this case and gives your home a brighter and bigger feel when it is tastefully presented. By decluttering your house, you are preparing for your move by prepacking items you will not need – it is also a cathartic experience that assists you in seeing your home as a commodity for sale, allowing you to make better decisions. It allows you to focus on the new life you are creating after the sale.
5. Deep Clean
A well maintained and cared for home is a desirable attribute. Cleaning can make the difference! Look inside and out, from top to bottom for hidden areas that have not been cleaned in a while. This is your biggest task in getting your home ready for sale. This is what will make you stand out above your competition.
Deep clean carpets and curtains that are often overlooked. You don’t want foul odors or stains dissuading potential buyers. The main odor culprits are from smoking, garbage bins, plugged drains, pets, and cooking. Ensure your home is well ventilated and that the source of any foul smells is rectified. The musty or old stuffy smell in a home may indicate mold or water damage issues and is a major red flag.
Many prospective buyers look under the sink for leaks, in the oven, toilets, showers, inside the fridge, window seals etc., so make sure this looks tidy, clean and organized. A clean, well-maintained house, subliminally tells a buyer that there will be no future issues.
6. Stage Your Home
A home that is staged with tasteful furniture and décor enhances the appearance, creates a welcoming space that leads to a faster sale. It has been demonstrated in publications that those who ‘stage’ their property sold for up to 23% over listing price, and spent less time on the market – well worth the time and investment!
An empty home makes it more difficult for someone to imagine themselves living in it. Many people do not have the imagination to see what it would look like with furniture. Believe it or not, but a home with furniture looks bigger and more inviting. Lighting is very important to brighten and cheer-up a room, so you may consider upgrading your bulbs.
You may consider renting a few nice pieces of furniture or buy some tasteful updates if you are selling the home with furniture included. Ensure the use of each room is clear, for example, a bedroom that was converted to a game room should be returned to a bedroom as they hold more value. Have the minimum amount of furniture required in the room, because space sells.
Pleasant smells from fresh flowers, diffuser or a candle, enhances the appeal of your property. Choose scents such as lemon, vanilla, cinnamon, Jasmin or orange. The “2021 Profile of Home Staging” by the National Association of Realtors states that 82 percent of buyers’ agents claimed that staging a home helped buyers visualize the property as their own. The goal is to present your home so that buyers want what you have.
7. Find a Listing Agent
Our Website is www.paradisefoundrealestate.com
Robin Cell / WhatsApp – +506 – 8325 – 5961
Ron Cell / WhatsApp – +506 – 6023 – 9088
Ensure you find an agent who has lived in the area and has good experience with the leaders in the community. They should be legal to sell, be registered with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and the Countries specific Association. In Costa Rica it is the Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors (CRGAR). It is also important that your realtor is recognized by the Countries Financial Institution oversite – in Costa Rica it is called SUGEF – that monitor transactions to ensure no money laundering is taking place.
Don’t forget to assess the local housing market to get a sense of your competition and your home’s value. Your realtor will do a property valuation to determine the value of your home. A skilled Realtor will guide you through the process, such as marketing, showing, and negotiating, to ensure you get the best price possible.
This is done by assessing the local market, trends, and comparative analysis, which includes comparing your home to other similar listings, square footage, location, features, and amenities that it offers. The most important thing is to list your property at the right price, this is the biggest mistake you can make when selling your home. If you over price your home it could be on the market a long time.
Choosing the right realtor will make selling your home stress-free and seamless, setting you up for success. Looking at testimonials from others.
8. Hire a Professional Photographer
Your agent will be able to assist you in finding a professional photographer. Alternatively, the Realtor may be well versed at creating stunning videos and fliers that highlight the architectural and homes best features.
Great photos capture a buyers’ attention and showcases the homes best features and benefits. Include photos of the community to showcase what it has to offer – such as the park, community hall, beach area, etc.
Bright pictures with lots of light that are clear, encourage buyers to request a viewing. High quality, high resolution professional photos and videos stand out online and this is where most buyers start in their search for a home. They choose 3-5 homes to view based on these pictures.
9. Market Your Home
A good real estate agent should be able to entice buyers using different marketing strategies. They will have connections to multiple potential buyers and relationships with other broker agencies who may have a buyer for your home.
In Costa Rica many of our buyers are investors from other Countries, so it is important to market to these clients. It is important to note the amenities available in the area, schools, shops, clinics, etc. In today’s housing market, your real estate agent must have a good knowledge of the area and expertise in marketing know-how, such as using social media channels, emails, mailers, YouTube videos, and events to stir up interest in your home.
10. Plan an Open House
An open house is a great way to get people talking about your home and encourages buyers to purchase when they see other people interested. They attract buyers and agents who are looking for the perfect home for their clients. I have seen offers to purchase during an open house and the possibility of multiple bids. An open house can attract more people in one day than in weeks on the market.
11. Show your Home
Be flexible if you want to sell your property quickly for a good price. Houses on the market for a longer period of time discourage buyers as they think something must be wrong if it hasn’t sold. Ensure your home is always ready for a showing as many clients request to see a home the same day, they discover the listing. Ensure the lights to every room is on, blinds are open, and there is a pleasant smell in the home. Good agents ensure their buyers are prequalified to buy so first impressions are very important.
Conclusion
If you want to sell your home, you need to consider its current condition, any necessary improvements that need to be made, and your listing price. If you want to sell your home for a higher price, you need to make improvements. If you want to sell a home without making improvements, then you may need to compromise on the price. Your house must present as well or better than your competition and be competitively priced. Asking your listing agent for guidance on both price and preparation for listing your home is a good idea. Follow our list of strategies to get your house ready to sell.
