Some rules to follow when selling your home
- Hire a good agent – A professional who knows your neighborhood and has a good track record in the community. Don’t hesitate to ask how many sales they handle in a year, how much of that business has been local and what percentage was representing sellers vs. buyers. A good balance of both is important. It’s good for a listing agent to represent buyers sometimes – it helps to understand both sides of the transaction.
- Clean out the clutter – you are moving: start packing! Closets count too! Don’t just shove your stuff in a closet – those doors will be opened!! I read somewhere that when kitchen counters are free of appliances and other clutter, the kitchen will appear 40% larger. I’m not sure if that’s exactly true, but you get the picture!
- Spiff things up – make any improvements that will make a a difference in how the house shows. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way, a throw on the couch, clean windows! Keep the front walk swept, the front door should be in good shape, the hedges trimmed and the lawn mowed. Buyers make a decision within the first 10 seconds – not whether they’ll buy a particular house, but whether they will even consider the house. First Impressions count for a lot!
- Determine the worth of your home – Knowing the fair market value of your home is so important as it allows you to play the market smarter. Contact me for information on the value of your home, and then,
- Price it right! – I can help you be objective when pricing your home. We need to set the price so that it is as close to market value as possible. The price must reflect trends in the market and take into consideration what has sold in and around the neighborhood. Visit my website for more information on what has sold in Basking Ridge.
- Have a plan; and share this plan with your realtor. Are you set on your price or eager to move? Have you already purchased your next home? How low are you willing to go to make the deal happen? Let’s run through scenarios – be prepared for when that first offer comes in. Typically, the first offer is the best offer, even if it doesn’t appear that way initially.
- Figure out your selling costs: understand the taxes due, attorney fees, township inspections, etc.
- Set the stage – open the curtains, turn on the lights, put away the dog’s dishes. Don’t cook spicy foods, put away the laundry. Place cut flowers on the table. A bright home is a welcoming home. Make it easy to show – don’t require 24 hour notice unless there are extenuating circumstances. It’s hard, but be ready to show the home even on short notice; hopefully this inconvenience will be temporary!
