In today's super-competitive real estate market, any little edge to help potential buyers envision themselves in the house you're trying to sell can make a difference.
That's why I think "depersonalizing" when you put your house up for sale.
There are key steps -- besides putting a realistic, post-housing bubble asking price on the property -- that can make a house stand out amid an immense inventory of "for sale" signs.
Keep in mind that the buyer has a lot of choices in today's market. It's most likely the shiny apple that's going to get picked. It's the same with houses. It's to a seller's benefit to make their house shine. It absolutely is.
How do you make it shine?
For starters, take down the wallpaper. Removal of all wallpaper is huge. It's too individualized to the current owner's tastes. Buyers just do not like wallpaper. If you go into a wallpaper store, there are thousands of patterns. Why is that? It's because people are very particular.
Still, some sellers are trying to sell houses with a different kind of wallpaper in every room. That puts them at a disadvantage to a seller who has "neutralized" personal tastes by removing wallpaper and repainting with warmer colors.
Clutter also has to go.
De-cluttering is a real important step that I think a lot of sellers overlook. We live in a house differently than we sell it, and packing away things that you don't use gives the buyer the opportunity to walk through and mentally put their things in the house.
People also get blind to the clutter. Ninety-five percent of sellers need an honest but tough assessment of what needs to get put in storage.
Carpeting is another issue. Buyers frown on houses that have a different color of carpet in every room. If the carpet would cost too much to replace but it has hardwood floors underneath, the best option probably is to pull it up and show the floor.
But if you can afford to replace it before you put the home on the market, it will make a big difference.
It doesn't need to be real expensive carpet, just mid-grade, recommending beige as the color. Beige that flows right through, that will change the house's appearance like you wouldn't believe.
Evidence the house has been well-maintained is important, right down to the front door. With inventories high in a slower market, buyers expect to be able to move right in and not face neglected maintenance issues.
It sounds corny, but make sure your front door looks good and the doorbell works. It's one of those signs that, if you're not willing to have your front look good and doorbell work, what other things don't work?
A likely sale killer, pet odors.
Smelly properties don't sell.
In the end, it usually comes down to a house in the best condition at the best price.
Homes that are priced right vs. their immediate competitors that are in great condition are the ones that get 30 showings in the first week on the market and three offers. It happens.
Properties that are in so-so condition and priced the same or higher than other competing listings are going to sit for a really long time and may never sell.
So take the time to make your home stand out and you will be happy you did. Sell faster in a shorter period of time.
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