Real Estate Myths
April 10, 2007
Myth: Your home must be turned into a showplace before it is listed.
While it is true that homes in pristine condition generally sell faster and for more money than other less pristine listings, it is important for sellers to weigh cost versus improvement.
As the market has changed, experienced real estate agents can be helpful in recommending improvements that will draw attention to the assets of the home and minimize its shortcomings. Just because granite kitchen counters are the "in" thing does not mean that they are appropriate in every home. Carpet and paint may be far more important.
How then does one "stage" one's home? I like to suggest as a first step, to takae photos of each room. The homeowner can take the pictures or the agent can also be helpful. These pictures then let the homeowner see his home as a buyer might. The doll collection, the comfortable, but oversized furniture, the collection of family photos are all distractions to a buyer who needs to picture living in the home. A seller may have to store some furniture and pack up possessions in order to neutralize the home. It may not be possible to make it a showcase home, but crisp, clean and neat go a long way in creating that appealing atmosphere.
The seller and the agent should determine a budget for "staging" and then priortize a "to-do" list. Remeber, "There is no second chance at a first impression."
Myth: Your home must be turned into a showplace before it is listed.
While it is true that homes in pristine condition generally sell faster and for more money than other less pristine listings, it is important for sellers to weigh cost versus improvement.
As the market has changed, experienced real estate agents can be helpful in recommending improvements that will draw attention to the assets of the home and minimize its shortcomings. Just because granite kitchen counters are the "in" thing does not mean that they are appropriate in every home. Carpet and paint may be far more important.
How then does one "stage" one's home? I like to suggest as a first step, to takae photos of each room. The homeowner can take the pictures or the agent can also be helpful. These pictures then let the homeowner see his home as a buyer might. The doll collection, the comfortable, but oversized furniture, the collection of family photos are all distractions to a buyer who needs to picture living in the home. A seller may have to store some furniture and pack up possessions in order to neutralize the home. It may not be possible to make it a showcase home, but crisp, clean and neat go a long way in creating that appealing atmosphere.
The seller and the agent should determine a budget for "staging" and then priortize a "to-do" list. Remeber, "There is no second chance at a first impression."
posted by shirley harry at 12:48 PM
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