Making Your Property Special
November 24, 2008
In a down market sellers who truly must or wish to sell are wise to take a careful and critical look at their property. One of the most difficult hurdles for many sellers is to detach themselves from the home that has been so special for them. This is especially true of sellers who have lived in the home for many years. The reality of house selling is that once you offer your home for sale, it becomes a commodity; i.e. something that is treated by would-be purchasers as one of many products on the shelf. For that reason, it is important to make it standout from the competition.
First, it is important to recognize that prices have declined and that almost 50% of the Inland Empire real estate market is either bank-owned or short sale. Since most of these properties have deferred maintenance, a crisp, clean and well maintained property will attract potential buyers.
So.....Start at the curb. What do you see? A green lawn? Lots of colorful flowers? Trimmed shrubs and trees? Fresh paint? A rusty mailbox? An inviting entry?
The entry is a great place to focus your attention. If your front doors are just standard and the paint is less than fresh, would be purchasers are already deciding this may not be the property for them. A new door with a glossy enamel, some new molding around the door frame, new hardware and if there is the space, some topiaries in pots. It will amaze you how much this relatively inexpensive makeover (under $2000) will benefit the entire curb appeal.
Next.... Do the repairs that you have put off and adapted to; such as holes in your screens, missing plug and switch plates, soiled grout around plumbing fixtures. the toilet that needs an extra juggle to stop running, the oven that has not been cleaned, etc, etc. Paying attention to the small details sends a signal that you are a caring homeowner.
Paint is always a great freshener. Colors do become out dated. Talk to a paint supply company for some hints as to the "in" colors remembering that neutral is generally preferred over bright and too trendy.
Recognize that a buyer now-a-days wants a turnkey property or a bargain basement price. It is your choice to select the means to make your property special.
In a down market sellers who truly must or wish to sell are wise to take a careful and critical look at their property. One of the most difficult hurdles for many sellers is to detach themselves from the home that has been so special for them. This is especially true of sellers who have lived in the home for many years. The reality of house selling is that once you offer your home for sale, it becomes a commodity; i.e. something that is treated by would-be purchasers as one of many products on the shelf. For that reason, it is important to make it standout from the competition.
First, it is important to recognize that prices have declined and that almost 50% of the Inland Empire real estate market is either bank-owned or short sale. Since most of these properties have deferred maintenance, a crisp, clean and well maintained property will attract potential buyers.
So.....Start at the curb. What do you see? A green lawn? Lots of colorful flowers? Trimmed shrubs and trees? Fresh paint? A rusty mailbox? An inviting entry?
The entry is a great place to focus your attention. If your front doors are just standard and the paint is less than fresh, would be purchasers are already deciding this may not be the property for them. A new door with a glossy enamel, some new molding around the door frame, new hardware and if there is the space, some topiaries in pots. It will amaze you how much this relatively inexpensive makeover (under $2000) will benefit the entire curb appeal.
Next.... Do the repairs that you have put off and adapted to; such as holes in your screens, missing plug and switch plates, soiled grout around plumbing fixtures. the toilet that needs an extra juggle to stop running, the oven that has not been cleaned, etc, etc. Paying attention to the small details sends a signal that you are a caring homeowner.
Paint is always a great freshener. Colors do become out dated. Talk to a paint supply company for some hints as to the "in" colors remembering that neutral is generally preferred over bright and too trendy.
Recognize that a buyer now-a-days wants a turnkey property or a bargain basement price. It is your choice to select the means to make your property special.
posted by shirley harry at 7:53 AM
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