With the Spring selling season fast approaching now is the time to get your mind set on accomplishing the goal of making your home stand out from the rest of the inventory for sale.
Most Real Estate markets around the country are down and the competition is fierce for a buyer pool that has shrunk dramatically. Presenting your home in the best light will give you a leg up on the competition.
"Curb appeal" is often a catch phrase that is tossed around in Real Estate circles. 1st impressions are critical! Most buyers will find your home online and if your Realtor has done a good job with photography your home should look pretty decent.
Don't disappoint them by leaving your yard look like hurricane just took place!
Here are a few quick pointers for your homes exterior to help create a more timely sale: 
- Clean up all debris from this past winter including any tree limbs, branches, and left over leaves.
- Clean the driveway and walkway of any sand and other debris.
- Pay careful attention to have all your landscaping beds raked and weeded out.
- Trim your bushes if needed. Pay attention to keeping them a few feet back from the home allowing for proper ventilation.
- Consider planting some hearty Spring flowers that have lots of color.
- Assess your driveway and get it seal coated if it looks old and worn. Seal coating really does wonders to give your home a new and appealing feel.
- Clean out your gutters. You do not want your gutters looking that could harbor creatures from the black lagoon.
- Hose down your deck and consider seal coating the surface if needed.
- The entry way to your home should sparkle! A fresh coat of paint on the front door always looks great. Make sure you remove any old cob webs.
- Consider a few potted plants at the entry with some nice flowers.
- Use a garden hose and spray down any areas of your siding that may have mold or mildew build-up.
Just as important is how your home looks on the inside. The properties that are punished the most in a challenging market are the ones where the buyers have to think about investing their time and money dealing with a previous sellers issues.
Trust me when I tell you that when you and I estimate the cost to repair an item is $500, the buyer is estimating $1000 in their mind. You will not win this battle.
Here are some easy things to consider for your homes interior:
- The 1st thing you should consider is taking any unnecessary possessions and remove them from your home. You want to make your home feel as large and airy as possible. De-cluttering old furniture, boxes, and nick knacks go a long way in making a home presentable. I would consider a local storage center in your area for these things, as it is well worth the investment.
- If you can not find out local storage facility I would consider renting a storage unit from PODS (portable on demand storage).
- Next on the list should be a major Spring Cleaning. The bathrooms and kitchen should be spotless! These are the rooms that buyers will pay the most attention to. No big mystery, as these rooms are the most costly to upgrade.
- Clean out all your closets. Buyers are always looking for closet space. Having your closets neatly organized is important.
- Wash down all your windows. Homes always show better when there is plenty of natural light. Don't let years of grime and dust get in the way.
- Consider touch up painting any high traffic areas where scuff marks and worn paint are easily visible.
- Always paint or bleach any old stains away. For example if one of your kids took a shower without the curtain fully closed and there is a large stain in the kitchen ceiling below get it fixed. For one it looks awful and two buyers are going to assume you have a plumbing issue.
- Clean out and organize your garage. A spacious garage will be a consideration for many home buyers.
- In areas of the home where natural light is not the best make sure you have lamps with higher watt bulbs.
- Clear your kitchen counters completely of everything but the bare bones essentials.
- Clean all faucets,mirrors,lights, and ceiling fans.
- Re-caulk any tubs, showers, sinks, or tile work that has loose grout.
Above all else you want to take your emotions out of all the decision making when it comes to getting your home "staged".
Work with your Realtor and make it a team effort. Remember the goal is to get your home SOLD!
You may be taking pride in your PURPLE bathroom but the next buyer most likely will not.
While you have lived in your home for years and enjoy the way it looks a buyer has not.
If your Realtor does not have much experience is setting the stage for your home consult a professional stager.
Here is an excellent video that illustrates many of the points I have mentioned in this article.
Getting your home to look like something out of Better Homes and Gardens is certainly going to go a long way in getting to the closing table.
Don't forget though that all this effort will be for naught if you do not price your home properly and pick a top producing Realtor to work with. In a challenging market these are the two most important decisions you will be faced with.
See selling your home in a buyers market and why your Metrowest Massachusetts home expired for explanation about proper pricing and picking web savvy Realtor with a great track record.
When selling a home in this environment the 3 P's of Real Estate don't have much of chance of working. What are the 3 P's of Real Estate? Put a sign in the yard, put it in MLS, and pray. This marketing strategy used to work for many agents when the Real Estate market was booming.
See Social marketing blogging short sales and the seller I never met for an explanation of how a Realtor with a dominant internet presence can be your best friend!
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About the Author: The above Real Estate information on preparing your Massachusetts home for the Spring
selling season was provided by Bill Gassett, a Nationally recognized leader in his field. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-435-5356.
Have a home to sell in Metrowest Mass? I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my marketing expertise!
For Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate and homes see Metrowest Mass Real Estate. Want to have MLS access to beat other buyers to your dream home? Sign up with no obligation at my MLS Property Finder Site.
I service the following towns in Metrowest Massachusetts: Hopkinton, Milford, Upton, Southboro, Westboro, Ashland, Holliston, Mendon, Hopedale, Medway, Grafton, Northbridge, Uxbridge, Franklin, Douglas, and Framingham MA.
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Excellent article Bill. Every seller could use this information to make their home more sellable.
I forgot to sign in Bill. That's me above.
Thanks Kay. I think there are plenty of folks who don't realize just how important it is to have a home that shows real well. The days of being able to not pay attention to your home are gone. In a sellers market there is less need to be in top top shape. This certainly does not apply today!
Bill - a great list of things to do to help that home sell. The amazing thing, they are too often over-looked.
Mike you are right there are plenty of sellers that believe they can just get away with things because they have previously in better markets for home selling. unfortunately not the case today.
One of the best things I did last time I moved was rent storage several months ahead of time and gradually making trips with my truck to drop things off. No rush. AND TONS of stuff moved out really "de-cluttered" my house.
Bill, great prep ideas not only for exterior and interior home selling prep but also spring cleaing.
Bill great post ....lots of useful info to pass on to all sellers thank you ......peace zane
Steve - There are usually quite a few folks that would greatly benefit from storing their "stuff". As you know a large open flowing home offers the best presentation.
Gary - Thanks! In a tough selling environment home sellers need every edge they can get.
Zane - Thanks very much. I appreciate the compliments on preparing your home to sell.
Bill--What a detailed list of how sellers should get ready to sell their home. Preparation is one of the most important steps in getting a home sold quickly and for the best price. Hiring a knowledgeable REALTOR like you, is another essential step! Good job!
Teri - Thanks for the compliments on preparing your home for sale. While making sure your home is in showplace condition is important, all of a sellers efforts will be fruitless if they don't price their home properly. As you know there are lots of sellers that don't want to come to grips with the reality of the market.
Excellent post Bill. It can take a few weeks to prepare your home for sale correctly. Home owners need to take this into account when planning.
Thanks Erik! The days of just being to clean a few rooms, stick a for sale sign in the lawn and expect an offer are over. A successful home seller will take the time necessary to really plan on making their home sparkle.
Time spent on preparation can give you the best opportunity for success.
Terry no doubt about it. The time invested in home sale preparation is well worth the effort!
Bill I think you did a good job here like always! Definately good advice!
This is an excellent reminder of what needs to be done in order to prepare your house and really have it show the best that it can. With so many homes on the market, it is especially important to have your home look it's best in order to stand out amongst the competition. Now, how do we get our Sellers to do all of these things? :)
Shane - Thanks for the props on my article. I enjoying about writing about home selling as I mostly work as a listing agent. Sellers who listen are almost always rewarded.
Susan - Getting a seller to listen is really important. There are times when these conversations are difficult as many sellers take a lot of pride in their homes and don't realize sometimes that there are plenty of homes that will have a leg up on them. Sometimes for the really stubborn clients it is easier just to suggest that they speak with a professional stager.
Great Post - where did you find the video - I think it really visualizes the point. BTW - you are someone I look to for great tips and ideas of how to show value to my clients. The market reports are completely inspired by you - thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Hi Cathy - The video is from howcast. If you watch the whole video at the end you will find the embedded code. I appreciate your compliments on my work and I am glad to know I have inspired you:)
Bill I like your Three P's of Real Estate. In this Real Estate Market,we have to do some serious praying in finding a home buyers and sellers. Have a great weekend. Great post.
Lanre - thanks for the compliments on my article!
Bill, These are excellent tips on preparing a home for sale and should be repeated often!
Thanks Barb! I know you realize how important having a well staged home is in a competitive market. There are plenty of homes that just need a general cleaning and they would be much better off.
You've done a reall nice job. Staging is really becoming a critical thing
Jeff - thanks a bunch. If not staging than at least making the home presentable. There are so many sellers that just don't realize how important a homes appearance can be. Of course picking a good Realtor and marketing the heck out of the property are also extremely important as well.
Bill - Great article. Give the competition out there right now for anyone looking to put therir home on the market, you've really hit on how important it is for a home to be in the best possible condition and strategically priced in order for it to be sold quickly.
Donna I love it when you find a seller that is educated about the market and listens to sound advice whether it be about pricing, staging, or something else. It makes such a difference when you are working with people who get it!
Bill - I think you didn't miss a thing; spring cleaning is something I also have to get done. Great article!
Thanks Petra. It is funny that you mention that you need to clean your place. Every Spring I clean my home top to bottom and I am not even selling my home. I have always enjoyed having a well maintained property:)
If we did all these things even when we were not selling, we would be ahead of the game! Good suggestions. I would also say Clean the baseboards (i just reminded myself!!)
As always a great blog. Great tips and reminders. I like the video, too.
Bill, you did a great job with the post and the video. I think I may "borrow" some of these ideas for my marketing. Thanks!
great info as always Bill - thanks for taking the time to post this - staging a home, especially little things, are more important than ever
Kristi, Nelson, Zilkia & Randall - Thanks for the compliments on my article about preparing your home for the Spring selling season. The effort a seller puts in for getting their home is tip top shape is usually well rewarded as you all know!
Bill: Great post loaded with great info! Staging -- even if that only comes in the form of a general clean-up and de-cluttering -- is vital to selling
Kim - Thanks! Getting sellers to listen to your advice sometimes can be a challenge but those that do a well rewarded with a timely sale for more money than they otherwise would have gotten if they did nothing. Of course pricing the home properly and selecting a good Realtor is just as important.
Bill, excellent advice as always. This is a must read for sellers. You are right - the competition for buyers is fierce ! Properties need to show extremely well, be priced right, and have a top producing Realtor doing the marketing and negotiating !
Thanks Chris - Picking a Realtor that will give a home seller honest pricing advice is always an important consideration, as you know:)
Bill G - great tips and info for your clients on preparing your massachusettes home for sale , good luck and best in 2009
Thanks James. There has been a definite increase in showing activity. I am looking forward to a decent Spring market.
Bill,
You've given potential sellers a great list of things to get done to help their homes to sell.
Bill, good checklist, some basics covered here and also some things that sellers tend to neglect. Great job!
Join my new AR group and post your blog at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice
Regina P. Brown
Regina - There are probably a few others I could have added to the checklist but these are the basics. Getting a home in fantastic showing condition is one essential element in getting a home sold. Picking an excellent Realtor who gives a seller accurate market data and advice to price the home is also just as critical. We bothe know that without the right price all the other efforts will go down the tube.
Excellent advice Bill,
I also believe that a pre-listing home inspection can be a valuable selling tool, but I may be a tad biased.
Kevin
Kevin - Thanks! I see nothing wrong with doing a pre-listing home inspection. In a buyers market the home inspections often turns into a 2nd round of negotiations. Having all the minor repairs done and out of the way is important.
Bill I find the $199,000 price recommendation a bit of a problem. The home will be missed by agents that search for homes $200,000 plus. It is a never ending question and I don't know if there is a "true" answer, Karen
Karen I would price the home at $200,000 myself instead of $199,900 or $205,000 as the video mentions.
Thanks for sharing Bill! Always good content!
Thanks Christianne I appreciate the compliments:)
Bill - Terrific tips to get the inside and the outside of the home ready for showing; can't do one without the other, the exterior is as important as the interior. I see more people utilizing the POD to get some of the extra stuff out of the house so it will show better.
Jennifer I have seen quite a few people use the pods as well if they have a little less that what would normally go into storage. De-cluttering is certainly an important part of presenting a home well.
Bill, this is great information for sellers, the video is excellent. Locally, they seem to understand the competition for buyers and the importance of preparing and staging their home for sale. I'd like to reblog for the Lynchburg market.
Bill, excellent article with a video that I will plan on using myself. Love the photos, as well and would love an email where these can be obtained. Excellent as always.
You are the Realtor of choice in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.
Debbie I am glad you have like my article about preparing your home for sale and will be sharing it with your readers. How a home shows in today's challenging environment is critical!
Thanks Gena I will email you the information you are looking for:)
Bill Gassett, Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate (RE/MAX Executive Realty)
Bill Gassett knows Real Estate 2.0. Visit his blog, "Massachusetts Real Estate Voice" and get ready to learn!
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Congrats on the feature, Bill!
Sorry I missed this when it was first posted because it's a great post with lots of good info for consumers. It's a little overwhelming though... those lists would be all the excuse I'd need to stay put another 10 years. LOL.
Bill, wow...this a good post. A lot of stuff to do, but worth it if you can sell your home. ;-)
Margaret & Teri thanks for your comments. The list may look long but they are all fairly easy things to accomplish that can potential put lots of money in a home sellers pocket.
This is a great list, too, for spring cleaning. I like the video! Nice job Bill!
I am excited about the Spring season arriving soon. I love all of your tips for my sellers that have been waiting for the thaw to list.
Mara & Sabrina - Thanks for commenting on preparing your home for sale. Those that are looking to sell need to understand how fierce the competition is when the buyer pool has shrunk drastically. Having your home in top notch shape is vital!
I can't believe how important the condition of a property has become. Of course it's always been important but with the focus on keeping the property in the best condition possible through staging and education, it's definitely tougher for those who just want to list it and forget it.
Great article Bill! Outstanding info for Sellers in any market. I finally think most home sellers are starting to listen to professionals who understand what it takes to make their property stand out. Happy Spring!
Great post. I need to get a spring selling post done myself. Always great information - Thanks Bill!
Bill, Great advice for sellers. Some of these things are so easy to do . I like the idea of Pods.
Amber & Gita - Thanks for your comments on preparing your home for sale. I know you are both aware of how much a difference it makes to have a clean well presented home.
Hi Bill! I don't know how I missed this but, what a great post for your sellers! I see that you've been re-blogged as well so, you KNOW you've hit a home run with this one. I would print this to share at listing presentations or email with the 'thank you' for the meeting...
Hi Debe - I am now allowing the re-blog feature on most non local posts because the juice is getting properly passed to my Massachusetts Real Estate Voice blog. Thanks for the compliments on this article about preparing your home for sale.
Hi Bill ~ Great tips for sellers! My husband and I had considered putting our house on the market, and with a year or two before actually doing it, I made up a list of things that had to be done. Hubby would say "I'm not doing that", and I would tell him, "Yes, we are!"; I'm not having a potential buyer double or triple what the work actually costs and deduct it from the price. I won that argument!
BTW, I am going to reblog this!
Lu Annatone - Thanks for stopping by and visiting. It look like you may be in the business of helping sellers yourself:)
Kathy - Having a home show roomy and uncluttered is so important today as you know. Leaving repairs left to the next buyer is a big mistake!! It ends up costing your big time! The are too many choices today for buyers. As a seller you are setting yourself up for failure when your home is not in great shape.
Wow, what a comprehensive post, very informative, well-written and thorough, which seems to be the norm for all of your posts. Every seller should read this before putting their home on the market.
Dan & Amy thanks for your compliments on my article about preparing your home for sale. I do like to spend the time to write in detail about important Real Estate issues.
It's an good article and it seems that people in Massachusetts should read this article.The article was very informative and i hope that i will get this kind of articles in future too.But i disagree Bill on one point even there is another company for portable storage thats Moveable Cubicle and i bet you it's cheaper than PODS
Good article Bill.It seems that every seller at Masachusetts will be happy to see this article.
I have never heard of Moveable Cubicle. Where are you located?