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People
usually decide within two minutes whether they like a home or
not. The first impression is often the lasting impression. So
ask yourself if your home is as presentable as it can be. The
best way to find out is to imagine you’re a prospective buyer.
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TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION
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FIRST IMPRESSIONS
ARE LASTING IMPRESSIONS.
An inviting exterior insures inspection of the interior.
Keep your lawn trimmed and edged - the flower bed cultivated - the
yard free and clear of refuse.
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KEEP IT COOL!
On a warm day, make sure your air
conditioner is turned on to make the house pleasantly cool, so it’s
obvious that your home has air conditioning. The prospective
buyer may be uncomfortably warm and walking into your nice cool
house may be just the thing to tip the scales in your favor.
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ATMOSPHERE COUNTS....
Aroma of cookies or bread being baked adds
to a pleasant atmosphere...as does a nice fire glowing in your
fireplace on a chilly day.
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DECORATE YOUR HOME...
Does
any part of your house need painting? Faded walls and worn woodwork
reduce buyer interest. It’s sometimes difficult for a prospective
buyer to perceive how a place can be made to look - show the redecorating
first. A quicker sale at a higher price may result
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SPARKLING CLEAN...
A bright, tidy home greatly enhances its
appeal to buyers. Does your carpeting need to be cleaned or
replaced? Clean walls, windows and bathrooms will brighten things
up. Keep the bedrooms tidy. The attic, basement and garage need to
be as neat and clean as possible. If you remove all unnecessary
articles, the full value of your storage and utility space will be
displayed. And it’s the first impression that counts!
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KITCHEN.....
Clear
countertops help give a feeling of spaciousness. And your appliances
should be in good working order!
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FIX THAT FAUCET....
Dripping water discolors the enamel and calls attention
to faulty plumbing. Needed little repairs detract from a home’s
value and the small repairs can pay you large
benefits. |
CLOSET... Clothes
properly hung, shoes, hats and other articles neatly placed will
make your closets appear adequate. Remove some clothing, if necessary,
to make them look roomier.
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LIGHT...
Illumination is a welcome sign. Turn on all
the lights from the front door to the back...from top to
bottom...and the prospect will feel a glowing warmth otherwise hard
to attain. And keep your draperies open during the day!
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THREE’S
A CROWD...
Avoid having too many people present during showings.
The prospect will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the
house. Remind the children to stay in the background and out of
the way. We want the prospects’ attention focused on your home,
in an unhurried way
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SOFT
BACKGROUND
MUSIC...
Very
soft...make a home feel comfortable to a buyer. But turn off the
television - it’s too distracting.
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Pets...
Keep pets out of the way, under control, and preferably
out of the house. And a little air freshener is sometimes advisable,
particularly if the house has been closed up for some time. Also,
please empty litter boxes.
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FURNITURE....
Trying to dispose of furniture to the prospect before
they have purchased the house often loses a sale. Proper timing
is important and these matters are best dealt with after an
offer has been negotiated.
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THE SELLING PROCESS
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Why Do You Need a Comparable Market Analysis
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It
is of prime importance to establish market value prior to placing
your property on the market. A Market Analysis report is a comprehensive
evaluation of the subject property and includes the factors and
trends affecting the property's value such as: Recent comparable
sales, competitive property on the market, financing conditions
available to purchasers, and overall condition of subject property.
Don't rely on advice provided by well meaning neighbors and others
not qualified to make this judgment - Let the facts be your guide
when establishing market value
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PRICE
If
your goal is to obtain top value, enter the market at the right
price. The first two weeks after your property is placed on the
market will command the most attention.
Overpriced property will: Discourage
the right buyers, deter agents, and cause you frustrating and
costly delays.
A
fair market price will: Attract attention and
create a strong demand from numerous buyers and agents, as well
as cause less inconveniences, and allow quicker access to your
proceeds.
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DISCLOSURE
The best protection for any seller of property is to disclose all
defects and/or matters affecting the value of desirability of the
property to the buyer. The more informed a buyer is with the physical
condition of a property, the smoother the transaction for all involved.
We will educate you on current disclosure laws and various ordinances
that could affect the salability of the subject property. *It is
California law to provide a buyer of property with a Transfer Disclosure
statement. Probate and court administered sales can be sold "as-is"
and have exemptions to providing disclosures, but it does not release
the seller/executor from disclosing problems that they are aware
of
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MARKETING YOUR HOME
When
selling your home, you must realize that it's not likely that
the right buyer will simply walk through your door on their own.
Generally, you have to bring your home to the buyer, and that
means counting on a real estate professional to put forth a successful
marketing campaign. You'll want an agent who will make the best
use of television and newspaper advertising, and one who uses
state-of-the-art techniques such as an interactive voice-response
system, a front end MLS system and the internet. And, you'll want
to have a number of open houses to expose your property to a wide
variety of "window shoppers". Make sure your agent is
trained not only in the financial aspect of a real estate transaction,
but the marketing aspect as well.
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OFFER
When
you have a home for sale, eventually a prospective buyer will
"make an offer." As the seller, you basically have three
options: you can accept the offer, reject the offer or give a
counter offer. A counter offer usually will encourage a buyer
to continue their negotiations. You may also receive multiple
offers. You may prefer to take slightly less for your property
from someone who is willing to pay cash, versus someone who needs
to sell their current home first. Contingencies, move-in dates,
and financing are all things to consider when weighing an offer.
Rely on your real estate professional, who can go over the
various points with you, and help you choose the best offer.
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