So often we are involved with your home purchase that many of our blogs focus on you as a buyer. Many times, however, your home buying is contingent on your old home selling! So, this blog is dedicated to you as a home seller. We hope these tips will help you on your journey to the perfect home and, naturally, the perfect Palm State mortgage on that home.
We want your home to beat the 15 second mandate. That is how long it takes for a buyer to sense a good feeling in your house. Teresa Rule, real estate agent in Illinois says, “People want a house that is clean and move-in ready.
She added, “I’ve seen it happen time and time again where $3500 to $3,000 in new carpet will save $15,000 in negotiations. It’s definitely worth it.” She has “three Ds” to teach sellers: De-clutter, de-personalize and decorate.” Keep these “D’s” in mind, as you learn tosee your house as a product.
l. How To Straighten It Up, De-clutter:
How do you distinguish between clutter and decorator items? Rule explains the process with this proviso, “Pick up and put away anything smaller than the distance between your elbow and fingertips.” De-cluttering clears up space, and space is a very good thing in the eyes of the buyer.
Joan Inglis, Professional home stager in Charlotte, N.C. says, “Kill the clutter. Think strategically about display. She even advises sellers to cut down on furniture. “Furnish each room enough to give it a distinct identity – a bed, dresser and nightstand in the master bedroom, for instance – but not jam it full of bric-a-brac.” Real Estate Agents and stagers alike recommend adding DIY closet kits, baskets and plastic organizers to make everything you can’t store look neat and tidy.
2. How To Clean it up:
Wash and power-wash the home exterior and windows. If your rugs are good, have them professionally cleaned and steam and polish the floors.
Be aware of odors. Smells of cooking, cigarette smoking, insect spray and heavy room deodorants will turn off buyers. Outside, clean out the gutters, shine the windows and paint the front door.
3. How To Fix it up:
Painting is a great idea, but all of our experts warn sellers to use a neutral palette and give extra attention to the trim. New lighting fixtures and wall sconces can refresh a tired room and bring added value to your asking price.
Details are very important. Expect buyers to notice all the tiny flaws you have grown to ignore as you lived in the house, over the passage of time. So, pull down that old wallpaper and put new hardware on the cabinets. Add mirrors to small rooms to give the impression of space.
4. How To Sell it up: Since the economy has made this a buyer’s market, it is more important than ever to show your home in its best possible light. Unless you are a gifted decorator who is aware of all the unseen rules of staging a house to sell it quickly, then you can consider hiring a professional staging specialist. Megan Morris, founder and CEO of MHM Professional Staging, Inc. here in Orlando, Fl, says, “Staging has become necessary and a deciding factor in whether a listing stays on the market or sells. MHM Professional Staging, LLC. uses research, careful planning, creative ideas, and hard work to help sell your home.”
She 
has also authored a book, Stageology, which can help you with hints, tips and directions about the decorator features, and the above mentioned secret rules, that give your house the WOW factor for buyers. She points out that, “The Investment in staging is always less than your first price reduction.”
Likewise, Florida Home Staging of Goldenrod, FL, advises sellers to invest in staging because of the importance of photography on the listings. “Since a reported 73% of home buyers look at the internet listings before ever booking a showing or buying a home, it is so important to get the best photos to show off your home. A Home Stager will create an inviting atmosphere that is conveyed in the photos posted online.”
Palm State Mortgage hopes you will embrace your role as a home seller as well as a home buyer. Take advantage of all the advice that is out there, to get your best possible price. Whether you DIY or invest in the professionals, remember your three D’s:De-clutter, de-personalize and decorate. Those words can work for you, even if you do not want to sell your house, but only spruce it up. Palm State Mortgage thanks you for visiting our website and reading our blog, and we wish you, Happy House Selling, “Happy House Hunting,” and Happy House Buying.
