Spring Market Checklist - Part 3
The Denninger Report - by Gini Denninger
Do Preventive House Inspections. Some sellers are opting to have their homes inspected by licensed inspectors prior to selling. This helps a great deal. For one reason, you are in control of who the inspector will be. There will be no surprises or renegotiations after an inspection by the buyer. Two, you are aware of the problems that an inspector will bring up during the standard home inspection and you can decide what to do about the problem. You can fix it or prepare to offer a concession for it. Have your fireplace & furnace inspected. This is a biggie for the same reasons I recommend a home inspection.
Review. Think you’re finished getting the inside ready? Not so fast. Go through the home with a very honest friend or Realtor and ask them to see if you missed anything. A fresh eye helps, always! If they spot something, don’t argue or justify the issue. Consider it carefully before deciding whether you are going to act on it or not.
Head Outdoors. Stand in front of the house. What is the first thing you see? Usually it is the front door. How attractive is it? Does it need paint? Make sure it is in tip top shape, since it will leave an impression - good or bad, with the buyer. Make it a good one. Sometimes a neglected door leaves such a bad impression the buyer is immediately predisposed to not like the house, even if it fits their bill in every other way. How is the paint job on your home? If it needs attention, if you can afford to do so, take care of it, whether touch up or full paint job. If the exterior is dirty, power-wash it. If you don’t you will pay at the closing table and/or take much longer to sell your home. Is the window trim in good shape? Nicely painted? Make sure the window treatments hang properly when standing outside. If not, that screams neglect or carelessness towards your home. Small things can make all the difference! Place a decorative item on the door or near it, to make a welcoming impression. Mow the lawn and trim your hedges and bushes. Plant flowers when the season permits. Don’t allow dog poop or children’s toys to litter the front or back yard. Make sure the garage door is in good shape and works. If selling during winter, make sure the walk, driveway and exterior stairs are cleared of snow. If you will be out of town hire someone to do so. Lastly, make sure potential buyers can see your house number!
The homes that sell the fastest are the homes that look well cared for and reasonably priced. This is a winning combination for a seller. Skimping in either category means your home will not move quickly or at the price you might desire. Look at your home as if you are a stranger to it, after you have done everything you think was needed to prepare the house. Look hard and see where there is room for improvement. Listen to your agent if they point something out. They are not trying to hurt your feelings, they want the home sold as fast as you do!
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