The easy answer to maximizing your
return from your home sale is to sell your own home. Cutting the
agent out of the equation can save you thousands of dollars in
real estate commission. This is particularly true when you are
able to sell your home for a good price.
The ability to reap additional profits on the
sale of your home can be accomplished easily enough if you make
the right improvements. The following are a few tips from my real
estate book "Home Selling Secrets".
Real
estate book - Tip 1.
To get the best price; start by giving your prospective
buyer an enhanced feelings about your home. Feelings of more open
space, more light, more rooms, more closet space, greater privacy,
warmth and security. These are all things that can trigger an
better emotional response in a potential buyer. Best of all, these
improvements won't necessarily cost you a fortune.
An example could be something as small as removing
some mould on a shower curtain. Cleaning or replacing the offending
curtain could remove any doubts about dampness in the home. A
crack in a wall can be easily be repaired with a little plaster
and touch up paint. This type of low cost repair can immediately
eliminate, what could become an unstated concern that your home
is poorly maintained.
It is important to remove any potential anxiety
if the potential buyer is to feel an overall desire for your home.
Real
estate book - Tip 2. Mirrors Give The Feeling Of More Space
Mirrors can provide a greater sense of space
and elegance when properly positioned. Be careful not to overdo
it, but when placed properly throughout your home, each area will
seem larger to the potential home buyer. Either hang mirrors on
picture hooks or buy some of those self adhesive mirror squares.
Putting mirrors on a closet door in the master bedroom can be
an attractive touch.
Real
estate book - Tip 3.
Adding More Closet Space
Everyone seems to have too many clothes! So,
for potential buyers there never seems to be enough closet space.
One solution is to buy some of those low cost closet organizers.
They can make all the difference and give the impression of extra
space.
Another idea is to make a "fake closet"
that looks as though it is a part of the room. Simply hang a rod
for the clothes across one corner of a bedroom. Then make a simple
screen to cover the corner. The screen needn't be expensive to
make and could match the material of the bedspread or drapes.
Real estate
book - Tip 4.
Rejuvinate Those Tired Old Floors Unsightly floors
can be another buyer turnoff. Regardless of whether you have wooden
or tiled floors, do whatever you can to make them shine again.
Rent a floor sander or waxing machine and rejuvenate those tired
old floors. If you have carpeted floors you should have them cleaned.
Either hire a professional carpet cleaning company or a carpet
cleaning machine and do it yourself. You'll be surprised at how
much dirt comes out of the average carpet.
The other option is to purchase new tiles, carpets
or floor coverings. This might sound expensive, but new flooring
can add thousands of dollars to the value of a home. A cheaper
option is to buy some scatter rugs and place them strategically
around the house.
Real estate
book - Tip 5.
Make a Bare Wall Beautiful Again
Nothing turns off a potential buyer quicker than
dull, dingy, disgusting looking walls. Yet, surprisingly, walls
are sometimes the easiest part of a room to improve.
One idea is to cover large wooden frames with
designer fabric and hang them like photos or pictures.
Wallpapering can also be an inexpensive, quick
and easy improvement to a wall. A fresh coat of paint, or the
right wallpaper, can bring any room back to life. The main thing
is to be careful with your color schemes. Remember, you’re
trying to make the house more appealing to potential buyers.
Real
estate book - Tip 6.
Plants And Flowers Add Life
Adding indoor plants and flowers to the house
is easy, relatively inexpensive and can add atmosphere and feeling
to a home. Best of all you can take them with you when you move.
Attractive ceramic pots can also add a designer flair.
Real
estate book - Tip 7.
Store and Hire
Most of us accumulate clutter over the years.
Sometimes, when selling a house, it pays to have a good cleanout
before showing potential buyers through. Also, some furniture
may be dated or worn. Placing furniture and "clutter"
in storage is an option worth considering. The decor can then
be spruced up by hiring suitable, well presented, furniture for
the open house days.
Real estate
book - Tip 8.
Sparkling, Clean Bathrooms A Must
First impressions do count! Bathrooms need to
be cleaned as if you could eat off any surface. They must be spotless!
Clean baths, showers, toilets and sinks. Replace the shower curtain
if it has mould on it. Look for water stains or rust in basins
or around the fixtures. Check that the chalking around the shower,
tub and sink is in immaculate condition. If not – replace
it!
Real estate book
- Tip 9.
Adding a Room Without Calling in the Contractor
Depending on the layout and style of your house,
you could consider installing simple room dividers. Some homes
suit an open plan look whilst other benefit from a "separate
room" feel. Dividers can give a buyer the feeling there are
more actual rooms in your house. A buyer walking through your
home, will often subconsciously count the rooms and get a "feel"
for the house.
Real
estate book - Tip 10.
The Smells You Don't Smell
Every home has a certain smell to it... it is
just that we get used to the smells and don't notice them. But,
visitors will notice! Some realtor tricks for open houses include:
baking some bread or cinnamon rolls, brewing some coffee, cleaning
the microwave and refrigerator with vanilla essence, placing fresh
flowers or perfume devices throughout the home ...the list goes
on.
© Noel Peebles, Market Leaders FSBO real
estate books.
Noel Peebles is co-author of the best selling
FSBO real estate book
"Home Selling Secrets Revealed."
For details http://www.forsalebyownerguide.com |