20 Tips to Sell Quicker in today's market...

These 20 tips are provided to assist you when selling your property.  For us to achieve the quickest sale, at the best price, follow these proven steps to maximize our efforts in getting your property sold!  At the time you list your property with us, we’ll have more information to share with you to help you sell quicker and for a better price!

1.  You’ve probably heard it before, but it needs repeating… FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE CRITICAL!  Does your property have curb appeal and make the buyer want to really come inside to check it out?  If the outside of the property doesn’t look well kept and somewhat attractive – they may just say, “I don't like ... or the seller could have/should have...., let’s scratch it off our list and go to the next property.”   It happens.

2.  SHOW and SELL… When anyone sells a product, we are all drawn to nice packaging (the exterior of the property).  Companies spend a small fortune on packing design, appeal and research.  This makes us want to check out the contents to see if it’s something we’re interest in pursuing (the interior). Just imagine, the packaging looks nice, price seems reasonable for what we’re expecting, but once inside, ugh!  What happened?  AND THEY WANT HOW MUCH FOR THIS?  They’ve got to be kidding!  Don’t try to tell the buyer how nice it could look, show them.   Major cleaning and minor redecorating are unbeatable at bringing in top dollar and a quicker sale.  At the time we list your property, we’ll examine every part of the property, just like the buyer will scrutinize it and determine if changes are needed.

3.  LET IT SHINE…LET IT SHINE!  Now that we’ve got the condition in order, let’s talk a little bit about show-casing your property.  People are generally attracted to light.  Notice all the lights when you’re out shopping at any store!  Light makes things appear bigger, better, brighter, cleaner, and more inviting.  So open all the drapes and turn on all the lights – inside and outside - even if the sun is shining for all its worth that day!  At the time we list your property, we’ll review with you our list for getting your property ready for buyers and other agents so it’s presented the best way possible.  Oh by the way, while we’re here, if there are substantially bold or darker colors or bold, loud patterns decorating your property, lighten them up.  You need to decorate for the general public now, not for yourself.  After all, we’re going to sell your property!

4.  GOT A LEAK - ANYWHERE?  GOT A GRUNGY TOILET, TUB, BATHROOM, OR KITCHEN?  FIX, REPAIR, OR REPLACE THINGS NOW.  Buyers expect your property to have some semblance that you live there, after all you probably do.  Buyers will decide against a property or offer substantially less because of the kitchen’s or bathroom’s condition, whether it needed lots of cleaning and/or repairs.  Buyers will envision themselves personally using your facilities, living, eating, sleeping and entertaining there.  We all know how we feel when we’re traveling and need to go to a public washroom or restaurant only to find sometimes, heaven only knows.  We’d be willing to bet there have been times you’ve thought to yourself, even said out loud, or told someone how horrible the place was, and how glad you were you didn’t have to live there, or maybe that you just walked out to go somewhere else.  Now take those same feelings and apply them to your property.  What will buyers think and how will they feel when they come into your bathroom and your kitchen?  Among the first questions an agent or buyer asks is, “What’s it like inside?”  What will buyers and agents say about your property?  Word of mouth travels fast. 

5.  MINOR DETAILS can tell a lot about a property’s care over the years.  Squeaky, sticking doors, cracked or broken windows, loose knobs, uncovered switches and outlets, etc. all reflect negatively on the property.  Little things that need attention, especially when it comes to potential safety issues, are little red flags that will cause a buyer and agent to wonder how the MAJOR stuff has been taken care of over the years.  After all, since it is usually more costly and sometimes more time consuming to take care of major items, were these items neglected too?  Will your property say, “They’ve taken good care of me!”, or will it say, “Help me, I need some TLC.”   

6.  PUT SAFETY FIRST!  Be sure all electrical covers are on and no one can trip over anything.  Keep stairs clear inside and outside and snow removed in winter.  We don’t want someone falling or getting injured.  Also, if at all possible, turn on all lights inside and outside for showings.  People are naturally attracted to light.  It gives a feeling of warmth, security, etc.  Light switches are not always where you’d expect them to be.  Even if the house is vacant, leave the lights on timers for safety.  Even light sensor "night lights" or low level lights are better than nothing.

7.  EXPAND!  Before the for sale sign goes up, get rid of your extra’s or place them in storage.  Everything that’s not needed now or in the foreseeable future.  You’ll be surprised how much bigger everything will seem by clearing out unnecessary items.   You really do plan to move, right?  It will give you a head start on packing and getting everything ready.  Homes where there is so much “stuff” causes the buyers to be very concerned about whether the seller will be able to move out within a couple of months.  (Just so you know, typically buyers ask for closing and possession any where from 30-75 days.  Buyers are also concerned that with so much “stuff” in and around the house, how could the seller possible maintain it properly.

8.  GET ORGANIZED!  For a few good reasons.  You can’t imagine how much better you’ll feel personally.  It’s hard to explain, but the benefits are tremendous in so many ways.  Another is that it makes others feel a sense of order and that care has been taken in making sure even the smallest of details have been cared for in your property.  Also, it will make moving so much easier!   And, you’ll be the envy of everyone who longs to be organized!  From the attic to the basement, to crawl spaces and closets, to the garage and shed, and all areas between, above, and around.  Just do it and simplify your life!  If you need help with this sometimes overwhelming project, let us know. 

9.  PETS!   We know how precious they can be.  Pet lovers will be distracted by them and want to interact.   However, not everyone feels this way.  Some buyers and agents may be afraid or even hyper-allergic to your pets so always keep them out of the way and under control.  Keep any pet odors under control too.  You may not be able to smell anything since you are accustomed to it.  Ask a friend to be honest with you and evaluate this for you.

10.  FOR SHOWINGS -  SHOULD YOU STAY OR SHOULD YOU LEAVE?  In reality, this is a tough decision which really should be made by you.  Here are the pro’s and con’s so you can decide for yourself. 

Some sellers find it extremely difficult to have someone walking through their property, looking at the house, inside their cabinets, their personal property, their lifestyle, but they know this is necessary in order to sell. 

Some sellers can’t leave the property for a variety of reasons – perhaps they’ve had an injury, or leaving the property would present tremendous burdens on them (illness, injury, newborn baby, etc.).

Some sellers don’t want to be there at all.  They’ll be long gone before anyone arrives.  They want to give the buyer and agent a chance to really take their time going through the property and discovering its many features and giving the buyers an opportunity to really envision living there, with their furniture, living their lifestyle.

Some sellers leave to take a walk while the property is being shown once the buyers and the agent arrive for their appointment.  Since they’re in the general area, they’ll be able to tell when they leave so they can return home.  Another option  was to go to a neighbor’s house while showing.  Again, they could kind of watch and know when they could return home. 

There are other things to consider too so we can review this when we’re ready to get your property on the market to determine which is best for you. 

There is no right or wrong answer.  There really isn’t.  But there are some definite do’s and don’ts which follow, you must to adhere to for showings.   

11.  NO APOLOGIES NECESSARY.  If someone wants to see your property on a very short notice, don’t worry about things that may be out of place or not done 100% to your liking.  After all, you still live here.  No one expects you to live like a robot.  It’s much more important to get the buyer and their agent in there, preferably when they want to see it, because there may be legitimate reasons they can’t come back - ever.  It’s very true, especially for relocations.  When agents are scheduling showing appointments, most will have them arranged in a somewhat logical geographical format to reduce zigzagging across towns.  Sometimes buyers have 1 day to look, another day to get everything written, presented and finalized before they have to go back to their job and wrap up things there so they can move here a few weeks later. Perhaps they will be looking in a certain area before looking at other areas. 

12.  TOO MANY… NOT GOOD.  The more people around your property during showings, the more uncomfortable and intrusive the buyer and agent may feel which could make them want to hurry through the property.

13.  LOUD NOISES CAN DISTRACT.  A loud television, radio, barking dog, etc. can be irritating and distracting when people are there to see the property.  Keep the volume turned off or very low. 

14.  IT’S A MAJOR TEMPTATION, BUT DON’T DO IT!  Remember, the agent showing the property will usually represent the buyer.  Be courteous and friendly if you happen to be there when they arrive, but don’t engage in too much conversation with buyers and the agent.  It’s so easy for information to “slip” out that really shouldn’t be disclosed.  It’s in your best interest.  Keep in mind they’re there strictly to check your property to see if it meets, or exceeds, their needs.

15.  STAY OUT OF SIGHT!  DO NOT follow the buyer and agent around when they’re looking.  It makes the buyer and agent feel very uncomfortable, to say the very least.  It can create feelings of mistrust and can severely impact the flow of communication between buyer and their agent.

16.  LET THE AGENT SHOWING THE PROPERTY DO THE TALKING. The agent knows what features are key to the buyer.  DO NOT tag along or bring up whenever you get a chance, every improvement you’ve made to the property.  If the floor plan, room sizes, and general features and updates are not what they’re looking for in a property, telling them about a hidden built-in blender, or one-way flood control valve, etc. will not sway them at all!  The agent will find you if they have a general question about the property or they will call me for more information. They are on a time-table for looking at properties before going to the next on their list.

17.  GOOD AGENTS USUALLY DON’T DO A LOT OF TALKING WHILE TOURING THE PROPERTY.  This may sound strange to some people, but you don’t have to be a constant jabber-box when showing property.  The intelligence of buyer’s today is amazing!  A good agent will talk to a buyer at length about your property when showing - if it has a possibility of meeting the buyer’s needs.  However, when the agent is talking they are distracting the buyer’s train of thought or visualizing living there, etc.  When they do talk at the property, it will be when the seller is out of ear-shot, or the buyer and agent huddle together to discuss how something might be changed to accommodate the buyers needs, or when they’re in the vehicle going to the next property, or on their way to the office to write an offer for your property!  Compliments or criticisms many times are not truly indicative of a buyer’s intentions, or true feelings, toward your property.  You may hear how beautiful it is – and it may be, but since it doesn’t meet one important need for the buyer, they choose to keep going.  Or the buyer may not say a word, just casually look around, but when they leave they can’t get to the office quick enough to write the offer to buy your property!   

18.  THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO MENTION SELLING PERSONAL ITEMS.  First, the property, then the “stuff”.  No exceptions.  If a buyer isn’t interested in your property, they usually don’t want to know about all the stuff you’ll be selling.  Their goal is to find a home right now.  Filling it comes next in their mind.

19.  REMAIN FOCUSED AND POSITIVE!  Sometimes even under ideal circumstances, good rates, selling a great property, little competition, etc. it may take much longer to sell your property than you thought it would.  What was happening last month may stop being the “norm”.  Everyone likes to believe they own the “best” property and sometimes can’t understand why a buyer takes so long to buy it.  It will happen when it’s meant to happen.  Maybe the perfect buyer for your house had to postpone looking because of unsure events which could impact their buying.  Once it’s resolved, here they come, months after you’ve been on the market wondering if your buyer will ever come.  But remember, they just started sincerely looking because of their circumstances.  Voila, they found what they want, your property.

20.  YOU’VE HIRED US TO A JOB.  Let us guide you to a successful conclusion.  Our experiences will be invaluable to you.