RealEstateConsumerInfo.com: Selling Advice - the 3 things you should know about Condition

The 3 Things you should know about Condition ~

This is a series regarding the most popular question that I receive from people about real estate?  What’s the #1 tip that I could pass along?

Well there’s actually 3 things that are enmeshed together –  Condition, location and price.  All 3 actually make your home either sell or be rejected by prospective buyers.  Here's how to have your home be in the buyers favorites!

Condition -

Avoiding Home Preparation Mistakes

Getting your house ready for market goes beyond making the beds and washing dirty dishes. Although I've seen plenty of homes with toys scattered throughout and dishes piled in the sink; buyers can't get out of those homes fast enough.  Read up on the essential steps to be taken on preparing the home for sale.  Some homes need updating and quick fixes.  Doing repairs before resale can boost chances of quickly selling. If items are broken or buyers see deferred maintenance, they wonder what else is wrong.  It's more expensive, actually, not to fix the house.

Phrase to remember:  Buyers only know what they see - not the way it's gonna be!

Another phrase to remember:  "Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored" ~ Aldous Huxley

Dressing your home for showings is called 'staging a home'. Think of the process like arranging flowers in an attractive vase.  If you or your agent lack the vision or ability to stage, consider hiring a professional home stager.  It is absolutely worth the effort and the price because your home will sell faster in any marketplace!

Common Marketing Mistakes

Whenever I see badly shot photographs in the MLS, or it's the only photo, I want to scream at the agent, 'What are you thinking?'  But agents and sellers make plenty of marketing mistakes beside bad photos.  Do you realize that there are sites and blogs that actually post these photos under 'worst photos of the week' and 'how not to take a photo like this'.  And my personal favorite 'cave of the week'.   

If photography isn't your strong point or your agents - hire a professional.  Marketing now begins on the internet, before the buyer even gets near your home.  My advice is to get samples of what and how the agent is going to present your home with virtual tours, widgets, and online ads.  If the agent can't show you or provide that info - run the other way and get another agent!

Some sellers loudly lament: 'Why isn't my home selling?'  These are likely sellers who are not employing marketing strategies designed to expose a home to the largest pool of buyers or are avoiding the preparation tips before the home went on the market.  Buyers have a lot of choices - think why should they choose yours?

Once a buyer has entered a home, the marketing continues.  A strong listing agent plays up the good features of a home and downplays the negative - that's selling.  Make sure your agent provides as much information to the buyer as possible so they can make a good, informed decision.  I can't tell you how many times I've shown a home and it takes up to 3 days to find out the age of the roof or other vitals that should be readily available to the buyers.  It's basic questions that most buyers want to know - age of roof, age of furnace, age of AC, age of appliances.

Hiring the Wrong Agent

You can hire a good listing agent or a mediocre agent.  They all cost the same.  You don't have to hire your brother-in-law that 'dibbles and dabbles' in real estate or your daughters friend that 'just started in the business'.  This is the largest personal investment that you have - interview agents and hire a full-time professional with a minimum of experience that you feel comfortable with.  Think of it this way - do you want a new agent practicing on you?  

If you want full-service, then hire a full service agent.  Also, learn the difference between Realtors® and real estate agents, they are not the same.  Ask an agent why they are not a Realtor®?  Think of it as a 'professional labor union with a code of conduct and ethics'.  What would be a benefit for them not to join?

Carefully read the listing agreement to make sure the agent who brings a buyer is fairly compensated because one surefire way to make sure an agent won't show your home is to offer a silly commission percentage.  In a competitive market like now, often buyer agents are paid a 'bonus' commission percentage.  It is an additional 'incentive' to show your home first before the others in the same price range.

Be sure your home is in top marketing condition.  Be sure that your home is getting all the expose it deserves.  

Remember that ‘3’.

   Lyn Sims (847)230-7324

   RE/MAX Suburban

Selling Advice on Price
Selling Advice on Location

I proudly serve and sell real estate in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.  If you are thinking about purchasing or selling your home in the communities of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Roselle, Palatine, Medinah, Itasca, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles and more importantly, want to work with a local area expert, contact me immediately.

All data and information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only.  Lyn Sims makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors,
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Home Selling Advice on Condition ©2009 Lyn Sims - RealEstateConsumerInfo.com  - RealEstateBuyMe.com