Office #: 203-745-3749
Toll Free #: 888-960-5099
Fax #: 203-859-5720
Mobile #: 203-581-2171
email me: darrion.jones@startsmartagents.com
Touch up interior and exterior paint as needed.
Install new carpeting and flooring if it appears worn or dated.
Make sure the front is clean and spruced up - curb appeal will create a favorable first impression.
"Pay attention to your agent's advice. Consider dropping the price if several months go by with few or no offers."
Trim bushes and plants as needed, and make sure the lawn is kept mowed and trimmed. In autumn, rake the leaves; in winter, shovel the snow.
Keep the interior clean, decluttered and odor-free. Eliminate evidence of pets.
Minimize personal items such as family photos. You want buyers to see themselves living in the home.
Consider putting excess furniture and belongings in storage. Now's the time to clean out the garage and basement and sell, give away or throw away items you don't need anymore.
Consider having a pre-listing inspection performed. Buyers will be hiring professional inspectors; here's your chance to address problems in advance.
Consider engaging a professional stager to give your home the right emotional appeal.
Here are a few things that might make your home sell faster in todays market:
1. Declutter your home – It is important to get rid of any clutter that may be in your home. If you have appliances on your counter, remove them. If you have photographs in every nook and cranny of your home, take them down and store them for your new home. If you have too much furniture in a room it could make the room look small and crowded. The key to decluttering is to make sure to take them down and allow your buyer to imagine their things in the space. Think of a furniture store magazine. Your home should appear to be neutral and open, ready for your buyer to move in.
2. Curb Appeal – Make sure your home stands out in your buyer’s mind by having a well manicured lawn and hedges. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in freshening up your home. Don’t neglect your front door and entryway. A clean door, and uncluttered entry make a great first impression.
3. Complete the Honey-Do List – Are there a lot of small repairs that need to be made? Go ahead and get those small things to do. No one wants to have to deal with all the things that are often neglected in home maintenance. If the garage door squeaks and squeals, repair it. If the dishwasher kickplate needs replaced, replace it. All the little things will add up in a buyer’s mind when they are deciding to purchase your home.
4. Clean the home – This one is a given. Make sure your home is top to bottom white-gloves-clean. Clean the grout in the bathrooms, wash the ceiling fan blades and blinds. Dust often, and don’t forget the baseboards!
5. Pricing - Work with your StartSmart realtor, Darrion Jones , to set the price of your home at a rate that is comparable and competitive with area homes. You may even want to throw in a few perks for buying your home like a transferable warranty, a flooring allowance, or money towards closing costs. Talk with Darrion about what is best for you and trust his years of experience to help your home sell quickly.
2911 Dixwell Avenue * Hamden, CT 06518
www.startsmartrealtyllc.com * e Fax: startsmartrealty@hpeprint.com
When potential buyers visit your home, either be absent or make yourself as inconspicuous as possible.
Have fresh flowers in the entryway. It makes for a friendly introduction into your home.
If offers are made that don't match your hoped-for price, don't reject them offhand. Pay attention to your agent's advice. Consider dropping the price if several months go by with few or no offers, but if you and your agent have priced your home properly from the start, this shouldn't be necessary.
Dont' get discouraged. In buyer's markets, homes take longer to sell than during boom times.