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Showing Instructions and What They Mean
Making the decision to sell a home is just one of the many decisions that are made during the home selling process. Many first-time sellers assume that all listings are the same and it’s just a function of picking a starting price. The fact is that there are many aspects of a listing, but one of the most important is what kind of access you’ll provide to the buyers and their agents.
It seems simple, right? Show the home and send an offer. But believe it or not, there are many options for how you allow your home to be shown. Depending on your lifestyle and the valuables you have, the way you allow access is one way to safeguard your home. Here are some of the typical types of access:
· Lockbox on Door – This allows the most access to agent. Normally accompanied by a request for a phone call. But then agents can see the home as needed.
· Access with Phone Call – In this case, the buyer’s agent must reach the agent or seller who will provide an unlock code for a single use.
· By Appointment Only – This is starting to limit access more strictly. Often, you will still have a lockbox that you place out only for the appointed time.
· By Appointment with Listing Agent – This asks that the buyer and seller agents coordinate so that the listing agent is in attendance.
· Limited Access – This type of access often involves specific days or times, and the home is only available to see during those times.
Of course, the choice is always yours, but the more access you offer to the buyers and their agents, the better opportunity you have to get a strong offer.
Our Real Estate professionals are knowledgeable and ready to assist you with your buying or selling needs.
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What Not to Say When Someone Asks Why You’re Selling
The minute you list your home, everyone will want to know why. You will hear from your neighbors, family members, and friends. Of course, there is no harm in speaking freely with family and friends but be careful what you
tell your neighbors and especially the buyers and their agents who visit your listing.
First, it’s no one’s business but your own. You are not obligated to share personal information with anyone, and you must be especially careful when speaking with potential buyers. If they sense desperation, this will affect the kind of offer they write.
A simple, “we are ready for a change,” is a great response to anyone who doesn’t need to know. How you answer is less important than avoiding the wrong answers.
· “I got a new job” – Job offers or transfers are a common reason for a move. These moves often come with deadlines which alerts buyers that you need a quick sale, and may be willing to compromise on price to get one.
· “We need a bigger house” – It’s perfectly understandable that a growing family needs more space. Telling a buyer this, however, may cause them to question the size of the home and if it’s too small for them also.
· “We want to lower our costs” – This may just be a simple downsizing after the kids have left, but talking about affordability is a red flag to buyers. Is the home too expensive? Is the price too high? Energy bills too high? Upkeep too much?
Successfully selling a home is more than just marketing. The best course of action is to limit divulging too much personal information about your situation, but if you do, be mindful of how much you say. Be pleasant, but do not overshare, it may cost you in the end.
Our Real Estate professionals are knowledgeable and ready to assist you with your buying or selling needs.
Call Us Today!
Prepping an Empty House for Sale
You read that right. Should you “prep” an empty house? This is not about adding furniture or plants to a vacant home, but it’s about looking at the empty home and making it more appealing to buyers.
Not all homes need furniture to sell for top dollar, but even a vacant home needs attention before it’s ready for showing. The key is to remove anything that would distract from a buyer seeing the home in its best light and highlight its best features.
What Should You Remove from a Vacant House?
· Anything that isn’t clean – Remove dirt from ceiling fans, baseboards, sink, dishwasher, windows, shelves, etc.
· Leftover Items – Hangers in closets, old batteries from drawers.
· Cable and Cords – Neaten walls and floors by removing or hiding.
· Worn or Stained Carpet – Replace old, damaged, stained, or dated carpet.
· Old Window Treatments – Old dated curtains and tired Venetian blinds are distracting, remove them.
· Spider Webs and Dust Balls – Check those corners for dead bugs, cobwebs, and dust.
· Leave Behind Furniture – Don’t be tempted to leave indoor or outdoor furniture you no longer want.
· Dead Leaves – Clean the yard and remove all debris.
Vacant homes offer a blank canvas for buyer’s imaginations. To sell quickly, make sure the home is clean, fresh, and ready for showing by removing distractions and anything which appears old, dirty, or shabby.
Our Real Estate professionals are knowledgeable and ready to assist you with your buying or selling needs.
Call Us Today!
