In the market we've experienced for the last year, Buyers are in the driver's seat and sales have been driven totally by what buyers want. It has been, and still is, imperative that if you want to sell your property, you need to make the home stand out from your competition. The competition means foreclosures, short sales, and fixers - in other words, Deals for Buyers. If your home is in good condition, then you need to maximize the value - or stage the home to sell - before the buyers walk through your front door.
Here are some tips to stage your Hamilton home so you will be able to sell it faster for a better price.
1. You only get one chance to make a first impression. More than 50% of buyers won't even get out of the car to come to your door, so you have to make it inviting for the rest as they pull up to the curb. Repair, clean, do what you can about the weather (don't leave the snow shovel by the driveway), and set the tone to entice buyers.
2. You will strategize with your Realtor (hopefully me) about the best way to market your home, both online and through open houses and showings. Staging takes this strategy one step further. It allows the buyer both the mental space to imagine their own belongings in the rooms and the ability to get excited about the life they could have in your home.
3. Declutter: remove unnecessary momentos, trinkets, pictures and more. Rule #1 - you will be moving. Start the process now. The buyer wants to see themselves in your home, not you.
4. Remove furniture: this goes a long way to helping declutter. Keep enough furniture to show how a space could be used but not so much that the room will seem smaller and stuffed with pieces.
5. Single spaces: if you have a great room, or bonus room, don't try to show more than one use for that space. For instance, stage a family room or office but not both in the same space.
6. Along this same idea, if you have a "themed" room, get rid of the theme and make it neutral. No buyer wants to see your idea of the best football team or rock band. Rule #2 - you need to appeal to the largest number of buyers. Don't discourage anyone by showcasing your own tastes.
7. Neutrality: good in color, good in decor. Many homes now have a wall that is painted an offset color. Just be sure you don't have a totally pink or purple room. Think of all those buyers who don't like pink or purple. They won't buy your house.
8. Clean and clean again: even if you have to hire help, the importance of this step cannot be overemphasized. Think of what appeals to you - probably not fingerprints on the windows and mirrors, hair in the shower, brown on the white tile grout - you get the idea.
9. Use your senses - no pet odors, no diaper odors, no heavy use of scented candles. Remember #8 - neutrality applies here too.
10. Finally, staging usually means accessorizing. Do what you can with your budget - throw pillows for color, a kitchen cookbook opened to an appealing photo, dinner table set with attractive mats and flowers.
If you can, complete some inexpensive updates. I can help advise you which will bring you the best return. Outdated light fixtures can be changed rather inexpensively. Paint or stain patios and concrete that look dingy. Vinyl tile can be laid using easy snap lines. Carpet squares can be pieced together to freshen up tired flooring. Think about buying new appliances; these are great selling points, especially ENERGY STAR, and the stainless steel version.
Contact me to develop a marketing plan for your home, to discuss how you can attract the highest number of buyers, and present your "product" in the most attractive way. I have the experience in Mercer County real estate to help you stage your home to sell.
Joe Giancarli, Realtor
609-658-2612
jgiancarli@remax.net
http://www.jgiancarli.com/
http://www.njhomesource.com/
http://www.newjerseynewhomes.blogspot.com/
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