Sellers always want to get top dollar for their home, but oftentimes make simple mistakes that devalue their home and cost them in the end.
You likely know already some basics about making your house ready to show. Some important tactics include having it well staged. Do this by keeping cords, appliances, and other nick-nacks packed away and out of sight. Windows shades should be open to let in as much light as possible. There should be a light, but not overpowering fragrance in the house (NOT a floral scent, by the way — vanilla is your best bet). Any time you have a showing, the pets should be taken away and no signs should be left of them.
But what are some other things that you’re not doing that could be causing buyers to either offer less or pass on your house entirely?
– Landscaping: “Curb appeal” is very important and should not be underestimated. Not keeping up the front yard can devalue your home by 5%-11%! Unfortunately, this doesn’t only apply to your yard. If your yard is perfect but your neighbor’s is a mess, buyers will still offer less money as the neighborhood will not appear to be as well-maintained.
– Bad Paint Jobs and Wallpaper: These can definitely devalue your home, and are relatively easy fixes. Paint BEFORE you list your house, so the pictures will be updated. And touch up any scuffs, chips, or other marks throughout the house. Lots of marks and dirt on the walls will give the buyer the impression that the house has not been well maintained.
– Simple Repairs: Simple fixes such as leaky faucets, broken windows, and any other small repair that doesn’t take much money to fix should be addressed before listing. A leaky faucet, when left dripping and seen by buyers, will again give them the impression that the home has not been well maintained. They may believe your home has other hidden problems lurking and offer a lower price or avoid it altogether.
– Lots of Foreclosures in the Area: Unfortunately you don’t have much control over this one, but lots of foreclosures are often a bad sign for a neighborhood. These homes are often neglected and in need of much work. One study found that the value of homes within 250 feet of a foreclosure, decreased by 1% for each foreclosures, on average.
Of course, there is one thing all of these points have in common — dealing with picky, fussy home buyers.
If you have a house that you are looking to sell fast without the hassle and time commitment of the “conventional” method, call us at 205-390-1050. We Buy Houses in Birmingham, Alabama, all throughout the metro area. We can buy our house fast for cash, and have solutions for all situations (including if you are underwater or behind on your mortgage).
Our website at www.WeBuyBham.com has more information, including a form for you to submit information about your house. Feel free to visit our site or call us at 205-390-1050.