Real
Estate Information for Sellers
Marketing
Your Home
Your home is the most precious and priceless possession you will ever
sell. As such, the home sale is an emotional and trying time for you
and your family. Your agent, as your partner in the transaction, has
the necessary communications, technology and marketing skills to motivate
buyers and help make the sale of your home an enjoyable experience.
The end result is that agent professionalism and expertise will help
you find a buyer for your home at a price you’re happy with.
Bottom line: Your agent will partner with you to manage all aspects
of the complex real estate transaction.
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Pricing the Home
Your home is your castle and is close to your heart. One of the first
things an agent will do is to help you price your home in an objective,
fair manner. An asking price, based on a sound, competent and professional
comparative market analysis, will help you get your home sold fast—and
for as much as the market will accept.
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Telling the World
Yes, the world. The Internet has made global marketing a reality. But,
most real estate is local and your agent will develop a comprehensive
marketing plan that takes advantage of your local marketplace. A plan
that makes buyers—and other agents and real estate agents—aware
of your home’s availability. Your agent should place the home
on the Hudson County Multiple Listing Service (or HCMLS), and together
you will consider other marketing avenues including radio, TV, print
and/or electronic advertising, the Internet, specialized print publications,
outdoor signage, an open house for the public, an open house for brokers
and agents (known as a caravan), etc. If necessary, your agent can
recommend a series of incentive programs to get your home sold faster.
These may include assistance with the down payment and closing cost
support for buyers, or a professional home inspection or home warranty.
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Protecting Your Privacy & Security
You have life—a personal one and a professional one. Your agent
will let you live both of them, alleviating any undue stress or concern
about the home sale by acting as your partner in the complex real estate
transaction. Some examples of what an agent should do for you as a
seller:
-
Screen
potential buyers, making sure they are serious inquiries
and not potential “busy bodies.”
-
Handle
those “pesky” phone calls, schedule appointments
and show your house at times that meet your schedule,
not theirs.
-
Ensure
the buyer has the annual income and employment history
necessary and down payment and closing cost money to
finance and buy your home. And, make certain the buyer
provides you with enough time to select—and move
into—your next residence.
-
Discuss
and make recommendations regarding any contingency
on the sale of your home. A contingency is a condition
on the sale put into the contract by either the buyer
or seller. Contingencies can be removed by an addendum
to the contract, or they can expire if a time limit
is specified in the contract.
- Accept,
on your behalf and with your consent, all offers and
counter-offers and contracts made in writing. He/she
will recommend if you should accept the offer or make
a counter proposal. The agent will help guide the process
so acceptable terms are reached for all parties involved.
- Be
there for you up until the parties involved sign on the
dotted line and transfer of ownership of your house to
the buyer is completed.
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Creating Curb Appeal
As in life, the little things are important. When you put your house
on the market for sale, you want to be sure your house is in good condition
and looks attractive to buyers—both outside and inside. The way
you present your property to prospective buyers can make all the difference
between success and failure. Here’s a look at some of the intangibles
to consider to make a buyer feel more comfortable about buying your home.
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Inside & Outside
the Home
First
impressions matter.
Make
sure your home is clean.
Replace
broken or dangerous steps.
Make
certain all doors open and are in working order.
Cut
new keys for all doors, safety devices, etc.
Be
sure that all locks are in proper working order.
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Outside
What buyers see first!
A few tips for improving your home’s “curb appeal” include:
- Make
your house number visible; either alongside your
front door or on a mailbox—or both.
- Trim
shrubbery and manicure lawns; weed-free and add to
flowerbeds. Rake leaves or debris.
- Repaint
house, garage and any fencing (or the trim of each
if you’re on a limited budget).
- Clean
(sweep or shovel) the sidewalk, walkway and driveway.
Fill cracks or crevices.
- Clean
shutters, gutters and downspouts.
- Create
a front door entry that is clean, painted and oiled
so it shines and swings open smoothly.
- Ensure
that window coverings are clean and not damaged.
- Make
sure outdoor lighting is working properly.
- Remove
any large items from your home: put cars in garage
and park down the street, bicycles, basketball hoops,
garden hoses, etc. should be put away and out sight.
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Inside
Once buyers are hooked!
A few tips for improving your home’s interior include
- Let
the sunshine. A brighter home is a more welcome home.
- Clean
the house (carpets and draperies) and search for
and remove any hazards, e.g., throw rugs, extension
cords, children’s toys.
- Add
a colorful floral arrangement(s) or new plants to
brighten up and give the home that “lived-in” feel.
- Replace
burnt-out or dim light bulbs.
- Check
that all doors and windows operate freely and smoothly.
Search for dry rot, broken seals, dirt, etc. and
make sure screens are working.
- Empty
the dishwasher and kitchen sink—and your trash.
- Put
new knobs and door handles on kitchen cabinets.
- Replace
shower curtains and add matching towels (if within
your budget).
- Close
toilet lids and add liquid toilet flush cleaner.
Light a candle.
- Make
any necessary repairs.
- Eliminate
pet odors—and the pets themselves during home
showings and open houses.
- Perform
a plumbing and electrical systems check.
- Clean
fireplace (and have one burning if weather calls
for heat in the home).
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Home Improvements
Undertaking a major project may or may not be in your best interests
as a home seller. That is, the improvements may cost more money that
you can recoup or they may turn away a prospective buyer.
That said, here’s a look at which home improvements buyers look
for and those that consistently have the best return on investment:
Kitchens
Remodeled kitchens are a big winner. A simple remodel can take your
home from on the market to off better than any other improvement to your
home.
Landscaping
Remember curb appeal? A well-trimmed, manicured lawn and colorful plants
and garden is a special. The return here is second only to a remodeled
kitchen.
Fireplace
Sitting around a fireplace and enjoying a fire with family and friends
is important and most buyers will greatly appreciate this additional
feature.
Additional Bathroom
Whether the house has one, two or even three existing bathroom, having
one more can make the difference to many a discriminating buyer.
Home Office
With more and more professionals working from home or tele-commuting,
this extra room will add that extra "something" to your house.
Master
Suite Addition
Many people today enjoy the comforts of a larger bedroom but beware
of the considerable cost. It may make more sense to combine existing
rooms or spaces.
Deck
Like the fireplace, a deck will add an ambiance most buyers will enjoy
and relish for many years.
Exterior
Paint
Your home will most definitely look better but a dollar-for-dollar
return on your investment is unlikely.
New
Doors
and
Windows/Insulation
Energy efficiency is a big plus for today’s environmentally-conscious
consumer. While it will help the sale new doors and windows will not
significantly increase the sale price of your home.
Swimming
Pool & the
Skylight
These two items are perhaps the most debated amongst the experts on
whether or not they add value to your home. It’s a toss-up.
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