Listing your home for sale can prove to be an exciting and challenging journey. In my experience as a realtor, I have discovered one fundamental truth; there will always be “house haters” and you can never fully escape them.
Whether an urban condo or a rural cabin nestled in the mountains, aesthetics, locations and styles are a matter of personal taste and can be subject to criticism from potential buyers. As a home seller, your job is not to try to make your home be all things to all people, but to present a product that will be well-received and appealing to the majority of your intended market. Here are a few tips you can use to minimize negativity about your home and possibly decrease the time it takes to sell it.
Overpricing. This can fall into varying categories, from somewhat overpriced for the neighborhood based on similar sales to “you have got to be kidding!” The issues with overpricing can be numerous and may result in a buyer’s lack of interest.
The buyer’s agent may investigate recent sales of homes in the neighborhood, realize the home is overpriced and opt for a “wait for a price reduction” attitude. This may increase the home’s time on the market and the listing may become stale and overlooked by the buyer which could result in lower offers down the road.
Odors. Unpleasant odors can be at the top of a house hater list as odors can reverse any pleasing visual experience the buyer may have had. Remnants of cigarette smoke and odors from pet accidents are common complaints which may result in a lack of interest from buyers. When identifying odors, determine the origin and give consideration to steam cleaning the carpet, cleaning the drapes, or even applying a fresh coat of paint to help resolve the problem.
Dirt and clutter. Also ranking high on the house hater list is a home that is messy, dirty or cluttered with personal belongings. Unable to see the big picture, some buyers may become distracted when viewing a home that is in a state of disarray.
Excessive clutter may also prevent potential buyers from gaining access to closets or other storage areas of the home.
Remember not to limit the attention of clutter to the interior of the home. The exterior of the home should also be maintained in order to maximize curb appeal.
Malfunctions. Take some time to ensure that not only the cosmetic components of the home are in order but that everything is operable. Ensure that window treatments operate properly; light switches function and appliances are working. These are just a few of the items to consider. Buyers may also consider items such as leaky faucets, inoperable sprinkler systems or broken windows to be deferred maintenance which may result in a lower offer. Generally, these are inexpensive repairs to complete and demonstrate that the home is well maintained and cared for.
Accessibility. Make sure the home is easily accessible to agents and potential buyers for showings. Difficulty in viewing a home can easily deter a buyer, resulting in a loss of interest and moving on to the next prospect.
But remember, just because the residence is for sale doesn’t mean that life within the home ceases, or even slows down. Life happens! The key is to monitor the tidiness of the home and rely on a swift and easy clean-up process as needed which may just help keep the house haters at bay!
Ron Monigold is a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser and a California Licensed Real Estate agent. He is a member of the National, California, and San Diego Association of Realtors. You can reach Ron at The Metropolitan Group @ 619.990.4631 or at ronmetro@cox.net. DRE licence #01865841.
