Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
Three simple words describe what all homeowners should do to ready their homes for sale: “Do The Obvious!” Walk around, in and through your home and make notes of things that need attention: burned out light bulbs, clutter, dirt and grime, deferred maintenance, curb appeal, worn out carpet, etc. Then work through the things on your list.
Is there a problem with this approach? Absolutely! We often grow accustomed to our surroundings and cannot see at all what others can see clearly. What looks normal to us may bring a shudder to others.
Example: Back in the 90’s I began several years of service as a pastor of a county seat church. The people were great, as was the opportunity to serve the Lord there. But, the facilities, especially the sanctuary, had been neglected. Numerous windows had holes in them from BB gun shots, the carpet was quite worn, the lighting was vintage WWII (try reading in there at night!), and the theater seats definitely showed their age. I could go on, but you get the point. The people had grown accustomed to things that needed attention. One precious deacon said, “Pastor, we have not had to do anything in here for over 40 years!” After a lengthy process we were able to renovate that sanctuary. The difference was remarkable. New eyes (not just mine) could see what they could not see.
When you are thinking about selling, consider getting a trusted friend or Realtor® to take a look at your home. Take notes on what they see and what they say. Then, “Do the obvious!” You may not be able to take care of everything on the list, but you will be glad that you tended to the things that often immediately drive buyers away. I’ve been in some homes where the obvious things were not done. I and my clients did not stay long.
For more tips on getting ready to put your home on the market, go to http://www.heartofaustinhomes.com/Getting_Ready_to_Sell/page_2059591.html.
Jim Gilbert, REALTOR, Heart of Austin Homes
Licensed (#0536692) to sell Real Estate in the State of Texas
