Put Away the Clutter!
Less is more when selling your home. Consider renting a small storage facility or designate a small area of your garage to place knick knacks, toys and clutter. Rooms filled with “stuff” can make the area seem smaller than it actually is…staging your home may increase the appeal and value of your property by five percent!
Consider paint and/or carpet. These are relatively inexpensive improvements and significantly improve the appearance and desirability of your home. Your property will appear clean, new and smell like a new home!
Make Your Home Accessible!
A lockbox is the most convenient way for Realtors to show your home. Appointment only showing instructions may make it difficult for buyers and their agents to coordinate a showing. A good compromise would be “Call Owner 1st, then GO DIRECT.” Remember, the more buyers that view your home, the more opportunities that you will have to receive offers! For every 10 to 12 showings, the average property will receive one offer!
Sellers, Do Not List Your Home with Your Uncle From Out of the Area!
Of course family is important; however, your home is most likely your biggest asset. Do you really want to entrust it to an agent who is unfamiliar with the Santa Clarita Valley, possibly a part time agent, and/or an inexperienced agent?
I am always surprised when sellers opt to go with a friend or family member out of a sense of loyalty. Full time agents and brokers eat, sleep and breathe LOCAL real estate. They know the market trends, the tracts, the areas that have mello roos (a supplemental tax), the local schools and local government compliance requirements. Another important benefit of using a local Realtor is that they know the other area agents! Most local agents and brokers share information such as “buyer needs” and upcoming listings.
Hold Your Realtor Accountable!
If you are not receiving showings within the 1st week, you are either overpriced or the MLS information may be inaccurate. Ask your Realtor to show you the MLS sheet. You should have several photos and a positive marketing description. Make sure that you, the seller are showing the contact!
While it may be more convenient for your agent to take the showing calls, having the calls go directly to you ensures that all agents will have access to show your property.
Do Not Exclude Your Listing from the MLS!
This is probably the single most important tip. The MLS is a cooperative service, enabling an entire community of agents to sell your home. Your home should be on the market for five days (including one weekend) before you review any offers. Someone may see your home on day two and offer full price. Wouldn’t you always wonder if on day four someone would have paid $10,000 over your asking price?
Happy Selling!