Well it better in today’s challenging real estate market…

More than ever selling real estate today requires something different, something that jumps out at a buyer. When you decide to place your property on the market especially if you live in a neighborhood where many of the homes are built in the same era and often the same builder you must differentiate your property form the others for sale.

It never ceases to amaze me how many agents and sellers alike think if they just take nice pictures, put it on the internet and wait for buyers to come by the property will sell it self. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, you need to have the right agent, the right advertising and of course the right price but if your property looks like every other property for sale you can either under price it to make it stand out or make sure the property itself doesn’t look like every other home on the block.

Some things you can consider are color and curb appeal that will grab the buyers from the car right away, remember first impressions can not be duplicated no matter how much you think they can be. Make sure your yard looks great by keeping it mowed, weed free, raked and the grass watered. Consider a fresh coat of paint, new exterior lights (they average $10-$15 per light, cheap upgrade), paint the front door a vibrant color that enhances your property, new mailbox, re-seal that worn out blacktop driveway and plant some new flowers by the front door.

When buyers walk into your home is it clean, organized and truly ready for show? Many times it may not be but it MUST be. Buyers look at condition, colors, and smell as much as they do layout and location no matter what someone else may tell you, they do. Selling is not an easy thing to do, keeping ready for showings, the scheduling and so on but its imperative to make sure its game day always to get the job done.

At the end of the day most items that will set your property apart when selling are not very expensive or time consuming so there is no excuse not to do it unless of course the equity you may get doesn’t matter.

Selling a property the right way requires help from the agent but it also requires a commitment by you the seller. Walk through the property and look at it from a buyers eye, what looks worn out, what looks like it could be painted and what do you see that should be enhanced?

When these small items are done you will not only sell faster you will sell for more money.