Selling Tips

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First Impressions

You only get one chance to make a First Impression to your buyer.  It’s important to remember that how we live  (yes it is a home) and how we sell can often be two different things. Now’s the time to put on your “buyer’s eyes” … because it’s true other people’s mess always looks worse than your own. From the moment buyers arrive they are making an internal commentary on everything they see. Gardens and lawns should be well presented; rubbish should be disposed of, paths kept clean, toys and garden tools stored away.

 

Illusion of Space

Remove unnecessary clutter and watch your house expand in size. Neat, well ordered cupboards, robes and pantry show that space is ample.

 

Don’t Spend Big Money

If you spend a lot of money painting, carpeting or adding a patio, you will add this to the price. Buyers may not share your taste, even though what they are getting is almost new.  We can advise you what needs to be done to achieve the best price, often it’s as simple as moving furniture and adding accessories to a room… you will be amazed by what La Vie can do for you.

 

Little Things Count

On the other hand, make sure all minor repairs are completed. Sticking doors and windows, loose doorknobs, faulty plumbing or peeling paint may affect your sale.  This is where the buyer starts reducing the price of your house as everything they have to do will always cost thousands $$

 

Highlight Your Home

Open all curtains and switch on strategic lights to brighten up gloomy rooms.

 

Neither Hot Nor Cold

On a cold day turn on the heating and on hot days the air conditioning or ensure the home is well ventilated.

 

The Scent of Success

Stale or malodorous air makes buyers want to leave. (please remember we know you love Fido and you may be used to your pets but they may smell to a buyer)  Room deodorisers, a bowl of pot pourri and open windows will help. Any home will be enhanced by the smell of a cake baking, or freshly brewed coffee. Often the effect is subliminal; days later purchasers don’t always know exactly why they got such good vibes from your home.

 

Pets Underfoot

Keep your pets out of the way, preferably out of the home. Let the agent and buyer talk undisturbed.

 

Take a Back Seat

Whenever possible it’s best for the whole family to enjoy time away from the home when it is being shown to buyers… a great excuse for a visit to the local park with the kids, or a trip to the movies.  You want your Agent to have the best opportunity to show off your house and emphasise the best features of your house without distractions, and let’s be honest it’s very difficult for some buyers to give honest feedback or even feel comfortable with the owners close by.

If you do meet the Buyers never apologise for the condition or appearance of your home. This emphasises the faults. Don’t discuss the details of the transaction such as price or terms. Leave this to your Agent- remember, their experience and training enables them to qualify purchasers and negotiate the best price. Furthermore, negotiations are more easily kept on a businesslike level when emotions are not involved.

 

Price

It is often a mistake to list your home with the agent who suggests the highest price. While it is true that you can always ” come down” there are many factors to consider. Firstly, the market is always looking for new listings. This means that the first few weeks your home is on the market will bring more inspections that any other time. All the buyers in the price range will rush to see your home. Those that have been looking for some time are the ones that have done their homework and are ready to buy. But they will also be the most aware of the market value of your property. If your home is correctly priced it will make buyers feel they have to snap it up before someone else does. If the price is too high, they feel no such sense of urgency. Just as Sellers take the attitude “we can always come down ” buyers think they will wait until the price drops. It is often the case that a property that may have sold for $ $500,000 when first placed on the market will lose as much as 10% after being on the market three or more months and becoming “stale”. The longer your property stays on the market, the more buyers feel they have negotiating power.  Another way to look at it is to think of your Price as a First Impression too.

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