Did you know? The best chance for selling your property is within the first seven weeks! Studies show that the longer a property stays on the market, the less financial return the seller will net.
There are 5 main factors to achieving your goal of getting top dollar for your property.
Factor 1: PRICING
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It is very important to price your property at a competitive market value right when you list it. The market is so competitive that even over-pricing by a few thousand dollars could mean that your house will not sell. I have found your first offer is usually your best offer.
An overpriced home:
• Minimizes offers
• Lowers showings
• Lowers agent response
• Limits financing
• Limits qualified buyers
When you think about it, 80% of the marketing is done when we decide on what price to list your home.
For people unwilling to list a property at current market value, I usually recommend holding off on putting the property on the market for awhile.
Factor 2: CLEANING
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Most people are turned off by even the smallest amount of uncleanliness or odor when buying a home. Sellers lose thousands of dollars because they do not adequately clean. If your house is squeaky clean, you will be able to sell your home faster and net hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars more.
If you are planning on moving, why not get rid of that old junk now so that your house will appear larger? Make more space!
Odors must be eliminated, especially if you have dogs, cats, or young children in diapers, or if you are a smoker. You may not notice the smell, but the buyers do! Most agents have a difficult time communicating to their sellers about odor. If you employ an agent to get the most amount of money for you, please don't take offense if he/she must confront you about odor problems.
Factor 3: ACCESS
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Top selling agents will not show your home if both the key and access are not readily available. They do not have time to run around town picking up and dropping off keys. They want to sell homes! The greatest way to show a house is to have a key! When your home is being shown, be sure to do the following:
• Keep all lights on, including exterior “coach” lights by your front door
• Keep all drapes and shutters open
• Keep all doors unlocked
• Leave soft music playing
• Take a short walk with your children and pets
• Let the buyer be at ease and let the agents do their job
Factor 4: PAINT AND CARPET
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Paint is your best improvement investment for getting a greater return on your money. Paint makes the whole house smell clean and neat. If your house has chipped paint, exposed wood, or the paint looks faded, it is time to paint.
If your carpet is worn, dirty, outdated, or an unusual color, you may need to seriously consider replacing it. Many houses do not sell because of this problem. Don't think that buyers have more money than you do to replace carpet. They don't. They simply buy elsewhere.
Factor 5: CURB APPEAL
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The first impression a buyer gets of your home is from the curb.
Your front yard immediately reflects the inside condition of your house to the buyer. People enjoy their yards. Make certain that the trees and bushes are trimmed so the house can be seen from the street. Have the grass mowed, trimmed and edged. Walkways should be swept. The front door should be freshly painted or freshly stained.
Clean away debris. Remove parked cars. This all adds to curb appeal.
If a buyer does not like the outside, they may not stop to see the inside!
Well, now you know all of the 5 main factors to getting top dollar for your property:
Factor 1: Pricing
Factor 2: Cleaning
Factor 3: Access
Factor 4: Paint and Carpet
Factor 5: Curb Appeal
If you carefully consider these factors, you will maximize your chances of selling your property within the first seven weeks for top dollar!
Consult a
real estate expert for professinal advise before making any major improvements.
Yvonne A. Russell, REALTOR® 
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