How to market and sell my home part 2

In the previous posting I stressed the importance of correct pricing of a home to sell. Now I would like to address the home itself and your schedule. When I go to listing appointments many sellers point out that they've done this or that to "improve" the home and therefore should get more money for it. That's not usually the case. Putting in new carpet, painting, a newly decorated bathroom, a professionally landscaped yard while cost the seller some money in most cases will not result in a higher sales price, but a quicker sale.

The more one can do to make a home move in ready the faster it will sell. If you have a custom paint job in some rooms that you love it might not be what everyone loves. I once went into a master bedroom of one house that was painted this odd color of dark blue. It just made me feel bad for some reason. I'm sure the homeowner had spent alot of time on that color and design and loved it. But nearly everyone that went through that home at the time I did really didn't like that color. Paint is fairly cheap. Another thing to consider is if your carpets are in good shape is to get them cleaned. If they are worn then consider replacing them. This might cost some money, but it might get you a better offer price in a quicker time.

If there are any maintence items that you have put off fixing or correcting now is the time to do it. If not to protect your property, but it will be one less thing to come up during a buyers inspection.

One thing to really consider is if buyers will be able to get an FHA loan on your home. This is the kind of loan that most buyers are able to get these days as it doesn't require as much down payment as a conventional loan. Not to many buyers have 20% down that is required. The exterior paint, siding, needs to be in good shape and repaired. The Furnace and hot water heater must be in working order. There has to be floor covering.

If you don't have time to clean you might want to hire a cleaning service to do a deep clean or a sales clean.

If you have a lot of furniture in your rooms you might want to take some out to make the rooms look bigger and not as closed in. You might want to consult a professional home stager in your area. Your Realtor also should be able to give you advice on what you should do as well.

When I refer to your schedule I urge you to be very flexible in allowing buyers to see your home. If you are selling the home yourself then make sure you are available at short notice to be able to show your home immediately. If you are listing it with a Realtor most of the time the Realtor will want to put a lockbox on your home with a key so other Realtors can show the home when you aren't there. It's best if you aren't there. Buyers always feel more comfortable when the seller is not present. If you list your home with a Realtor you can give that Realtor showing instructions. Instructions like you will need at least an hour or two notice before showings are allowed. This is usually acceptable. When you say you need 24 hours then that might limit some showings.

Make sure you have any valuable items out of sight of and buyers. For the most part in my area of Greeley, Colorado and in Weld County it is fairly safe, but you really don't want to take that chance. Also try and take down personal pictures of your family and such. I've noticed buyers are drawn to those instead of looking at the house.

In the next blog about selling your house I will discuss what to look for in a Realtor or if you are selling your home yourself what to expect. Or maybe what you should expect.

For complete details on everything Greeley Colorado Real Estate visit my website at http://www.greeley-weldcountyhomesforsale.com

Thanks for reading.

Marc Oster
Y&M Real Estate LLC