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Spring is just around the corner. Take the opportunity to prepare your home for the market.
I understand that many sellers are reluctant to spend time and money on a home that they no longer plan to live in. Who wouldn’t want to save both the time and money if they could?
Unfortunately you can’t….. Why?
Because all buyers want the best buy for their money.
What’s wrong with an unusual paint color? How about dirty carpet, or crowded rooms? What about some daily clutter? After all, it is still your home and you have to live there. The new owner can change them to their own liking anyway.
So, are these little details really a big deal?
Only if you buyers have other choices, and in todays market they do!
Think of it this way…
You want to buy a new outfit for a special occasion.
You want to be able to uses it for a long time and be proud of it so you are willing to spend some time looking around for the best outfit. Like everyone, you also want the best deal you can get.
You decide on a part of town that you like to shop in and take a day to go look around.
First you go to Sues Sensational Clothing.
When you walk in the store you notice a few pieces of tasteful artwork on the clean, neutral colored walls. It looks nice but you really don’t spend much time on these details because you are busy looking at the clothing you came to purchase.
You browse around some and are easily able to get from rack to rack, which are all nicely organized. You go to the check out counter to ask a question and place your bags down while you wait for the sales clerk. You then check a couple of prices and leave.
You are pleased with you experience at Sues, but want to make sure you don’t over pay so you decide to go down the road to Bobs Boutique before deciding.
When you walk into Bobs, you notice the mint green walls and mismatched artwork.
This draws your attention to some scuff marks and nail holes.
You remind yourself to focus on what you came for, your special outfit.
However, the racks seem unorganized and hard to get around. There isn’t any flow to the place and it is difficult to know which department you are in.
You decide to ask a salesclerk behind the counter for help.
The counter is crowed with receipts, order forms and family photos so you stand there holding your bag while you wait.
After she directs you to the right location, you look at a few items and notice they are the same brands with similar prices to the clothing at Sues.
You leave the store and plan to come back to town tomorrow and buy your outfit.
Which store do you think you will most likely purchase from?
Yep, Sues!
How can Bob get you to come to him instead?
Offer a big discount on the same item.
Make sense?
Take your agents advice. Prepare your house for the market.
If you don’t you neighbor will and guess who will get the offer.
