TIPS for Selling your House Quickly, Efficiently, and for the most MONEY

TIPS for Selling your House Quickly, Efficiently, and for the most MONEY:      

One of the most important things you must do as a seller is to price your home aggressively:  Ask your REALTOR for a detailed market analysis, not JUST of the sold homes similar to yours, also include the EXPIRED (those that were on the market but didn't sell) homes and the WITHDRAWN (sellers who have had their homes on the market, but took them off for some reason).  Look carefully at the DAYS ON THE MARKET as well as the CLOSED price.  Ask your REALTOR what seller concessions were paid with each sale (for example, did the owners pay a bonus to the buyers' agent?  Did the owners pay the new buyers' closing costs?) ALSO:  look at homes similar to your that are currently for sale.  YOU NEED TO KNOW YOUR COMPETITION!  How many days have they been on the market?  How many times listed for sale?  How many times reduced?   Analyze this information thoroughly with your REALTOR.

This is difficult, I know, because you have to see your home through buyers' eyes.  Your REALTOR can assist you with this:  She may see some things that would be easy for you to change:  She may suggest that you "neutralize" your home:

Remove personal items, family photos...it's difficult for your REALTOR to help prospective buyers take psychological possession of your home with your things, especially personal items, in the home.

Most homes show better furnished, but NOT cluttered.  Ask your REALTOR for STAGING ADVICE:  Her imput is invaluable:  She will tell you that having all items off the floor of your closets will make your closets look MUCH larger.  She may suggest decluttering:  RENT a storage space if necessary.

Smells are important.  If you're selling "grandma's house", cookies or bread baking is excellent.  If you are selling a more modern house, a more modern scent is called for:  Citus:  lemons, limes, oranges are good.

Remove your pets, their containers, toys, bowls, etc.  We know you love them, but the new buyers may not be so enthusiastic.

"SET" the dining room table with nice china, table cloth, flatware, napkins rings, center piece...stage the room.

Before showings, turn on the lights and open the blinds.  Let all the light in that you can.  Make sure all the bulbs are working properly. 

Keep the appliances clean:  Clean your oven, cabinets, etc.  Paint if you need to...these are NOT expensive but can add greatly to your net price.

Change the filter!  You'd be surprised how many buyers look at the filter for your heat/air and if it's dirty, they assume you don't maintain the rest of your home, either. 

The first impression of your home is critical:  Make sure the landscaping is orderly, mulched, colorful.  Remove any tree limbs that extend over your roof.  Trim shrubs.  Have a pretty "mat" at the front door and make sure the front door is CLEAN, with a new brass kick plate and new brass hardware, if necessary.  Reaching for a door handle that is "battered" or weathered sets the wrong tone for the whole tour of your home.

In cool weather, have the fireplace burning.  In warm weather, have the home cool and comfortable. 

My most recent "difficult" sales involved basement and crawl space issues.  Make sure you don't have leaks or anything on the basement or crawl space walls that looks like mold or mildew.  If you have anything that looks suspicious, call a professional and get this taken care of before you begin showing the home.  Mold is a BIG concern for buyers and you want your home to be clean, smell clean and to be free of anything that can deter a sale.  REALTORS are NOT experts on mildrew, mold, fungus, etc.  Call a professional recommended by your REALTOR. 

Clean out your gutters!  Clogged gutters can cause water spots on ceilings inside your home...a minor problem for YOU, but a MAJOR concern for prospective buyers.

DISCLOSE any defects in your home:  This is the law.  Take it seriously.  Think about this:  You go to your favorite restaurant.  The waiter comes over and tells you the specials of the day, then says...the beef is a little over done and dry...I don't really recommend it unless you like your beef very well done, but the salmon was flown in fresh today and it's fantastic!  Now, do you believe everything else the waiter has to say?   If you want people to believe your fish story, tell them about the beef.  Your whole disclosure will have more credibility.

If you'd like MORE tips for selling, buying or remodeling, please don't hesitate to give me a call!  I can be reached directly, toll free:  888 966 4926  or  865 389 2551.

Laurel Grandle sells homes throughout the East TN Area, including Knoxville, Karns, Farragut, Halls, Powell, Loudon County, Knox County.  She specializes in Lake homes, Luxury homes, Historic homes and is an expert at matching buyers with the right house, regardless of the area or price range, she has over 25 years of experience and has helped thousands of clients with their real estate needs.

If you are considering buying, visit our website to find a property just for you.

Knoxville Tn Homes for Sale Exit Realty Knoxville is your local expert in homes for sale and all your Realty needs in Knoxville and the surrounding areas, including
Farragut, Northshore, Bearden/West Hills, Powell, Karns, West Knoxville, Concord and Bluegrass. Teamwork is one of our most valuable assets, helping us to exceed expectations. We have agents who specialize in buying and selling homes and just about every Real Estate service, to better help our clients achieve their goals. We also serve Oak Ridge, Maryville, Alcoa, Loudon and Lenoir City. Visit our user friendly website to see all the homes for sale. Achieving your goals is just a phone call away. 865-690-4300


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