TIPS FOR HOME SELLERS

Contact Viking Realty and one of our friendly, experienced Realtors will come and visit with you at your home.  They will assess the homes current market value so you receive the optimum price when you list your home with us.

These seller’s tips are provided to help you through the process of selling your home.

Make sure your home is attractive and exciting.  You do not get a second chance to make a first impression.  Investing time and effort into revitalizing your home can make major differences in both the size of offers received and the amount of time the home stays on the market.

A buyer’s first opinion about a home is based on “curb appeal,” or the impression made when looking at a home from the street.  You do not have to spend a lot of money on elaborate landscaping.  A well-manicured, tidy lawn is your first step to making a first good impression.

Once you have made a first impression on the buyer, you must keep that impression lasting on the interior of the home.  Buyers are not coming for just a quick look but for a careful inspection. 

A clutter free home gives the buyer the opportunity to visualize the possibilities the home offers.  Remove any unnecessary items from the home.  Having too many items in a room makes the room appear smaller and less appealing.  Closets should be tidy and not over crowded.  A cluttered closet suggests the home has inadequate storage space.  Even removing personal items, such as pictures, makes your home more “neutral” and can prevent the buyer from getting distracted.  By making the home look more neutral, the buyer can better visualize them living in the home.

Cleanliness is an absolute must.  A home can never be too clean.  Have the carpets professionally cleaned and sanitized.  Wash all the windows, both inside and outside.  Paying attention to every detail will give the buyer a very positive perception of the home and also of you, the seller.

Making minor repairs to the “little things” can make a “big difference” to the buyer.  Make sure all windows open properly and replace any that are cracked.  All screens should also be in good condition, and not torn.  Paint walls that are faded or smoke stained.  All doors should open and close easily.  Repair any leaking plumbing or broken light switches/outlets.  These little repairs should more than pay for themselves when a satisfied buyer views your home.

Tremendous sources of good or bad impressions are smells in the home.  Fresh flowers, scented candles or even the aroma of freshly baked cookies create a warm environment for the buyer.  Unpleasant odors such as smoke, pet smells, or musty scents trigger instant and strong negative responses that will send the buyer running out the door!

Lighting is also a key factor in leaving a good impression.  Accent lighting or “mood lighting” can give the home that extra little touch that it needs.  Make sure the home is well lit and all light fixtures are clean and working properly.  Replacing the light bulbs with new, fresh bulbs will help as well.  Open the drapes and curtains, dark rooms do not appeal to most buyers.

All of these tips will show the buyer that you take pride in your home and in home ownership.  Buyers will more than likely want to purchase a home they can continue to show pride in as new homeowners.  These efforts on your part, combined with the exceptional service provided by Viking Realty, Inc., should lead to a buyer interested in your home.

Also remember that buyers usually feel more comfortable if the owners are not present during the viewing of the home. 

If potential buyers, unaccompanied by an agent, request to see your property please refer them to your real estate professional for an appointment.

Finally, when your home sells, it’s likely that the sale will be subject to an inspection.  Therefore, it is a wonderful idea to get a home warranty and/or home inspection done up front.  By providing an initial inspection and home warranty the buyer can feel confident and worry-free about buying your home.  Your Viking Realty agent will explain these options in greater detail at the time you list your home.