7 Things You Don’t Want to Overlook When Selling

As soon as you put your Austin home up for sale, it becomes merchandise. Your home is now a house competing with all the other like houses for attention and ultimately a buyer’s money. I know how hard it is to detach yourself from the emotional attachments. Memories shared – both heartwarming and otherwise – will never be forgotten. But, when it comes time to sell, the focus on the house must change from you to the buyer and what it will take to get the house sold for the most money in a reasonable time. Here are the things you don’t want to overlook when selling your Austin home.

Think Back to When You Were Buying Your Home

Remember how you felt when you were looking to buy your home? Do you recall how critical and picky you were about the other homes you saw and did not buy? Do you remember why you didn’t buy one of them? I’ll bet you’ll recollect some of the appearance deficiencies of the homes you passed up. Don’t let the best buyer pass on your home over something – often trivial – that you could have or should have remedied.

7 Things You Don’t Want to Overlook When Selling a Home

Here is a quick list of things to think about…

Deferred Maintenance

Is there is any deferred maintenance like missing light bulbs? Missing or damaged vent covers? Chipped or peeling paint? Cracked plaster? Damaged screens etc? Deferred maintenance – even small stuff – raises a red flag to a buy and makes them question what other items have been overlooked.

Dated Light Fixtures

Are light fixtures tired or dated? Believe it or not, light fixtures will impact your sale. Updating light fixtures is an easy and relatively cheap way to modernize a space.

Highest and Best Use for Space

Is the current use of a particular room the best for selling? For example, are you using your dining room as an office? If so, you might consider changing it back to its intended use, especially if there is no other designated space for a table. Only 10% of buyers can visualize an alternative use of a space. Don’t make them have to think.

Clear the Clutter

Are heavily traveled traffic patterns clear of as much clutter as possible? Our rule is if you don’t need it in your day to day life, or you can live without it while your home is on the market, pack it in a box and put it in the garage. This keeps your home feeling spacious and open.

Kitchens, Baths, Master Bedroom

Do key areas like the kitchen, bathrooms and master bedroom need work to appeal to buyers? Not sure? We can help you decide.

Spruce it Up

Does your house look tired? If so, consider sprucing it up so the buyer doesn’t immediately assume your home needs a lot of work. Things like paint can go a long way.

Who is My Target Buyer?

Does your home appeal to the type of buyer looking for your type of home? Unsure who might purchase your home? Ask your Realtor to help you understand your home’s target market.

Only Work with a Realtor Willing to Tell You the Truth

Selling a home for the most money in the shortest period of time requires a relentless pursuit of the truth. Someone with courage must step up and give you the unvarnished truth about your home that even your friends aren’t comfortable telling you. Along with this ‘truth’ will come solutions and a plan of action to help your home compete in today’s market.

Want More Tips to Help Your Home Sell Quickly?

Read our articles on 88 Low or No Cost Ways to Sell Your Home Faster and for More Money and Best Do It Yourself Home Improvements that Add Value.

Looking to Sell Your Austin Home?

Check out our Austin Home Selling System to learn why our home selling program will get you the most money in the shortest time. We utilize the latest in real estate marketing, hire a professional photographer and show you how to price your home for today’s buyer. Call us at (512) 827-8323 or email us at info@11OaksRealty.com to schedule a no obligation consultation.