10 Things that keep a Home From Selling
1. Get the home ready. De-cluttering of the home and clean up. I have listed many homes and often times relate the same information over and over regarding the de-cluttering of the home. I am shocked at how many people just don't understand why the home has not sold when it is an absolute wreck. Everything has a place.
Has your realtor used the "de-clutter" word with you more than once? This is a professional form of saying "clean up". Take a look around. If in doubt, ask a very close friend to come and help you clean up one day. They are more likely to tell you what needs to be cleaned up and cheaper than a cleaning service.
2. Unmade beds do not a great showing make. Sure, you gave your realtor a key to show your home but; you never make your beds when you leave each morning. You may fall into the "24 Hour" category. These are people who need a notice to get the home ready to show. Discuss this with your realtor. You may end up cleaning you home all night on a Tuesday for it to be shown on Wednesday but, I bet it shows better clean and you’ll now have a clean home for the weekend.
3. No dirty dishes in the sink or counters.
4. Closets do count. Get your closets in order and arranged neatly. This does two great things at once. For one, people can see how much closet space you have and two a neat homes sell better!
5. Let the light in. Dark rooms do not show well. Open the draperies, turn on the porch lights at night, and liven things up a bit. Dark rooms are depressing and will most likely not be as appealing, as a bright a airy room.
6. LEAVE! No one likes to view a property with the homeowner at home. Being home gives the buyers opportunity to ask you questions directly, you want your agent to handle any questions that come up. This puts you in a better negotiating position. Homeowners make viewers nervous and uneasy about opening cabinets and doors. My theory is if you want to leave this home forever you can get out for 30 minutes.
7. Clean up the Yard. Curb appeal is everything. Yes, your house is just precious inside and you have repainted and spruced the interior but, have you considered your yard? Keeping a yard up throughout the selling process is part of the marketing plan. Don't expect your realtor to work miracles on their end if you’re not holding up yours. Keep yards neatly manicured at all times. Half of the people who go see your home have already ridden by it once or twice. First impressions are important.
8. Get the dog out! Others may be intimidated by your precious little "Fido" or even licked to death. Be sure your take them with you or have them locked safely away. I have had people refuse to go into homes due to dogs and cats being on-site.
9. Smell great. Smell is a great way to get people interested. Just as you walk past a person in the mall and notice that they smell great people will notice the smell of your home.
10. Take a hard look all over again. If you have had your home listed with three different agents and it still hasn't sold maybe it’s time to realize it’s not the agents! Something is keeping your home from selling and I will bet it has a lot to do with numbers 1-9 on this list.
