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Preparing Your Home to Sell - What Eagan has found to Help You.
Preparing homes to sell, especially in challenging markets or areas has developed into a true profession and nearly a sales savvy professional art. *Even if you are a "For Sale By Owner" seller ask EAGAN about our marketing FREE WebSite we will be happy to give you. At EAGAN, it's about your housing goals. Let us know if you would like your selling WebSite: ghoover@eaganrealestate.net If we help, we think you'll tell your friends about EAGAN & our service. We hope the following tips help you! One can say however, in virtually all markets, the homes in ‘'good shape" or obviously "taken care of" are the first ones or easiest to sell. Many times in strong market periods, real estate professionals will say that they are only seeing those homes left on the market that are very out dated or in "rough shape". In difficult or slower markets the market seems to know in a hurry if a certain property is "out of date" or in "challenged condition", and they seem to sit there, sell very low on the general market scale of prices or simply come off the market. So where do you as a seller want to be considered? Obviously in the "good shape" home category more likely brings at least "the market" price. So, how do you achieve that in the buying market's eyes and in the eyes of those who will bring buyers to your home, and bring you the best price you can sell for? Well, naturally we would suggest that this evaluation would be your first call to an Eagan Agent to independently assess any general or specific needs or changes. Your Eagan Agent can also call upon our Eagan Design and Certified Graduate Builder consultants to help, if needed. You are not obligated since our Eagan Agent would want the opportunity to objectively look and suggest the best look your property can offer anyway. Call Eagan certainly but on your own, here are some basics; Landscaping - Should be clean, trimmed, weeded, mulched and walkways and porches in the best shape you can get them in. Your Lot is of course part of "location-location" and is very important and cannot be changed in size or location, but it should be cared for, cleaned up and as much enhancement to your home as possible. Roofing - If it looks like it needs replacing it will often become a question of the buyer. It's best to know what condition your roof is in since it is a reality of importance. Roofs generally can only be 3 roofs deep and then they must be stripped and replaced. If your roof is fairly new it is a real plus in a sale and should keep your market value up. Painting - Always looks better "if" it is well done and the colors are appealing. What's appealing? White and light colors are easiest on most but appealing color does enhance a home. The rule is it should look either simple or well coordinated. Don't ask the buyers to use their "artistic vision", they may not have any and will move on to a simpler purchase. Clutter - Clutter can be a killer. Nothing looks good with it and your over-eclectic collection may be some buyers definition of junk. They want a house for their stuff. Even clear away dressers, shelves and counters. Less "clutter" makes the rooms look far bigger and clearer for someone to move into (buy). Clean also means little or not "clutter. Light - Buyers want a new space to live in but you never see the spaces without light. Good lighting is a major boost and that means using the entire window light available in your home. It is a real plus as are good views if you have them. Interior lighting that is functional and tasteful is a huge selling point as well. Rule: A room is not a good one if you can't see anything in it. A marginal room can be made nice and useful with lighting that complements it! Mechanicals - Know your furnace, water heater and electrical conditions both for you and to answer buyer questions. Have them checked or maintained if you are able. Other Items - Many buyers will or may plan to replace carpets, refinish hardwoods or counters or even remodel but don't count on it and it may be negotiable. Look the best you can. Values & Improvements - Did you over improve your home for the market or the area? Many homeowners assume, or are attached, to the idea that their improvements will also improve their price in the real estate market. Not necessarily so. But there is a group of improvements that do the best at getting your investment back or maybe increasing the sales value to buyers and they are; - New or upgraded Kitchen.
- Up to date or new Bathrooms.
- Sunrooms or enhanced Family open areas. (sometimes even the finished basement)
- New siding care (if needed) or new roof and possibly decks in good shape.
- Added garage space or storage if done reasonably.
Many home sellers also think that some improvements they spent real money for will surely add up to more a buyer will pay. - Above ground pool...uh sorry. Most often no maybe even a minus. Actually most often a minus.
- In ground pool.....maybe, and it would need to be well kept to add anything to the price.
A few general ideas, but it is always best to add in the opinion or objective eyes of someone who sells and list homes every day as a profession. We hope you get added advice from an experienced Eagan Listing Sales Agent. Good Luck!
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