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Local REALTOR® official on preparing a home to sell

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

The "For Sale" sign is out and the open house is scheduled, but have you done everything inside and out to make potential buyers bite?

Generally, buyers want ease of homeownership. "Like a vehicle with a service warranty that covers major maintenance, most buyers want the same assurance in the home they purchase. While there are those who are happy to fix things, but by and large, a home that needs little or no maintenance is extremely appealing," says Carolyn Miller, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.

Miller believes every home ought to be brought up to its highest potential. She recommends the following tips for preparing a home to sell:

  1. Order inspections. Order inspections up front, and when the reports arrive, discuss ways to present the property for the market. Dollar for dollar, doing major repairs, cosmetic enhancements, or just simple fixes is the way to prepare. Make a budget and obtain quotes for making repairs/changes that will be obtain the highest and best return on the seller's money.
     
  2. Beef up a home's presentation. If there is carpet covering hardwood flooring, consider pulling it up and refinishing the floors. Hidden beneath those rugs could be beautiful real wood. Pull out those old baseboards and install new, and paint the interior walls in colors that accent the white baseboards. Doing just these two things can make the difference in thousands of dollars of return to a seller.
     
  3. Consider a remodel. If the termite report reveals there is bathroom damage, consider repairs up front. You may be inconvenienced during the remodel, but if new flooring is required to obtain certification, buyers will not get that "WOW" feeling. Contractors agree a bathroom remodel can bring one of the largest returns for money spent. If planned well, the work can be completed within a couple of weeks.

    A remodel might not be the right solution for a kitchen, however. Kitchens are personal, so it might be best to paint, or do minor improvements. While a new kitchen may bring top dollar for a seller, individual tastes differ. Buyers may want gas stoves, multiple preparation stations, or a certain type of counter or style of cabinetry.

    Replacing single-pane windows with dual-pane might be left to a buyer's selection, as well. There are so many styles of windows and cost varies, but it is definitely not a show-stopper for an interested buyer.
     
  4. Work on curb appeal and other simple enhancements. Fresh paint inside, a sparkling house, clean windows, and a nice curb appeal are the frosting on the cake that freshen a dwelling and give it more appeal. Other enhancements include new doors, casings, and hardware; light fixtures; refinished hardwood or carpet and baseboards; crown molding; and new hardware on cabinets. This is what today's buyers are looking for, the "WOW" look. These simple enhancements can make a difference in a buyer's eyes.
     
  5. Hire a reliable work crew. A well-orchestrated plan involving reliable trades people is crucial in prepping a home. It doesn't happen overnight, but with careful planning and a good work crew, it can definitely be worth the time, effort, and money to bring a property to its highest potential.

"Our job as Realtors is to counsel our sellers in choosing the best way for them and their budget to achieve the highest and best price when they sell. Today's buyers want a home they can just move into and get on with their lives, without having to do a lot of time-consuming, expensive changes. After all, they've paid top dollar to live in our communities and are focused on family and jobs here in Silicon Valley. And, this new home for these buyers really shouldn't be 'As Is,'" said Miller.


The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.

For further information, please contact Rose Meily at SILVAR Public Affairs, email , or phone (408) 200-0109.

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