Contributed by Marcus Lansky.)
When it’s time to move to your dream home, the last thing you want is to get hung up with your current home lingering on the market. Hiring a professional stager can be costly, but it’s important to stage your home in a manner that catches house hunters’ eyes. Here’s how to get the results you want without going to that extra expense, courtesy of the Paladin Realty Team.
Find Out What’s Going Wrong
First and foremost, you’re going to have to find out what the problem is with your property that keeps scaring buyers away. Is it priced wrong? Does it need too much fixer-upper work? Is it lacking in curb appeal? Without knowing this answer, it’s hard to know where to begin.
Identifying the problem or problems can be difficult. You can’t rely on what prospective buyers might say about your home, but what you can do instead is find comparable homes for sale in your area and see how they’re performing. Checking area listings and even going to open houses can reveal a great deal by showing you what works — and what doesn’t.
Take Steps to Fix the Problem
Once you’ve found the culprit, it’s time to address it. Sometimes this is as easy as realizing you’re overpricing your home when compared to properties similar in size and condition to yours. Another concern might be the economic situation of the buyer — an issue that can often be resolved by selling on terms with the help of the right real estate agency.
Another common concern is an outdated or tired appearance; checking out current remodeling trends can tell you a lot about where house hunters have their priorities. It might be time to invest in new appliances or flooring to help your home sell. Or, you can use temporary solutions like peel-and-stick wallpaper to help add some color to rooms that may need a temporary solution. Again, a professional agent can help you determine if a refresher or two will make a difference. They can also help you with some of the more subtle concerns that are holding back a house sale, like:
Your House Lacks Curb Appeal
First impressions count. If a prospective buyer pulls up and the first thing they see is a lawn with brown patches or a front gate in need of repainting, this could set the tone for the entire viewing. Redfin explains taking some simple steps can make all the difference.
Give the outside of your home some real curb appeal by doing as much landscaping and sprucing up as you can afford. Invest a little time and money in bringing your lawn back to life, fix anything that is in obvious need of repair, wash your exterior and walkways, and add some inexpensive touches to your entryway. Little things like repainting your front door, putting out a new doormat, and adding a classic wreath can make buyers feel welcome.
Your House Is Too Cluttered
Ever walked into a home that’s just packed to the brim with knick-knacks and gewgaws? Even the cleanest home can feel stuffy and overcrowded if it’s cluttered. Excess furniture, too many collectibles, even stacks of magazines from this week’s mail can leave an otherwise roomy house feeling claustrophobic. On top of the discomfort, house hunters should be focusing on the house, and not the things in it. Too much stuff can be distracting. Declutter your home and it will be much easier to sell.
Your House Feels Too Personal
When is a house a home? When it’s filled with little personal touches. Distinctive wall art and cherished family photos might put you at ease, but for buyers, it can remind them the house belongs to someone else. Take them down or replace them with more generic items when you’re showing your house for sale. As CubeSmart explains, depersonalizing your space makes it easier for buyers to imagine their own belongings there.
Selling your home doesn’t have to be the kind of nightmare you don’t wake up from. Just a little bit of research — and sometimes a lot of hard work — can make a major difference in getting your house in the right shape to attract its own Prince Charming. The right buyer for your home is out there, so go and find them!
The Paladin Realty Team can help you find the right home in Eastern Oregon. Call Dawn Blalack (541-310-9563) or Nathan Good (541-310-7070) today!
