Introduction
Buying a home isn't just about the facts and figures. It';s also about impressions and emotions. Buying a home, for most people, is a commitment. It';s a marriage of sorts. A home buyer wants to find the right house. They don';t want to ever think they may have found a better house after they purchase and it';s too late. This is why they engage their emotions and impressions; They have to love it because they are, in a sense, going to have a long-term relationship with it.
These 12 proven ways address these impressions and emotions and give you an advantage in selling your home fast
Get the Price Right - Right Away
You may be thinking the price is just a figure, a fact. That is incorrect. It';s about impression also. You see, if you price the home too high, many of your buyers will be missed because your price was out of their range. Also, those that could afford your over-pricing know they can get more for their money elsewhere. The result? Your house sits on the market and you have to start reducing it.
This is where the impression comes in. If a house sits on the market too long, it gives the impression there is something wrong with it, and even more buyers will pass it by.
When buyers see the price reduction signs, they get the impression something was wrong with it. Buyers are much more savvy today. They don';t think of price reductions as bargains; they think of them as problem indicators.
So avoid the negative impressions and maximize your initial traffic by pricing your home right.
Condition of the Listing
Just like anything else, the condition of your home creates an impression. If your house is cluttered or in need of painting, you lose the "move-in" condition of your home. This drives away buyers by not letting them form the impression that your home is their home. Clean your home top to bottom, throw out your junk (Be Objective!), and refurbish and repair everything (Do not put this off!).
Invest in lights and higher-wattage light-bulbs. A bright house is a happy house. Happy buyers tend to buy more often and make faster decisions. Get those cleaning supplies you';ve been avoiding; Window cleaner, brass polish, and soap-scum remover.
Fix those loose doorknobs, oil the squeaky hinges, all those things you';ve been putting off, invest the time to address them. (You';ll realize the return when you sell your home faster.)
Curb Appeal
This is more than just how the house looks from the street; it';s about the impression people form when they first see your house. Most negative decisions are made about a house before the buyer even gets out of the car.
This isn';t just architectural, it';s also about the details. Mow your lawn, do the trim-work, and tend your garden. Also make sure your shutters are straight and your windows are clean. Set your blinds to the same height for a uniform and neat appearance. Give your home a "buy-me" look with attention to details.
Brighten Things Up!
Remember a bright home is a happy home. Freshen your paint with neutral and lighter colors. Brighter homes also appear larger. You want to give the impression that your home is large and filled with happiness. Dark and cluttered homes have little chance on the market when compared to bright and open homes.
The Most Popular Rooms
Home buyers look at Kitchens, Master Bedrooms, and Garages the most, and in that order. Clear up all clutter everywhere, but pay particular attention to these locations.
In the kitchen, clean off the countertops and show off how much room they have. Clean the appliances, even the ones you';re taking with you. Clean the floors and address any stains.
In the master bedroom, make sure your bed is made and tucked neat. Arrange the furniture to make more room. Take down the highly personal pictures and posters.
In the garage, clean out your junk. Garages are for cars ideally. Show the home buyer that they can store their cars and have room for their own things by making the most of the space.
Flexible Financing
Not just another figure. If you';re flexible, you increase your buyer';s market. Consider FHA and VA financing as well as seller financing, negotiable pricing position, and paying closing costs, along with giving a decorator';s allowance.
Teamwork
This is critical. Your Abana agent is a member of your team with one goal: To sell your home Quickly. Be sure to let your agent know all you know about the features and favorite parts of your home. This gives your agent an opportunity to make another positive impression to buyers about your home.
Pleasant Atmosphere
This isn't just to make your home friendly, it';s to make the atmosphere, the air, welcoming and pleasant. This gives a great impression if done right. A fire going in the fireplace, and some flowers in the home adds much to the atmosphere at many levels.
Avoid the over-use of potpourri; this turns off many home buyers. But do consider baking some cookies. Also, slice up a lemon or an orange and run it through your disposal. This freshens the air without overpowering it.
The Showing
The best way to give a good impression at a showing is to let your Abana agent handle it. This is what we do. We know how to make the best impressions on new buyers. Plan to be away from home during showings. Set up a list of places you can go if a showing is quickly scheduled (coffee shop, a local mall, a walking track). This avoids too many introductions that can spoil the rhythm of a good showing.
Meet and Greet
If you are at home during a showing, do all you can to avoid making buyers feel like intruders. Keep children close and pets from getting in the way. (Some people are allergic or afraid of animals). Be yourself, but keep it low key. While buyers like to buy from people they like, they are there to see your home, not you. Make the most of the time by letting them see your home. Your great home can';t make an impression if you outshine it.
Negotiations
Impressions are critical at negotiations. Be friendly and in a positive frame of mind. Don';t engage in an adversarial role. After all, you both want the same thing - A Smooth Sale. Leave most of this to your Abana agent. That';s what we do!
Contract Signing
Probably the most important thing you can do to keep positive emotions working in your favor is responding immediately to offers. When the buyer makes an offer, they are in the mood to buy right then. Moods and emotions change. Being slow to accept an offer can spoil a sale by letting good and positive emotions die.
We Can Help You Sell Your Home Fast!
This is what we do. We';re known to have "the fastest sign in town." We generated this brochure free for you and your use. We hope you find it informational and useful. We also wish you the best in the sale of your home.
We would love to be your agency to list your home if you haven';t done so already. We bring with us a wide range of experience and technology that produce results.
You will find us easy and comfortable to work with. While working with us, you';ll understand quickly why we have a 98% customer satisfaction rating, the highest in the industry.
Give us a call today, and we';ll help you sell your home, FAST! |
