When families come to us here at The Calvosa Organization, they want to build their new dream home. But most of the time, they need to sell their existing home. For our experts, that’s no problem. We offer advice and support for choosing the right realtor, and Vince Calvosa himself will even go look at a potential home buyers current residence to make suggestions on how they may be able to sell it quicker. We find it helps having a true expert on your side with the market experience that can give you insight you need.
Though real estate markets vary drastically depending on where you live, there are some basic tips that will show your home at its best – and get it sold faster!
- Take a step back. Go outside and look at your house the way a stranger would. Walk up the driveway and front
path. Open your front door. Does the house welcome you? Imagine how it will look to a buyer.
- Curb appeal is key. A buyer’s first impression of your home comes the second they pull up to the house. Keep the sidewalks cleared, and the lawn mown. Spruce up the mailbox, siding and window trim. Plant seasonal flowers. Trim the shrubs. Make sure visitors can clearly read the house number.
- Make minor repairs. Replace cracked tiles. Patch holes in the walls. Fix leaky faucets. Fix doors that don’t close properly and drawers that stick. Replace burned-out light bulbs. And give everything a fresh coat of paint. Stick to neutral colors.
- De-personalize. You have stuff. Potential buyers don’t need to see it. Think of your home as a model home. All visitors need to see is uncluttered surfaces, empty closets and neat rooms.
- Less is more. Homes show better with less. Remove furniture that blocks views, paths or walkways. Remove extra leaves from the dining room table. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room’s purpose.
- Organize & de-clutter. Do you want people to see your messy coat closet or that over-stuffed kitchen cabinet? No, you want them to see neat, organized spaces with plenty of room to store things in!
- Let the sun shine in. Raise the shades. Open the curtains. Wash the windows. Turn on the lamps. Rooms that are bright seem larger and more inviting than those that are dark.
- Take a deep breath. It’s very common for people to be unaware of smells in their own homes. (Tobacco, pets, mustiness, cooking odors.) Open the windows, and thoroughly clean rugs, floors and walls. Put out fresh flowers. Bake bread or cookies.
- Clean the house – top to bottom!
- Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.
- Clean out cobwebs.
- Polish faucets and mirrors.
- Wash & wax floors.
- Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
- Bleach dingy grout.
- Hang up fresh towels.
- Send pets and children away. If prospective buyers are coming to have a look, you don’t want them to be intimidated by your dog or distracted by your children.
- Price it right. Don’t price your home too high. A higher price will only discourage potential buyers, and leave your home on the market longer.
- Picture perfect. Make sure your listing has lots of good photos. Photos go a long way to enticing prospects to come visit your home in person.
When you’re ready to build a new home – and sell your current one – call The Calvosa Organization. We’re the experts who can get it done.
