By Patrick McCarran
Real Estate Broker
Although there is a great deal of turmoil in the politics and the economy it is still a string real estate market and not quite a Sellers’ market, although increasing inventory is still very low and Buyers are out there looking, however they are looking for that just right home. As you ready your home for sale, you should realize that you can maximize your return with a few simple upgrades, like light fixtures and faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms will make a big impression and are affordable to implement. You don’t need to over-improve. Projects like adding solar and increasing insulation are better for the long term and not usually the best investment for a sale. Make any needed repairs to your home, but don’t go above and beyond—you may not recoup the money doing so.
A Realtor calls to let you know they will be bringing buyers by this afternoon. Great! You rally your whole family, Bailey the dog included, to be waiting at the door with fresh baked cookies and big smiles. Right? Wrong. Buyers want to imagine themselves in your space, not be confronted by you in your space. Get out of the house, take the kids with you, and if you can’t leave for whatever reason, it is better not to go sit in the backyard, especially if that is a selling feature, try standing on the front porch or walk around the block.
Over-decorating is just as bad as over-improving. You may love the look of lace and lavender, but your potential buyer may enter your home and cringe. Home staging is meant to create a neutral canvas that will appeal to the majority of buyers. Staging is all about de-personalizing the space, and creating more of a look that will appeal to most everyone. If painting, you should choose nice neutral and warm beige tones. People are quick to stage living rooms and kitchens and but don’t forget to spruce up the bedrooms, flex space and closets as well. Remember less is more.
People love natural light, so don’t block any light with heavy curtains or furniture. Accentuate any attractive views. Anything dated in a home is a turn-off to a potential buyer and window treatments are one of them. Don’t be afraid to take down the curtains and just use the blind or just leave the valance.
Simplify the furniture to be in balance with the scale of the room. Remember that the purpose of furniture when selling a home is to define the purpose of the room and to show what will fit where. Check that all lights are burning with fresh bulbs, and that all fixtures are working.
People care about the outside space just as much as the inside, so add flowers, add bark or rocks, make sure the lawn is mowed, the yard is tidy and maybe add a few backyard accessories.
Above all don’t take things personal, buying and selling homes is very, very emotional. However, when selling your homes, try your very best not to take things personally. When a buyer lowballs you or says they will need to replace something you love. You may love your home, but that doesn’t mean that everyone coming through the door will feel the same way. Everyone has their own particular tastes and style. When selling a home the goal is to allow the buyer to see themselves in the homes and help give them a vision of what they can do to make it their Home.
Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker DRE# 01325072. He can be contact by phone or text at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo.com or www. CallPatrick.com. An independently owned and operated office. In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE# 0193160. Equal Housing Opportunity.
