Dear Simple,
Welcome to my Most Frequently Asked Question club. While my sympathies
go out to those readers who have seen much of this information in
previous columns, it is true that home preparation is probably the
most important aspect of the job I do for sellers. So let’s look at it
from three sellers’ perspectives:
“I just want to get out.” If this is you, Simple, then I
suggest you (1) mow the lawn, (2) move half your possessions to the
garage or storage locker, and (3) clean the house until it squeaks.
Call a good Realtor to get a market opinion for a sale on an “as-is”
basis—and be prepared to spend some money anyway, if certain hazardous
or unlivable conditions exist.
“I want a good price, but I can’t do everything.” This is the
average seller position, and while as a listing agent I push to get
the house in the best possible shape, I realize that most people
really don’t have the time, money or skills required to obtain the
highest price for their home. But, in addition to items 1, 2 and 3
above, this seller should make sure that (4) the mechanicals are in
good working order, including roof, water heater, plumbing and
electrical systems; furnace should be cleaned and tested; make sure
windows operate properly. (5) All exterior wood surfaces should be
free of peeling paint, stucco patched and fences put in good shape.
Remember, any undone “work” that a buyer sees can become an item
mentally subtracted when that buyer is trying to decide if the house
is worth your asking price. Finally, and most important: (6) pull the
carpeting to expose the hardwood floors; have them sanded, if
necessary, even if you have to borrow the money for the job (around
$3.00 sq. ft). |
“I want top dollar, and I’ll
do whatever it takes.” Of course, the seller
who has this vision, and the time and money, will
always get the best and fastest return under any
market conditions. In addition to items 1 through
6 above, this seller should make sure the walls
and ceilings are crack-free, woodwork gaps are
filled, and walls are painted with well-chosen,
designer colors. Make sure every room, even the
basement, and particularly the kitchen, sparkles
with an eye-popping appeal. This doesn’t require
an expensive remodel so much as a fashionable
“look” (say, shiny pans hanging from a sturdy
ceiling rack, or a fern in a sunny corner. An
older gravity furnace that works OK should still
be replaced with a new energy-efficient unit.
Drain tile the basement if there’s any moisture.
The seller who provides real “turn-key” appeal
leaves the buyer nothing significant to mentally
subtract from the asking price, and creates
motivation even in the toughest market.
|
Pat
Rosaves is broker/owner of River Realty.
She has over 30 years experience helping
people with their real estate needs.
Questions may be sent to her at River
Realty, 2543 38th Ave S. Minneapolis, MN
55406. She can also be reached at
612-724-1314, or at www.riverrealty.net |
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