For Sellers
Sellers: What You Need to Know:
“Less (Stress) is More”
Selling a home is a big step. Whether it’s due to changes in the housing market, an empty nest, a growing one, or relocating for greener pastures, it can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. Stalwart Investments, LLC specializes in making your transition run as smooth as possible, regardless of the whys and hows.
Preliminary Steps:
It is imperative to do your research before any major purchase. Taking these steps put you on the right track. Ask and answer these questions first and follow your plan accordingly:
Determine what you can afford
What you can afford to spend or lose, find that number and do not waiver.
Cosmetics
This is an easy one. If you are going to show a property, make sure it is in a sellable condition.
Click Here for a Handy To-Do Checklist
How much is your home actually worth?
Make sure to determine the aggregate cost of homes in your neighborhood. This will give you a reasonable idea of what to expect when selling your own home. Take into account interest rates, the market, and even recent trends.
Determine your “bottom line”
There’s a real number that either enhances or diminishes your home’s value. Know it, but with a reasonable cushion.
Staging
This one’s tricky because taste in décor is so subjective.
If you’re living in the home, just make sure there are always fresh towels and ample bathroom tissue.
Wipe down the shower to reduce residue, and make a point to make the beds.
Again, pretty basic, but worth getting into the habit, because honestly, do we always have fresh towels and a pristine, showroom-ready bathroom?
Click Here for a comprehensive Staging To-Do Checklist
Time to Clean House!
Before the big sale, your home has GOT to look presentable. That means, removing the clutter and having a deep clean, inside and out. Decide whether or not a garage sale is in order. Inquiring minds will want to know, and your intentions will become clear.
The deep Clean
Believe or not, a deep clean can be an unexpected expense. We’re not saying you’re not house-proud, only that a really deep clean is all-encompassing.
We clean some parts of our home daily, like the kitchen or bathroom. Consider the more incidental home items that may need attention like:
Drapes/Curtains
Corners and High Ceilings
Baseboards
Under the Oven/Refrigerator
Vents
Curio Cabinets and Bookcases, from top to bottom
Side note, some potential buyers may judge you based on your entertainment choices. Keep it family-friendly. Sounds pretty basic but now is not the time to be caught by surprise.
Do you need to start putting things in storage? If so, when is the best time?
The Landscape
Keep in mind, Landscape and landscaping are not the same. The Landscape includes the look of the neighborhood. If your relationship with neighbors is a good one, don’t be shy about asking them to bring in the kiddie pool on showing days. While holidays may seem a perfect time to show your home, because most have days off, they also have celebrations that can be loud and intrusive. Landscaping can be a breeze or an ordeal, depending on the time of year, the air is filled with honeysuckle, magnolia, or fertilizer. Even in Arizona where non-traditional lawns are more common, be prepared to know the differences and the reasons why.
The Repairs
Give your home a walk-through with the eyes of a buyer. Some imperfections are so minor they’ve long been dismissed and forgotten. A buyer’s eye magnifies. Every crack will be a chasm, worthy of negotiation. Handling these issues early allows whatever fixes you make blend in so that they are no longer, or barely noticeable. Did you ever get around to replacing the light bulb cover in the closet? Does the fan still have that audible wobble? Trim that frayed part of the carpet yet? If possible, bring in a fresh set of eyes for a critical view, an in-law or other family member. Take out that screwdriver and tighten up the drawer and cabinet knobs.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Cast Your Net, Wide
She’s got weird hair. He looks like a hippie. Love his face. She’s got honest eyes. None of these affect the outcome unless they pass escrow. Yes, we all make judgements based on appearances, but don’t let that hinder you from the ultimate goal. Of course, due diligence is key. Get that credit report.
Time for Inspection?
Are we ready?
Even newer houses will develop issues sooner than expected. Consider auxiliary, peripheral elements like built-ins, landscaping, or even weather. Prospects like to “kick the tires.” Make sure all your knobs, faucets, and outlets aren’t deal-breakers. No, you’re not obligated to repair every little thing. Knowledge is power. It’s best to be fully aware of as many potential issues as possible, in order to address each one.
Finance
It’s all part of the game. Buyers want the best deal they can get. Sellers want the same. The goal is to have both parties walking away satisfied, though this is not an easy task. That said, you’ve got all your ducks in a row, so this process will go smoothly. Stalwart Investments, LLC’s mission is to make sure this happens.
The Little Things
Be prepared to answer questions about paints (oil or water based), built-ins and fixtures (age, warranties, etc.), utility costs (you don’t have to be specific, ballpark is fine), and neighborhood amenities, even if you’ve never visited them yourself.
“Houses” VS “Homes”
It is (or, “As the song goes,”) common knowledge that a house is not a home. A home is more than that. It is typically made of family, neighbors, experiences, even smells, and the nostalgia that goes along with it. One thing that makes selling your home more difficult is the attachment we ascribe to that. Ideally, we are capable of disabusing ourselves from these “fondities” when upgrading to a new home. Stalwart Investments is here to make that transition possible.
Not too Open
Not too Closed
Availability is the epitome of a balancing act. Walking that tightrope of when to show your property means taking the extra steps to travel beyond your comfort zone.
Sometimes, meeting a potential buyer at 7:00 am, with or without your agent, will be either a major inconvenience or a wonderful opportunity. Don’t let trial and error be the determining factor here. Create a clear reasonable, but workable schedule and stick to it.
Now is the time to get down to brass tacks
By brass tacks, we mean money.
There are potential repair costs, staging fees, commissions, titles, transfers, escrow, and of course, taxes. When your ready to take the final steps, write these (ballpark) numbers down. No one wants to be caught by surprise with exorbitant and unexpected impediments.
© 2024 Stalwart Investments, LLC
All Rights Reserved
Residential and Commercial Properties