Getting My St. George Utah Home Ready to Sell

Before preparing your home to sell, you must prepare yourself by knowing what price to expect for your home and what improvements will give you a sizeable return. Before doing anything, call your southern Utah Realtor, Joel Robertson. He will conduct a comparative market analysis on your home so that you’ll have an idea of what your home is currently worth. Then, Joel will discuss with you the renovations that could dramatically increase your home’s market value and the renovations that will likely not earn you an positive return. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Make the Most of that First Impression.

Curb appeal is one of those phrases that go hand in hand with selling a home. A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs, a clutter-free porch and a freshly painted door will be inviting to prospective buyers. Rake the leaves, powerwash the driveway and keep the children’s bikes and toys in the garage. The fewer visual obstacles between buyers and the inside of your home the better.

2. Reap the Rewards from a Little Elbow Grease.

The cost of most major renovations will usually not earn you a sizable return. Again, check with Joel before starting a large home renovation project. Painting will almost always earn a nice return and help sell your home, expecially if your walls currently have a “unique” color or are just plain dirty. Paint scuffed baseboards a separate color to give your home that custom look. Clean the carpets or replace some of them if your agent recommends it. Wash all the windows and window coverings. If you’d rather pay a professional to do the work, ask Joel for some referrals. But remember, prospective buyers would rather see how great your home looks now than hear how great it could look “with a little work.”

3. Get Rid of Clutter.

You may feel comfortable in your own home, but some buyers may get claustrophobic with too much visual noise around them. Your living areas and kitchen are the most important rooms, as your buyers will spend the majority of their time in them while discussing their likes and dislikes. Clear off kitchen counters, table tops and floors. Keep artwork and photos on walls to a minimum and get rid of excessive furniture so that buyers can imagine where they will place their own family photos and heirlooms.

4. Don’t Forget the Bedrooms.

Most bedrooms consist of four walls and a closet. The secret is making sure that the buyer can tell the bedroom apart from the closet. Again, get rid of excess furniture and wall hangings, and clear off surfaces. Give your bedrooms that cozy feel by purchasing fresh, colorful bedspreads and curtains.

5. Make Space for the New Homeowner.

Remember that it’s about more than comfortable living space. Storage space is also important to many people, so make sure you de-junk and de-clutter long before your big move. The better organized your closets, the larger they will appear. It’s time to donate your old clothes and shoes to charity!

6. Make Your Bathrooms Sparkle.

Bathrooms have a way of turning off buyers if something isn’t quite right. They must be completely spotless. Replace scuffed toilet seats and unsightly caulking around showers and baths. Spending a little extra on new towels, mats and shower curtains will make those prospects feel like they’re in a fancy hotel.

7. It’s the Little Things that Count.

You might have learned to avoid toys on stairs or that nail sticking out of the wall in the hallway, but you should make your home as unperilous as possible for uninitiated visitors. Faulty, dripping faucets, burned out bulbs and doors handles that don’t function properly suggests a lack of home maintenance. Don’t let little problems detract from what’s right with your home.

8. Open up in the Daytime and Lighten up at Night.

During the day, open up the curtains and let natural sunlight in to show the prospective buyer how open and inviting your home really is. At night, turn on all the lights and create a colorful, warm and welcoming atmosphere.

9. The Nose is a Powerful Instrument.

We are all accustomed to the various odors in our own homes, but they may be offensive to some people, especially odors from mildew, smoking, pets and cooking. Ask Joel or an honest friend what unfamiliar or unpleasant smells may be lurking in your home. Take advantage of fresh flowers, potpourri, fresh baked bread and cinnamon. Fresh paint and clean carpets can also do wonders.

10. Send the Pets Away.

Your cat or dog may be your best friend, but keep in mind that some people are intimidated by or allergic to animals. Also, you never want a prospective buyer to have to avoid animal droppings inside or outside your home.

11. Set the Mood.

Along with good lighting and fresh smells, set the mood with soft, relaxing music when buyers are scheduled to view your home. Just be sure to keep the volume low. If you live on a high-traffic street, shut out the noise by keeping all the windows closed.

12. Take a Walk or Go for a Drive.

When your home is being shown by an agent, it’s a good practice not to be around. If you can’t leave your home, be friendly and tell the buyers to make themselves at home, but don’t force conversation. Buyers want to view your home with minimum distractions. Prospects also often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they’re likely to hurry through. Lastly, don’t distract prospects by discussing the possibility of selling certain furnishings you no longer need. You may just talk your way out of the biggest sale of all.

13. Don’t React to Criticism

This is another reason why it’s best not to be present when prospective buyers are checking out your home. If you feel uncomfortable with a certain element about your home or you even happen to overhear a piece of criticism, don’t apologize to the buyer and don’t react. Simply allow Joel to handle the situation.

14. Help Joel Help You

Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But Joel knows buyers – what they need and what they want. He will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.  When buyers want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to your real estate expert. Finally, Joel will be much more effective selling your home if all showings are scheduled through his office. You’ll appreciate the results!

To sell your property with Joel Robertson, please call him at (435) 773-1220 or e-mail him at Joel@HomeInStGeorge.com.

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