Rosenthal offers tips to achieve successful home sale
A Realtor is found and your home is listed for sale. A day or so later, a call comes that a Realtor and possible buyers are on the way, so you hurry and grab a few things and head out the door, even though you have not had a chance to pick up or wipe-down.
This is not an ideal situation to accomplish your goal as a home seller.
“Before you leave the house each morning, or when an appointment is set, spend a few extra minutes to ensure the home is presentable,” said award-winning Realtor Sondra Rosenthal of Bernstein Realty.
However, before you put your home on the market, take the time to have repairs done and clean the house well, including drawers, cabinets and closets. Also, declutter and depersonalize your home so buyers can see their lives in the home.
For example, consider having all safety electricals in working order; front door repainted, repaired or replaced; and make sure the bathroom ceiling fan vents are working.
Rosenthal, with over 40 years of sales experience, has found these tips and others to be very important. They make a difference.
“These are just some of the little things that buyers will notice. The thought is, if a homeowner takes care of these little things, then more than likely, the house is in good condition,” Rosenthal said.
A few of the other things that can stand out when buyers are touring your home include cleaning the carpet to remove all odors and stains, cleaning the light switches and plugs, and changing outdated faucets and knobs to today’s styles.
“Another good tip is do not use scented candles, plug-ins or deodorizers that make the house smell like a bathroom. Buyers will immediately wonder what odors the owner is trying to hide. Also, caulk any places that need caulking such as windows, doors, bathrooms and kitchens — and use the proper caulking for each area,” Rosenthal said.
Also, ensure your faucets are not leaking and the toilets are not running. Updating cabinet fronts makes a huge difference, too.
“It is also important to have your home painted in neutral colors such as light grays, ivories, white and soft tans. If you have your daughter’s room painted pink and buyers with only sons come in, it could discourage them with the thought that painting will be required. Today’s buyers are looking for as close to possible move-in ready homes,” Rosenthal said.
It is also important to spend time freshening up the yard with new mulch and flowers/shrubs. Also, keep the beds weeded.
“With my design background, I am able to help sellers prepare their home for sale. I work very hard for each client, whether buying or selling, and want each client to be successful. Tips like these make such a difference,” Rosenthal said.