Houston Chronicle Sunday

Arfa’s knowledge steers buyers, sellers in right direction

- By Rebecca Maitland

Houston continues to see large numbers of people and families relocating to the area, and most do not realize how many miles the greater Houston metropolit­an area covers, commute times, or the area that would best suit their needs. This makes having a knowledgea­ble Realtor very important.

About 70 percent of Roya Arfa, a Realtor with Beth Wolff Realtors, Real Living, are relocation clients. Therefore, Arfa’s main focus area is whatever area that would best fit her clients’ needs, from The Woodlands to Sugar Land and from Katy to Inner Loop and everything in between.

“When relocation clients arrive, they only have one or two days to find a home, and when they return they will be moving in. This is one of the reasons it is so important for a seller to have their home ready for market and move-in ready,” Arfa said.

Prior to listing a home for sale, it is important for sellers to go to the curb, approach the house as a buyer and try to see what a buyer would see. With

this perspectiv­e, sellers could have a better idea on items that could use attention.

“First impression­s are very important. That first impression begins at the curb when clients pull up. So, freshening up the front-yard landscapin­g is important, such as removing any dead foliage or bushes, lawn mowed and edged, windows clean, trees trimmed, and front door polished,” Arfa said.

It is also important for the house to be maintained, even making sure all the light bulbs are working.

“When buyers see small details not taken care of it sends the signal that other things probably have not been taken care of either,” Arfa said.

Also, having all wall colors in a neutral color is important, as well as changing any spotted or dirty carpet. Declutter all closets, shelves, and the overall home, which allows buyers to see the home and not a homeowner’s belongings, so they can imagine this home being their home.

Arfa has a list of handymen, painters, landscaper­s, stagers, mowers, and others to help her buyers prepare a home to be move-in-ready.

“Most people appreciate suggestion­s from their Realtor on how to prepare their home for market. Even those who are not open to suggestion­s usually come around when they see offers are not being received. On average, I would say most people spend about $2,000 on preparing their home, with which they reap the rewards in a quicker sale and a return on their investment,” she said.

 ??  ?? Roya Arfa
Roya Arfa

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