How to Sell a House in [Profile.market2] for the Highest Price by Realtor Dan Craddock

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January 17, 2011, by Dan Craddock in Tips for Sellers

When you ask a new owner what made them decide to purchase a particular home, one common answer you may hear is “The moment I stepped inside, I just knew this was the one.” Homes are bought and sold on emotions. In this article, we’ll go over three steps to help you create this reaction in people who see your house so you can sell your house for the best possible price. Remember, you are competing against foreclosures, REO or bank owned homes and you want yours to stick out because it may not be the lowest price but it's in the best condition.

Step #1 – Repairs

In order to get a premium price for your house, it’s important that it looks the best it can. Buyers won’t pay top dollar for a shabby house. Money spent on repairs is generally money well spent. You’re almost guaranteed to recoup your investment many fold. Make sure everything in the house works. Lighting, water, air conditioning, etc. Clean all your appliances even the inside of stove and microwave - believe me these get looked at. Make sure the carpets have been cleaned and the tile floors are free of dirt and grime. Consider getting new countertops or lighting if your current setup isn’t attractive to buyers.

There is such a thing as going too far on the repairs. Generally, repairs should be concentrated on getting everything in working order. Just because something is a little old, doesn't mean that it should be replaced. The new buyer will probably replace it,more than likely, with something they like not something that you feel looks good. There is a difference.

Step #2 – Staging

Staging is the art of making your house appealing to buyers. Staging will also make a house seem much bigger to the buyer. The first step is to remove all the clutter that has built up from years and years of living in the same house. There is no need to have something in every corner. Take love seats, tables, chairs, hutches, etc. out so the rooms look bigger. Rent storage space if you have to but the main thing is to remove the clutter so a buyer can actually see the house as something they could decorate and live in. The next step is to remove 99% of your pictures. It makes it hard for a potential buyer to visualize your home as theirs when they are looking at all your pictures.

Make sure the garden, kitchen and bathrooms are in tip top condition. Give the place a fresh coat of paint so it gives an impression of newness. Remember to use light pastel colors. Anything bold will turnoff most buyers. You aren't painting it for you or for the buyer. You're painting it to get it sold. More than likely, the new buyer will repaint to their liking. Place any furniture so that it highlights the feel of the room and ensure that the house flows. Open curtains and turn on the lights to enhance the lighting feel of the room. Once your entire house is cleaned inside and outside, proceed to step 3 …

Step #3 – Talk to a Professional

One of the great things about working with a real estate agent is that their services almost always pay for themselves. According to Consumer Reports, home sales that went through a real estate agent consistently sold for a higher price and sold faster than homes that were listed by the owner.

A real estate professional can look at your house and give you on the spot advice on how to stage your house in the best possible way. They can also give you a couple of staging companies to contact for additional information or if you don't want to do it on your own. Your agent can help you ensure you get the highest price for your house as quickly as possible.

If you’re not already working with an agent on selling your house for the best price possible, feel free to give me a call for a free consultation. I can be reached at or by email at . For everything Cape Coral Real Estate, please visit my websites at www.livingincapecoralnow.com and www.dancraddock.com.

Have a Prosperous Day!