By Barbara Lehrer
Real Talk
Barbara Lehrer
Families call me all the time to say they heard about a new listing coming on, they always admired the property and now they think they are ready to jump on it.
First things first. Once the prequalifying is complete, it is time to say, “Are we ready to sell if we get this new home?” Walking through the home, we notice little things that then seem to add up to a list affecting the price point we expect.
The spring market will be here before you know it, and with inventory then ready to pop, what position do you want to be in?
Being informed and educated means that you can answer most any question about your mechanical devices. If you have propane, is your gas stove set up with a converter for propane? Does your dishwasher drain all the way? Are the filters on your heat system and/or central air system clean and up to date? The list goes on with small and not so small items.
The best and no-cost way to go through the home with a fine-toothed comb is with a good realtor. Collaboration with an expert partner can help you brainstorm on presentation. It’s important to depict the right balance between warmth and space for both the online pictures and in-person showings. It should look like there is room to grow, but not sterile from unnecessary decluttering. A buyer tends to imagine living in your space. Getting a home “show ready” takes a master eye adept with experience.
Window shopping can take on a whole new meaning for a prospect when walking into a home that is cozy and pulling you in. I have seen buyers immediately trust the look of the home that says “I have been cared for” and when you open the hood has nothing to hide. That care will bring an easier transaction for both the buyer and the seller. The pride of ownership takes time and everyday commitment.
The community we live in has a knack for doing the right thing. I have seen it over and over again. So trust the system and hold hands with a realtor who cares. It may seem like a seller’s market, but it really is at the buyer’s discretion in the end.
As I always say, a group effort with professional assistance and resources for quick and quality upgrades can make all the difference. Get the right help and stand out in the real estate listings.
If you need more information on these issues, email Barbara.Lehrer@cbmoves.com.