WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HOUSE IS NOT SELLING!

First, selling your house is like going to a job interview. The presentation is critical. Presentation is the way of life in the world of real estate. Buyers in today’s market are looking for good presentation, with many basing their final decision on it.

When average home buyers buy, they buy on emotion. Buyers often know within 10 seconds of walking in the door whether or not the house was for them. They need to feel that emotional attachment as soon as they walk into your house. The buyers need to be able to see themselves living in your house. You need to make it appealing for that first glance.

There are things you need to consider when putting your house on the market:
• Clean and organize your garage. Get rid of that junk that has piled up over the years. You know how large the garage is. But, all the buyer sees is small clogged space. Pre-pack and send on needed “stuff” to storage or recycling.
• Make sure all your light bulbs are working. A well lit house looks bright and cheery. Be sure to turn on all the lights before the buyers arrive.
• Clear out all the clutter. You love your memorabilia and knick-knacks. But, a buyer wants to be able to visualize their stuff in your house.
• Clean out your closets of unused clothing. A closet that is jammed with clothes looks small to the buyer.
• Take down posters and other such art in the children’s rooms. Doing so opens the room up, and helps the buyer see what it will look like with their “artwork” on the walls.
• Remove stuff from kitchen counters and closets. Again, this opens up the room, giving it a bigger feel.

Curb appeal is really important. Many buyers will drive by your property before they make an appointment to go through it. If they do not find the property attractive on the outside, many will not go inside. Realtors often have appointments to visit houses, only to have the buyer refuse to go inside when they arrive at the house because the buyer dislikes the outside. Consider the following:
• Be sure that the lawn is impeccable condition. Keep the grass and gardens trimmed and clean of toys, etc.
• Front entries should look fresh and inviting. Repaint trim and doors if the paint is faded or chipped. Paint lawn furniture that may need attending for the same reasons.
• If you have trees or shrubs that are blocking the front door or windows, trim them back, or even replace them with smaller plants. This will open the front of the home up making it more attractive.
• Pay attention to any gardens. Renew mulch. Get rid of weeds and dead plants.
• If it is winter, and you live in a snow belt, keep the drive and walk ways clear of snow and ice.

Carrying out necessary repairs before putting the property on the market is essential. Buyers pay a great deal of attention to details, especially if the come back for future visits.
• Repair dents, holes, or scratches found anywhere around the house, inside and outside.
• Repair faucets, doors, squeaky hinges, toilets, windows, etc.
• Exterminate insects, and get rid of their debris found on window sills and lamp shades, etc.
• A new coat of paint makes the house smell fresh and new
• If carpet is worn with wear patterns readily visible, consider replacing the carpet.

In short, make it easy for your buyer to say yes to your house. Remember that they are comparing your to all the others they will be visiting.