Selling your home can be a very stressful event. For many, there are fond memories while others really need the money, even if only to get out of the deal with no debt.
During this process, there are times when a home simply won’t sell. You love the place, it’s priced right for the specs, but it just isn’t moving. When this happens, it’s because something is wrong. However, if you don’t face the fact that there is a problem (or two), then you’ll need to prepare to show your house for a long time.
Recognize That There is a Problem
Not to confuse this with a therapy session, but the first step to solving a problem is recognizing that there is one. Is your realtor not holding any open houses, and never returns your calls? Do people who come through have any comments that seem to be repeated, such as “I really hate this color” or “This yard is so overgrown?”
When you know what the problem is, you can address it, which may bring in significantly more money than you could have gotten otherwise, especially if you can do it yourself.
Get Three Quotes for any Work you Can’t DIY
For older homeowners, or those who just don’t have the time or ability, a professional is the best answer. However, you want to be careful not to get ripped off.
For this reason, it’s best to get multiple quotes. This may lead not only to a great deal, but also in seeing which contractor is going to show up when he says he will. After all, if he’s late on quoting the job, how will be behave when hired?
In some cases, major renovations are not what’s needed, but, instead, that feeling of coming home. For this, professionals are sometimes needed, but many can DIY the jobs.
Cleaning, Paint, and Fresh Baked Cookies
Sometimes a home is clean and livable but it doesn’t quite shine. Home buyers want that feeling of newness. For this reason, it’s wise to consider a deep scrub and perhaps even the assistance of a professional cleaning person who will dust the corners.
Paint really makes a difference, too, because many home buyers are just not creative enough to see beyond a dark orange room. This is why it’s best to go with subtle yellows, or whites that are not too bright.
Lastly, what people see is not the only impression they have of a home. If a home smells like fresh baked bread or cookies, they will instantly like the feeling they have of it. Additionally, those with children will also be influenced because as each child has a cookie (with permission, of course), they will get an instant attraction to the home, wondering which bedroom is theirs!
Like with anything, though, if you do not address that there is a problem, it won’t get solved. And the extra months of making payments can begin to add up.
