Some of our future Arbor Trace homeowners are waiting for their homes to sell before they move in.  So to speed up the process, here are some tips from the experts...

Tips for Selling Your Home - Fast!

Though the housing market is slower now than during the recent housing boom, there are still plenty of potential buyers out there. How can you gain an edge in the current market and ensure that your home sells quickly? Here are a few simple tips well within your control that can help your house stand out from the others.

Curb Appeal - First impressions have a great impact. You can make sure that when a potential buyer first sees your home from the outside, they get a good impression. Make sure that all shrubs and trees are neatly pruned and the lawn is well manicured. Planting some seasonal blooms can add colorful cheer. Make sure nothing is lying around outside (yard tools, storage bins, empty pots, etc.).  Pressure cleaning sidewalks, driveways, lanais and curbs can make a dramatic difference.  You want to make a lasting first impression.

Exterior Maintenance -

If your house is in need of painting or other similar type maintenance, you might consider hiring a professional before putting it on the market. Or, you can deduct the cost of what it would cost to paint from the sale price, and make sure the realtor points that out to the potential buyer. People won't mind having to paint as new owners if they know they are saving money by doing so.  A little elbow grease can go a long way.

De-Clutter - Get rid of all clutter inside. You may love your collection of knick-knacks you've collected over the years, but a potential buyer will just be distracted by them. When someone is looking at your home, they want to imagine their own personal effects filling the space. The more of your personality they see in the home, the less they will be able to see themselves living there. Put away family photographs and clear all tables and countertops as much as possible. Don't leave magazines or papers lying around.  Tidy up the garage, and organize your closets. Not only does less clutter look neater, it also gives the impression of a larger space.  Remember the old saying "less is better."

Clean, Clean, Clean - if you don't already have a cleaning service, now is the time to find one to do a thorough cleaning. There's nothing like a dust free home with sparkling windows, mirrors, and appliances. Don't try to cover odors with scented sprays or candles-a clean home smells fresh, not perfumed. You can, however, boil some cinnamon sticks or apple cider with cinnamon to add a pleasant scent.  A home is never too neat or too tidy to a potential buyer.

Lighting - make sure all the light fixtures and lamps in your house have new bulbs. When your house is to be shown, turn them all on, and make sure the curtains and drapes are open. The more light, the better.

Get a Realtor®- List your home with an experienced, full-time real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. Realtors are held to higher standards of professionalism and ethics than other real estate agents.   Arbor Trace Realty, Inc. can help you locate a realtor that focuses on home sales in your neighborhood. 

Call Dorothy DeMichele or Jennie Bradford at (239) 598-3490 for more information.

Call (239) 598-3490 or 1-800 259-9741.