Preparing Your Home For Sale

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Remember what first attracted you to your house when you bought it? What excited you about it’s most appealing features? Now that you’re selling your home, you’ll need to look at it as if you were buying it all over again.

HOME INSPECTIONS & DISCLOSURES

Before the “For Sale” sign goes up in the front yard, there’s much to do behind the scenes. First, we’ll discuss which inspection reports you’ll need, including:

Termite
Roof
Property
Pool & Spa
Chimney & Fireplace
Foundation

In the SF Bay Area, it’s typical that the seller completes these reports before listing a home. Having this documentation prepared in advance saves time when purchasing offers are presented. Agents representing interested buyers can review the paperwork before an official offer is made. Note: buyers may opt to have additional inspections completed — like electrical or heating/air conditioning — if they have any concerns in a specific area.

PRICING & MARKETING STRATEGY

Together we’ll review comparable sales for your home to determine a listing price. We’ll look at factors such as:

What’s the market condition (average days on the market, likelihood of multiple offers, etc)
Desirability of neighborhood, including schools and other amenities
Unique features of the home, condition, square footage and lot size

Once we’ve settled on an asking price, I then create a comprehensive and personalized marketing strategy for you. Marketing your home goes beyond the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). According to National Association of Realtor’s annual research on buyers, 88% searched for their home online. An a certified ePro Realtor, I use the latest technology and social media to promote your property. Our marketing plan will maximize exposure to potential qualified buyers.

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR MARKET

A spruced-up house makes a great first impression. You want your home to grab attention, making potential buyers excited. Signs that a house is well cared for can make the selling process easier (and faster). In preparing your home for sale, keep these things in mind:

Create curb appeal inside and out. I’ve created an easy checklist to help you organize home improvements and cleaning tips for maximum impact.
Remove personal items. Buyers want to imagine living there. Make it easy for them by removing family photos and personal items. Of course, remove valuables such as jewelry, financial paperwork and prescription drugs.
Staging shows off how rooms can be used. Professional staging can highlight your home to its best advantage. Appropriately scaled and sleek furniture with coordinated artwork can make even a small room welcoming.
Be flexible about showing your home. Make it easy for real estate agents to bring prospective buyers into your house. Be prepared to leave the home, as buyers often feel uncomfortable if you are present.
Professional Photography. We’ll photograph your home to include on the MLS and other online sites such as Zillow and Trulia. Quality photos that showcase your home’s best features will create market interest.