Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Short Notice, Quick Sale

Many homeowners know months in advance that they are going to move.  But from some, the news comes unexpectedly and sometimes with a very short timeline.

Because of the unexpectedness of the move, many aren't even close to having their houses ready to sell.  Today, we'll help you put a laser focus on what you need to do to get your house ready to sell, FAST.

Do Essential Fixes


Source:  theshorelife.net

Nobody wants to move into a home that seems broken down.  But when there's a time constraint, you have to fix the essentials and let the rest go.  Sure, it would be nice to replace that yellowed light switch in the bathroom with a chip in the corner of the plate.  But its more important to fix the broken window in the living room.  Fix anything that doesn't work as it should and especially anything that could be hazardous.  You'll most likely be required to do these things after the home inspection anyway, so get to them first.

Start Moving Right Away


Source:  momof6.com

Since you have a short timeline, start boxing up the things you don't need right away.  Do not focus on getting rid of anything right now.  Just box it up.  Declutter and depersonalize your entire house, including closets and basements.  Put away anything you won't need in the next month or two.  Then rent a storage unit for your remaining time and keep all the boxes there.  Do not hide your stuff somewhere in your house.  Buyers will find it.

When it's time to move, grab the things in storage first, then send the truck to your home to get the rest.


Focus On The Kitchen and Curb Appeal


Source:  princetoncapblog.com

When it comes right down to it, curb appeal and kitchens can make or break a deal.  So if you have any time and budget to spend, use it in these places.  Do your best to make your home look clean and inviting when you drive up.  Maybe replace a light fixture or add some new paint to the front door.  And inside, make sure your kitchen is functional, super clean, and as up-to-date as you can get it on your timeline.  Only update easy fixes like new hardware or even a new appliance or two.

Clean Like Your Life Depends On It


Source:  fca.com

At the end of the day, no one wants to live in someone else's dirt.  Clean like you've never cleaned before.  If you only do one thing to get your house ready, make sure it's clean as a whistle.

Price It For A Quick Sell


Source:  pharealty.com


Now is not the time to try to squeeze every last penny out of your house.  Price your home very competitively to sell quickly.  Too low and people will wonder what's wrong with it.  Too high and you'll turn away many great buyers.  Check out comparable neighboring homes and try to be just a smidge under them.


Given enough time, most people can get their homes looking like the latest model.  But when you are crunched for time, you need to focus on fixing broken things, moving stuff out of the house, and cleaning until everything shines.  If there is any time left, focus it on kitchens and your curb appeal. Finally, price it well.  Doing all these things will give you the greatest advantage to selling quickly on short notice.

Source:  Michelle Schwake for Stafford Family Realtors


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