So you want to sell your home quickly

Spring is here and the flowers are blooming and homebuyers are out in force. Many times, it’s not only the gorgeous views from your balcony or the large backyard that sells your home. Let’s make sure your home has the right features on the inside and out so it doesn’t last long on the market.

Bear in mind that you only have one chance to make a potential buyer fall in love with your home. Pretend you are a buyer and walk in the door. Would you want to view it if it was on the market in the condition that it’s in? Are there a few small items you could repair quickly and for little or no cost? Make sure your home has that WOW effect on potential buyers when they walk through it.

When asked why they bought their new home, most buyers will respond with “the kitchen got me.” Granite and stainless steel prices have dropped dramatically over the years and a recent study shows that home with these features will sell on the average 15 percent faster than homes without them.

Like I have said in the past, make sure your home looks clean when a buyer pulls up. Clear out all the belongings you have lying around the front porch or backyard. Make sure your decor is neutral: What you like personally may not appeal to buyers. For example, your daughter’s bright pink bedrooms walls may turn some buyers off. Repainting your home with a fresh coat of a neutral colored paint will give your home a whole new look.

There is nothing you can do to change the location of your home. Many buyers will focus on the negatives but make sure your broker knows the positives of the area as well. Where is the nearest park is and what attractions does it have? Is there a shopping center nearby? Where is the closest hospital? How close is the highway? Features like these can sell your home if the buyer knows where they are.

Pricing your home correctly is sometimes a tough call. On the one hand, you want to make sure you have enough room for negotiations, but on the other hand you don’t want to price yourself out of the market. An overpriced home will get fewer showings since a buyer may think there is an ulterior financial motive. Set your price a few thousand above your actual market value. At the end of the day, unless you have a truly unique property, you will not get more than it is actually worth in today’s market.

To contact me, call 847-292-4700, e-mail gz@zerillorealty.com or visit www.zerillorealty.com.