When you list your home for sale, it magically transforms from your shelter against the storm into a commodity to be poked and prodded by buyers. Selling a home is difficult for every seller. To you, it is HOME, but to sell it you must distance yourself from it. Buyers DO NOT want to buy YOUR HOME, they want to buy the house they see when they look at your structure for sale. They want to imagine their furniture, their paint schemes, etc.
The best thing you can do to get the highest price for your home is to empty it, as much as possible of YOU. Take down the photos, posters, awards etc. Repaint the walls a neutral color. Remove extra furniture, try to make the space look a large as possible by removing everything but the absolute necessities. “But wait”, you say, “I still live here”. Yes, but now you live in a commodity for sale. A very valuable commodity. This is a unique aspect of the real estate market, that quite frankly confounds me. If you went to the Mercedes-Benz dealership to buy a new car and all of the cars on the lot had dirty laundry and half eaten sandwiches in them what would you think? If you really want to sell your home for the best price possible, you need to treat your home like a brand new car on the lot. Wash it, wax it, and give it that new home smell. You want any perspective buyer to walk in and think, “I could live here” or “My furniture would look great in this space”.
Now, when does this nightmare start?
BEFORE you have your property photographed for the listing! Your agent should provide you with guidance on how to prepare for your listing photo appointment. Treat it like you’re the one being photographed. You would get dressed up for the occasion, no? Well now you need to dress up your home. Deep clean, remove anything extra. CLEAR all the counters in the kitchen and bathroom. Remember, we want buyers to look at the photos and SEE THEIR STUFF, that is what brings in buyers. If you want more detailed ideas about getting ready for listing pictures here is a link to our guide.
Final words:
DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY!
This is a mistake sellers can make when they forget that this is a sale.
Selling a home is business, it is not personal.
Even though, as a person who has sold several homes in his life, it sure feels personal!
But, that is why we hired an agent, right?