Do I Have To Prepare My Home To Sell?

Yes.  In all my years in Real Estate, I rarely come across the home where I can just put the sign in the yard with no preparation.  This is truly every home sellers reality.  The home may need a little, or the home may need a lot, but in most cases, work is needed.

When we live in our home for years, we become use to things (ie. stains in carpet we may have covered up, chipped paint, a broken door handle, a window that will not lock properly, our old wallpaper from years gone by, etc.).  This is fine and this is normal.  However, the way we are use to living is just not how you sell.  These types of items should be taken care of and can normally be done at reasonable cost in minimal time.  Like I have said before, buyers do not want a long 'to do list' before they even make an offer.

And, fixing up items like this will get you far more money for the home.  It has been my experience that buyers double the cost for items that need to be done.  For example, if the home needs carpet and it will actually cost $4,000., a buyer will calculate $8,000. for this.  If the home needs paint in three rooms and it will cost you $700., a buyer will calculate $2,000. for this.  So as you can see, they are deducting a lot of money from their offer price; and this is if they even offer.  A potential buyer may not have the cash to do these items, and they may not want to take their time doing it.  Removing these types of things from the picture will make a buyer far more interested in your home, and will create a quicker sale at a higher price.

And finally, so much of getting your home ready is free.  It is simply de-cluttering and packing up.  I say you are moving anyway, lets pack it up.  My home stager will assist you with this and make the process much easier for you.  So if you are considering selling, call me to discuss how I can help you Get Your Home Sold.