Marketing Your Home

1) Pricing Matters…
There are many ways to price your home competitively in the marketplace. A current market analysis (CMA) is the best way of determining the value of your property in today's market. How quickly do you want to sell? How much do you owe? What's the competition like? You're free to ask any price you want for your home. A CMA will tell you what price range will most likely produce a sale.

2) The time of the Month Counts…
The best times to sell are March, April, May, June, July and August. These are the main months when buyers move due to seasons, schools, Spring fever, etc.

3) Throw some Make-up on…
Have you ever toured a model home for sale? What do you notice? Are there magnets, photos, art projects and sticky notes plastered all over the fridge? Are there clothes pouring out of the hamper? Are the walls scratched? Mold in the shower? The answer is no. Why? Because it wouldn’t sell at a fair market value. Touch up with paint and remove all clutter and you will see a big difference. Keep your belongings to a visible minimum. Buyers try to envision their belongings in a home.

4) Replace Light bulbs and Fixtures…
A rule of thumb is more light is better than less. Make sure all lights actually have 'correct' light bulbs (think about clear vs white when appropriate). What if you have 1970’s light fixtures? Do you still wear platform shoes? I would if I could find any, but you know what I mean. Your old fixtures should be replaced, especially in kitchens & bathrooms. Same thing goes with any velvet Elvis or those poker playing canines. Pack it up!

5) Good from Far, Far from Good…
When you went out on your first date, would you have worn the same old, dingy sweatpants that I’m wearing right now? Sheese, I hope not! We all know first impressions count and people DO judge a book by its cover. With that said, make sure your address numbers are hanging straight, the front door is clean, you touch up the paint (when in doubt, go neutral), shampoo carpets, mow the lawn, eliminate all pet waste, hide litter boxes, sweep the walks and pull the weeds. Add a few fresh plants or flower pots, it won’t break you but it certainly will help sell your home faster. Maintenance is next to Godliness or something like that.

6) Pets are family members too…

Allow me to begin by saying that we have two dogs, two cats, a recently deceased bird and a fish named Vincent. I still miss our chickens, ducks and goats. Let me end this with a short simple statement, "Nobody likes your pets as much as you do". As the daughter of a devoted Veterinarian, it was a difficult concept to accept. Just take my word for it and please keep your pets contained and out of sight, sound, smell and memory of buyers. Unfortunately, many people weren't raised by Veterinarians!

7) If You Give a Moose a Muffin...
Keep cookies or a candy dish and napkins available to be set out prior to an open house or showing. It presents a welcoming atmosphere of hospitality. Buyers often feel they’re intruding or worry about putting you out. Simmer a crock pot with some cinnamon and cloves. Set your table with your best china to showcase a formal dining room or eat-in kitchen. Leave a simple ‘Welcome’ card that contains a list of special features you’d like them to be aware of or items you intend to remove or take with you. Please don't forget that you stuffed your dirty dishes into the oven in a short notice panick. It took me 2 days to rid my home of the smell of burning rubber spatula.....

8) Grandmother’s Wedding Ring….

I just can’t stress enough, the importance of putting all valuables and prescription drugs away. Far away. I never allow buyers to wander through people’s homes unattended. I just wish I could guarantee the actions of all buyers in the company of any Realtor. How about we don’t allow ourselves to be placed in a bad situation to begin with? Thanks….I knew I could count on you!

9) Clean Your Room…
Did your mom ever tell you to keep your room clean? It wasn’t for sanitary reasons but rather just in case she left your father she would be able to sell the home faster. No, in all seriousness, be sure to dust and clean everywhere, including behind the fridge and under beds. You never know where people might look and they'll always notice the things you've been ignoring forever....like your garage. (Excuse me while I go place another sticky note on the refrigerator to remind my husband about something, would you?)

10) Toilet Paper and Toilet Brushes…
The small things count. Women in particular like it when the toilet paper is rolled nicely and if it has a folded, triangular shape towards the end like you see in hotels. Men are just glad it has a bathroom. Also keep in mind the power of clean!  Whether you're staying in a hotel, using a restaurant's powder room or making a pit stop on a road trip.....the condition of bathrooms matter to everyone......most natably my Mother-in-Law.

11) You Smell Good…
Fragrance is extremely important when a buyer is touring the home. Now is the time to have a little chat with your teenage son about his collection of dirty socks stuffed into the back of his closet. Just blame it on me. Also, view 10 tips on making your home smell better.

12) Photos are Worth, Well You Know…
Adding photos to our online and offline ads are very important. Studies have found that photos will increase interest by more than 400% as compared to not having photos at all. Obviously, only a moron would market a house without them. All of the suggestions within the top 20 need to be applied when taking photos. No clutter, clean, lots of light, etc… Top rooms buyers are most interested in when viewing photos are front of property, kitchen, living, master, bathrooms and backyard. Keep this in mind before I show up with camera in hand!

13) Virtual Tours Make Momma Happy…
Well worth hiring a professional for one, if you value the power of the internet. If it's not something you wish to budget for, you'll have to settle for my very impressive still shot version!

14) You're not putting that sign in my yard!
You'd be shocked to know how many homes sell via word of mouth. If neighbors and anyone who drives past, become aware that your property is available, everyone they know will be aware also. Of course, in a small community this theory also applies to the garage your husband has been ignoring for 5 years…..and your son’s sock collection too.

15) Water the Lawn…
A dead lawn is a deal buster.  You can't attract stray dogs with a dead lawn, and we're aiming for qualified buyers!

16) Clean the Windows and mirrors…
Glass gets dirty over time. Windex them before a showing to enhance the properties look and feel. Finger prints, snot tracks, tooth paste splatters, and lick trails? These are some of the things Buyer's don't care to know about you!  

17) Let There be Light…
A mistake when showing a property is to forget to open the blinds up enough to let light in. This is an easy way to let more light in. It also serves as a reminder to clean your windows and wash your walls…

18) Are You Going to Get That?
According to the National Association of Realtors, 50% of emails are never even opened. A majority of phone messages go unanswered. Studies also show that if you respond to emails immediately, and answer phone calls, you are much more likely to get buyers viewing your home. Be prepared for 24 hours notice or less. If agents can't reach you, they'll scratch your property off their list and move on.  Good communication is essential and it’s never been one of my weaknesses.

19) What’s That Noise?

Leave some soothing music playing quietly in the background prior to leaving for a showing or open house. Take advantage of Holiday instrumental tunes during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season! Avoid anything your kids would enjoy and you’ll be fine. Please don’t leave burning candles unattended. I want to sell it for you, not shovel it into a dumpster...

20) Rent to Own? Lease purchase?
Depending on the market or your circumstances, you may want to consider alternative options that would allow you to move along with your plans more quickly. Sweeten your deal with your riding lawn tractor! Who the heck wants to lug that thing around if you aren’t going to need it anyway?