You’ve decided to take a job in another state, which means you have to sell your home and move. Or maybe you’ve fallen in love with another house in the area and want to relocate. Or perhaps your children are all grown, and you’re downsizing to a more manageable house. Whatever the reason, area Realtors have some advice for you before you decide to list your house on the market this spring.
Make a good first impression
Vicki Venezia, immediate past president of the Reading-Berks Association of Realtors and an agent with RE/MAX of Reading in Spring Township, said sellers need to think about curb appeal.
“It’s important to make people to feel warm as they approach the house,” she said.
Venezia said the first impression of the property is very important.
“Spruce up the outside by cutting bushes or replacing them with inexpensive shrubs and bright-colored flowers,” she said.
Sharon Kehres, secretary of the R-BAR and an agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Wyomissing, takes it one step further.
“Freshen up the front door (repaint, if necessary),” she said. “Also, one of my pet peeves is getting the lock on the front door to function properly. I seem to be confronted with some very challenging locks.”
Clean and make any repairs to the porch, steps and exterior of home, Kehres continued. Also, after this winter, pay close attention to the landscaping.
“It may be difficult depending on weather conditions, however, it’s important to clean out the yard debris as much as possible,” Kehres said.
The next step
So you’ve gotten the buyers up to the house and through the newly painted front door. What’s next?
“Clean like your mother-in-law is coming to visit,” said Dave Mattes, president of the R-BAR and head of the Dave Mattes Group at RE/MAX of Reading in Spring Township.
Kehres agreed.
“Declutter the home,” she said. “Remember, your house should always be ready for a showing.”
Short-notice showings are becoming more popular.
“So, as much as possible, try to accommodate these showings,” she said.
And remember that buyers will be looking in closets.
“These areas need to be organized and decluttered, as well,” she said.
Venezia said also to de-personalize your house.
“Arrange your furniture to maximize the use of space,” she said. “And start packing up the family photos, memorabilia collections and personal keepsakes.”
While you’re at it, Mattes said, freshen up the carpet and paint and remove the wallpaper.
“Too many times, sellers want to hold off on doing this, but it pays dividends every time,” he said.
Venezia said she think updates are important, too, especially to get you top dollar.
“A fresh coat of paint on the walls, a good house cleaning – including the grout on tile floors – and new light bulbs will make your house bright and cheery,” she said.
Other problems to tackle
Kehres said to get rid of odors – pet, cooking, smoking, etc. – in the home.
“Especially with pets,” she said. “Do not mask the odors with fresheners. Clean them: Change the kitty litter, etc.”
Also, if pets have caused any damage to the home, repair those areas.
“Buyers will see it, and it may become a bigger issue – possibly a lower offer or higher costs to repair – if the buyer requests those repairs,” she said.
“Right-price the home,” Mattes said. “You will end up with more money in your pocket sooner, if you price the home for the current market conditions rather than reaching for an unreasonable price.”
Contact Sue Wilson: specialsections@readingeagle.com.
