I've often written about how to sell your home quickly and for the best price. And,I am aware that IF YOU NEED TO SELL YOUR HOME...YOU PROBABLY WANT TO KNOW WHAT TO DO TO ENSURE THAT YOU SELL YOUR HOME FOR THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE PRICE IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME. However, it is just as important for you to know what NOT TO DO.
So...today...I'm going to share with you my Top ten list of things sellers should do to NOT SELL THEIR HOME! (Disclaimer: Every example is based on real experiences and actual homes for sale.)
1. Don't worry about the lawn. (I mean...they (the buyers) only care about what's inside the house...RIGHT? And, besides, the 'natural look' is in!)
2. Don't move that old car sitting up on blocks out of the driveway. (I know...you are going to 'fix it' one day. Even better...you can use the scattered car parts as lawn ornaments!)
3. Leave your pitt bull chained up in the backyard. (Everyone loves pets! Just be sure to post a 'Beware of Pooch' sign.)
4. Leave your old, broken-down appliances out on the deck. Even better...you can use them to hang out your laundry. (This one speaks for itself!)
5. Don't clean dirty walls and trim! (They (the buyers) will get warm fuzzies when they see little Johnny's fingerprints going all the way up the stairs. Just don't try to pass it off for a custom faux finish.)
6. Don't clean the bathrooms! (This one is guaranteed to get the intended reaction! However, be sure to keep the exit route free and clear of debris. You don't want anyone to get hurt as they are running out of your home.)
7. Don't do the dishes! (Related to #6...this one is particularly effective in distracting the potential buyers from noticing the beautiful hardwoods and lovely cabinets.)
8. Don't sweep, mop or vacuum! (IF the dirty dishes did not distract them from the beautiful flooring...this will certainly seal the deal!)
9. Don't clean the cat's litterbox OR take out the dirty diapers! (Oh...if I could only tell you how many times I've seen potential buyers make that funny 'Ooooooh what's that smell' face when they walk into a home!!! Bad smells...especially animal or baby poop...are especially offensive. Do this and you can be sure that they (the buyers) will ask to see the next home before they've taken a good look at yours!)
10. Don't put your cash, jewelry and weapons away!!! (This is my personal favorite. In fact, this one is so great that I just have to tell you THE STORY!)
A few years ago, I was showing an out-of-state prospect townhomes in the Durham area. We were accompanied by her daughter and two young granddaughters. We arrived at a townhome in a nice community. I had scheduled the appointment the day before, and no one was supposed to be home. As we entered, I just felt that something was 'not right'. My clients were already looking around the home when I noticed that there was a wallet with a large amount of cash on the kitchen counter. I then thought that I heard footsteps upstairs. Just then, I walked a little further into the townhome and saw what appeared to be a loaded pistol on the coffee table. I immediately told my clients that we needed to go and began to usher them to the front door...staying behind them to lock up. As they were walking out, I heard more steps and a voice from upstairs. I yelled out, 'Thanks, we are leaving!' As I was closing the door, the owner appeared at the top of the stairs...wearing nothing but a towel ( a very short and loosely wrapped towel!) and a smile.
If you are planning to BUY or SELL...I know a great REALTOR®! I'd love to introduce you to her!!!
Contact:
Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR®
(919)749-3749 or Elizabeth@ElizabethNieves.com
To see every home for sale in the MLS...please visit my incredible website @ http://www.elizabethnieves.com/.
I look forward to hearing from you!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment