The LBBA Group realizes that our suggestions could cost the Seller some out-of-pocket expenses. Selling a home will cost money, and there is upheaval in the process. But, if you know you can make 10% more money over your target price in the end and sell faster, then it is a consideration worth mentioning. The agent and Seller are in the process together and should be actively engaged in the entire process. If selling your home, we strongly advise on using all these suggestions at some point. Why not do it at the front end when you have TEAM help and have a chance of making more money at closing? When you (the Seller) hire The LBBA Group (listing agents), we are a TEAM together with the same goals to get the most money possible for your home. Give us a call for a Property Report.
First Impression
We want Buyers to linger, look around, ask questions and, most importantly, imagine their personal things in the home. Our goal is for them to see themselves living in the home. The LBBA Group wants the Buyer to see the architectural details and accents from a fresh perspective. We do not want them to be distracted by the family that currently lives there. We really wish to eliminate the Buyer feeling like they are intruding on a family’s space. The LBBA Group wants the potential Buyer to notice the home’s ability to accommodate their life “stuff”. This is a lot of work but absolutely worth the effort!
Listing Tips
The LBBA Group can sell houses without the staging tips by merely using the Multiple Listing System (MLS) tools. These are available to all Realtor MLS members. We will obtain a full Property Disclosure Report, photos, and full description details; then, build a custom marketing program for your home. Our Strategic Partners are available to you if you wish to utilize our “Staging Methods”. Our selling tips and suggestions are meant to optimize your sales price and are proven over many years of experience but are not completely necessary to sell a house. Allow us to see the potential, and we will prepare a checklist with cost estimates. This activity alone could help later when preparing strategic counter offers.
Exterior
Too often, the exterior determines how a Buyer will view the interior, so it is important to note that you keep the lawn and shrubs cut for maximum curb appeal. Use vibrant plants and put down fresh mulch. Trim landscaping down to the architectural detail. Make sure your front door is clean and inviting. If there are any signs of mold, mildew, or faded areas, clean with a pressure washer and paint, if necessary. The LBBA Group Home Maintenance Partnerships can assist in a case where your home needs some TLC.
Keep plants from blocking windows. Weed and bark all planting areas. Clear patios and outside living spaces of all small items (outdoor living space is a positive selling attribute, so treat it like another room).
“CURB APPEAL IS WORK! BECAUSE IT WORKS!”
Interior Staging:
(if possible)
Staging definition: Minimalism (highly decluttering, depersonalizing, and cleaning properly with a “staged” singular purpose to every room). You must make the space feel current, bright, and big (spacious or roomy). The home should be totally ready to go before starting your marketing program. The LBBA Group agents see the home through Buyers eyes when preparing a home for sale. What Sellers may not know is that research shows they can earn more on the sale of their house if it is staged. The purpose of a home staging is to earn the most money possible. The LBBA Group’s top three staging tips are taken from years of experience and are not to be taken personally. After all, the reality for many Sellers is that they are living in the home while they are trying to sell it. Our Strategic Partner, Presley Lauren Terry (Award Winning Designer) of Waters Edge Design, stated, “Functional utility is key, and houses are meant to be lived in!” Beth Anne Calmes, formerly of Show Homes of America, stated, “Home relocation experts, sellers, builders, and home managers alike know the monetary importance of artistic interior functional utility, brightness, and neutral staging methods.
- Declutter and depersonalize your home as much as possible. The Seller should put 50% of their belongings in boxes and store in the garage, rent storage space, or order a POD.
- Clean off all surfaces. Clear off all counters and clean out the refrigerator. Make sure your closets and cupboards are only half full. Do everything possible to create a feeling of being light (use strategic lighting rather than overhead) and spacious.
- Introduce New Accessories. Curtains, towels, throw pillows, and linens will go a long way to giving a fresh feel to the home. Once you hire The LBBA Group, our Strategic Partners can assist you with the design, creativity, and items needed; please ask about our Staging Program.
Try to see your home with a fresh perspective and arrange each room to bring out its best attributes. Focus on and accentuate the positive.
- Open drapes to let light in the rooms
- Remove all unnecessary clutter (remember a Buyer feels the space first)
- Arrange your rooms neatly and remove all access furniture
- Keep bathrooms fresh with updated, clean towels
- Be creative in the rearrangement of furniture and lamps
- Remove all unnecessary items from countertops, tubs, and showers
- Do not be present at the showing, because the Buyer will not communicate true feelings.
- Take down all personal pictures and objects on walls
- Paint rooms, if necessary, a neutral color
- Have lights on during showings. Turn on a pleasant low stereo for all showings
- LOCKBOX – Please leave the showing instructions for The LBBA Group agent.
If you are living in the home:
You will receive a call to show the home in the next few minutes. This can be frustrating but can also be controlled by showing instructions. However, you do not want to miss an active, qualified Buyer that has determined your home is one of three they will decide on tonight. Below are some tips for those impromptu showings.
- Sound: Turn off television. Turn on the radio at low volume.
- Sight: Day or night, turn on every light and lamp (not overhead). Open every drape and blind (the agent will adjust lighting during the showing but must be initially inviting).
- Odors: Avoid heavily perfumed sprays. Warm up some vanilla extract.
- Kitchen: Wipe counters. No dirty dishes.
- Bathrooms: Wipe counters and flush toilets (close all toilet lids). Fresh rolls of toilet paper.
- Living/Family Rooms: Remove clutter, games, magazines, etc.
- Bedrooms: Straighten beds. Hide clutter but not in closet. Closets should be free of clutter.
- Exterior: Put away toys and clutter. Keep walkways clear.
- Children & Pets: They are a distraction – take them with you when you leave for showing.
- Goodbye: The reality is that this is the most important thing you can do to help sell your home! You must leave! Buyers must be emotionally attached to your home the minute they cross the threshold, and they cannot be moved about “their new home” if you, the current owner, are hanging around. So, please plan to take a walk or grab a latte!