7 Things Sellers Often Forget to Do

When you’re selling your home, there is an overwhelming about of things you need to do – paint, landscape, fix this and that, the list goes on and on… so it’s natural that some (big) things would slip your mind. Take in this advice from realtor.com, and hopefully it will make you feel less stressed out.

Google your address. These days, almost all buyers house hunt online. It helps to know what your listing looks like, as it will have a lot of influence in the impression your home gives off to potential buyers. Google Maps street view can sometimes be outdated, and may not show any improvements you’ve made not the outside, so be sure to list those updates in your listing.

Account for improvements and issues. It helps to make a list of all the fixes you’ve made over the years – water damage, foundation repair, roof replacement, etc. Whether it was solved or not, you really should disclose the information to the buyer. You don’t want to find yourself in a law suit later down the line! Disclosing “invisible” improvements, like adding a French drain system or fixing a leaky skylight, can also be a source of comfort for potential buyers as well.

Find the best agent. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation with a bad agent, or one that doesn’t even have a valid real estate license. You can check their references, but it also helps to interview them face to face. Ask your friends for recommendations. You want to trust and have confidence in your agent. An agent’s effectiveness is paramount! It’s well worth taking the extra steps to find the best agent for you. Pssst … we know some awesome agents! 

Insist on social media marketing. Practically everyone is on Facebook these days, so it makes sense that you would want your listing on social media for all to see. Make sure your agent is using ALL of today’s avenues to attract the right buyer, and are posting video tours, photo galleries, floor plans, and links to the listing.

Ding Dong! Attention to detail is so important! Make sure the doorbell works! …and all of those other little things too. First Impressions are so important. From small cosmetic repairs to minor curb appeal upgrades, these show buyers the home has been well kept and that you have pride in it.  If they think you couldn’t have even been bothered to fix a doorbell, they might start questioning what else needs fixing and that could have a negative impact on their view of your home.

Clean *inside* everything. No, literally everything. As storage is a huge selling point, be prepared for buyers to open up and look inside everything – closets, drawers, cabinets, ovens, fridges, dishwasher, etc. If storage spaces are overflowing and have things falling out when you open the door, buyers might view the storage space as too small, even if it’s not!

Clarify which items are NOT for sale. If you’re taking the washer and dryer or your custom pot rack, make sure to make note of that so buyers don’t plan on owning an item and wind up disappointed, or worse, rescind their offer. A typical contract says that anything bolted to the wall or ceiling goes to the buyer unless specifically excluded in the contract. Consider replacing treasured items before listing so you are comfortable with how your home is presented.

When you’re ready to sell, contact the Seay Realty Group. We’re dedicated to service and exceeding your expectations. Call us today!!