Central Ohio Real Estate Cafe'

Other than the fact we are in a difficult market here in the Columbus area as with much of the country there often are other factors that can  prevent homes from selling.  Believe it or not there are a couple of quick and easy fixes that can be done to enhance your homes sellability. 

Often times when folks think of selling they may do a little research online and determine that it is cheaper to go it alone and make the decision to stick a sign in the yard and post their home on a few sites.  They fail to fully understand that in this market it is often imperative to partner with a professional who can help you with the right help to help sell your home.  A couple of easy fixes include:

Spruce Up

Spruce up and keep it neat and clean are the first tips most agents will share with you. Noting will derail a real estate transaction quicker than a messy unkempt home.  It can be difficult and inconvenient to live in a property and sell at the same time, especially when there are children involved.  However, dollar for dollar nothing you can do will compare to the return that a little elbow grease and extra effort do for your bottom line.  There are tips that you can use that will help you to learn ways to clean your home quickly for those unexpected times that you will get the call to show your home in 30 minutes or less.

Good Images are Key

Newspapers and print materials used to be the primary place folks went when they wanted to began their home search.  Cost and space limitation generally limit newspaper and magazines listings to one photo.  The photo is usually small and may not highlight some of the best features of the home. 

Today most folks began that search online.  A full 80% of today's buyers start their online.  Research shows that the average buyers expect to see an abundance of online images.  The more the better and virtual tours are a plus.  There are lots of tips to help you if you aren't experienced at getting good room images that can highlight your home's assets but if necessary work with your agent to bring in a professional that can capture your home in a way that will enhance its marketability.  Basically, it is imperative that for your home to get maximum exposure, to the greatest number of buyers, your home needs to be online in as many places as possible.

In this market there are lots of potholes in the sales process.  You need to partner with a Realtor® who can help you maneuver around the potholes and assist you through a smooth transaction from start to finish.  Call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com.

LINKS:

Help to help sell your home:  http://www.statefarm.com/learning/life_stages/learning_lifestages_sellinghome.asp

Ways to clean your home fast:  http://www.ehow.com/how_2312344_clean-house-faster.html

Room Images: http://www.ehow.com/how_4516889_take-photos-house-sale.html

Recently I went to on a pre-listing appointment and found a lovely home that looked beat up because of the scratched and damaged woodwork around the doorways and the baseboards.  The client has two dogs that have really done a job on the natural woodwork.  Since everyone is looking to save a buck I have become the queen of low cost fixes.   I shared with him a tip I received a few months ago from a handy man.

First, buy wood putty for the deep gashes, my handy man suggested Minwax.  Then you will need a wood stain with a drying agent.  Water based stains provide a wide range of colors and they blend will with existing treatment.  Water base stains are less toxic and clean up easily.

Start by applying the putty to the deep gashes and you can follow the instructions for applying and drying time.  After the area is toughly dried use a clean, dry, lint free cloth to apply the stain.  Again follow the application instructions by it is as simple as wiping one and wiping off.  Allow 8 hours drying time and you should have a new look to that beat down woodwork.

I have lots of low cost tips for preparing your home to get the maximum return.  When you are ready to buy or sell call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com.