Tips for Selling Your House during the Holidays

While other sellers might be taking their homes off the market during the winter months thinking that there are no serious buyers out there (and that it's just too cold), sellers who keep their homes on the market during winter enjoy even more traffic, and are dealing with very serious buyers who brave the cold because they want to buy.

Here are some tips to make your home even more attractive during the winter months:

1) Turn on the lights: No one likes a dark house. Counter winter’s cloudy and short days by turning on all of the lights in a home for each showing. Also, keep the lights in the front of the house on so buyers and agents can easily navigate their way to your house, and not trip or slip on anything. 

2) Have a place for shoes: You don't want buyers to bring the weather into your home. Make it easy for them to take their shoes off with a festive area rug at the front door for example. You can also have slippers or disposable booties available, along with a bench or chair, if there is room for one, where a visitor can sit and easily remove or put on their boots.

3) Cultivate a Festive Look: Appropriate decorations for Christmas time will make buyers feel at home, and give your home a cheerful, warm feel even if it is cold and dark outside. But don't go to excess. 

4) Watch for odors: Homes can get stuffy in the winter, especially with pet odors. Use a room fragrance if needed, but nothing too strong, and clean a bit more during the winter months. 

5) Don’t make it too toasty: Keeping the heat on too high may make buyers uncomfortable. You can keep the temperature at a comfortable 65 degrees during your showings. Potential buyers will most likely be wearing their winter coats when they tour the house so no reason to make them sweat. 

6) Cookies always make people happy: If you can, leave some cookies out to give the buyers some yummy in their tummy while they are browsing your home, giving them some more good spirits!

Give me a call if you're having problems selling your home or are thinking about selling your home: 720.987.8998

10 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home

Selling your home can be an exhausting experience, so it is imperative to be aware of the mistakes a seller can make that could cost them thousands of dollars. Last minute walk-throughs, inconvenient calls, difficult negotiations, price adjustments, and the possibility of being stuck with two mortgages are indeed real concerns. If you are not completely prepared, and don't have the proper professional help, you could end up losing thousands of dollars in profit.

A fine line is all that separates a profitable smooth transaction and a break-even, miserable experience. In the majority of cases it all comes down to the subtle knowledge of your real estate agent. By utilizing the knowledge of a well-trained Realtor, the sale of your home will be quick and profitable. Familiarize yourself with these common costly mistakes and you'll be ensured a rewarding home-selling experience.

1. Refusing to Make Profit Inducing Repairs
   It always costs you more money to sell 'as is' than to make repairs that will increase the value of your home. Minor improvements can yield larger results than most sellers think. Consult your Realtor to find out what improvements will increase the selling value of your home.
2. Not Providing Easy Access for Showings
   Accessibility is a major key to profitability. A lock box makes your home the most accessible, while appointment-onlys make your home the least available for buyers. Remember that the more people that you show your home to, the more likely you are to find someone willing to pay your asking price. You never know if the one that couldn't get a viewing was the one that got away. If your lifestyle keeps you away from home with work or travel, developing a trusting relationship with a Realtor will allow he or she to show your home with your best interests in mind.
3. Priced Too Low/Priced Too High
   If the property is priced too high it will sit and this could not only ruin your plans but mark it as a "problem property". If it's priced too low it could cost you considerable profits. The real estate market has subtle nuances and market changes that should be re-evaluated by your agent every 10-14 days to help you maximize your return.
4. Relying Solely on Traditional Methods To Sell Your Home
   A sign in the front yard is certainly not enough in this internet world.  Did you know that a knowledgable and tech-savvy Realtor will expose your home to over 4,000 websites? Having a real estate professional who is innovative and willing to offer new strategies of attracting home buyers is often the key. Demand around the clock advertising exposure, innovative lead generation methods and lead accountability. These services exist and should be offered to help you sell your home quickly for a good profit.                                      
5. Timing the Market Wrong, and Believing in 'Seasonal Selling'
   Just as a broker who continually follows the trends of a stock, your real estate professional continually follows trends of your home market. They will know if the market cycle is poised to net you the most money. Avoid believing that property sales are seasonal... property is always selling.
6. Refusing to Make Cosmetic Changes
   The prospective home buyer's first impression is the most important. Many buyers walk away from a perfectly good home due to unkempt lawns, cluttered rooms, bad stains, or unpleasant odors. Imagine you were the home buyer and clean your place from top to bottom... military style. Think of packing up books, movies, kids toys, posters, or other clutter to make rooms more spacious.
7. Wasting Time With An Unqualified Prospect
   Your representative's responsibility is to screen a prospect's qualifications before valuable time is lost. Seller's have lost weeks and months dealing with buyers who were NOT pre-screened by their agent. Be sure to align yourself with the right professional and eliminate negotiating with unqualified prospects.
8. 'Testing' The Market
   Never put your property on the market to sell unless you are serious. The right professional will find you buyers and if you are harboring indecision... you can blow the sale.
9. Believing You are Powerless to Make a Difference                                                                       Be a part of the team! Take an active role with your Realtor to see what you can do to facilitate your sale. Networking with professional peers and personal friends often results in the sale of a home. It's surprising how many homes are sold this way.
10. Believing Real Estate Agents and REALTORS are the Same
    With all the intricate details and critical decisions to be made concerning your home sale, why should you rely on anyone but an experienced REALTOR? Your home sale is a time consuming, difficult task. Maximize your profit by utilizing an experienced REALTOR.