How To Package Your Home To SellWhile it's true most buyers will personalize the homes they buy, they still look for a clean slate on which to plan their creative ideas. Most people don't have the time, imagination or money to cope with a run-down, untidy property. Don't know where to start on your home fix-up? Painting is an inexpensive way to freshen up your home's look and give it a "neutral palette" that buyers can create on. We would be happy to walk through your home with you, identifying areas that can be improved upon.
“Should You spend a lot of effort fixing-up your home because buyers want to put their own touches in the homes they buy?”
After a full day of house hunting, even the hardiest shopper has difficulty remembering each home visited. A selling display featuring your property's benefits is a great way to be sure your home stands out in the shopper's memory. We've used the following marketing strategies to successfully sell many homes. They could work for you too!
Creativity Counts
Your home's memory points can be mounted attractively on a poster or in a loose leaf binder or photo album and displayed on your dining table or near the front door.
Home shoppers appreciate a memory-jogging take-home flyer, summarizing the display information for later study. The flyer should always include the property address, price, brief description and agent's name and phone number.
Focus On Features
Each home will have its own outstanding features. When we talk about a marketing strategy for your home, we will consider what to include in your display and on the flyer. Here are some worthwhile ideas
Capital improvements
Include project description, year completed and your investment in the improvements.
Upgrades or replacements
List new appliances, paint, wallpaper, attic fan -- anything you've accomplished that buyers won't have to do after move-in. Mention special features and benefits. For example: "Easy-care kitchen range with self-cleaning oven, sealed burners, electronic ignition, digital controls; 1992."
Energy-saving features
Cite money-saving extra insulation, high-efficiency heating/cooling system, thermal double-pane windows, etc.
Average annual utility bills
Also mention affordable property taxes. Buyers want to know!
Floor plan
Show room arrangement and dimensions. New-home builders and renovators can often provide floor plans, or one can be drawn for your home.
House illustrated
Picture your home in your display and on the flyer. Architect's renderings may be available from the original builder.
Gardening highlights
Sketch the landscaping plan to show the work you've done. Identify trees and plants, especially if you have unusual ones. Provide photos of bushes and flowers in full bloom, if you're selling off-season.
Pre-listing home inspection report
Impress buyers with proof of your home's excellent condition. Show receipts for correcting any problems the inspector noted.
Neighborhood map
Highlight nearby schools, convenient transportation, shopping, parks, libraries, hospitals, and any other amenities or points of interest. Your kids can help color the map!
School data
Feature excellent schools. Mention honors and awards, good student-teacher ratios, sports and athletics, drama presentations, and special programs (i.e. for learning disabilities or English as a second language).
Neighborhood information
List neighborhood association dues (if any), annual community events, Neighborhood Watch programs, and the like. If yours is a friendly, quiet neighborhood, be sure buyers know it!
Community services
Include helpful information such as days for recyclable-material and bulk trash pick-ups, availability of swimming pools, children's summer day-camps, adult education, and so on.
Should you fix up your home before you sell?
In a word, Yes. Improving your curb appeal will get prospective buyers out of their car and up to your door. That foyer or entryway that has ooh’s and ahh’s associated with the visual experience will set the stage in viewing the rest of the home. A little paint and attention to staging your home doesn’t cost a lot and it will pay dividends on the sale of your home.
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