Sellers, understand what homebuyers want

Lori Lincoln — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:04:00 GMT

The way buyers buy home are based on PRICE, LOCATION, CONDITION, STYLE

1. Fear of overpaying is a huge deal-They area afraid of paying too much, a huge issue today. Gas is expensive, heating costs will be a consideration this winter.

2. Condition- Buyers may look at your home if the price is low, but they will also consider the fix-ups and "shop up" instead of investing $30,000 in repairs, they will buy the home that needs nothing.

3. Curb appeal: Buyers do judge a book by its cover. Your front yard should be nicely landscaped and eye-appealing. Fresh paint or siding outside. Mulch, gardens. Make it look really nice!

4. Cleanliness and Decluttering- Be sure you keep your home clean, neat and tidy and smelling good. Hire a stager if it's in your budget. Staging alone can net you thousands more for your home.

5. Updated- Hardwoods are in! If you got 'em flaunt them. Remove ugly, stained or dated carpet and replace with hardwoods or new carpeting. The best choice is hardwood floors. Ceramic flooring in the kitchens and baths.

Granite or Corian countertops, maple or cherry cabinets. If you have dark oak, dingy or old looking cabinets, you may want to consider painting them white. Orange countertops- OUT!

By the way, buyers hate dark rooms. Brighten up all of your rooms with light neutral wall colors. Paneling is OUT!

Leave your appliances if they are in good working order.. Not leaving them gives buyers the impression that "this seller is cheap".

If you don't want to do any work before placing on the market you may as well just take it off the price.

Small fixes can save you from having to sell below market.

Turn offs: pet odors, dirty laundry hanging around, yard debris, cigarette or cigar smoke, unpopular walls or wall colors, holes in walls, shag carpet, dirty carpets, clutter ( especially around where the mechanical systems and electrical systems are located). Broken windows, torn screens.. welll now you're probably getting the picture.

My name is Lori Lincoln, I am a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. I help buyers and sellers in Taunton, Rehoboth, Swansea, Somerset, Raynham, Assonet, Freetown, Middleboro, Lakeville, Berkley, Dighton and surrounding towns.

For more help and pointers on selling your home in today's market, go to the following link

Sellertips.com

Another Great Site for Online Home Value, MLS search (FREE)

http://www.BristolCountyHomeTeam.com

You can search thousands of listings in Bristol County Massachusetts here.

Bristol County Massachusetts Real Estate Blog-Lincoln Team : taunton MA Real Estate Bank Owned sell house

Sellers, understand what homebuyers want