While I'm NOT Abby, I do receive emails via my contact us form from my web site that read exactly as stated in the blog title.
There are many recommendations, I'm sure, that Pauline Esther Friedman Phillips (pen name Dear Abby; now currently written by her daughter Jeanne Philips) would provide.
Here's my response:
- If you're currently listed with an agent, it's likely you've received sound advice on what improvements (structural or otherwise) that need to be addressed. I highly recommend that you act on these suggestions. Most agents have been selling real estate for a while and know precisely what will assist in getting the home sold.
- The ever-so-important curb appeal. Don't underestimate the value. When a prospective buyer hits the driveway, the exterior needs to be welcoming enough to want them to take the next step which is to enter the home.
- Look at your home through the eyes of the buyer. Start at the front door and make your way through the entire home. Are there things, as a buyer, that aren't appealing? If yes, correct those things. Perhaps it's clutter, perhaps it's a feature of the home that isn't standing out as much as it could.
- Target all 5 senses: Site; Sound; Touch; Smell and Taste. Site: Make the home visually appealing. Sound: Have soft music playing; Touch: Soft towels in the bathroom, for example; Smell: Ensure the odor of the home is fresh and eliminate any bad odors. Taste: Have a dish of candy with a small hand written note that says "help yourself."
- Ensure you're priced right. Again, your agent has likely given you advice, based on research done in your area, on what the home should be listed for. If you're selling your home FSBO, take the time to understand what the neighboring houses are selling for.
If in doubt, call on a professional home stager in your area as they have the expertise and understanding of what prospective buyers are looking for and can help showcase your home.
And for fun, I've included a picture of my dear friend Abby with whom I had the pleasure of meeting via Active Rain. Abby (on the left) owns and operates ALR Home Staging & Showcasing in Atlanta. And yours truly owns and operates Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC
Home Staging Atlanta - Kathy Nielsen - 678 522 8392
RESA Professional Stager of the Year - Southern Region 2011
Whether your home is vacant or occupied, this Atlanta Georgia Home Stager, Kathy Nielsen, understands what it takes to sell a home quickly. Her homes have graced the pages of several publications, appeared in TV commercials as well as on HGTV's hit program Sleep On it.
With years of experience and a massive inventory - Kathy makes the perfect choice.
Home Staging Website: Home Staging Atlanta
Before and After Pictures: Atlanta Home Staging Portfolio:
Email: Kathy@HomeStagingAtlanta.com
Blog: Atlanta Home Staging
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Terry - Yes, I'm absolutely convinced that agents are in fact telling homeowners what needs to be done. I've had several sellers tell me that their agent has suggested certain things.
In part, the challenge isn't what the agents are saying or not saying but instead, what the sellers are doing, not doing. To me, that explains, in part, why some homes are in "less than ready-to-sell" condition.
Kathy
Right on with your advice.
LOL Cute post, missy! Thanks for the link-love. It's always a pleasure to work with you!
Kathy I must have missed this while I was away. This is very good advice, and is stated in such away that you are still being supportative of the Realtor. If they read between the lines, they will still see the value of hiring a stager!
I am going to book mark this one.