Critically look at your home

---

Determine your homes’ value. You don’t want to market your home with too high of a price because often it will ultimately sell for less than it is worth, nor do you want to market it for too little. Just because one neighbor sold their home for X dollars doesn't mean your home should sell for the same amount. You need to use data to perform a "comparative market analysis", CMA, to aid in the valuation of your property. Atomic Realty will perform this task using data and provide it to you at no cost or obligation.

 Usually a Buyer will make an offer and there will be a few week period where the Buyer can have inspections completed. After the inspections are complete the Buyer can object and ask the buyer to repair, lower the price, accept as it is, or back out of the transaction.

Atomic Realty suggests the Seller having an inspection done before putting the home on the market. Often the Seller will find the inspection insulting and petty as some inspectors will note cosmetics, age of systems and things that may one day fail as issues in addition to the more serious “safety” and  “does not work as intended” issues.  However, by the Seller having the inspection completed prior to marketing there will be less surprises for the Seller and they can address any, some, or none of the inspection issues to reduce time extensions and further negotiations.

A Seller’s presale inspection is generally good for the Buyer as well, as the Buyer will know upfront whether this is a house they want to pursue at all.  Usually Buyers will accept cosmetics and age of systems without objection but will object to Safety and  “does not work as intended” issues.  

Improve Curb Appeal.  First impressions are important. To name a few, some tips are, mow your lawn, trim up trees and bushes, get rid of extra cars and trailers. That first walk to the front door sets the tone.    

Your home doesn’t have to be perfect. However, to sell the quickest and to get the most money you should make minor repairs to the property, Atomic Realty suggests repair some or all the items from your pre-sale inspection.

A Good presentation will not only help your home sell quicker, but people tend to pay more for a home that has good presentation. Ask friend's opinions as to what you can do to help your property show better. Don’t be offended at the suggestions, and don’t feel you must do them. (they are just suggestions.) 

 Cluttered or dirty houses do not show as well, will put off potential buyers, and generally not bring as much money as a clean sparsely furnished house. Atomic Realty suggests approach interior presentation in one of 3 ways 1) Have the house empty and clean, it will look the largest. 2) remove all the unnecessary items from the interior and exterior of your property and have the house sparsely furnished with your furniture. This method helps the Buyer visualize how they would furnish the house and costs you the least or, 3) Have the house professionally staged. Professionally staged is the costliest option but generally gets you the highest price. 

Staging your home is an investment and is not for all homes. According to the National Association of Realtors, every $100 dollars spent on staging a home can result in a return of $400 and sell faster than nonstaged homes. Staging is basically setting up your home professionally to make a strong impression on property Buyers. This could even mean renting furniture for showing the property. If you don’t have the time, desire, or experience, hire a professional home stager. If you want to know how to stage your home for selling, a simple search on Google will reveal great staging tips such as including mirrors to make small rooms look large or smaller touches like adding fresh flowers to a room.

Depersonalize your Home: If you have lived in the home for a while, you probably have a lot of memories displayed in it. Put away all the personal memorabilia, family photos, and trinkets before showing this allows a potential Buyer to focus and visualize the house as their own. Never post photos of your home with pictures that show your valuables or children.

.  The kitchen is one of the most important selling features of your house. Consider spending the dollars to remodel and upgrade your kitchen. Replace countertops, buy new cabinet hardware, and add some fancy appliances. Make it stand out. 

 When it comes to tips for selling your home, don’t forget about lighting. A well-lit bright home is one of the main items Buyers look for in a home. You can maximize the light in your property by cleaning the windows, removing, or opening the drapes, cutting down vegetation outside your windows, and using high wattage light bulbs.

Get rid of foul smells that could turn off potential buyers. Some of the recommended tips for home selling are to clean wash bins, trash cans, and drains, get the carpet cleaned, throw away old furniture, and create enough ventilation. Potential buyers visiting your property will probably be hungry. Offering them a drink and snack may make them want to stay around longer to look at the home. You could consider creating pleasant smells using freshly brewed coffee, cookies, or baked bread. The more positive the experience for the Buyer the better your offers will be.

Having your cats, dogs, or other pets around while showing your house is a major home selling mistake. Potential buyers don't know your pet and could get distracted from the house or put off by pets that are noisy or playful or worse vicious. Besides, some people are allergic to animal fur.

  Have your condo association documents and contact information readily available for buyers. They will likely need this for a loan.

Many homeowner insurance policies do not cover homes that are not occupied. If vacant make sure you have or can get a “rider” from your insurance company to cover your home until your home sells. If the house were to have major water, fire, or other damage make sure your insurance covers it even if it is vacant. 

   If selling without a Broker, as a FSBO, have a plan on how you are going to accomplish the process once someone says they want to buy your home.  You may want to consider Atomic Realty’s $599 + 1% FSBO Assistance plan. You find the Buyer and we do all the paperwork.

Your life is busy - especially if you are preparing for a move. You may well be ready to handle everything, but it will take your time. Are you willing to take time from your move, your work, and your home life to:

1) Hire out or take quality photos.

2) Find someone to take quality 3D photos. 

3) Learn to post on your chosen marketing venues.

4) Frequently, update your marketing materials.

5) Write enticing descriptions about your property.

6) Publicly post your phone and email.

7) Learn what paperwork you will need.

8) Show your house to brokers, representing others, asking for YOU to pay them.

9) Answer calls, day, and night.

10) Answer junk emails and get mass spam.

11) Are you ready to schedule all your showings.

12) Do you want to take the time to clean and prep you house to show buyers who are not vetted. (Can they afford your house.)

13) Are you prepared to hold open houses? Walking strangers through your home or do you have the ability to hold virtual open houses? 

14) Are burglars, or worse, casing your home via your internet pictures, your showings, and your open houses?

15) Do you have safety procedures regarding others, who you may not know, being alone in your home with you?

16) Do you have all the necessary paperwork available to you?

17) Do you have the time to manage the closing process? (Buyers, inspections, appraisers, lenders, title companies.

A good brokerage, like Atomic Realty, will manage all this and allow you the time to run your life.

  Have you ever seen a property online with crummy photographs and no video? Are your thoughts "wow if these people are not even willing to put enough effort into doing a good job of marketing their home, did they put the time into maintaining their home?" Quality photographs, and quality video, are paramount to getting the quickest sale and the most money for your property. Do you have the equipment and software to produce and edit high quality marketing photos and videos? If you choose to sell as a FSBO we do offer these services a-la-cart -see our pricing page. Atomic Realty uses 3D video equipment and high-resolution cameras included in listing with us.

When marketing your home, consider what makes your home stand out. Does it have a larger yard, better view, or better proximity to amenities than neighboring homes? Is it closer to the train station or mall? As a property seller, be sure to capitalize on the unique selling point of your house. Another one of the great tips for selling your home is to make the property memorable by noting custom designs and features such as a new roof, an outdoor swimming pool, a new patio, or custom windows. This will not only improve the property’s aesthetics, but also boost the house value. 

Terms are as important as the value of the home. An owner my accept a lower offer if the terms are better. As an example, if you are asking $450,000 and an offer of $500,000 with a FHA loan and 3% down payment arrives and a second offer of $450,000, cash. that waives an inspection and waives an appraisal consider you may accept less money because there the deal is more or less a sure thing. When listing with atomic we will advise you as to the pros and cons of each offer 

Since potential buyers have different schedules, being flexible with your showings, calls, and emails is one of the best tips for selling your home. This could mean allowing people to visit at odd hours when they are available. Don’t be too rigid and miss a sale. 

   When someone makes an offer on your property, you need to respond in a reasonable time. Most buyers are impatient and don’t like being forced to wait. If you want to issue a counteroffer, do so promptly.