I recycled this post first published in 2008 after checking available homes for buyers flying into LA this week. Nine, yes only nine, homes meet their specific criteria. I'm sure we will have a home in escrow before they leave town. Maybe it will be your home if it's fortunate enough to make their short list. These particular prospective buyers have low tolerance for overpriced, cluttered and neglected properties. My best advice is to perfect and polish your property before you present it to prospective buyers. Make every showing an invitation to purchase the property.
Next week I'll be showing a Palos Verdes buyer who wants a one level home with no stairs-no step down living room, or steps up or down to the garage. I previewed several one levels in search of a "step free" house.
After eight or nine houses they all began to look alike. I found myself making notes such as "granite kitchen and stainless appliances" on many, and "original condition" on several others. I returned to the office uninspired and more than likely my client will have a similar response to the look alike one levels.
Sellers, what makes your house stands out from the crowd? Is it:
Captivating from the curb?
Staged?
Priced right?
Squeaky-clean?
Easy to show?
Move in condition?
Buyers look at many houses; they buy only one. Present your property in its most favorable light. Peeling and faded paint will be viewed as a future expense. Ditto for the worn and stained carpet I saw in several of the homes I previewed. Buyers have lots of choices, so make a big first impression. More than likely you will not get a second chance. Opportunities are famous for rarely knocking on the same door twice.
Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well
Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Estate Properties
(310) 493-8333
PalosVerdesLifestyle- Norma's award winning site as the best Palos Verdes homes and real estate blog since 2007. Selected by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Chosen by MovingCost.com as one of the best Los Angeles realty blogs. Awarded 5 out of 5 stars by Lender411 blog review. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.
South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Based on information from the Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing as of the initial date of this article/blog publication and /or other sources. Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
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Some good seller suggestions, thanks for sharing with us on Active Rain.
Norma -- great advice then and certainly still valid today. Even with limited inventory of homes available, if your home is not show ready at all times, you may not make the short list for today's savvy buyers.
Norma-Your first set of buyer'c cretieria says it all to sellers. Sellers you're leaving money on the table by not being well prepared when you hit the market. Excellent post.