Sample Real Estate Marketing
Report Number 3

Just as there are many things you can do to improve your chances of selling your house at a great price, there are an equal number that will drive away potential buyers and leave you scratching your head. That's why it's important to be aware of the pitfalls to avoid when listing your home. In this article, "Ten Ways To Get Top Dollar For Your Home Listing," we'll cover some of the most effective strategies to help ensure a successful sale and a great return on your investment.

Ten Ways To Get Top Dollar for Your Home Listing

If you are working with a realtor, they can make suggestions on how to make your home more salable, but addressing the following problem areas is always a great place to start.

One: A smelly house is not an attractive house to potential buyers. The problem with odors such as cigarette smoke and pet smells is that you live with them daily and may not notice them. To an outsider, however, the smell will be pungent and noticeable. You can eliminate these odors by smoking outside, keeping litter boxes fresh and in a contained area, repainting walls, shampooing and steam-cleaning carpets, and opening your windows to let in fresh air.

Don't try to cover odors with an air freshener without taking steps to eliminate the problem; it won't work, and your house will still be smelly and unwelcoming to potential buyers. Removing odors from mold and mildew can be more challenging. It may require professional intervention if the affected area is not easily accessible (between walls, for example). 

Two: Pets! You love them and think of them as part of the family. Your potential buyer may not share your sentiment, so like other family members, your furry companions should not be on site while someone is inspecting your house. Pile everyone in the family vehicle, or crate your pets in the yard so potential buyers can look around without being barked at, snarled at, or pounced on.

Three: Bathrooms are associated with hygiene, so unclean bathrooms are a major turn-off for most buyers. Make sure your toilet, tub, and sink are sparkling clean and that the drains are clear and free of wet hair and other odor-trapping debris. Shine your faucets and mirrors, de-clutter the medicine chest, empty the trash pail, and launder your towels, shower curtains, and floor mats.

Four: Dark rooms look dingy and uninviting. Increase the brightness factor of your rooms by adding brighter bulbs (if appropriate), installing extra fixtures, or placing accent lamps or cabinet lighting throughout the room. An even more straightforward fix is to pull back heavy curtains and lift your blinds. Trimming low-hanging branches from nearby trees can also help.

Five: Busy wallpaper is a no-no. Too many patterns can be distracting and can date your décor. Consider removing busy wallpaper, but don't paint over it because that will look even worse. 

Six: Wet basements are a cause for concern as they can indicate foundation leaks. However, damp basements are often a sign of poor ventilation, plugged drains, or improperly positioned downspouts. Remove any mold or mildew that may have appeared due to dampness.

Seven: Bugs are usually harmless but still an obstacle to home sales. Squash what you can, clear cobwebs, and enlist professional help if you have an infestation. 

Eight: Low curb appeal can discourage potential buyers from looking closer at your home. Spruce up your yard, entry, and façade. Make sure your paint isn't peeling and that gardens look their best, even if they are out of season. Bicycles, lawnmowers, and tools should be neatly stored in a shed or the garage if necessary. 

Nine: "Blocked Gutters: Potential buyers may not notice clogged gutters during an initial house showing." Still, it can become problematic and be noted during a professional building or home inspection. It could be the difference between a conditional sale going ahead or not.   

Ten: When showing your house to potential buyers, it is essential to give them space to explore without feeling observed. Working with a realtor can help, as they can act as a guide and offer a more relaxed viewing experience.

Most of these fixes are simple and inexpensive yet can significantly impact your house's salability. Consequently, it behooves you to address any of these issues in your home before you list it for sale.

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