Home Not Selling In Todays Hot Market? Tips and Ideas to Help You Sell

So, your selling your home. Prepare yourself both physically and mentally for the agony of the endless phone calls and interruptions to your daily schedule. But more importantly, prepare your home for the ever critical eye of each person walking through the door. For it is not their goal to see the good in your home, but to see each and every flaw that has ever been. What can you do as a seller to minimize these flaws and highlight your homes best features? Let's take a look at several reasons why your home may not be selling and some easy-to-do remedies.

Reason #1 - Curb Appeal. Stand across the street and critically evaluate your front yard. Is it weed free? What about the "For Sale" sign? Is it easily visible from the street with current information? Do you have flyers available? Seems small, but this is actually a "biggie".

Reason #2 - Clutter. From the front yard to the back gate, get rid of everything that takes up space (everything that you can live without). You're moving into your new home (soon), so why not start packing now? Home buyers are looking for cabinets, closets and kitchen space. Home sellers need to reduce, reduce, reduce!

Reason #3 - Clean. How long has it been since you had a professional cleaning service do the job right? Having the property cleaned by someone who is not emotionally attached to the property is the only way to go. Not only do they see things that you don't, they're especially detailed oriented in cleaning the home.

Reason #4 - Color. "Real Estate Beige" comes in many different shades these days, but whatever shade of neutral you decide to go with, make sure it is properly applied. If painting over dark colors, be sure to use a primer. Hiring quality contracts to paint for you is worth the money. Walls in good condition are important, but so are walls that buyers can see.

Reason #5 - Compromise. Pick challenges with your children based on what is truly important. The kids room need to be organized, but it's more important that the dirty clothes are out of sight.

Reason #6 - Creativity. Setting matching accessories together and displaying nice towels are not labor intensive or expensive. It's using what you alreayd own to highlight the home.

Reason #7 - Consistency. Make sure the home is prepared daily for buyers. Put wet towels in the dryer during the day (running the dryer before heading off to work). Dirty clothes need to be picked up and put in the laundry basket. Used dishes should also be put in the dishwasher each morning. Remember, people will recall what they saw, more than what they didn't see.

Reason #8 - Check Your Senses. How do the house smell? (Cinnamon? Vanilla? Wet dog?) What do you hear? (Leaky faucets? Soft music?) What's the first thing you see when you open the door? (Nice entry, clean floors? Walls with cracks? Stained carpet?)

Remember, buyers will make their decision within the first few seconds of driving up to your house. It is your responsibility to give them an invitation to come in!

Calie Waterhouse is an experienced Accredited Staging Professional Master and President & Co-Founder of The Arizona Regional Chapter of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals. She was trained by the Staged Homes program, which was founded by Barb Schwarz, the pioneer of real estate staging. In 2004, after receiving certification as an interior decorator, Calie added interior decorating & builder assistance to her list of specialities. Visit her websites at http://www.azstagedhomes.com or http://www.decoratedtosell.com

---

The Sadness of Old Buildings

From the book No Smooshing!For years, I've carried on a... Read More

Seller Objections To Lease Purchase

A large percentage of the mail we receive are from... Read More

The Benefits of Fractional Ownership in Private Residence Clubs

A New Way to Own a Vacation Home - For... Read More

Secrets of Making Money from Real Estate - Part 2

Leverage: With real estate, people and companies will lend you... Read More

Alicante to Mar Menor - You can Still Find Cheap Property in Spain

The Murcia region in Spain benefits from some of the... Read More

Real Estate Investing ? The First House Purchase

Real estate investing usually begins with the purchase of a... Read More

Negotiating and Sales Skills Are Critical

When I first started getting active in creative real estate,... Read More

Content Ideas for Ads and Brochures When Selling Your Home

Even in this hot real estate market, selling your home... Read More

Real Estate Investing in Rentals ? the $10 Million Real Estate Investing Mistake

Renting to tenants is no longer "where the money is"... Read More

How to Become a Successful Real Estate Developer

Real estate investment and development has never been a more... Read More

Cape Coral Realtor

As the second largest city geographically in Florida, this beautiful... Read More

Be A Realtor With Curb Appeal

Are you a realtor with curb appeal or are you... Read More

Writing on the Wall - Are REITs a Better Investment for You?

When I was a young child I had many annoying... Read More

How Home Buyer Rebates Work

In today's tight housing market, many buyers are looking for... Read More

How Do You Profit From O.P.P.?

In a previous article we introduced you to the concept... Read More

Using The Internet In Your Lease Purchase Business

First you need to find a list of For Sale... Read More

How Real Estate Investors Use Mortgage Note To Purchase Properties

Many of you may not be aware of the various... Read More

Property Investment - Buying A Holiday Home in Cyprus

Cyprus is fast becoming a property hotspot for thousands of... Read More

Get Rich With Mobile Homes

Does the myth that mobile homes depreciate in value keep... Read More

Home Inspection Checklist - Home Inspectors

Although architectural details, wall and floor coverings, modern conveniences and... Read More

Selling A Home ? What Attachments Stay or Go?

The home selling and buying process can be confusing. This... Read More

Prepare Your Property Like A Pro And Boost Profits

The housing market is hot, and you've decided to list... Read More

Selling Your House - $100,000 Pets

Is your pet worth $100,000? It may be if you... Read More

Family Feud with an Auction Deadline ? Adventures in Probate/ Estate Purchases

One of our investor students told us of an interesting... Read More

Where Does Your Real Estate Commission Fee Go - Why is The Commission so HIGH?

Many who have bought and sold properties through Realtors numerous... Read More

Residential Income Property Financing: Part 2 of 3

Welcome to the second segment of a three-part series about... Read More

Real Estate Remains A Strong Investment

Opportunities to make big, quick profits in residential real estate... Read More

How to Build a Real Estate Investing Power Team

As you continue to read about real estate investing, you... Read More

Buying Real Estate Thats Not For Sale

Buying real estate can start with a look in the... Read More

Real Estate Development Feasibility Study (Income) - $1.2 Billion Developer Tells You How To Do One

There are two sides to a feasibility study and in... Read More

Sell Houses Fast & Top Dollar: Design Psychology

How would you like to start a bidding war for... Read More

3 Strategies For Buying Property With No Money Down

Everyone has heard a story or read about someone who... Read More

How To Simplify Your Real Estate Buying/Selling Experience

Today's real estate consumer has a lot to consider during... Read More