Why Your Virginia Beach Real Estate May Not Be Selling
Everyone knows we are in a buyers real estate market in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads. There are over 15,000 real estate properties on the market in Hampton Roads. Virginia Beach has about 3900 real estate properties.
With this much real estate inventory it takes extra steps to sell your home. The homes in good condition, priced properly, and in a decent location are selling.
So, what can you do to help your Virginia Beach real estate experience be successful?
Read some tips that can make your Virginia Beach real estate investment more appealing:
Here are some very basic pointers you can print out to
help you get headed in the right direction, courtesy of Accredited Home Staging Specialist:
1. De-Clutter: This one is
simple. De-clutter everywhere; inside and outside. If its taking up space it
is a potential candidate to be thrown out. The sellers need to make that all
important mental conversion from home to live in to house for
sale. Personal things are a big distraction as you want the buyers to be
able to visualize their own belonging in the house.
2. Repair: Buyers want
everything working so don’t disappoint them – dripping faucets, broken windows,
leaking roofs, damaged walls and doors, etc, beg the question in the buyers
mind¦What else is broken or doesnt work? Visit Housemasters Home Inspections for information on preventive maintenance.
3. Lots of Light: The last thing home
buyers want to see is a dark home with all of the doors and windows covered.
Let the light in and open some windows to let in some fresh air. Room
deodorizers leave the impression of covering something up as does a window that
has the blinds drawn.
4. Clean Windows: Buyers want to
know and see the view they will have from every room – don’t make them look
through dirty windows. If they do, the impression of a having great view is
literally going ˜out the window.
5. Kitchen and Bathrooms: Two of the most
important rooms in the house. They must be spotless and first class. Just
cleaning up isn’t going to be good enough – you need to deep clean
all counters, floors, cabinets and all the fixtures in the bathrooms. In the
bathrooms consider new fixtures or counter tops and perhaps redoing the shower
and tub enclosures. If new fixtures are not in the budget you may want to
consider having them refinished. Think about having all the tile steam cleaned
and make sure all grout is free from grease and dirt.
6. Odors: Absolute deal
killers are cigarette or pet odors. If this is a problem – have the drapes,
carpets and furniture professionally cleaned and please¦no
smoking in the house. Also, cooking odors are not a good thing. The best
bet is to always for plan fresh air. Often a little lemon oil mixed with water
in a spray bottle used lightly used will add just a bit of freshness without
overpowering the house.
7. Paint: A fresh coat of
paint on the outside or inside is an excellent way of freshening up your home.
Be sure to use neutral colors and avoid accent painting. Don’t try and guess
what a potential buyer will like. In most cases they should use a professional
painter because its always a bigger job than most people think.
8. Yard Work: Deal with overgrown
bushes, shrubs and trees. Everything in the yard needs to be trimmed, watered,
manicured and living. Remove everything lying around the yard
including sports equipment, boats, trailers, toys, etc. You may also add some
color by placing some annuals in planters in the back as well as in the front.
Curb appeal makes that all important first impression.
9. Furniture: The bottom line¦
less is best. If its old, worn or dated, you should put it in storage.
Remember that you are setting a stage and the actor needs to be the house – not
their furniture.
10. Hardwood Floors: Hardwood
floors can be a huge plus for buyers unless they look like a 20 year old
basketball court. It may be a great investment to have them all refinished -
but keep in mind that its not a simple weekend project.
11. Tell your REALTOR® to put in the Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads MLS remarks that your house is the cleanest in your price range.
More Virginia Beach Real Estate Seller Tips:
Important MaintenanceTips for Virginia Beach and Chesapeake Home Owners
How to Make Your Virginia Beach Home More Valuable Before Selling
See How Your REALTOR® can help with the sale of your home
