Category: Seller Tips

Seller Tips

Fresh Air Sells

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Household smells in our own homes can be a problem because we get accustomed to them. However, it takes just a few seconds in a stranger’s home, to know if a smoker lives there. The smell is in the air!

So, when you put your home on the market, think about the common smells you might have lingering in your home. Remember, you may no longer notice them, but a prospective buyer will.

These may include:window

  • A diaper bin in the baby’s room.
  • Kitty litter.
  • Model-making glue.
  • Paints, even if the cans or tubes are closed tightly.
  • Food. The aroma of a spicy meal can linger for hours.
  • Garbage cans. Even empty ones, if they are not clean.
  • Strong smelling soaps, perfumes and other cosmetics and toiletries.
  • Flowers and other plants.
  • Firewood (especially pine.)
  • Outdoor shoes.
  • Ashtrays.
  • Sinks.
  • Carpets.
  • Door mats. These are especially prone to stains and smells.

Try to eliminate as many odors as possible. An hour or so before a viewing, open a few windows to give your home a breath of fresh air.

Shawna O’Brien
shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com
F.C. Tucker Geist Fishers
The Tumbarello Group

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Seller Tips

Three Lists to Make When Selling Your Home

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lists

When you put your property up for sale, you want to make sure that potential buyers get all the information they need on the features of your home and its surrounding area. If, for example, buyers don’t realize there is a great school just a couple of blocks away, they might cross your property off their shortlist.

An effective way to make sure something like that doesn’t happen is to create three lists.

#1: The “I’ll miss it” list. Chances are, there are things about your home that you’re really going to miss when you move. One of those may be the spacious living room that’s ideal for entertaining or the nearby park with scenic trails that are perfect for walking and biking.

Whatever you’ll miss, put it on the list! Chances are, those are features that will also interest buyers.

#2: The “Just the facts” list. What are the facts about your property that a buyer needs to know in order to consider purchasing it? This may be a very long list including such items as total square footage, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, property taxes, size of yard, and more.

#3: The “repairs and improvements” list. Buyers are interested in the state of repair of your home, and in any improvements you have made to it. On this list include all repairs you have done during the past three years and, if possible, attach receipts. It’s especially important to include anything that has been replaced, such as the furnace or roof shingles.

Shawna O’Brien
shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com
F.C. Tucker Geist Fishers
The Tumbarello Group

Let's Talk

 

Seller Tips

Inspect Your Walls Before You Sell

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walls

Say you’re trying to sell a used car. Imagine that it’s a desirable make and model, the mileage is low, and, overall, it’s in great condition…except, that is, for the body.

Unfortunately, there are a few areas where the paint is scratched, and there are a couple of dents and rust spots too.

Are you going to have trouble selling that car? Probably. Many potential buyers will have trouble seeing past the condition of the body and hence not appreciate the true value of the vehicle.

The same thing can happen when you’re trying to sell your home.

Everything about it could be wonderful, but if the paint on the walls is faded in spots, and there are dents, scuffs and holes, buyers may notice those things more than the other more important features of your property.

So, it’s a good idea to inspect your walls to make sure they look great.

There are numerous products available at your local home improvement center for repairing gouges and holes. Fixing them is a relatively easy do-it-yourself job.

Shawna O’Brien
shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com
F.C. Tucker Geist Fishers
The Tumbarello Group

Let's Talk

Seller Tips

Moving with Pets

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Tips for Moving With Pets

When moving, most people can experience some form of stress. Now, imagine just how anxious it can make your pet. They can easily become anxious when something new is brought into their environment. But when moving, they have to adjust to not only losing somewhere they felt comfortable, but readjusting to a whole new space as well. While there is no easy solution for this, there are some tips that can help make the process a little easier.

Put Together an Overnight Kit

Depending on what kind of pet you’re getting ready to help move, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. This can also help your own stress levels with having things easily accessible for them while you try to unpack. Good things to put inside the kit are dog/cat food, kitty litter, grooming tools, treats, toys and even their bed if they have one. Having things that are familiar to them can help keep them comfortable.

Keep Your Pets Away from the Commotion

While leaving them with friends, family or with a kennel service is typically recommended, sometimes that just doesn’t work out. The most important thing to do is keep them away from all the action. The best thing you can do is try and keep them in the quietest area possible. Whether that is in a room of the house that has already been packed and emptied, or letting them rest in a kennel in either the garage or outside. Always make sure to check on them regularly, keeping temperature in mind, and also walk them as you normally would. With a little food and water, they should feel relaxed in the midst of all the action.

Contact Your Vet

If you’re leaving the area, make sure to inform your vet so they can give you your pets records and any prescription medications they made need regularly. They may even be able to give you something to help calm your pet if they have high levels of anxiety dealing with change. This tip is sometimes the last things on peoples minds during a move. But it can help you avoid the trouble later by taking care of it before you move.

Transport your Pet in Your Own Vehicle

When you travel to your new home, take your pet in a vehicle that they have rode in before. Whether you let them free roam like normal or if you prefer to keep them in a travel carrier. Most travel carriers can be secured with a seatbelt, and sometimes pets can be calmed more by placing a towel or blanket over their carrier.

Wait to Let Your Pet Out Until You’ve Arrived

Once you have arrived at your new home, it is important not to open the kennel or let them out of the car without a leash. While they may have known their old neighborhood well, they can easily become lost in the new one. It’s recommended to give them a few days in the new home before allowing them outside. With cats, most people keep them indoors for their own safety. So if you have an outdoor cat that you would like to make an indoor cat, take this time of adjustment and use it to your advantage.

Update Their Info

Going with the tip above, once you’ve moved and you’re settled, update your pets information. Whether it’s through the microchip or just simply on the tags on their collar. So if they become lost in their new neighborhood, you have better chances of finding them.

Keep Your Pets Secluded

Once you’ve arrived at your new home, try to set up as much as you can before you introduce the pet to their new home. Even if it’s just one room, such as the living room or bedroom. You can keep them in whichever room is ready while you work at setting up the others. This can help them slowly adjust to their new environment. It also helps to give them things that are familiar to them, such as a toy or a blanket. And always make sure to give them lots of attention!

Moving With Other Critters

Cats and dogs aren’t the only pets who could have anxiety with moving. Animals such as birds and fish are among them. Birds are very jittery creatures and even the most trusted have been known to fly the coop. So on moving day, always have them inside a cage. And just like with the other furry friends, placing a blanket or towel over it may help keep them calm. Fish however, can be some of the hardest pets to move. Fish have been known to respond strongly to stressful situations and some of those situations can even lead to death if you’re not careful. While it’s okay to travel short distances with the fish in a bag of their own tank water, long distances can be lethal. If you’re traveling a long way, it may be best to give them a new home with family or friends and buy new fish when you reach your destination.

These are just a few of the things that you can do for whichever pet you may have with you on moving day. When all is said and done, make sure that you not only help destress your pet, but look after yourself as well!

Shawna O’Brien
shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com
F.C. Tucker Geist
The Tumbarello Group

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Seller Tips

7 Features that May Sell Your Home Faster

by indianapolisareahomesforsaleLeave a Comment on 7 Features that May Sell Your Home Faster

If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market this spring, you may be wondering how to make your home more attractive to prospective buyers.

The following are the most common features buyers want in a home.*

Laundry Room: While many homes have a nook in the hallway or withing a bathroom for a washer and dryer, most buyers (92%) of all ages want a separate laundry room with space for these appliances, plus room to sort and iron.

Exterior Lighting: 90% of buyers want a home with outdoor lighting, including spotlights, walkway lights and pendant lights. Not only does this lighting highlight your home’s curb appeal, it’s also a safety measure. For example, motion lights will turn on whenever they sense movement.

Energy-efficient windows and appliances: Energy Star-rated windows and appliances are a top choice of buyers – 90% prefer energy-saving appliances and 87% prefer energy-saving windows. Energy-efficient windows can reduce heating and cooling costs by 12%. Additionally, homeowners may save up to $40 a year on the their utility bills by including energy-efficient appliances in their homes.

Patio: More than 84% of buyers feel a patio is an important home feature. Many people entertain outside during the warmer months of the year and a patio allows them to do so without having to modify their home.

Hardwood Floors: For 82% of buyers, hardwood floors are a desirable selling point in a home. Hardwood floors tend to be more durable and easier to maintain than carpet. They also offer a timeless aesthetic to a home. Homeowners can add rugs to improve the warmth of a space or tie the room together.

Garage Storage Space: Storage is important to 81% of buyers, especially if they have growing families. Additional storage in the garage keeps the main living areas free of clutter and is more accessible than attic or basement spaces. Improvement options include installing pegboard on the wall for tools, improving the lighting and electrical circuits or adding cabinets.

Eat in Kitchen: Many buyers (80%) like the appeal of eating their meals in the kitchen, especially if they have children. Creating space in the kitchen for a small table and chairs may be as simple as removing a wall. You will want to make sure the wall is non-load-bearing, with limited repair work involved and without pipes or wires needing to be removed. If the wall contains any of these factors, your costs could increase dramatically.

 

If you would like references for qualified individuals to perform any of the tasks above, contact me at shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com.  I have an extensive list of credible individuals/businesses that would be happy to work with you.

 

Shawna O’Brien
shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com
F.C. Tucker Geist
The Tumbarello Group

*Source: Kiplinger

 

Household Tips, Seller Tips

How to Create Calm and Inviting Spaces Buyers Will Love

by indianapolisareahomesforsaleLeave a Comment on How to Create Calm and Inviting Spaces Buyers Will Love

There’s a reason the home remodel, re-hab and re-decorating shows on TV are abundant and popular with viewers.  Everyone wants to see the AFTER pictures of the home and the transformation to a beautiful inviting space.

Take a minute and think about what makes the homes at the end of the episode look clean and inviting and apply the same tactics to your home before you put it on the market.  I also recommend looking at the decor builders use to highlight their spec homes.  Newly built homes are your competition so jump online and look at the pictures for ideas on how to make your home just as desirable.

Here’s how to create a calm and inviting space buyers will love without spending a ton of money.

1. Clutter

This will always be my number one tip for sellers.  Eliminate the clutter.  The knick nacks, stacks of magazines, papers, useless items taking up space, closets full of clothes you don’t wear, too many pictures on the wall, and personal keepsakes that don’t enhance the space. A buyer’s eye will be drawn to all the “stuff” instead of the square footage. Buyers want to feel relaxed and calm when they walk into your home, not stressed out and overwhelmed trying to envision themselves living in the space. Messy rooms are a distraction and science proves that the clutter is stressing YOU out too – and you don’t need that when trying to market and sell your home.

2. Bold Paint Colors (and/or Dirty Walls)

You have made your home the way you love it for you to enjoy and that includes choosing whatever paint color makes you happy BUT your home now needs to appeal to the masses.  Color is not only subjective but there are many studies to support paint colors evoke emotion. You want to evoke an emotion of calm and contentment when buyers are walking through your home. Therefor, I recommend repainting any rooms with bold colors such as red and orange and all rooms with bright colors & bold patterns.  Red was once a popular color for dining rooms but it’s been proven that emotionally, red makes people feel anxious and aggressive.  EEK! Choose neutral colors that will evoke a “homey” feeling for the buyer. If the walls are dirty from hand prints and pets, it’s imperative you spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint.  Perception is reality and buyers will believe your home is dirty.

3. The Home Office and/or Computer Area

Whether you have a room designated as an office area or you’re using a space in your kitchen or bedroom, hide all the personal documents and cords when preparing your home for buyers.  It’s not good aesthetically and just like clutter, it’s stressful and distracting to the eye and mind.  Work spaces are a want and usually a need for buyers so it’s great to show you have the space to accomodate, but buyers don’t want to see all your papers, cords, banker boxes, pencil holders, stuffed peg boards, multiple monitors, etc.

4. Update the lighting

You can’t change how the sunlight comes into the home during the day, how big your windows are to let in the natural light, or if your lot is shady, but you can change the lighting inside the home. Aesthetically, I recommend updated your lamps in general and adding more for rooms that don’t have ceiling lighting. Contemporary free standing lighting can be purchased economically at most big box stores and will update the space immediately.  End tables should have lamps that are to scale with your furniture and space, and ideally be symmetrical if you are bookending sofas and beds.  Replace bulbs with LED and energy-efficient lights to brighten and save you money.

All of the above can be accomplished without spending a lot of money, yet they will make a big difference in the desirability of your home. What other ways do you think you could create inviting spaces for buyers? Please share!

Shawna O’Brien
shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com
F.C. Tucker Geist
The Tumbarello Group

 

 

Market Update, Seller Tips

Will Your Home Sell In the Winter?

by indianapolisareahomesforsaleLeave a Comment on Will Your Home Sell In the Winter?

Will your home sell in the winter? The short answer is – YES!  Now, read the many reasons why.

It’s a common belief that one should put his/her home on the market in the Spring to attract those who would like to move during summer break. But not all home buyers have school aged kids – or any kids – to consider when choosing their next home and the time of year isn’t relevant if your home is a perfect fit for a serious buyer.

Here’s top reasons why a home will sell in the winter.

Less competition and low inventory
Fewer homes for sale means less competition for buyer’s attention. When serious buyers are looking for a home with your homes features and benefits, the law of supply and demand works in your favor.

Serious buyers will buy no matter the season
The spring brings a lot of “lookie-lous”, as I like to call them.  I was a “lookie-lou” for TWO YEARS.  The weather breaks and many are on a field trip to see what’s happening on the market. Most likely they are contemplating projects in their own home and/or considering selling in the future. Serious buyers are looking to buy. There are less “lookie-lous” this time of year, and less inventory, so when they find the perfect house for them, they will make an offer no matter the month.

My husband and I, as I said, were “lookie-lous” for two years. When our current home became available early Fall, we had to jump on it or it would be gone by spring.  We closed November 7th and we were in our new family home in time to host Thanksgiving.

The Baby Boom
Summer months rank the highest for baby births, with the most babies born in September according to data compiled between 1994 and 2014 by the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics and the U.S. Social Security Administration. What this means for home sellers is there are buyers out there looking to buy a larger home for their growing family once the baby is home and settled.

Using myself as an example once again:  Twelve years ago, our son was only 2 months old when we (unexpectedly) decided to buy our (larger, one level, open concept) second home together.  We closed on December 21, 2006 and moved in January 4, 2007!

Corporate Relocations
Indy is home to many large companies that transfer talent to their Indianapolis locations. Companies tend to relocate employees in the first quarter with January and February as the biggest months. During this time buyers need choices – and they need to move quickly. Once they find a home that fits their family and timeline, they will make the offer! The law of supply and demand, once again, will work in your favor once again.

Renters with Expiring Leases
Many winter buyers are working against a deadline and they are serious. If not a corporate relocation it could be due to an expiring lease or contract on their current home.

Buyers with Time off Work
We know summer is a desired time on average for some people to move but just because the kids are out of school, not all employed individuals have summer vacation time. Most people have more time off around the holidays. That means more time for viewing your listing on line and scheduling home showings.

Year End Tax Breaks
Some expenses associated with buying a home are tax deductible and there are many tax benefits to owning a home. New home owners can take advantage of these deductions on their next filing if they close on a home before the new year. And if they are also selling a home to purchase your home, they will benefit from more tax breaks!

Year End Company Bonuses
Have you seen “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation“?  Chevy Chase’s character anticipates his yearly bonus and starts to plan to build a pool for his family with the extra money. Some buyers who are receiving a year end bonus may choose this time to put a down payment on a new home. They may have been researching during spring or summer but financially not able to move forward with a purchase until they have the down payment money. When they’re able to purchase, your home will be front and center with the lack of competition you’d be up against in the spring.

 

Don’t be afraid to list your home in the winter. And if you listed late summer or early fall, rest assured there are buyers still looking.  Price your home well within the current market of it’s location and it will attract a buyer who loves it as much as you do!

 

If you have questions on current market conditions or would like a free market analysis on your home, please email me at shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com. I’m happy to help!

Shawna O’Brien
shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com
F.C. Tucker Geist
The Tumbarello Group

 

Seller Tips

Why Your Home Isn’t Selling

by indianapolisareahomesforsaleLeave a Comment on Why Your Home Isn’t Selling

Why your home isn't sellingWe’ve all been talking about how it’s a “Seller’s Market” and homes are getting multiple offers within days of the listing.  But, what if yours isn’t selling or worse, not getting any showings?

Here’s a few reasons why your home isn’t selling:

1. The Price isn’t Right.  There’s never a second chance to make a first impression.  Pricing the home correctly from day one is important because your home is never going to get as much attention in one swoop like the day it goes live.  No matter what you have done to improve the property the sales price should be carefully chosen by analyzing what is selling in your market.  The value of your home is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay for it. If it is too high, you won’t get any offers. A real estate agent will help you set the right price based on data (real numbers) of homes similar to yours in the area.

2. There’s too many items in disrepair or areas that need updating.  Perception is reality.  Make the home sparkle.  Paint, pay attention to baseboards, clean the windows, fix what’s broken = simple as that.  If the carpet is worn, please get new carpet in a nice neutral shade.  Don’t worry what the potential buyer might prefer. It’s best to have new carpet the new homeowner can change eventually then to let potential buyers walk through your home and be distracted by dirty, worn, stained carpet and think to themselves – “darn, we love the house but we’d have to replace all this carpet before we can move in”.  We live increasingly busy lives and most people do not want to work on projects the second they get keys to their new home.  Same thing goes for appliances = update them.  I’ve held numerous open houses in which I’ve asked for feedback from my visitors and many of them will comment that they liked least that the home needed new appliances.  I’m realizing it’s kinda a big deal to new homeowners.  Make it easy for them to picture themselves moving in and enjoying the home right away without having to work on projects, shop for items and fix up unkempt areas.

3. The pictures online are of low quality.  This is SOOOOO important (did I include enough “O’s”?!)  Please, please, please, do NOT let your realtor post foggy, dark pictures taken with an iPhone on the MLS listing.  Everyone pre-qualifies your home online before they look at it in person.  The pictures are as important as pricing it right.  Trust a professional to take them, please.  I have a professional photographer that will photograph your home from the best angles, in the best light, highlighting the best features and it won’t cost you a penny!

4. Your home is unkempt or cluttered (too much furniture, knick knacks, dirty floors & surfaces, odors).  You want the individuals looking at your home online or in person to see the space and the function of your home.  Sometimes when you are living in a space you don’t realize that items have piled up and you have too many “decorations” OR that it has pet odor and there are cob webs in the corners.  Professionally clean the interior to help remove pet odors from floors and furniture.  It’s worth it to get a small storage unit to tuck away beloved décor items and the extra favorite furniture while your home is on the market. Clear off the countertops in the kitchen and store your small appliances like the toaster, the mixer, the knives, etc.  Once you store away the extras, it will be much easier to keep the floors and surfaces clean and tidy.  If you need a helping hand, I have partnerships with home stagers that will assess your home and provide a report suggesting what you should do to make your home “show ready” at NO CHARGE to you.

5. Your home is lacking curb appeal.  Same with the tip #2 above – perception is reality.  Mow and edge the lawn, trim your hedges, fix the gutters, paint the front door, add some potted plants, replace the exterior lights if needed and make the home look cared for and loved before the buyers cross the threshold.  Have YOU ever gone to look at a home that’s holding an open house and after seeing the façade decided not to go in?  I bet you have.  Don’t let it happen to you!

6. Your home is unique or uncommon for the area.  Keep in mind that it takes longer to find the right buyer who will love your unique home as much as you do. Especially if your home has unique features regarding the floorplan and the size of the land; or it’s in a mixed zoning area or in a flood zone.  You may be on the market longer but again, price the home well and choose an agent who will creatively market the home well and you will attract a buyer who appreciates the unique-ness as much as you did when you bought your home.

7. Your home appeals to a smaller buyer pool.  We see this mostly with homes over 400K.  The average home sale in Indiana in June is $213,339.  Less then 1% of active homebuyers are looking to buy homes at 500K or more.

If you’ve looked online or in person at homes for sale this summer, what are some of the reasons you would not be interested in purchasing the home?  Keep in mind the same criteria you look for as a buyer in your next home is the same criteria you should be considering when making your existing home desirable and marketable to a buyer when you list it for sale.

Shawna O’Brien
shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com
F.C. Tucker Geist
The Tumbarello Group