Helpful Moving Hints
HOW TO HELP MAKE YOUR HOME SELL QUICKLY IN TODAY’S MARKET
The two most important factors are price and local market conditions. These are not the only factors, however. You want a prospective buyer’s first impression of your property to be a positive one and there are several things you can do to increase the chances that will occur.
In general, try to view your property, both inside and out, from the point of view of someone who has never seen it before. There are commonly some little things that you have been meaning to address, but have just been willing to live with. These items, while relatively unimportant to you personally, may be potentially negative items for someone seeing your property for the first time, so for your own benefit, be honestly self-critical in your own review.
As you view the property, take written notes rather than relying on recalling items from memory later. Be honestly critical of what you have…and don’t have. The potential buyer will not be emotionally vested in your property and will look at it in a dispassionately honest manner, so try to do the same to anticipate potential reasons for that person to get any negative impressions of your property. You want to realize the best possible price for your property, so attention to detail by you before any potential buyer even sees the property, will help you accomplish that.
There are more things that you can do, but these points should serve as a springboard for you to add your own ideas to help sell your property quickly and profitably.
When Your House Is Shown | Around The House | Inside The House
Outside The House | Changing Of Address | Moving Day
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When Your House Is Shown
Show by appointment only-Appointments to show your house will be made with as much advance notice as possible, so make certain that the house is ready to be shown at the appointed time. Treat the prospective buyer’s time with respect.
Let the professionals do it-A realtor is trained to discuss such things as price, terms, possession date and other related factors with potential buyers. They are trained in negotiation and are best qualified to bring your home sale to a successful conclusion.
You can be present during a showing, but stay in the background-The realtor knows what the prospects are looking for and can best describe and emphasize the positive features of your home. If questions are raised that realtors cannot answer initially, they can ask you for the information.
Pets-Although your pet may seem like a member of the family to you, you do not know how a prospective buyer feels about animals, so make certain that any household pets are kept out of the way.
Brighten up the place-Nothing makes a home more inviting than a bright, cheery atmosphere. Make it as inviting as possible by turning on all interior and exterior lights…especially when the house is shown at night.
Avoid crowds-Too many people in the house may make the prospective buyer uncomfortable and they may then rush through the house rather than taking their time to fully examine it. Don’t give them any reason to rush…give them time to get a feeling of comfort in the house.
Less talking is more-If you are present during the showing, be courteous and friendly, but let the realtor do the talking. The prospect is not there to socialize, he or she is there to inspect the house and get any questions answered.
Keep it quiet-Some soft background music is good. If a TV is on, keep its volume low. Let the realtor and the prospective buyers talk without having to yell over any noise. Keep them mentally as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
The unexpected can…and will…happen-If something out of the ordinary happens so that your home’s appearance is not the best it can be, inform the realtor of that fact when the appointment is made so that he or she can deal with any negative comments that may come up in the course of the showing. Reality happens and people will make allowances for that, but most people don’t like surprises.
It’s the house that you are selling at this point-When a showing occurs, the prospective buyer is interested in the property itself. If their interest is sufficient that they proceed to the actual purchase stage, then that is the appropriate time to discuss sale of any furniture or other personal items that may be of interest to them.
Most importantly, try to put yourself in the place of the prospective buyer. If you were looking at the house, what would make you feel good about it and what might tend to give you "negative vibes" . Anticipate both positive and negative possibilities so that you can do all possible to make the former happen and minimize the chances for the latter.
Around The House
Arrangements with your mover-Dates for packing and delivery, written estimate of all charges (including what you may prefer to do yourself to minimize costs), and insurance coverage. Know when mover expects payment for services. Make sure you inspect your property upon delivery and note any and all damaged items prior to accepting.
TV cable equipment such as satellite cable dishes, etc.-If you own this equipment, decide whether you will leave it with the house or uninstall it and take it with you. If you do not own the equipment, contact your dish supplier.
Plan to use as much of your perishable foods, such as what is in your freezer, before you leave. Local friends might appreciate receiving what you do not use before you move.
Refrigerator/freezer-Defrost, clean out and then leave some charcoal in it to absorb remaining odors.
Other appliances-Have serviced for moving, if required.
Consider having clothes cleaned and wrapped for shipping.
Rugs-Consider having cleaned and professionally wrapped as well.
Young children-Plan for special needs care, if applicable.
Inside The House
First and foremost, a clean interior condition is absolutely necessary to giving that all-important positive first
impression. More specifically, here are some of the things you can do to enhance your property's appearance:
Inspect the house critically, room by room, taking written notes. Paint any rooms that need painting. A coat of paint can do wonders to improve the looks of a room. Wash all windows, clean blinds, carpets and drapes.
Take down and/or rearrange certain pictures or wall hangings. Repair holes in walls and repaint if necessary, using generally white or neutral colors.
Clear all unnecessary objects from furniture throughout the house. Keep decorative objects to a minimum as the appeal of this type of item is usually specific to the individual. Less furniture in a room makes the room feel larger, so consider rearranging or removing some furniture.
If you have a fireplace, place logs on the hearth to create a warm, homey atmosphere.
Closets and the garage should not be "too full". Your potential buyer needs to be able to see those areas easily.
The kitchen is definitely the most important room in the house to a potential buyer. Do anything you can to make it attractive and bright. Curtains should be clean and fresh, preferably of a light color. The usual family photo gallery on the refrigerator should be removed prior to showing the house. Countertops should all be clear. Cabinets have greater appeal if they are a light color. Make sure the paint in this room is in good condition.
Your bathrooms are also important rooms to the potential buyer. Repair or replace any leaky or corroded fixtures. Fixtures, showers, mirrors and sinks should all be sparklingly clean. Remove, or at least minimize, clutter on all countertops, shower stalls, tubs and shelves. Color coordinate your towels using only one or two colors.
Leave lights on, even during the day. The brighter the interior, the more it will appeal subconsciously to a potential buyer. Make sure that all lights and switches work properly.
During showings, mild potpourri or scented candles will improve that subconscious "nose appeal" factor! Freshly baked cookies work well also!
Outside The House
"Curb appeal" is the term used to describe how a person's first view of your property is formed:
Check the condition of the paint on the property, with special attention to doorways and trim. This is probably the MOST important external detail to address. If not in very good condition, fixing is mandatory.
Look at all trees, plants and bushes with a critical eye. Do they need trimmed? Do they block the view of the house? Make sure the potential buyer can get a good view of the house. A clean, uncluttered external appearance is a definite positive factor for anyone viewing the property for the first time.
Check roof and gutters. Make certain there are no missing shingles or dry rot and that the gutters are clear of all debris and obstructions.
Remove garbage cans and other loose objects around the outside of the house. Make sure that any firewood is neatly stacked in an appropriate location.
All deck and/or patio areas should be clear of any loose items and debris and should be free of ice or snow during the winter months.
Changing Of Address
Post Office-Give them you’re new address and get their moving packet.
Bank accounts-Open accounts in new location and transfer funds. If you are having your present bank pay any of your bills automatically, make sure to set up similar arrangements with your new bank.
Relatives and friends-Notify by post card, email or even both!
Subscriptions-Notify all at address given in the publications themselves. This takes time to complete (up to two months), so do this as early as possible.
Utility companies-Telephone, water, gas & electric, sewer, cable TV and internet service. If you have made any utility deposits, get refunds and get signed up for utilities at new location.
Church, clubs and other organizations-Transfer memberships and get letters of introduction for new locations.
Delivery services-Newspaper, etc.
Insurance-Cancel applicable local coverage and notify insurers of address change for auto, life, health, etc. policies.
School records-Ask for records to be transferred and get copies of all records for your own files.
Auto registrations-Transfer title to new jurisdiction, if required. If moving out of state, a new driver’s license and auto licenses may be required. If member of an auto club, notify them as well.
Medical-Ask your doctors, dentist, pharmacist and vision specialist for referrals and, once you arrange for new providers, ask that your medical records be transferred to those new providers.
Moving Day
Carry currency and travelers’ checks for immediate fund needs.
Carry jewelry and important documents with you rather than shipping them.
Do a final check all closets, drawers and shelves to make certain they are totally empty.
Leave all keys needed by the new homeowner with the new owner or the realtor.
Make any necessary special arrangements for transportation of pets so they are both safe and happy during the trip. The trip will be much more pleasant for both of you if the pet is calm and content.
During the actual moving trip, let a friend or relative know your specific route and time schedule so that they can serve as a temporary message conduit while you are enroute.