In my first blog in this series, I talked about how homes and sellers are competing with each other in this buyer’s market in three ways. In the last segment, I talked about price.
Presentation is the second competitive factor. Today, buyers are less willing to forgive anything negative in their eyes since there may be another home that does not have that negative!
Roofs that need repair, water in the basement, or neglected landscaping are powerful deterrents to buyers, even if you have the perfect floor plan! Before closing, the buyer will schedule a home inspection. The results will point out any issues and the seller will have to either fix them or negotiate. The ultimate closing price will fare better if any problems are taken care of up front.
Other negatives might also include strong decorating styles, messy housekeeping, wood work in need of paint, smells, or difficulty viewing a property. The main rules here are to simplify and make your home spacious and neutral. You will end up throwing away lots of unnecessary things before you move, so why not do it now? Buyers need to imagine things such as where their furniture will go, where will the TV go, and how can their lifestyle fit in to your home. Don’t make it complicated! If you are a seller, your agent will be able to tell you what needs to be done.
What is the third way in which homes and sellers are competing with each other? Check back here soon for Segment Three of this series!
Posted by: 
Mary Jane Benedetto
