The housing market can be a little uncertain this time of year but well-priced homes in good condition are still selling. There’s always a reason or reasons why your home didn’t sell. When it comes to selling your home in a challenging market, the basics still apply:
1) The home is too “lived in” and lacks visual appeal. Clean everything and lose anything personal. What’s personal? Anything you wouldn’t consider leaving for a new owner to enjoy.
2) The home lacks style and freshness. Would IKEA, Leons, or The Brick recognize any of your furnishings? If your grandmother likes your décor chances are it has NO current style.
3) The furnishings and layout make the property appear small. Do you like a huge, king size bed? Guess what… a single bed–even in a master bedroom–will appeal more to buyers than your masterpiece of wood and metal.
4) The kitchen and bathroom are dated and would be costly to change. Everyone (men included) look at kitchens first and bathrooms second. If those rooms don’t meet their standards, forget the rest of the home.
5) The owner has a design scheme too personal to the owner. If you’ve made your second bedroom an office, consider reinventing it as a second bedroom. A third bedroom is good for an office but most buyers require at least two (2) bedrooms, more likely three (3).
6) The house is cluttered and appears untidy, unappealing, and small. Junk takes up space. What is junk? Anything you wouldn’t be proud to leave for the new owners.
7) The carpets and decorations are old and the viewer feels too much work will be required. Carpet is cheap…and even the low quality, low ounce carpeting looks better than 1970’s shag!
8) The home is not staged to appeal to the majority of buyers. Don’t try to explain why your dining room is ideal as an office or bedroom. Turn it back into it’s intended use…at least until the buyer signs the Purchase Agreement.
9) There are repairs that need completing, but the owner does not know reliable tradespeople to approach–or none have returned their calls. Buyers will always over estimate the cost of repairs so it is in the seller’s benefit to complete repairs before selling.
10) Things like interest rates, employment and government regulations have an effect on the real estate market. A change in market conditions can keep buyers out of the market for months however not every seller is able to wait for the market to improve. A well presented home with a strong marketing plan will bring good results despite an uncertain market.
Dean Manton is Guelph’s real estate expert. Put Dean’s experience and market knowledge to work for you!
