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We've all seen the headlines. We've seen the interest rates. It's easy to get swept up in the tide of financial trend advice. But what if I told you that sometimes, the best opportunities lie outside the realms of interest and equity?
A move could possibly be the best decision you ever make - even in a time you think isn't ideal. Embrace the unknown, and you could turn what seems like an imperfect moment into the turning point of a lifetime.
Below are my tried-and-true tips to help your home shine in the eyes of potential buyers. From boosting your home's curb appeal to tidying up and depersonalizing, we've got you covered. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's get your home ready to make a great impression on potential buyers. Ready? Let's make your home shine.
Start by removing personal items such as family photos, personal collections, and memorabilia. This helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. While your home is on the market, keep personal belongings and valuables secure (this is also important for security reasons). Remember that the goal of depersonalizing your home is to make it more appealing to a broad range of potential buyers. Creating a clean, neutral, and inviting space can help buyers envision themselves living in the home, which can ultimately lead to a quicker and more successful sale.
Don’t neglect taking care of that yard during the fall and winter months. Look, we all keep our yards pristine and show-ready in the spring, but the fall is just as important: make sure that your leaves are being bagged and put away, and make sure that your yard is still being maintained with fresh mulch. There are things that you can do even during these ugly times of year to keep your yard looking fresh again – it’s all about curb appeal! We’ve got to do everything we can to display your home in the most positive light ever. Right now, you’re up against a lot of competition. It’s not the time to be lazy about yard work.
All right, so let’s talk about staging. If I recommend that you stage your home, you should do it. I’m not asking you to spend money unnecessarily that isn’t going to provide value, but guys, most of the time, the way we live in a home and the way that a home is best presented are often two very, very different things. There are interior designers that don’t do staging, and there are stagers that don’t do interior design, because it’s simply not the same thing. One is trying to maximize the floor plan and highlights of the home, and the other one is trying to make the space as comfortable and functional as possible for you to live in.
When you’re thinking about selling, one thing you can start on immediately are those touch-ups that really make the home shine. Think of this like getting your car detailed: deep cleaning, fresh paint, having your hard floors or carpets serviced, and ensuring there are no strong odors in your home are all details that your buyers wont consciously pick up on – unless they’re not attended to.
One simple tip that can immediately improve the value of your home during the touch-up process? That’s the light fixtures. The light fixtures are the jewelry of a home. They create the sparkle and the shine; they give it some personality, and guess what? Fixtures don’t have to be insanely expensive. Just like jewelry, they come in all different price points. So, go take a look and buy something that’s going to make your home unique, and I promise you you’ll do well on your return.
Would you let someone give you a tattoo that had never tattooed someone before? – I wouldn’t.
It’s the same thing with real estate. I know you may love your very best friend or your mom’s sister’s cousin’s brother-in-law who just got their license. But this is a huge financial decision. Listen, I’ve been in the business for a long time, and I can tell you for a fact that I am not the same agent that I was in the beginning, and quite frankly, I’m sorry for the people who worked with me back then. Now look, everyone’s got to start somewhere – but do you want to be their guinea pig? I’ll leave that up to you.
When you choose to list your property with the Giles Group, rest assured that you’re in capable hands. We’ll be your dedicated partners every step of the way throughout the entire home-selling journey. Looking for a trusted vendor recommendation? We’ve got that covered too. Our approach to the listing process is all about providing you with a top-notch concierge level of service.
When you work with me, or anyone on my team, you’re gaining direct access to decades of experience, not only in the realm of real estate, but in the hyperlocal Austin market. So before you make any big decisions, let’s chat!
– Wade
Douglas Elliman
1717 W 6th Street
Suite 190
Austin, TX 78703
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