Although experts have projected a full recover in the Lexington housing market, selling your home can still be quite a challenge, particularly if you find yourself competing with the wave of newly-constructed homes that are also benefiting from the upswing. In this market, the key to selling your pre-owned home lies in convincing potential buyers that your house is just as up-to-date and move-in ready as the newer models but, at the same time, can offer them the comfort and solidity of a real, established home. This requires a little effort on your part, a little effort on the part of your real estate agent, and actively avoiding those careless mistakes that send potential home-buyers running.
1. A Filthy Kitchen
Think buyers can see past your dirty dishes and sticky tile to that beautiful kitchen beneath? They can’t. Buyers are actually more turned off by dirty counters, stained carpets and grimy sinks than by any other surface issue in your home.
2. A Cluttered Living Room
Catching sight of your laundry folded on the couch and toys strewn across the carpet will make it more difficult for potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.
3. Odors
Pet smells, cooking odors, and heavy incense can be a major turnoff for buyers, particularly if they have allergies since odors are harder than you think to eliminate.
4. Personal Items
Family photos and knickknacks can make buyers more curious about you than your home. Try to keep them focused on the house itself by keeping things generic.
5. Pets in the Way
Pet toys, beds and bowls can be a turn-off for buyers who don’t like animals, or for those who worry about uncovering pet damage in their new home.
6. Outdated Fixtures
Replacing doorknobs, switch plates and cabinet hardware can update the look of your home and avoid turning off potential buyers with dingy fixtures from the 80s.
7. A Bad First Impression
The view from the curb is often your best chance to make a favorable impression on potential buyers. Buckling walks, cracked driveways, and peeling exterior paint make buyers think the house is in need of repair.
8. A Neglected Yard
Dead grass, overgrown flower beds and a general lack of landscaping can seriously detract from the home’s overall sense of upkeep.
9. A Disinterested Real Estate Agent
A good real estate agent will be able to help you price your home properly and avoid asking too much for a home in the Lexington area, making it difficult to sell.
10. An Overly-Involved Home Owner
Buyers don’t want to be crowded when looking at a home. If the home owner is lurking about during the showing, the buyer may feel rushed and leave early.
In order to sell a pre-owned home in today’s market buyers need to feel the house is not only available but also receptive. Working together with a real estate professional will insure your home is presented in such a way, making it both attractive and accessible to potential home buyers. If you are interested in learning more about selling your home, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information!
