SELLING YOUR HOME? Attracting Buyers to Write an Offer in a Highly Competitive Market
Posted: Tuesday, March 04, 2008
by April Kass
LaRocca Inspections
John LaRocca, a real estate professional for 30 years, tells us, "Most sellers offering their property for sale just want a buyer to make a full price offer and close the transaction as quickly and painlessly as possible." However, there are many houses for sale giving buyers many listings to choose from.
Motivating a buyer to write an offer on your property when they arrive at an open house can be as simple as following some key house-showing tips.
2. Handle pet or other unpleasant odors. Baking some cookies or bread for the showing is an inexpensive great touch, which creates a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
3. Clean up the house, especially the kitchen, bathrooms, stained walls, ceilings and floor coverings.
4. Eliminate clutter. Remove all the excess "stuff" from the home.
5. Clean up the yard, and get rid of any junk or debris.
6. Straighten up the garage and dispose of junk and excess storage.
7. Redo weathered and peeling paint, giving the house a "well-kept" look.
8. Secure your valuables; don't leave money, jewelry or other valuables lying about.
9. Remove the pets, especially dogs during showings. Animals under foot may be a nuisance to some potential new buyer.
10. Organize and make available any documents you have, especially building permits, contracts for repairs or additions, warranties, guarantees or manuals for new items such as appliances.
Make the buyer's experience as pleasant as possible because you never get a second chance to create a first impression.
Now the job is to get through the escrow period and close the deal. LaRocca says, "Sellers who want to reduce the possibility of renegotiating the deal in the middle of escrow should have a professional property inspection of their own to uncover any major defects before going into escrow."
LaRocca says, "With the information from a pre-listing inspection added to the seller's disclosure the seller and the listing agent can relax because the buyer's inspection is not likely to uncover any significant issues that might prompt a renegotiation of the price during escrow."
Real estate transactions can be complicated, but following these steps can simplify the process to a successful closing.
John A. LaRocca can be reached at (818) 951-1795 or www.laroccainspect.com
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