Archstone » Sellers

Your partner for success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Make the Most of Curb Appeal

Most buyers choose to drive by your home first before wanting to set an appointment to view. An attractive yard that is free of debris will gain interest quickly. Make sure that trees are trimmed and that your home can be seen from the street. Have the grass mowed, trimmed and edged. Walkways should be swept. Clean away all debris. Remove parked cars or trucks. When in season plant flowers to add color. Remember, if the buyer does not like the outside, that person simply drives on to the next house. Get your home ready for drive by traffic and give folks something extra nice to look at.

A Little Painting Works Wonders

New paint makes the entire home smell clean and neat, and can bring sellers top dollar. If your home has chipped paint, exposed wood, or surfaces that look faded, it's time for new paint. If your carpet is worn, dirty, outdated, or has unusual color or style, you might consider replacing it. Many houses do not sell because of these problems. Don't think that buyers have more money than you to freshen up a home. They typically don't. They will simply look elsewhere for a home that needs less work.

Investing in Plumbing Repairs

You will spot several different types of plumbing systems in any housing market, including your own. Copper, galvanized, rigid plastic, polybutylene, and soft plastic are but a few. Certain systems are more prone to having certain problems. Fixing minor plumbing repairs today can save you time and money when you are ready to sell. Buyers are expecting your home to show its absolute best while on the market. Anything less suggests that other things might also be wrong. At the same time, big upgrades may go unappreciated. Before you make improvements, give us a call so we can help you determine which areas will pay the highest dividends, and which ones won't!

 Pricing Your Home to Sell

Did you know the best chance for selling your property is within the first seven weeks? It's true. Studies show that the longer a property stays on the market, the less the seller will net upon the sale. It is very important to price your property at a competitive market value at the signing of your listing contract. The market is so competitive that even over-pricing by a few thousand dollars could mean that your house will not sell.

An Overpriced Home:
  • Minimizes offers
  • Lowers agents response
  • Limits qualified buyers
  • Lowers showings
  • Lowers prospects
  • Limits financing
  • Wastes advertising dollars
  • Nets less for the seller

Making Your Home Shine

It's a common fact that clean homes net more money. Most people are turned off by even the smallest amount of uncleanness or odor when looking at homes to purchase. Sellers lose thousands of dollars because they do not adequately clean their homes or rid them of offensive odors. If your home is squeaky clean, you will be able to sell your home faster and net more money. If you are planning on moving, why not get rid of that old junk now so that your house will actually appear larger? Make more space. Odors must be eliminated, especially if you have pets, young children in diapers, or a smoker in the house. A little work now can pay huge dividends at closing!

Staging Your Home to Sell

The greatest way to show a home is to have a key available and leave talking to the agent. This will give agents, with prospective buyers easy access to your property and promote showings. Following these simple staging guidelines will also help:
  • Keep all lights on, even on the sunniest of days
  • Keep all draperies and shutters open
  • Leave soft music playing at a low level
  • Take a short walk or drive with your children and pets
  • Let the Realtor and clients view the home without your presence
  • Burn a scented candle to add a pleasant aroma to your home
  • Let the buyer be at ease and let the agents do their job

Conclusion

By employing these successful staging strategies with an aggressive marketing plan, we can achieve a maximum sales price in the shortest number of days. Please contact us if there is anyway we can help you get your home ready to sell.