Property Listings That Sell

There are some property listings that sell very quickly while others seem to take forever to unload. Ever wondered what made those dwellings be snapped up while others languished on the vine? It’s not pure luck. There are reasons behind the quick sales and some problems behind the ones that move as slow as molasses. Some properties are never even looked at while others are looked at multiple times with no offers made.

Here are some things to think about:

- Sales price: If a house is priced appropriately, it will be more likely to be at viewed by potential buyers. The dollar amount shouldn’t be too high or too low. The high range will scare people off as it may be way over their budget. They may also know about similar homes listed for less money. Putting too low of a price tag will also be unwise. People may think that it must be a junker or that something is terribly wrong with it. It should be priced just right and a savvy Realtor will be able to pin down just what that number is. Studying comps and surveying other property listings will help sellers arrive at the magic number.

- Curb appeal: In a buyers’ market, the homes that sell quickly outshine the rest. They should be dressed up in their Sunday finest. Yards should be manicured and sidewalks swept. Inside the house, fresh flowers and the smell of baking always gives a “welcome home” feeling. Immaculate housecleaning helps, too. Fresh paint inside and out makes the place look brand new when it isn’t.

- Great photographs: In today’s market, photos are a must! Those shot by a professional are best as a pro knows how to capture all of the rooms and yard in the most flattering light. These photos should be on flyers, websites and virtual tours. The more pics and the higher their quality, the more interest the home will draw.

- Staging: Staging a home means to make it appear enticing to others. You may like your teddy bear collection displayed on every couch and chair in the house, but to a potential buyer, this may appear cluttered. You may like to have your mail and work files piled up on the kitchen table but to outsiders this will be unappealing. Framed photos of all the kids and grandkids will be off-putting to outsiders, too.

They want to envision the place they’re thinking of buying as “their” home, not yours. Removing worn out furnishings and excess to make the rooms look airy and spacious. Even the closets and cupboards should be pared out and straightened up. Think potential buyers won’t look in your closets and pantry? Think again. They want to imagine how their own belongings will fit. If it looks cluttered and mishmash, it will not be a plus.

Property listings that are sold quickly have a lot in common. They are priced right from the start because that’s when the place will draw the most attention. They have excellent curb appeal, professional photos on websites and flyers, and have been staged to draw interests and offers.