6 Key Reasons Some Homes Sell And Some Don't
A Tribune Media Services columnist, Ilyce Glink, has written-up the six main reasons why some homes sell and other's don't. I don't really know how much research was done on this because I think most home sellers and real estate agents already know these reasons and take steps to overcome these matters. Anyway, here's what Glink is reporting:
1. Poor photos on the Web. I've been writing that lousy photography on the Web is one of the biggest turn-offs going. It turns off buyers and just as importantly, it turns off real estate agents. If you have no talent with a camera, I suggest you find a friend who does and have them take your photos or, better yet, hire a professional firm to do your interior and exterior photography. We live in a visual age. Poorly composed and exposed photos are a very bad way to start your marketing program. Oh, here's a photo tip. One of the worst problems I see in real estate photography is that the photo shows a property feature that is back lit. Back lighting means the main light is behind the subject of the photo. You can easily overcome back lighting by using the little electronic flash on your digital camera, even in daylight. Try it!
2. Priced too high for the neighborhood. Look, this is a common problem. Sellers need to remember that in a buyer's market only those properties that are properly priced and appear to be at-or-near bargain status are going to be seen and sold. Price your property accordingly and don't be the highest priced house on the block.
3. Blah interior, ho-hum landscaping. Landscaping is important because it creates curb appeal. Without curb appeal your house won't attract many buyers interested to see the inside. If they get inside and get turned-off, well, good luck selling the place. So, before listing the property, spruce up the landscaping, buy a few gallons of paint and have the carpeting cleaned. Oh, and de-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter. It may make a very big difference.
4. Little (or no) online marketing and hard-to-find MLS listings. We are hearing now that nearly 85% of home buyers begin their real estate search on-line. After that, they call a real estate agent. There are so many on-line sites to search for property that it's easy for buyers to look right in your neighborhood, see what's available and determine accurate pricing. Simply stated, you need an on-line image.
5. Low commissions. I've been writing about this matter for years. If you do not provide an adequate financial incentive for agents to show your property to buyers, they won't. Discounting the commission is simply cutting your own wrists.
6. Miserable maintenance. Buyers want to buy a house that looks like it has been well maintained. Ceiling stains and leaking faucets turn buyers off because they make buyers think the house was not properly maintained over the years and will be a maintenance nightmare if they buy it. Fix the faucets. Paint the ceilings. Sell the house. Oh, and here's another tip: big closets sell little houses. To make closets look bigger, keep items neat and orderly. It simply makes the closet look bigger than it really is, and that just might make the sale.
I hope this is of some help in selling your property!
1. Poor photos on the Web. I've been writing that lousy photography on the Web is one of the biggest turn-offs going. It turns off buyers and just as importantly, it turns off real estate agents. If you have no talent with a camera, I suggest you find a friend who does and have them take your photos or, better yet, hire a professional firm to do your interior and exterior photography. We live in a visual age. Poorly composed and exposed photos are a very bad way to start your marketing program. Oh, here's a photo tip. One of the worst problems I see in real estate photography is that the photo shows a property feature that is back lit. Back lighting means the main light is behind the subject of the photo. You can easily overcome back lighting by using the little electronic flash on your digital camera, even in daylight. Try it!
2. Priced too high for the neighborhood. Look, this is a common problem. Sellers need to remember that in a buyer's market only those properties that are properly priced and appear to be at-or-near bargain status are going to be seen and sold. Price your property accordingly and don't be the highest priced house on the block.
3. Blah interior, ho-hum landscaping. Landscaping is important because it creates curb appeal. Without curb appeal your house won't attract many buyers interested to see the inside. If they get inside and get turned-off, well, good luck selling the place. So, before listing the property, spruce up the landscaping, buy a few gallons of paint and have the carpeting cleaned. Oh, and de-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter. It may make a very big difference.
4. Little (or no) online marketing and hard-to-find MLS listings. We are hearing now that nearly 85% of home buyers begin their real estate search on-line. After that, they call a real estate agent. There are so many on-line sites to search for property that it's easy for buyers to look right in your neighborhood, see what's available and determine accurate pricing. Simply stated, you need an on-line image.
5. Low commissions. I've been writing about this matter for years. If you do not provide an adequate financial incentive for agents to show your property to buyers, they won't. Discounting the commission is simply cutting your own wrists.
6. Miserable maintenance. Buyers want to buy a house that looks like it has been well maintained. Ceiling stains and leaking faucets turn buyers off because they make buyers think the house was not properly maintained over the years and will be a maintenance nightmare if they buy it. Fix the faucets. Paint the ceilings. Sell the house. Oh, and here's another tip: big closets sell little houses. To make closets look bigger, keep items neat and orderly. It simply makes the closet look bigger than it really is, and that just might make the sale.
I hope this is of some help in selling your property!
-30-
posted by Terry Ward at 3:50 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home