For most of us, our home is the single largest investment we ever make. If you are seriously thinking about selling your home and want to get the highest possible price, in the shortest amount of time, please consider the following important guidelines. 

1. EXPOSURE! 

The first most significant action you can take is to list your property with a Professional Realtor.

The objective is to expose your property to as many QUALIFIED buyers as possible. Your property MUST be listed in a multiple listing service for maximum exposure. Without this service, the likelihood is your home will have fewer showings, fewer potential buyers. The multiple listing service covers the Desert area and enables ALL realtors from all real estate offices to access information about your home in a moment.

USE the vast amount of advertising money real estate offices spend to market their property’s to YOUR advantage! Their chief goal is to attract buyers on a daily basis and Professionals do just that! If you don’t use an agent, chances are your exposure to the open market will be minimal.

Additionally, many real estate transactions hit snags during the escrow process. Unless an EXPERIENCED agent is constantly monitoring the transaction, any snag can delay or even upset the sale. This is where your real estate professional overcomes any problems that might arise.

2. PRICE IS POWER!

A realistic price will bring more PROSPECTS, increase the likelihood of attracting closer offers to listed price and accomplish a quicker SALE. Have your home “IN” the market, not on it. Since no two properties are alike, we use comparable market analysis to help determine the fair market value.

The real estate agent will evaluate the current comparable properties, which closely match your own property’s characteristics. The evaluation includes comparable recent sales, pending sales in escrow, location, square footage, amenities, and general condition of the property. This will help determine a fair market value for your property and objectively decide a realistic listing price range.

3. OUTSHINE OTHERS!

Even if your home is a bit older or smaller than the one down the street, here are some tips to enhance your home and OUTSHINE all the rest. It may take a little time, but the rewards outweigh the effort. Never underestimate pride of ownership. It sells!

Without a doubt, the easiest way to greatly improve the overall look of your home is with a fresh coat of paint (light or white preferably). Not only does it make your home light, bright, and clean, but can actually make rooms appear larger.

Clear the clutter. Clear the counters. Place your valuables away for safekeeping. The statement you want to get across is “Less is More”. Organize closets, sweep the garage, and clean windows and mirrors. Remove any cobwebs from ceilings or corners.

Lastly, the kitchen and bathrooms are the most important rooms in the house. Storing any unused appliances will make your kitchen appear more spacious. No empty rolls of paper towels or tissue. Bathrooms should be spotless. Use a floral spray or potpourri to add ambiance.

4. REAL CURB APPEAL!

When a house is for sale you “can judge a book by its cover.” As you drive up to the house, the prospective buyer starts to form images in his mind. It’s so important to do everything in your power to welcome potential buyers. Don’t give them a chance to pass.

Keep the yard manicured and trim any trees or shrubs that may hide your house from the street. Planting bright colorful flowers by the walkway or front door adds life to your residence. Remove any dead or dying plants. Sweep the front entrance and put down a mat to avoid unnecessary dirt from walk in traffic.

Remember to park any additional cars that do not fit in the garage AWAY from the house. Clear away any debris from front or backyard. Keep your pool sparkling clean and arrange patio furniture neatly.

These little cosmetic changes add up and DO count. They have a subtle effect on the buyer. You want everything in your favor. Your first shot has to be your best shot because that’s all you get. No second chances. Pictures have already formed in the minds of the buyers. Fixing and cleaning up is time and money that the buyer will have to spend before move in. Don’t think for one minute that it won’t reflect in the offer. Do the right thing. Show it off like a model home!

5. IT’S SHOWTIME!

By now you have gone to the effort of not only improving the image of your house, but the value as well. You have done everything within your reach to influence a potential buyer. Here a just a few more tips to set the buying mood.

Fresh cut flowers in the living room and master bedroom add charm and fragrance throughout your home. If the flowers come from your garden, just another nice feature to mention. Open curtains, drapes or shutters to create a bright feeling. Set your dining room table for guests and let the elegance abound. You want the buyer to enjoy all the beautiful surroundings.

Play soft, relaxing music and turn on any fountains for a soothing background. Throw some cookie dough or cinnamon in the oven and warm it. The smell is great for the kitchen. A bowl of fresh fruit always looks lovely on a counter and wonderful if it’s from your own trees! If available, place pinecones or fresh logs in the fireplace. Turn on a pretty chandelier or lamp. Remember to replace burned out bulbs. If replaced with larger wattage your home will look brighter and warmer.

6. VACANT, NOT VOID!

The truth is homes with furnishings sell faster than those without. If you are to move and vacate your home, here are some ways to still give it character and warmth without your personal effects.

Leave your home clean and perhaps place several large artificial green plants strategically around the house. These take up room and still add life. You may also want to hang some large inexpensive posters on some key walls to add some drama. Fill speckle in any existing holes on walls where there may have been pictures or mirrors.

When buyers enter a vacant home, they assume the sellers are MORE motivated to sell than an occupied residence. Once again, try to keep the house well maintained inside and out. Keep the garden manicured and the pool sparkling clean. Most importantly, don’t let it show signs of neglect as it will directly reflect in the purchase price. It sets the stage.

7. SALESMANSHIP SAAVY!

Not all realtors are the same. As you have experienced, whether shopping in department stores, shopping for insurance or automobiles, there are certain qualities in a particular salesperson that you enjoy working with. Look and speak to agents that reflect your attitude in offering your home.

Honesty, professionalism, and willingness to work hard interest you? Dedication and commitment your requirements? Think Joan Ross. I do what I say, I will do. Investing my time and money to bring you the highest return. Working diligently, on a daily basis to accomplish our goal. Results follow the effort.

Your home is important to me. I listen and sincerely care about your best interest. Words are carefully selected, painting the most vivid image of your home. I have initiative and know the tasks and activities that create interest in your property, that gain the MAXIMUM results.

I have been licensed in California for fourteen years, selling properties in the Desert, Malibu, Santa Monica, and Los Angeles; helping countless buyers and sellers.

I am community minded and GIVE BACK to help other people. I am currently on the Board of the Desert Council for Women – City of Hope.

I would like to meet with you personally to discuss your home and all your objectives. Call me at 325-0028 if I can be of any assistance. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Joan Ross