Since we are in the busiest time of year, it's important to talk about getting your home ready for sale. If you haven't started yet, you are really behind the eight ball. You need to have your home available when the most buyers are looking, and that can conflict with having everything done. I remember selling a home where the floors needed to be polished, and the people doing it came a week later than they said, and then took longer. I missed the window of one week, where all the cherry trees in front of the house were blooming, and I think in the end we got less and it took longer. The moral of the story? I should have started sooner.
I made another mistake, but maybe it wasn't one. I didn't let someone in who couldn't wait until the home was ready. In retrospect, an eager buyer may be too good to send away, even if your home isn't at its best. That's for you to decide. Basic decluttering can get done pretty quickly, if you are motivated, but moving furniture, painting, and repairs can take much longer. Again? I should have started sooner, and so should you. If you haven't, get a yard service and declutter, paint if you have time, and fix what's broken.
We are often asked whether to undertake major repairs, or change kitchens and bathrooms. Generally, the answer is no. You won't have the same taste as the buyers, and you may waste your money. Only fix what's broken, just like the old adage. Save your money, and lower the price instead. Remember that the average seller is 57, and the average buyer is 42, so tastes won't be the same. White walls are out, gray is in. Granite is out, soapstone is in. I could go on, but you get the idea. Do what you can with what you have. And don't overprice!
