EP 21 - Getting Your House Ready To Sell - a podcast by Brian Cook And Kindra Cox

On Episode 21 of The Brian and Kindra Show,  they discussed some tips to help you get your home ready for sale.  They began with the recommendation of a Pre Listing Home Inspection.  There are multiple reasons this could be helpful in the sale of your property.  First, Brian and Kindra share that they have found that occasionally, a seller may feel something is functioning within normal limits where a buyer may not find that to be so.  For example, an air conditioner that is not keeping up with the thermostat thus the home stays warmer than it should.  Or plumbing issues that can be temporarily remedied.  Over time, a homeowner may become so accustomed to these things that they no longer recognize that the system is not functioning properly.  A thorough home inspection can potentially help to identify these situations so that they can be handled before a buyer is aware of them and intimidated by them. 

 

The inspection will allow the seller to both make remediations and provide a detailed report along with their property condition disclosures that may give the buyer a greater sense of security with their purchase.  Making remediations prior to a listing alleviates time restraints that occur when a problem is discovered during the contract period.  It allows the seller to shop prices and methods to appropriately fix defects.  Then, to be able to provide the inspection report and remediations to a prospective buyer will provide an even better assurance to the buyer that they have a solid investment.  This is a Win-Win situation!

 

Next up, organize and clean!  This is something Brian and Kindra say so often, the reader may find they want to skip this part!  Please don’t stop reading just in case there are hidden tips!  Hot spots are a big issue!  Kindra shared she has a mail hot spot on her microwave, Brian shared that he has a stack of mail to be shredded mail, also creating a hot spot.  Identify your hotspots and clear them away.  Make sure pet toys are put away nicely or even better, hide any evidence of your furbaby before showings just in case your buyer has an aversion to indoor pets.  Try to store kitchen appliances inside cabinets or pantries so that your counter space is highly visible.  Things that are often forgotten are ceiling fans and windows!  Be sure to dust fan blades and have the windows sparkling clean inside and out!  While you are tidying up and getting your home show ready, compile the warranty manuals for your property to leave for the buyer.  Some homeowners keep them in a 3 ring binder so they are all in one place, easily stored and left at the property.  Also, while you are cleaning, you may want to invite your close friends or family over and request a smell test.  If they smell your pet or your other unseemly odors, you may want to find the source and more deeply clean those areas.  

 

Obviously, curb appeal is incredibly important as prospective buyers will be driving by your property.   Be sure to keep your lawn trimmed, edged and weeded.  Add fresh mulch to your flower beds and add some flowers, either potted or planted.  A front door wreath or hanger of some sort and an attractive door mat all help the buyers to feel welcome as well as catching their eye.  

 

Brian and Kindra hope these tips have been helpful to you.  As always, if you have any questions or need help, please feel free to reach out to your local real estate professional.  

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