Inventory in Durango is low, the real estate market is busy and prices are increasing.
If you have decided the time is right to sell your home, ask your real estate agent for a comparative market analysis, then position your home appearance and condition to sell at the top end of the market.
You could be marketing to a first-time homebuyer, a local buyer moving up or downsizing, or in many cases buyers choose Durango to purchase a second home. If you are selling a vacation home, do the work for the buyer.
In my experience, people looking for second homes don’t want to spend time on renovation projects from a distance and will pay a premium for well-appointed homes in move-in condition.
I cannot stress enough that an uncluttered, staged home with curb appeal will most likely bring you a buyer faster and get you top dollar. The investment you make before putting your home on the market will pay off.
Take the time to walk through your home, room by room, with your Real estate agent or stager. He or she will have an unemotional opinion about what needs to be adjusted to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
If you can, schedule this long before your listing date as it may be recommended that your home be freshly painted, have repairs done or worn floors refinished.
Carpets should be freshly cleaned. You might purchase fresh bath towels and bedding, put away or cut back on family photos and thin closets of excess clothing.
Remove table extensions and extra chairs to give rooms the appearance of more space. Clear counters of small appliances for a streamlined feel. Empty pantries of little-used items, so buyers won’t wonder about running out of cabinet space. Pack up storage and move out excess furniture, even if you have to temporarily rent a storage unit.
All light bulbs should be working and even replaced with a higher voltage; lighting is very important. Keeping in mind small investments such as changing outdated light fixtures and ceiling fans go a long way.
Once listed and a showing is scheduled, make sure your home is picked up, dishes put away, animals are taken out of the home or kenneled. Leave lights on and window shades up.
Many real estate agents also will suggest that the seller invest in a “pre-home inspection.” The seller will hire a home inspector to do the same type of inspection a buyer would do. The advantage is that you get to check the condition of your home in areas you may not normally take a look at: plumbing, heating, roof, etc.
This way you can fix problem areas before listing and have the inspection report available at the home when buyers walk through. When this is done a buyer will often make a more solid offer, knowing that the home is in good condition.
The way to a quick sale and retaining top value is to present an effortless transition.
Kelly Kniffin is a Realtor with Legacy Properties West-Sotheby’s International Realty, and serves as president of the Durango Area Association of Realtors. She can be reached at kelly@homesdurangoCO.com.
