With real estate prices being at a multi-year high around much of the country, it goes without saying that many people are thinking of selling their homes. Before listing your property, it’s important to think of how a cluttered environment will impact your asking price. We’re excited to have Mary Beth Downing, a Dayton, Ohio real estate agent, to offer some thoughts on how the presentation of your home matters - Coach Lauren
The spring and summer are often considered the best times to sell one’s home. With the recent run-up in housing prices, around much of the U.S., you may be thinking of listing your property and cashing in. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize the extent to which first impressions and presentation matter when it comes to what your asking price will be. I’m going to use this article to briefly discuss how paying an organizer, to spruce your house or condo up, might be one of the best investments you can make.
The spring and summer are often considered the best times to sell one’s home. With the recent run-up in housing prices, around much of the U.S., you may be thinking of listing your property and cashing in. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize the extent to which first impressions and presentation matter when it comes to what your asking price will be. I’m going to use this article to briefly discuss how paying an organizer, to spruce your house or condo up, might be one of the best investments you can make.
A cluttered home will often lead to a reduced sales price
The saying “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” couldn’t be more true when it comes to real estate. The first impression a potential buyer has when they enter, and walk around your home, will impact the price they are willing to offer or whether they will make an offer at all. Unfortunately, many homes are more crammed with “stuff” than at any point in our history. For the potential buyer, who is seeing your house for the first time, this can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed and/or an inability to visualize how the house could otherwise look. In other words, you’re likely to receive a lower offer if your house is bursting at the seams with “stuff” and is disorganized.
You can likely expect a lowball offer if you show your house in a cluttered state. In his excellent book, Start Small, Profit Big in Real Estate, author and investor Jay DeCima discusses ways in which real estate investors can pick up homes for less than their actual value. In his section on buying “fixer-uppers,” he makes the point that homes can often be purchased, below value, due to their simply needing to be cleaned, decluttered, and for junk to be hauled off. In other words, a messy environment can be good for potential investors, which is bad for the seller (you).
You can likely expect a lowball offer if you show your house in a cluttered state. In his excellent book, Start Small, Profit Big in Real Estate, author and investor Jay DeCima discusses ways in which real estate investors can pick up homes for less than their actual value. In his section on buying “fixer-uppers,” he makes the point that homes can often be purchased, below value, due to their simply needing to be cleaned, decluttered, and for junk to be hauled off. In other words, a messy environment can be good for potential investors, which is bad for the seller (you).
Investing in a professional organizer can help you to get more for your home
An investment pays off when you receive more than what was paid for something. Well, for some homes, paying a professional organizer can potentially increase the final selling price by an amount that is greater than the organizer’s fee. DeCima, the author mentioned above, suggests that a cluttered home may reduce your final sales price by as much as ten percent. This means, for example, that a home that would normally sell for $250,000 may only fetch $225,000, all because of a mess.
An organizer can assist you with more than clearing your residence. A skilled professional will help organize your home in a way that is functional and appealing. This, in turn, can make it look like a place where a potential buyer can see themselves living. As a Dayton area realtor I sometimes see homes which could have a higher list price if they were simply decluttered. Don't’ make the mistake of listing before your house is truly ready for showing.
I would like to say thanks to Coach Lauren for inviting me to write on this topic.
An organizer can assist you with more than clearing your residence. A skilled professional will help organize your home in a way that is functional and appealing. This, in turn, can make it look like a place where a potential buyer can see themselves living. As a Dayton area realtor I sometimes see homes which could have a higher list price if they were simply decluttered. Don't’ make the mistake of listing before your house is truly ready for showing.
I would like to say thanks to Coach Lauren for inviting me to write on this topic.
Mary Beth Downing is a licensed real estate agent for Coldwell Banker Heritage in Dayton, Ohio. As frequent blogger and real estate investor, she provides a unique perspective on buying and renting in today's market. Mary Beth is passionate about assisting people in finding their dream home and in dealing with the Midwest real estate market. She prides herself on providing the highest level of service to her clients. This includes her taking the time to gain an understanding of your goals, taking the time to promptly respond to your inquiries, and leaving no stone unturned in making sure that your needs are met. |