The last couple of years have seen significant declines in real estate prices especially in places like California, Nevada and Florida. Tightening credit conditions that are a result of the sub-prime mortgage fiasco have added to the downward pressure on real estate prices. Property owners are no longer able put their property up for sale and automatically expect to make a quick sale at a good price.
I can not over emphasize the importance of making a good initial impression when showing your home to prospective buyers. Think of it as a first date, or as an initial job interview because it is that important. Most of "the sale" will be made in that first 20 minutes, so make sure that you put your home's best foot forward. When prospective buyers first enter a home they should get a good, warm, cheerful feeling. For many people, buying a home is as much an emotional decision as a logical one. They should feel comfortable and begin to imagine what it would be like to live there. They should already be taking mental ownership of the property. Welcome them in and make them feel good. People are more likely to buy a home from people that they like and are more likely to pay a fair price. Giving them a bad feeling or a negative impression in that first 20 minutes will be hard to overcome and may cost you plenty in the long run.
In this market a property must be made to appear as attractive as possible when compared side by side with other competing properties. The home should be clean and uncluttered inside and out, and have a fresh coat of paint. Special attention should be paid to kitchens and bathrooms. I have seen people walk out of a home because of dirty caulking and grout in the bathroom. Remember, this is as much about feelings and emotion as it is about logic. When the home is being shown to prospective buyers it should be be well lit and bright. All of the curtains and blinds should be open. The landscaping should be well maintained and the lawn should be neatly cut. Invest in a few trays of flowers to plant in the front yard, especially leading up to the front door where the prospective buyers will enter the home. I can not stress enough the importance of making a good first impression. If you are able to make that good first impression then all of the work that you have invested to make your home attractive should pay for itself many times over.
Now more than ever, the help and services of a good Realtor should more than pay for any commission that he may earn on the sale of your property. He should be able to sell your property more quickly and for a higher price than you would be able to sell it for on your own. He will save you countless hours of work, aggravation and complicated paperwork. He should have the ability to properly market your property based on his understanding of the nuances of the local market. His should have a deep understanding of human nature, and of what peoples needs, wants and desires are when going into a real estate transaction. He should be able to skillfully negotiate any real estate transaction based on his experience and understanding in all of these things.