Step 3- Get the Property Ready for the Market

Step 3- Get the Property Ready for the Market

• You never get a second chance at a first impression
• What sellers should know in today's market
• Buyer’s expectations of selling standards are at an all-time high
• Hardly any of us live in our homes the way they should be shown for sale
• Need to show your property at its best to get top dollar
• Most buyers purchase on emotion
• Want potential buyers to be excited picturing themselves living in the home
• Two of the best statements a potential buyer can make are
•  “I can picture us living here!”
• “We don’t have to do anything!”
• Almost every buyer today wants ‘their new home’ to be turnkey
• Seller will often pay in sales price if it is not
• Many buyers purchase at the top of their price limit
• Do not save cash to make repairs
• Property Improvement Suggestions- Please keep in mind this is a general list of recommendations. Some items may apply and others not at all to your specific situation. For a property specific list, Schedule a FREE No-Obligation Confidential Consultation.
• Share ideas to make sure your property shows at its best and sells for top dollar
• Ask yourself ‘What would you change or fix if you were going to stay’?
• Small improvements can make a big difference!
• Buyers do not repair, they replace
• We recommend a 10-point inspection by a licensed home inspector
• Deal with any potential discoveries on your own term's vs unreasonable request from buyer or loss of sale
• We can recommend a professional if needed
• We will reimburse seller for pre-listing inspection at settlement
• Have inspector reinspect after work complete. Update report and give to potential buyers.
• Structural and mechanical- All systems working properly. Have serviced or repaired if needed.
• Roof
• Foundation
• Grading
• Gutters
• Downspouts
• Heating and cooling- receipts for service
• Change filter(s)
• Clean coils
• Electric
• GFCI near water sources
• All outlets working
• Plumbing
• No leaking
• Faucets
• Fixtures
• Drains
• Water heater
• Appliances
• Fireplace- receipts for service
• Well- receipts for service
• Water treatment systems- receipts for service
• Septic- receipts for service
• Exterior- Many buyers still drive by homes. If potential buyers think the outside is well taken care of, they will believe the same of the inside and vice-versa.
• Cut grass
• Plant flowers entrance and walkway
• Selective pruning
• Trees
• Bushes
• Powerwash/Repaint
• Siding
• Decks
• Porches
• Driveway
• Walkways
• Fences
• Interior
• Thorough Cleaning
• Declutter
• Depersonalize
• Staging
• We can recommend a professional if needed
• Remove dated furniture
• Personal effects gone
• Family pictures
• Religion
• Politics
• Fresh Paint
• Neutral in color
• Walls
• Trim
• Front Door
• Banisters
• Cabinets
• Flooring
• Show off nice flooring
• Remove most rugs from wood floors and ceramic tile
• Refinish Wood Floors
• New Carpet
• Neutral in color
• Don’t skimp on padding
• Remove/Replace dated fixtures and inclusions
• Gold is old
• Doorknobs
• Hinges
• Cabinet hardware
• Window locks
• Bathroom fixtures
• Lights
• Fixtures
• Trim
• Fireplace coverings
• Vents
• Electric outlets and switches
• Lighting
• Hardly any potential buyers will say it’s too bright
• Light in every room
• All bulbs working
• Smart bulbs in old light fixtures
• Bright bulbs
• No CFL's
• If switch in room should turn on light
• Doors & Windows
• Open and close freely
• Visible and clean
• Repair or remove screens
• No wood rot jambs
• Kitchen
• Clean appliances
• Clean sink and no dirty dishes
• Counters free
• Hide accessories
• Show floors (no rugs)
• Organized & no more than half full- If you don't fit, neither will they
• Cabinets
• Drawers
• Pantry
• Bathrooms
• Clean toilets, seats down
• Nice linens on racks
• Show floors (no rugs)
• Nothing on counters not designer
• No toothbrushes, makeup, etc.
• No wet towels or wash clothes
• Cabinets- organized & no more than half full
• If you don't fit, neither will they
• Bedrooms
• Bed
• Designer sheets and pillows
• Nightstand
• Dresser
• Closets
• Organized
• No more than half full & nothing on floor
• If you do not fit, neither will they 
• Garage & Storage
• Organized and no more than half full
• If you do not fit, neither will they 
• How to set up for showings
• Appeal to all potential buyer’s senses
• Sight
• Lights on
• TV's off
• Interior doors
• Open to rooms
• Bathroom doors open
• Closet doors closed
• Pets
• Less evidence the better
• Seller gone
• Be aware of smells
• Good smells
• Fresh baked cookies
• Apple pie
• Bad smells
• Basements
• Trash
• Smoke
• Dirty dishes
• Sinks
• Garbage disposals
• Dirty laundry
• Washing machine
• Fridge
• Freezers
• Bathrooms
• Pets
• Diapers
• No loud sounds
• Alarm/Security off for showings
• "Why the need for an alarm?"
• "Is this not a safe place to live?"
• Distraction if set off
• Comfortable temperature
• Not hot in summer
• Not freezing in winter
• Protect valuables
• Be smart
• Be safe
• Put away potential safety hazards
• Guns
• Knives
• Sharp objects
• Combustible fluids

Next: Step 4- Market Your Property- The best marketing in the business. Maximize exposure to the largest potential buyer pool.

Our Team's Exclusive 10 Step Guide to Selling Property- Maryland’s Property Team guarantees to get your property SOLD Quickly for Top Dollar while Saving You Thousands!

• Step 1- Our Initial Seller Interview- Discuss your goals and any concerns you may have. What are you looking for in a real estate broker?
• Step 2- Establish TOP DOLLAR- A detailed look at your properties features. Strategically setting the list price.
• Step 3- Get the Property Ready for the Market- Establishing buyer's expectations of selling standards. Appealing to today's buyer.
• Step 4- Market Your Property- The best marketing in the business. Maximize exposure to the largest potential buyer pool.
• Step 5- Market Feedback- What are potential buyer's saying about your property? Keep you informed of what is going on in the market.
• Step 6- Negotiate the Purchase Agreement- Inform you of negotiation strategies. Structure the offer to your advantage.
• Step 7- Plan from Contract to Closing- Inform you of important dates & deadlines. Access to our network of real estate related services.
• Step 8- Guide the Sale to Closing- Track completion of all contingencies. Any help that you may need.
• Step 9- Settlement- What to expect at settlement. When all documents are signed and funds exchanged the property is SOLD!
• Step 10- Service After the Sale- Our service to our clients does not end at the settlement table. Always available for any real estate needs you may have in the future.

Schedule a FREE No-Obligation Confidential Consultation

• Discuss your needs and how our team can help you achieve your goals
• Share ideas to make sure your property shows at its best
• Establish TOP DOLLAR
• Complete Steps 1-3 of Our Team’s Exclusive 10 Step Guide to Selling Property

Adam Heimbach - Real Estate Broker, REALTOR®, GRI

Direct: 410-212-4898

[email protected]

David Weiss - Associate Broker, REALTOR®

Direct: 410-703-2363

[email protected]