Sellers Information

Since we are now experiencing a buyer's market in the real estate industry, when you are ready to sell your property, you need to be sure you are preparing your home to show off all its advantages. Several months ago, all you had to do was list your home for sale and there would be a bidding war by several potential buyers who might even have offered you more than your asking price – but not any more. Homes are now selling slower and remaining on the MLS listings for a longer period of time. There is great competition among sellers to get the attention of the buyers and to convince them that their homes are the best buys on the market.

Preparing your home for sale the right way will take planning on your part and there are many aspects of getting your home ready to show to prospective buyers. The first and most important consideration on your agenda is finding the right real estate broker to represent your interests as the seller.

When you sign a contract with an agent, you want to be sure he or she is knowledgeable about your area. If you have a home in the Pensacola area (including the cities of Pace, Milton, Cantonment or Gulf Breeze), contact us for a consultation and we will explain our plan for helping you sell your home for the best possible price in the shortest possible time.

As a member of the Multiple Listing Service, Pensacolahomestore will be able to research homes in your area that are similar to yours in size, age and amenities and help you decide on an asking price that is realistic based upon the aforementioned.

TIPS TO SHOW YOUR HOME TO ITS BEST ADVANTAGE

Curb appeal is important because you cannot make a second first impression! When potential buyers arrive at your home, they have an immediate response to the appearance of the property – whether it be positive or negative. The property must look as if it has been well cared for. The lawn must be mowed, the shrubs neatly trimmed, the front door clean and sparkling.
Give the entire house a thorough cleaning. If you cannot do it yourself, consider hiring a cleaning service to do the heavy work such as scrubbing the showers because many potential buyers will scrutinize the bathroom.
Buyers want to imagine their furniture and belongings in a clean and uncluttered home that is spacious, light and airy. Open all curtains, shades and shutters and be sure the windows and patio doors are clean and sparkling.
It is also important for all carpets to be shampooed.
Do not burn incense, candles or potpourri with the thought of giving the house a delightful fragrance. Your potential buyers might have an allergy to any of those aromas and this may kill the sale. If weather permits, it is better to open the windows and fill your home with fresh air instead. The fragrance of freshly-baked bread or cookies is a welcoming smell. Be sure not to cook broccoli or cauliflower on a day when your house will be shown.
If possible, it is best if you are not at home when your house is being shown. If that is not feasible, let your broker answer any and all questions about the house – unless the question is specifically directed at you. Your broker will be able to provide all relevant information without getting emotional about the questions or the sale of the house. If you must be home when your house is being shown, smile pleasantly and try to be as unobtrusive as possible.

Your agent at Pensacolahomestore will be happy to advise you on other ways to set up your home to appeal to potential buyers.