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Kohler Credit Union
Good People To Turn To
From the desk of Rachel a 20 something's point of view
Sell Your House In A Snap!

Every morning my little (BIG) puppy, Raven and I go for a nice long walk to get all of that energy out of her system! And every morning I see the same for sale signs, in the same yards, that have been there all winter long. It’s a tough market, making it hard for homeowners to not lose a good chunk of money when selling their houses…much less sell their house at all. So despite some encouraging words from the media, buyers still have the upper hand this season; but that doesn’t mean your home won’t sell, it just means you’ll have to work a little harder to speed up the process! Here are some easy to-do’s to help:

  • Finish the “honey-do” list. I think everyone can relate to that little list of repairs or updates that never quite get done. Well now’s the time! Fix the loose door knobs, paint the trim, oil the patio door squeak, patch any cracks, update the kitchen knobs and get rid of that popcorn ceiling! Things that you’ve put off could be screaming to a potential buyer “another item to dock off the price”. By doing them yourself you’re saving money off your bottom line.
  • Get rid of the clutter. Clutter creates commotion and anxiety. Too much stuff and disorganization makes rooms look smaller and attracts too much attention to your possessions instead of the home itself. A good rule of thumb is to remove a third of your things to better show off rooms and closets.
  • Depersonalize and neutralize. Anything that says “you” should be put away—family photos, flamboyant decorations or a possible collection of ceramic roosters. This also means you may need to repaint some walls or replace the green shag carpet to neutralize the colors in your house. Remember, it’s not your house anymore; the buyer needs a neutral canvas to envision their own belongings in the house instead of distractions.
  • Get inspected. Having an inspection report right on the counter during an open house shows buyers that you have nothing to hide, and saves them a small cost and time from doing it themselves. Plus if the inspector did identify a problem you have time to fix it or work it into the price of the house.
  • Clean like crazy. This means with a white glove—faucets, fixtures, baseboards, carpets, walls, windows. Nothing should be left unturned and no pet odors should be lingering. Have an objective friend or relative come in to check your work.
  • Stage the rooms. Stand in the doorway of each room and move around any furniture blocking an open walking path or take out any furniture that doesn’t belong, like a treadmill in your dining room or a sectional in your already cramped living room.
  • Realize your curb appeal. Hopefully you’ve figured out that oversized metallic marbles and garden gnomes are a no-no, but you might not realize how many sales are lost before potential buyers even get to the front door. Most people start by searching for a home on the internet. If your photo makes them less than enthused, then it’s time to kick it up a notch. Front landscaping should be in perfect condition—trim the trees and bushes, seed the holes in the lawn and plant some flowers. Make sure leaves, weeds or dirt are out of the crevices and power-wash your siding.
  • Pick your real-estate agent and lender. An effective, experienced real-estate agent can be a big help in selling your home in this lackluster market. But finding such a broker may not be easy—so word of mouth is your best friend. Ask around and network to find the right agent for you who really knows how to sell. AND Kohler Credit Union is your perfect lender of course! We have local, friendly staff and exceptional rates!
  • Don’t think your home is the exception. It’s natural to be attached to your home but allowing your emotions to dim the realities of today’s real-estate market is a serious mistake. Your goal should be a fair price, something that is comparable to similar homes in your neighborhood and area. That might require a painful decision if the price point is less than what you think your home is worth; but if you slap on a high price tag, most may just overlook you and move on.

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