The Connection Warren-Watchung Edition Apr/May 2019

www.theconnectionsnj.com Selling a house is never easy and stress-free. However, once you have decided to sell, why not do it quickly? A house that is prepped for the next owner and priced right will bring you the highest and best price in the shortest amount of time and get you on your way to your next home. Prepping a House for Sale Today it simply means getting your house ready for its next owner. Buyers need space and neutral colors to envision themselves living in a house. • Remove some furniture from every room. It will make your house seem bigger. Walk through your house like a buyer and get rid of any furniture you need to navigate around. • Lighten up bookcases and decorative shelving so you can see 50% of the shelves. • Remove most of your personal photos, diplomas and such. They distract buyers from focusing on the bricks and mortar they are buying. • Lighten up all closets. They should be 50% empty. You don’t want buyers to think there isn’t enough storage space! Make Minor Repairs Items that are broken or worn out signal to the buyer that other things might also have been ignored. Their eyes start looking for what else is wrong. It’s also cheaper for you to repair items now rather than have them appear on your buyer’s inspection report later. Upgrade all light bulbs to the highest possible wattage and consider replacing energy efficient bulbs that take a while to fully brighten. You can be energy efficient again once the house is under contract. Repaint main rooms that have strong colors with a light neutral shade. Clean Everything – Inside and Out A clean house not only looks better but it also conveys to a buyer that your house was well-tended. The front entrance and foyer should sparkle. This is your home’s first impression. Buy a new doormat and replace any pitted hardware on the front door. The interior should be cleaned top to bottom, including light fixtures, ceiling fans, baseboards, stairway treads. Windows should be cleaned inside and out. Power-wash exterior siding, decks and walkways. Professional Photography Buyers look at houses online before coming to an open house therefore your house photos play a vital role in attracting buyers. Professional photographers know lighting and angles and have the equipment to make your house look its absolute best. Right Pricing Buyers are more price-savvy than ever before. When a house is priced competitively, it creates a flashpoint and attracts buyers and, even better, Realtors working with buy- ers. This early activity creates a sense of urgency. Studies have shown that houses priced right the first time, sell at least 10% higher, in less than half the time, as hous- es that need one or more price adjustments. Take the time to prep your house and price it right. A quick sale will bring you the high- est and best price and reduce the stress of waiting for an offer. Best of all, it will allow you to move to your next home and get on with your life. Jody Udelsman is a Realtor-Sales Associate with Coldwell Banker’s Basking Ridge office. Jody is an empty-nester living in Basking Ridge with her husband Lee, energetic mutt Abby and crafty feline Little One. SETTING THE STAGE FOR YOUR BEST PRICE By: Jody Udelsman, Coldwell Banker Marketing Strategies with Proven Results Jody Udelsman , ABR, SRS SALES ASSOCIATE c: 908-868-9590 1 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge NJ 07920 www.SellYourHomeWithJody.com • Excess Furniture and Décor Removed • Minor Repairs Made • House Thoroughly Cleaned • Professionally Photographed • Priced to Attract Buyers • Under Contract in 2 Weeks Sold for 99% of List Price! Prepped for Buyers and Priced Right 882 Valley Road, Gillette home & design PAGE 73