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Conversations about Atlanta Real Estate
Are You Blinded by Love?
[ Add Comment ] 06/06/08 | Kathy Drewien | Filed under: Buyers, Sellers
Are you a homeowner blinded by love?
I was on a listing appointment yesterday. It was not unlike other listing appointments.
The owners walk me through the home, pointing out features important to them. I observe and take notes. My comments are encouraging, and yet critical when warranted.
We sit at the kitchen table to discuss marketing strategies based on their needs and goals. I probe the motivation level. We swap real estate stories.
Sellers tell me about past experiences. I use real estate stories to clarify points. 
Stories help me understand the seller’s expectations of me. I begin to learn how they process major decisions.
I heard a funny real estate story yesterday.
Several years ago the homeowners were selling another home. It was a labor of love.
A home constructed with golden nails. Every paint color chosen with deliberation. Natural light streamed through new windows. The garden a visual delight.
They knew buyers would be impressed with the beauty of their home.
The sellers were broken-hearted to learn the buyer was visually impaired. His appreciation of the house was very different.
We both laughed at how the seller’s expectations were far removed from the needs of the buyer.
The take away:
Seller’s are emotionally involved in the sale of their home.
Buyer’s are looking for a house they can make into a home.
What about you? When have you been blinded by love?
Add a comment to share your story.
Conversation Tags: downsize | Home Improvement | upsize10 Tips for Selling Your House in a Tough Atlanta Market
[ Add Comment ] 05/17/08 | Kathy Drewien | Filed under: Sellers
Selling your house in the Atlanta real estate market today can be tough. And yet, houses are selling every day to buyers in every price range.
In our Why Isn’t My House Selling? series, we are exploring ways to get your house sold. A few days ago we looked at photos. Today we are examining condition.
Think about it.
When you are getting ready to sell your car, what are the first items on your to-do list?
- Wash and wax.
- Empty ash trays.
- Throw away fast food bags.
- Spiff up the dashboard.
- Clean puppy nose prints from windows.
- Spray Febreeze.
A quick run through the gas station car wash won’t get the job done. Review the 10 tips for selling your house outlined below, pull out the chamois cloth and Turtle Wax for a full detail job. 
1. De-Clutter:
This one is simple, yet time consuming. Clean out and throw away; inside and outside. How we “live in a house” is not the same as “how we sell a house.” Personal items - too many family photos, religious icons, magazines - are distractions to the buyer.
2. Repair
Buyers expect everything to be in working order - dripping faucets, broken windows, stained ceilings - lead the buyer to ask, What else is broken that we can’t see? Buyers also overestimate the cost of repairs.
3. Lots of Light:
A dark home with all of the doors and windows covered is not appealing. Open window shades to the top of the sash. Let the light pour in. Fresh air beats room deodorizers.
4. Clean Windows:
Buyers want to see the view from every room - don’t make them look through puppy nose prints.
5. Kitchen and Bathrooms:
These are the most important rooms in the house. They must be spotless and first class.
You need to “deep clean” all counters, floors, cabinets, and fixtures. Consider new hardware, lighting or counter tops - perhaps redoing the shower and tub enclosures. Make sure all grout is free from grease and dirt.
6. Odors:
Absolute deal killers are cigarette or pet odors. The drapes, carpets and furniture must be professionally cleaned. Do not smoke in the house. Some cooking odors can be overpowering. A little lemon oil mixed with water in a spray bottle will add just a bit of freshness.
7. Paint:
A fresh coat of paint on the outside or inside is an excellent way of preparing your home. Be sure to use neutral colors and avoid accent painting. In most cases, use a professional painter. The visual difference is obvious, and the work is completed in a shorter time period.
8. Yard Work:
Everything in the yard needs to be trimmed, watered, and manicured. Remove dead plants, sports equipment, boats, trailers, and toys. Add seasonal color with planters. Curb appeal is a critical “first impression.”
9. Furniture:
Less is best. If it’s old, worn or dated, put it in storage (not the garage). Remember, you are setting a stage and the actor needs to be the house - not your decor, accessories, or furniture.
10. Flooring:
Hardwood floors can be a huge plus - unless they are scratched, stained and worn. Threadbare carpet, or carpet in strong colors, can be a deal killer. Make the investment to professionally refinish hardwood floors and replace the carpet.
Remember, you are competing for buyers looking at many comparable homes in the area.
They arrive at your doorstep with a strong sense of what is on the market, and want to perceive value for their dollar. Detailing your house to be “show-room ready” is one of the best ways to get it sold.
Related Post: Why Isn’t My House Selling?
Conversation Tags: Atlanta Sellers | Buyers | Home Improvement | house photos
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