Getting Ready to Sell?
“AS A SELLER, YOU HAVE A LOT OF CONTROL OVER THE ULTIMATE VALUE OF YOUR PROPERTY. THE MARKET IS DRIVEN BY BUYER DEMAND WHICH CREATES A GENERAL RANGE OF VALUE DEPENDING BROADLY ON LOCATION, IMPROVEMENTS, AND CONDITION. IT IS CONDITION THAT DETERMINES IF YOU ARE AT THE TOP OR THE BOTTOM OF YOUR RANGE."
Getting ready to put your farm or country home on the market can seem like a daunting task for some. We know that maintenance is substantially higher than for regular residential real estate but, nonetheless, there are basics that need to be taken care of if you want to gain your property's full value. We understand that if you are running a business that time may be limited, so you have important decisions to make.
Buyers create market value. How can that be? If a buyer perceives the value of a property as reasonable and in line with others, they will move to purchase it if it meets their criteria. If they determine that the list price is high, based on comparison and need, they will pass it over. When this happens over and over, it is a clear indication that a listing is overpriced. As sellers realize that perhaps the price they insisted on is indeed above what the market will bear, they agree to a downward price adjustment. If that doesn't happen, the property lingers on the market, and the seller's plans are put on hold. When a property lingers, buyers begin to wonder what is wrong and will decide to pass it over. This is the reality.
We are Happy to Share Our Knowledge
Our agents and brokers have combined experience of over 100 years in the marketplace. Yikes! We mean it when we say that we have seen and experienced just about everything that can happen and have helped sellers navigate many obstacles along their journeys.
We decided to share a few words of wisdom gleaned from our past experiences with sales, other sellers and especially with buyers whose comments, concerns, and actions are what you need to know.
A seller's market does not mean that every listing will sell arbitrarily at any price and sell quickly. Homes in the country and farms of all kinds have a more limited buyer pool and always have as compared to suburban and intown homes.
It is important to verify any improvement or update you made is properly permitted by the building department. This would include an addition or bath, a deck or porch, and a taxable outbuilding to name a few.
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Clutter can be distracting to many buyers, making it difficult for them to envision the full potential of the space. Our goal is to create an environment that feels bigger and brighter. By decluttering, you can show that there's ample closet space, storage, and room for the buyer's furniture.
Clearing off surfaces and opening up floor space by removing unnecessary furniture can make rooms feel more spacious. Cleaning floors and baseboards can also make a significant difference and require only a bit of time. Every house, regardless of its price range, benefits from this approach. Remember, you have one opportunity to make a lasting impression on the buyer.
We have experienced buyers struggling to see past clutter, which can make them question how well the rest of the property is maintained. They might assume that if visible areas aren't cared for, hidden aspects could be neglected too. As a seller, you have the opportunity to present your property at its best. We're here to help with suggestions to maximize your value, but we can only market the "product" you provide. Our team is also available to assist with staging your home and barn, if needed, free of charge.
The outside of your home is as important as the inside when it comes to getting ready to sell. A freshly painted entry, and a wreath or pot of flowers is welcoming and creates positive feelings.
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If you have a barn on your property it, too, should be "staged". Horse barns are a BIG draw for many buyers of our listings. Your part in the selling process is to make this asset shine in the eyes of your potential buyers. Whether in use as a busy boarding facility or nearly empty as you care for your aging best friend, it is important that this part of your farm be as inviting as the house and yard,
If you'e been using the barn for storage, it's time to clean it out. You'll have to move everything anyway, so do it now. It will photograph and show better this way and will shorten market time and bring you a higher offer.
Big issues that can come up AFTER you’ve negotiated price and terms with the buyers are the home’s systems. Sellers can be so focused on hiring the right agent and thinking about staging so it looks pretty, that they forget about the major components and systems. If you can, have your own pre-listing home inspection by a licensed NH inspector. Common problems tend to be one or more of these:
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Basements: Moisture or leaking? Is there a sump pump and, if so, is it functioning? Do you need a dehumidifier in the summer? A damp or wet basement can lead to mold problems.
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Furnace or boiler: When was the last time the heating system was serviced? Supporting documentation should be available.
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Hot water heater: Know the age, check for leaks, and be sure the pressure relief pipe is installed properly. This is a very common issue.
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Electricity: How old is the panel? Is it rusty? Are the breakers labeled? If older, it might be worth having an electrician look it over.
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Septic System: When last pumped? How old is it? Tank size, leachfield size and type? Provide documentation if you can.
FACT
Having a pre-listing home inspection by a licensed NH inspector, can be a smart move. Sellers who take this step have far fewer inspection issues than those that don't. A plus is that IF an issue does come up after your buyer's inspection, you will have a qualified and knowledgeable partner in your corner.
There are circumstances whereby an owner cannot manage to do things that will have a positive impact on the property's value.
Your agent will sit down and help you figure out how to overcome these hurdles to bring you to a successful close. We look forward to assisting you.
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