For all the property virgins and homeowners who watch HGTV programs, I tell them they can’t learn all that’s involved in getting a house ready to sell by watching “Sell that House.” At least not here in the Oakland area. Here, the art and expectation of “show” are raised to a higher level.
Start with termite repairs — It doesn’t seem that the homes back East on HGTV have any termites, or dry rot, or damaged window sills. Here, sellers have to provide a termite inspection, and if they want to make their house more “sellable”, I suggest they make all the repairs before putting their home on the market. Depending on the amount of work, this could take up to a month of hammering, nailing, ripping and repairing. (suggestion: sellers, always do this work with permits. Buyers will be wary if you don’t.)
Painting — HGTV usually includes a segment about painting your home to freshen up the look. There, friends and neighbors all grab brushes and slap on paint in any and all directions. Don’t do this. Hire a professional. As a realtor, I have a team of vendors who understand the purpose of their work — to sell your home. Their prices are more reasonable (they want repeat business from me, the realtor) and their time is well-managed. (They know they have to meet the Open House deadline.)
Before-Pink sofa, worn tapestry, gray walls - Ugh!
Staged-Leather sofa, contemp chairs, glass table - perfect!
Staging–the ultimate distinction. Staging crews on TV show viewers how they (along with the homeowners) can change out the kitchen cabinets, add pulls, change all the light fixtures, add fresh bedding, even build a headboard, bring in living and dining room furniture, add a whole new lawn and fresh flowers– all for $750. Not true, and so not possible. Here, we do not use Salvation Army upholstery. Nor do we staple or glue gun fabric to walls. And absolutely no plastic flowers in ceramic vases. There are local, reputable, almost celebrity-status stagers who transform your home from ordinary to extraordinary. (Ask me who the top 3 are!) For a substantial fee ranging from a few thousand dollars upwards to $10,000, they will bring in upscale, current-trend furnishings that include paintings, linens, towels, carpet, patio sets, tables, — everything down to lavender potpourri and fresh orchids. Everything needed to create a look and feel of a sensuous lifestyle.
Cleaning — Why TV shows never mention cleaning is a real estate sin, to me. A clean house is a must. And, something you shouldn’t do yourself (because you will overlook the dusty corner that you’ve lived with for years.) Hire a professional. My stager has one on hand who cleans dust off light bulbs! In addition to house cleaning, your windows should sparkle, in and out. Clean windows give the feeling of newness, openess and freshness. Sounds silly to TV viewers, but oh so important to our home selling here in Oakland.
Curb appeal — installing fresh sod and planting shrubs look appealing on TV, but aren’t necessary to our homes here in the Oakland area. Because our lawns are smaller, and water is holy, we lean towards drought resistant plants, and potted flowers. Simple selling tip — anchor your front porch with large pots of colorful flowers. C’est tout.
So, if you really want to know what’s involved in “Selling that House”, sit down with a realtor. A local realtor. Not only will I share with you all that is expected, but will advise you on what NOT to do. Don’t waste your money repairing your wicker–store it in the garage. And, you’ll get a breakdown upfront of what your budget can afford. Just know that it will most likely be more than $750.00.
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