If you're currently selling a Columbia SC home, or just considering selling, one thing you need to remember: You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression. That's why you must watch your curb appeal, and make sure you kick it up a notch to stand out in the neighborhood drive-by.
Even if your budget is limited, there are still some things you can do to increase the perceived value of your home so potential buyers aren't turned off before they even get to see the inside of your Columbia SC home…
If you want to sell your Columbia SC home, everyone knows there are some things you need to do in order to make your home stand out from the others on the market. But here are 5 things NOT to do when trying to sell Columbia SC homes, unless you're not really serious about the idea of selling in the first place.
For more tips on selling Columbia SC homes, check out our other articles and information at the Columbia SC Home Selling Tips link to your right under Columbia SC Real Estate Categories.
When looking to sell any Columbia SC real estate, one typically turns to a broker to get their property listed in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service.) But some homes are actually bought and sold without ever being officially listed in the MLS. This word-of-mouth technique is gaining popularity among sellers who want to avoid the perils of a down market, and perhaps save a little on the selling commission. But if you're considering selling your home, this might not be the best route.
The Columbia SC Real Estate Hidden Market
Once used mostly by the rich and famous, a "pocket listing" means that a home is not listed on a multiple listing service but is instead marketed directly by the property's real-estate agent or broker — it is in that agent's "pocket" – so to speak. But many not-so-rich and not-so-famous homeowners also go the pocket-listing route. The seller and agent have more control over who knows the home is for sale, who can look at it and, thus, who may eventually buy it.
These off-market listings for Columbia SC real estate have always been around. People may want privacy during a divorce or after a death, for instance, or an executive may not want his company to know he's thinking of moving. But this type of sale has become more prevalent these days, and some agents and brokers, us included, don't think that's good for buyers or sellers.
Columbia SC real estate for sale that isn't available to the general public, only to a privileged few, is just not a smart way to go about selling a home. If privacy is the issue, there are plenty of rules in place to protect sellers who don't want the entire neighborhood to know their home is on the market.
Another reason for a pocket listing is that a seller might be hesitant to list a home in a down market but would be willing to sell to the right buyer, for the right price or both.
When looking for Columbia SC real estate, you need an agent who has connections to all the other real estate agents and brokers who can find pocket listings. It's practically impossible for a buyer to track down such properties that may be for sale. Sellers should keep that in mind!
Many sellers who choose a pocket listing don't actually have their heart set on selling. They may not be motivated. In some cases, a seller who wants to try a pocket listing will be motivated later on and decide to move the property onto the MLS. Sellers of Columbia SC real estate who don't want their property in the MLS need to understand they may be jeopardizing their ability to maximize their investment or of finding a buyer.
For more tips on selling your Columbia SC real estate, see our section on Columbia SC Home Selling Tips to your right under Columbia SC Real Estate Categories.
If you're selling a Columbia SC home, making minor improvements may help you get a faster sale.
Make sure your property looks good and is nicely spruced up on the outside, rather than considering larger scale renovations that may not recoup your investment.
Selling a Columbia SC Home – Best Improvements to Consider
A recent survey canvassed interior designers and real estate agents, asking them to identify the best home improvements sellers could make. According to the article in Propertywire, it was agreed that minor improvements such as redecorating walls in neutral colors, and making other minor improvements such as landscaping upgrades could be cost effective and may help achieve a faster sale.
It was also agreed that sellers should avoid taking out costly projects just before selling a Columbia SC home, as the increase in the sales price might not equal the money and time spent on remodeling the property. Instead sellers are advised to focus on improvements that will help broaden the appeal of the home while bringing it up to reasonable standards.
Buyers are expected to have an increased choice of properties on the market this year compared to last year. It's best to concentrate on improvements that will appeal to the largest number of people. Buyers tend to shy away from inheriting someone else's style and taste. Instead freshly painted rooms in neutral colors, a neat and tidy yard and a clutter free home will always give a property added appeal to the most number of people. The number one piece of advice is to make sure the home looks good from the outside, and that it has good curb appeal. A freshly painted front door combined with a clean and tidy entrance helps to give good first impressions.
When selling a Columbia SC home, although major renovations are not recommended, sellers are advised to spend a little bit of money on smaller updates. These might include renewing older style lighting fixtures, and carrying out minor kitchen and bathroom updates. This might be something as simple as just renewing out-of-date cabinet or door handles.
De-cluttering is at the top of the list of things to do when selling a Columbia SC home, as is thoroughly cleaning the home. If the property feels spacious and clean it makes it easier for potential buyers to envision living there.
Check out our other articles and tips on selling a Columbia SC home by visiting the home selling tips section of our website to your right under our Columbia SC Real Estate Categories.
When selling your Columbia SC home, you need to be aware of the things that turn buyers off. Then you need to do everything you can to eliminate those turn-offs before even putting your home on the market for sale.
You will not get the price you want for your Columbia SC home if you don't get your home in move-in condition before the first potential buyer walks through the front door. Buyers today don't want "fixer-uppers" and properties that need a lot of work. They want a home that is ready to live in the day the movers unload the truck.
Don't Make These Mistakes When Selling Your Columbia SC Home
Overpricing Your Home – If you ignore your agent's advice and list your Columbia SC home at a higher price than recommended, you're going to get some negative feedback from buyers. The worst feedback, of course, is silence. That could include no showings and no offers.
The problem with overpricing your Columbia SC home is that the buyers who are qualified to buy your home won't even see it because they're shopping in a lower price range. The buyers who do it will quickly realize there are other homes in the same price range that offer more value.
Buyers are more savvy today, and they do their homework. So sellers, beware! Don't overprice your Columbia SC home!
Get Rid of Odors – Odors can come from a number of things – pets, lack of cleanliness, stale air, water damage, and more. You may not even notice it because you live with it and your nose may have become immune to it, but your real estate agent may have hinted to you that something needs to be done.
There is no buyer that will buy a Columbia SC home that smells bad unless they're investors looking for a bargain. Even so, they'll get a home inspection to find out the source of the odor. If they find anything like undisclosed water damage, or pet urine under the "new" carpet, then they will either severely discount their offer or walk away.
Find the source of any odors in your Columbia SC home and get rid of it before you put the "For Sale" sign in the yard!
Deferred Maintenance – This is a polite definition for "letting your home fall apart." With your Columbia SC home, things wear out, break and weather, and it's your job as a homeowner to keep your home repaired.
Buyers really want a Columbia SC home that's been well-maintained. They don't want to wonder what needs to be fixed next or how much it will cost. That just adds to their costs and they will in turn factor that in to the lower price they'll offer you for your home.
Clutter – In short, get rid of it! All of it! Box up your nick-knacks, photos, and other things that make it hard for a potential buyer to visualize themselves living in your home.
Too much furniture confuses the eye and makes it really hard for buyers to see the actual sizes of rooms. If they can't see what they need to know, they move on to the next Columbia SC home on their list.
Outdated Decor – The reason people are looking at your home instead of buying brand new is because of cost and location. They want your neighborhood, but that doesn't mean they want an outdated home. Just like they want a home in good repair, they want a home that looks updated, even if it's from a different era.
Harvest gold and avocado green from the seventies; soft blues and mauves from the eighties, jewel tones from the nineties, and onyx and pewter from the oughts are all colorways that can date your home. Textures like popcorn ceilings, shag or berber carpet, and flowered wallpaper can also date your home.
Summary – The Columbia SC home market is tough, and if you ignore these tips for selling your home, you're going to be in for a rude awakening when your Columbia SC home is not only not selling, but getting very few showings.
For more tips on selling your Columbia SC home, check out our other articles and information at the Columbia SC Home Selling Tips link to your right under Columbia SC Real Estate Categories.