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Monday, October 17, 2011

Ready, Set, Show!

I showed a home the other day that was in by far the worst condition of an occupied home than any other home I've shown yet.  Yes, I've seen some pretty rough and dirty homes walking through the bank owned properties.  However, I've always been prepared for those showings due to inevitable condition some of the properties are in. 
 
Because of our current market, it's my opinion that some sellers feel they don't necessarily need to clean or de-clutter their home as often as they would have 5 years ago as they're clearly in competition of the bank owned homes.  A larger portion of the bank owned homes than you expect have been damaged by the former owners or tenants, but most banks will not list a home until it has been properly cleaned out.  Damage is easy to look past and when trying to identify the amount of work needed to bring a home up to move in condition.  But when you're looking at an occupied home, that's full of clutter and obviously hasn't been cleaned in weeks it is very tough for a buyer to look beyond the immediate picture to see if the home has good 'bones' to work with.
 
While it may not be necessary to deep clean ahead of every showing, picking up debris and trash along with pulling out the vacuum or broom can really go a long way.  Removing clutter or boxing the nick knacks and storing in the basement until the home sells will greatly improve your chances of selling quicker.  Being able to see a home's potential is so much easier when there is little in the way of each room and hallway you walk down. 

Buyers are certainly prepared to see some awful things when walking through a bank owned, vacant, home.  It's the occupied properties they always find surprising and are immediately turned off once they walk in the door and see what's ahead of them.

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