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    6 Tasks San Diego Sellers Tend to Overlook Before Listing

    It's easy to get overwhelmed with a milelong to-do list once you finally decide to list your home for sale... but we don't...

    • Ken Schwartz
    • February 15th, 2019
    • 5 min read

    It's easy to get overwhelmed with a milelong to-do list once you finally decide to list your home for sale... but we don't want anything to slip through the cracks during the preparation process! This week, we decided to feature a few of the (less obvious) and most commonly overlooked seller tasks.

    Focus on Staging

    Has your furniture been arranged the same way since you moved into your home several years ago? You may be comfortable with the current setup (after all, it was functional for you and your family) but it may not be the best way to showcase your space from a buyer's perspective. 

    First things first: Eliminate or store away any bulky furniture from the living room, kitchen and master bedroom since they are the most important rooms to consider. Then position couches, chairs and tables in a way that creates as much open space as possible.  

    It also goes without saying that you will need to take some time to declutter, deep clean and depersonalize. Think about how it feels when you walk through a brand new model home and then try to recreate that vibe. The good news is you don't have to spend a lot of money - it's all about making smart decisions with what you already own.

    Simply put, you want the buyer to envision themselves living in your home. 

    Curb Appeal 

    Don't let the exterior slip through the cracks!  If you fail to give the outside of your home the attention it needs, you may not attract a lot of buyers to even see the inside at all. 

    Powerwashing, a welcome mat and some potted plants can turn a drab exterior into a totally fab one! If you have a lawn, mow it. If you have landscaping, add some fresh mulch. While you're working outside, be sure to wipe down your windows too.

    Most sellers focus entirely on getting the inside of their home ready but often neglect the curb appeal aspect. Since it's the first impression a buyer gets, make it one to remember!

    Highlight your Smart Home Tech

    If your home has tech such as a smart lock, thermostat, fire detector or carbon monoxide detector, don't forget to highlight it! Most buyers consider these features necessary in our digital age and could make your home stand out. 

    If you feel like your home could benefit from this tech being added, go for it! Already have a smart home? Great! Your realtor should be highlighting these features to potential buyers. Additionally, make sure your realtor places a high value on marketing your home digitally on Facebook.

    Tackle Home Odors 

    If we're being honest, unpleasant smells can be a dealbreaker for a buyer. Even if the home is appropriately priced and the kitchen is beautifully renovated, smells caused by pets, smoking and more can be the reason a home sits on the market longer than it should. 

    It's likely that your home smells just fine but just in case it needs a scent intervention, tackle lingering odors head-on by replacing the carpet, painting the walls and deep cleaning. You can also minimize odors by using baking soda, coffee grounds, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar and lemons.  

    Once you get any unpleasant odors under control, don't forget to use wall plug-ins, candles or essential oil diffusers to distribute a cohesive and pleasant scent throughout your home.  

    Update Lighting, Hardware and Fixtures

    Let there be light! Buyers love light and bright rooms so make sure all of your light bulbs have been replaced. If your fixtures are dated, consider replacing them. Make sure your lighting temperature is cohesive throughout your home and that you use a combination of overhead lighting and lamps to create a welcoming atmosphere.

    Are your lightswitch covers, doorknobs and handles looking kind of grungy? What kind of shape are your shower heads and kitchen faucet in? These items are very easy to replace and can make a world of difference to a buyer.

    Minimize Decor 

    In addition to depersonalizing your home, you should also consider toning down your decor. Although your brightly colored walls may be a reflection of your style, they could be a huge turn-off for buyers. It's safest to stick with neutral wall colors such as gray, white and taupe. 

    You should also be mindful that some of your other decor and accessories may be offputting to a buyer. The goal is to keep the decor uncluttered, elegant and color-coordinated.  

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    About the author

    Ken Schwartz

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    Since 2008, I have been helping clients reach their goals, and doing so in the most professional fashion possible. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California at San Diego in 2008. After working in the field for a short time, I found my true calling in Real Estate. My ability to talk with people and problem solve made real estate a perfect fit for me. I obtained my Real Estate License in 2008 and have worked in the industry ever since. My previous experience includes Property Management and helping clients Buy or Sell their home. In 2012 I received my Real Estate Brokers license and have recently joined the team at CENTURY 21 Affiliated. When I'm not out selling homes, I love spending time with my wife and 4 french bulldogs. I also play in an adult baseball league, which helps fulfill my competitive nature. Having played baseball in high school, it is a great extension to my glory days. Thankfully San Diego has such great weather, we can play year round. My expertise in the San Diego market and the outstanding resources of CENTURY 21 Affiliated give my clients the satisfaction that I can provide them the best quality service out there. A Real Estate transaction can be a stressful time, but it doesn't have to be. We do everything we can to make it as smooth as possible, while delivering our clients the best value and helping to build their personal wealth.

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    Ken Schwartz Real Estate

    Ken Schwartz | CA DRE #01854235 | NMLS 2461429

    2020 Camino Del Rio N. Suite 800, San Diego CA 92108

    2020 Camino Del Rio N. Suite 800, San Diego CA 92108

    Call Us:

    858-500-2195

    Message Us:

    [email protected]

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