How To Sell Your Home

                                                                                         

With the news that the number of new housing starts this year in California is the lowest since World War Two, we must assume that there will be a better chance for home owners to sell there.

In spite of plans for a larger number of new homes to be constructed, the figure has been lowered. California has been estimated to need 230,000 new houses per year to keep up with the demographic demand. However, this year at the Builder's Conference it was announced that numbers are down, possibly as low as 72,000.

Homeowners are accepting that if a move and a house sale can be deferred, it is probably better to wait as things appear to be stabilizing. However, many homeowners simply have to move when the job demands it, and homes are being listed and bought all the time.

How to make your home jump out at the prospective buyer? It is what is called a buyer's market, which means that the buyer has the 'upper hand' in realty sales at the moment. Nearly always in a buyer's market, there are many houses and home owners, vying for fewer buyers. This makes it more difficult, and more important, to get their attention at the start.

Obviously, a good real estate agent is a must; good marketing skills really come to the fore at a time like this. One of the first things to remember is that the buyer can usually only see the first photo that you display. Whether it is in a window, or on the Internet, the first photo holds the key. If a buyer likes the first photo, he or she will look further into your file.

Of course, there is an exception to this, sometimes, you can attract a buyer who is driving by, but this may be less common; 80% of all home buyers say they browse the Internet first.

Houses look best photographed in the sunshine; if it has done nothing but rain take a day off work if the sun comes out and get the photos done. Make the appointment for the right time of day, so that the sun is shining on the front of your house (if this is the angle that has been chosen).

Yes, it does sound as if it is nit-picking and too much attention to detail. It is too much attention to detail - but it has to be like this to get those buyers in! - And there is more to come!

In a photo, your yard will look well-kept if you have your lawn cut short and green and edged with very straight or sharp lines. Lines suggest neatness in a photo. In order to have your lawn green, keep watering it for a few days beforehand.

If you have a plain lawn in front of your house, buy a few larger potted shrubs or small trees and 'place' them. You can always take them with you when you go. You can also move them onto the deck or into the back yard if you think that will improve the appeal of your home. However, initially we are only worried about the front photo.

Surprisingly enough, clean windows will show in a photo. If the windows sparkle in the sunlight, it is an added bonus. Ensure that all your drapes are set to look good from the exterior.

Your real estate agent will make sure that you have removed all garbage cans and re-cycle bins! Also get rid of the kids' bikes and the portable goal post etc!

Once the buyer is tempted to look into the rest of your property, you are halfway there. If you have something that you think is a great feature (like a summer house or a fantastic tree house) make sure you include it in the photographs.

And if you don't have a fantastic feature - maybe you should dash out and buy one; pagodas are a cheap deal if they sell your home for you!

About the author:
Joshua Sloan is your San Diego real estate agent at SanDiegoRealEstateBuzz.com. If you're looking for Encinitas real estate for sale, Joshua can help.

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