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| Life lessons: how to sell your property |
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Before you put your home on the market, read the following advice…
Choosing an agent: Top Real Estate Agent Annick Giraud from D.R.E.A.M.S Dominica (www.dominicadreams.com) advises the following when selecting an agent: 1 Before selling you need to find a good Realtor to sell your land or house. The agent must have a good reputation, be professional, be registered, and be able to produce references. Often they will be known via word of mouth. 2 Check out their website to see how they present themselves as a company. 3 Ask the agent to come to your property to discuss the market price, and establish a price with you. It’s important that you get on well with the agent and feel able to trust their advice. If you’re both happy, they will ask you to sign an agreement for sale. The fee is usually 5% of the price of the sale. 4 You will need to supply the agent with your plans and certificate of title to copy file. The agent should explain all the exact fees you will need to pay to government, and all payments will be done though a certified lawyer. 5 Avoid any unregistered agents. Preparing your property for sale: To maximise your chance of selling your property at the best possible price, take on board the following: • De-personalize & De-clutter Before the first person comes to view, pack up as many personal artefacts as possible. You don’t want buyers to be distracted, you want them to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can’t do that if yours are there. You should also have a major clear out. People collect an amazing quantity of junk over time, and if it’s currently languishing all over your house it will be extremely difficult for any potential buyers to see your home through the clutter. Consider this: if you haven’t used it in over a year, you probably don’t need it. If you don’t need it, why not donate it or throw it away? • Increase curb appeal Stand outside your home and compare it to your neighbours’ properties. If you do this and it makes you feel embarrassed, it’s likely that you’ve already failed to impress your potential buyers. Consider re-painting doors and window frames, clear away any weeds, and ensure all pathways are clean and tidy. Find somewhere discreet to put your rubbish. • Clean and tidy Now is the time to have a major cleaning session, and we’re not just talking a token tidy up. Wash windows inside and out, polish chrome faucets and mirrors, clean out the refrigerator and oven, vacuum daily, dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures, bleach dingy grout., and clear out cupboards and wipe down shelves. Clean and air out any musty smelling areas – nasty odours are a no-no. • DIY must-dos You don’t want a potential buyer to think they’ll have to spend the first few months of living in their new house doing odd jobs, so ensure you fix leaky faucets, replace cracked floors or counter tiles, and adjust any sticking doors or drawers. • Finishing touches Hang up clean towels, arrange some flowers, brew some fresh coffee or bake some bread – these may sound like clichéd house selling tricks, but by making your house seem a welcoming place you will allow a potential buyer to immediately feel at home. |
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