I was recently contacted by a woman, through the internet, that inquired on putting her recently deceased father's Palm Bay home on the market. We arranged for a time to meet, so we could discuss the current market, my marketing plan for selling the home and a realistic list price for the property.
Prior to our meeting, I contacted my title company to do a preliminary search on the home's title, to discuss the way in which title was held on the property and what documents would be needed for a closing on this estate.
At our meeting, I asked what her target date was for getting the house on the market. She said she was ready to put the house on the market that day.
Uh-oh! That wasn't going to work. The house was in a state of disarray. The family was in the process of going through the father's belongings to see what was staying and what would be going. Since the parents that lived in the home had been elderly and sickly, there were some minor maintenance issues that needed to be addressed BEFORE the house went on the market. I explained this to the daughter.
The misc. items/knick knacks must be boxed up and put away. The old curtains needed to come down. The house needed a good, thorough cleaning, including kitchen and baths. Scuff marks should be removed from the walls. A couple of short walls needed a coat of paint. Carpets needed cleaning. The furniture needed to be rearranged to show off the roominess of this well loved home.
I explained that the house would need to be 'show ready' the day it goes on the market. Ideally, there should be nothing left to do. In this home's area, approximately 50% of houses currently listed for sale are either foreclosures or short sales. Although many may not be in as good of condition as hers (when it's market-ready), those other houses would most likely be priced lower than hers. So, hers would need to be in tip top condition in order to compete. She understoond and agreed.
I love sellers like this one!
I do understand that not everyone is in a position to do the things that I asked this seller to do (especially in the case of an estate, such as this one). I feel confident that with this realistic and cooperative seller I will have no problem securing a buyer for her deceased father's property in a timely fashion.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County, Florida's Space Coast Real Estate & Investing
I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property
that for you
A show-ready home makes all the difference in the world. Charlie Gantz, Greenwood, IN; J.D., M.B.A.; Owner/Principal Broker, Atlas Commercial Real Estate, LLC
Great job Sandy! I just wish we had more listing inventory in our area. Buyers are really having to compete on price AND terms!
Lucky you! Alot of times you find people do ot want to spend a dollar on anything and just want the estate sold and get there money.
Sandy
Your advise to the customers is correct.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Sandy -
Sounds like you handled it well. When it comes to getting a property ready to show, jumping the gun can be costly. Sellers need to know this.
Sandy this is one of the things a Realtor can do and many sellers and buyers never give you acknowledgment. You showed her value in hiring you.
Excellent job Sandy, and oh so true. If the home doesn't show spotless and move in ready in this market, it will be a difficult sale.
Sounds like you did a great job in educating your customer. Having the home in presentable condition is very important if they want to get a decent price for it.
Hi Sandy! Good for you not just throwing it up on the market--never before has it been so imperative to have a home show-ready. With the enormous supply, there is something out there that IS show-ready and that's what the buyers are gravitating towards. Hope they get it straightened up and you get a quick sale when the home is ready!
Charles, Agreed, if it's not ready to go on the market, and the owner is agreeable, then things need to be done to get it ready.
Vickie, Oh, I hate hearing that. Our inventory in homes under $125,000 is in high demand, especially when they are in move in condition, as first time homebuyers, as well as investors are competing for them.
Sajy, I know, I have handled other estates, where there was no one local contact.
Thanks Lou. How ya doing today?
Joel, I agree. Jumping the gun on the listing is a detriment to the seller.
John, Oh, I know that all sellers are not receptive to doing what needs to be done to get the house in tip top shape. And especially with estates, we often have to take those in as-is condition.
Gabe, It does make the home a very difficult sale, if it's not ready to move in, when the sign goes up.
Rob, It's all about price today and condition. We are seeing owners that just can't compete with some of the prices being offered on short sales and foreclosures.
Debe, Most of our FHA buyers are looking for those move in condition homes, as those are the only ones that will qualify for that type of financing. So I agree, it is so important in today's market.
Sandy,
It is so nice when they listen. I have one in a similar situation.....
Ann Hayden in Wildwood, MO
Good job being honest about what it takes to make that all important first impression a good one! And yes, it is so wonderful when sellers listen - & get it!