Are you ready to sell your Barbados home? Typically, the home selling process starts months before the property is available for sale. It is at this stage that it is necessary to look at your home through the eyes of a prospective buyer and determine what needs to be cleared, painted, repaired, replaced, sold or simply tossed out. Remember, you may be selling your home but it will be someone else's ''dream'' home. This is the time to consider having a "garage sale" in order to get rid of some of the clutter and junk.
Here are some useful tips if you are selling your home.
- External appeal - First impressions matter. Many buyers will drive by your home and judge it by its external appearance. Unless you are selling it as a tear-down for land value, it is very important to pay attention to its exterior. If necessary, paint or touch-up the exterior and carry out any necessary and obvious repairs. Buyers can be turned off by visibly needed repairs and landscaping.
- Landscaping - Spruce up the landscaping. It is relatively inexpensive and can make a big difference to the external appearance of the home. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass and edges, rake or sweep the leaves, trim the bushes and trees, remove the fallen branches and any ugly bits and pieces of trash lying around. Put a pot or two of flowering plants near the entryway.
- Remove the clutter - Clutter collects in every home over time. It can be very distractive to potential buyers. It collects on shelves, countertops, drawers, closets, cupboards, garages, basements etc. Remove, store away, dispose of or sell as much as possible so it is out of sight to viewers.
- Housekeeping - Keep your home in a clean and tidy condition at all times so that it shows well and gives a good impression. This is important not only to the buyer but to you, the home owner. You certainly would not like viewers to go away with a negative impression of not only your home but of you since they may also see it as a reflection of you.
Living room, family room and dining room
Ensure newspapers, magazines, books, etc are neatly stacked and no bits of paper are lying on the floor and there are no dirty glasses, cups and plates, etc hanging around.
Kitchen
The countertops and sink should be clean and free of pots and pans, dishes, plates, glasses, cutlery, left back food, etc. Ensure your counter top appliances, dishrack, ornaments, etc are in place. Clean the stove and refrigerator and empty the garbage container.
Bedrooms
The beds should be nicely made up with bedspreads and pillows in place. Remove unnecessary clutter from dresser tops and store away clothing, shoes, linen, toys etc.
Bathrooms
Make sure tooth brushes, cosmetics, toiletries etc are removed from the counter tops and placed in drawers or cabinets and that there are no bits of clothing including under garments hanging around. The toilets, showers/tubs, countertops and mirrors should be spotless. It would be an added nice touch to give the bathrooms a pleasant and mild fragrance.
Garage/Carport, Basement
Remove the clutter. If you cannot get rid of it all store it away neatly in boxes or containers so that it will not be noticed. Keep these areas clean and tidy. -
Let there be light - Open up all windows, doors, curtains and draperies in order to bring in light and air. This gives the rooms a nice and airy feel. If you have a nice view, it could also give you the opportunity to show it off. You may also wish to turn on some lights. This can also serve to beautify the home.
- Plumbing and fixtures - Make sure all faucets, toilets, light fixtures etc are in good working order and there are no dripping taps and that the water pressure is good.
- Pet control - If you have dogs, make sure they are securely locked away in a kennel or are safely restrained by a leash and are out of reach of viewers.
- Try not to be at home - If possible, it is best for the home owner not to be at home at the time of viewing. Prospective buyers feel more comfortable and do not feel like intruders. In addition, it will avoid any direct communication between the home owner and potential buyer which can cause unnecessary problems. Your Agent is there to represent your best interest and will consult you should there be any questions or concerns the client may have which are not readily available. If for any reason you must be at home, try to remain in an out-of-the-way area of the home and do not move from room to room. Do not volunteer any information but answer any questions your Agent may ask.
- Make your home available for viewing - Making your home available for viewing by prospective buyers is a key to profitability. It is important you cooperate with your Agent and try to make your home available for viewing, within reasonable notice, as much as possible. By so doing you will optimize your chance for a potential sale.
- Consider suggestions by your Agent - Should your Agent provide you with suggestions to help you improve the appearance and marketability of your home, you should not take it as personal. Your professional Real Estate Agent has the experience and knowledge of what it takes to help you sell your home faster and at a better price. There are many things that you may overlook or may not have thought of that your Agent may wish to suggest to you.
- Pricing your home - An overpriced home can sit on the market for a long time. An underpriced home may cost you thousands of dollars. During the first few weeks of your home being on the market, you will have the highest interest in your home. If it is priced correctly, you will have the opportunity to get the best and most offers. Price your home based on recent comparable sales in your area as well as homes currently on the market.
Coral Stone Realty is pleased to offer sales and rentals of all types of Barbados Property Sales, Barbados Land Sales and Barbados Property Rentals including residential homes, land, townhouses, villas, condos, apartments and apartment buildings, beachfront properties, oceanfront properties, hotels, warehouses, commercial buildings, guest houses and restaurants.
For further information, please refer to Selling Property in Barbados. Selling your Barbados property? Please feel free to Add Your Free Property Listing.
