ERA JUSTIN REALTY PROVIDES INSIGHT ON SELLING YOUR VACANT HOUSE

June Incorvaia, a full-time Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty is active in real estate listings and sales transactions throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties. Since 1950 the firm, a market-leader has generated thousands of real estate transactions.

 

  ERA JUSTIN REALTY PROVIDES INSIGHT ON SELLING YOUR VACANT HOUSE

   

One of the first things you should do if you're thinking about selling is to walk through your house and examine it with a critical eye. Imagine yourself as a buyer and force yourself to make a mental note of all the imperfections you've ignored for years.  Don't be surprised if you're overwhelmed by what you see.

June Incorvaia, ERA Justin Realtor suggests, “Painting and floor refurbishing are good ideas. Renewing the interior surfaces of your home when you sell is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make to increase your ability to sell in this ever-changing market. Buyers usually are more attracted to homes that are in move-in condition. However, selling a vacant home could result in a lower net return. The main reason for this is that first impressions play a big part in selling homes. When buyers walk into a home that looks bright, inviting and comfortable, they feel good. When most buyers walk into a vacant home, they feel that something is missing. Many people have a hard time imagining what a vacant home will look like when it's furnished. For these buyers, a vacant house poses a problem. They walk into an empty living room and start worrying about how they'd furnish it. It can be a stressful experience.”

 She continued, “Home buying is stressful enough without having to worry about how the floor plan works and which room is used for what. A strategically furnished house creates a more pleasurable viewing experience and reduces the stress of buying. Granted, some buyers, such as architects and designers, have the ability to conceptualize in three-dimension. Some experienced buyers have moved so many times that they've developed the knack of visualizing their furniture in an empty space. But, you are likely to sell your home more quickly if you can appeal to the entire pool of prospective buyers, not just those who have a particular expertise. You can certainly sell your home vacant. Virtually everything sells at a price. The question is how much more could you sell your home for if it was attractively furnished?” 

Dian Hymer, author of House Hunting, The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers and Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide, wrote, “A listing in the Oakland Hills (Calif.) was put on the market last fall. It had a great view, but was vacant. It did not sell after months on the market during a time when all well-priced listings in the area were selling. The listing was temporarily withdrawn from the market and staged with rental furniture and accessories. It was put back on the market at the same price and sold right away.”

The cost of staging your home for sale may seem prohibitive, but it needn't be. Many sellers who stage their homes for sale use their own furniture after removing outdated pieces and rearranging the rest. Tattered draperies can be removed and often don't need to be replaced, unless they cover an unsightly or distracting outlook. For selling purposes, it's important to let in as much light as possible. It's a good idea to consult with a someone who is knowledgeable in staging homes for sale. A stager can arrange to bring in furniture if you decide that's what you need. To keep costs down, you may be able to create an inviting ambiance without furnishing your entire house or condo. The living and dining room, kitchen, family room and master bedroom are the most important places to concentrate your staging efforts. And always remember to de-clutter by removing the dozens of personal photos and other items.

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” offered ERA Justin Realty Broker, Jennifer Darby Metzger.  “Presenting consumer information, we believe, is in order to exceed sellers expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, as we don’t offer just the basics.    In that way, we know that our sellers will hold us in the highest regard.  Our sellers have put their thoughts in writing. We have on file for the asking, ‘What people are saying’ our report of over 700 reviews and testimonials from our sellers and buyers.  No other area real estate firm can offer that.  Are we proud?  Absolutely!”

 June and all of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor professionals can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue, by office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also view 1000's of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.