Don’t Be a “Karen” Seller

The market is in a weird space right now – not quite a buyers’ market because inventory is still not as robust as it should be, yet it is no longer a sellers’ market with the historic and meteoric rise of interest rates creating a very real issue of affordability.  That being said, people are still buying and selling and if you are thinking of selling to make a move, here are two huge items you’ll need to address prior to going onto the market: 

Crappy Curb Appeal

Other than the online photos of your home, the first true blue encounter with a potential buyer should be nothing less than perfect. When they step out of their vehicle and slowly walk their way to the entrance, the very last first impression you ever want to give is the thought of “huh, this exterior could use a lil’ maintenance.”    It automatically dampers their excitement for the rest of the viewing and sets an unconscious expectation of what else about that home is going to need maintenance.   

The good news is that exterior maintenance and curb appeal can be incredibly affordable.  It just takes a little time and elbow grease.   Clean out your flower beds, throw some fresh mulch down, power wash your sidewalk or siding, knock off the cobwebs, paint the shutters, replace a light fixture. Buy a new welcome mat and some pretty flower pots.  None of these are high dollar items but make a huge first impression.

Strong Odors

If your potential buyer has to hold their nose or sneeze their way to the next room…all bets are off, honey.   This goes for strong odors like animal smells to candles or plug ins to cover a strong odor.    You ran a cat foster care out of your spare bedroom?  Get some folks in to rip up the carpet and deal with the floorboards and then replace it with a neutral look.   You have 2 teenage boys sharing the same room?  Ship them off to boarding school.  Just joking.  But maybe do a deep clean on their room and invest in some high-quality deodorant.  Point being…just take care of the odor instead of covering it up.   

Overpricing Your Home

We’re in a weird space right now where there is no clearly defined favored party in a transaction…which means you are going to have to be more realistic on your list price.   Gone are the days where you could throw a house on the MLS and it turns to literal gold within the hour.  The median days on market in Rutherford County is 24 and climbing.  Make sure your agent does their job of market research to help you appropriately price your home for this current reality.   Discuss options like providing closing assistance or move in assistance to a new buyer.  Be patient and be open to negotiation.