Are you thinking about selling your home on Lake Martin in the near future? If so, I have created a helpful list for you. These are the top things NOT to do when you sell a lake home. I have also created a list of tips for selling a Lake Martin Home. Read both and contact me to schedule an appointment to see what your Lake Martin home is worth in todays market.
Do NOT Leave Projects or Repairs unfinished
Most buyers of a Lake Martin home or cabin want to find a property that is move-in ready. Having a major repair unfinished, or a long list of items from a home inspection that need attention can be overwhelming for a buyer. As a seller, step back and walk through you home as a potential buyer. Look for items in need of repair and/or replacement. Pay attention to small details like a tear in a screen, a loose board on the pier, an old water stain in the ceiling of a closet, or a front door in need of paint or stain. Also, I highly recommend having HVAC inspection and a home inspection performed prior to listing your home. Get ahead of repairs and fix all of the small things you don’t even know exist before they become part of a negotiation.
Do NOT Over Personalize Your Home
There is nothing wrong with having your photos of Lake Martin memories in your home. But when people come to view your home, they want to envision their photos, personal items and furniture in the home. Remove as much as possible to make the home look neutral to all the potential buyers that come to look. Since you are planning on moving consider getting a head start. Go through closets, attic, garage, boat house and start packing. Make those donation runs and put some things in storage.
Do NOT Leave the Home in a Mess
Always leave the home immaculate when you leave. Whether it is a weekend getaway, a trip to the grocery store or a short boat ride on Lake Martin. There is always a call for a last minute showing when you least expect it. As you know, clean and organized homes just show better.
Do NOT Make a BAD First Impression
You can only make one first impression and this is a little different than in years past. I am not talking about cleaning, declutter, or painting front doors. I am talking about the importance of professional photography. NAR wrote an article stating “93 percent of home buyers used online websites when searching for a home in the United States”. So take time to get your home ready and DEMAND your REALTOR® use a professional photographer. The potential buyer coming to see your home for sale has probably looked at it 20 times online before they walk through the front door.
Do NOT Let a Pet Scare Off a Buyer
A lot of homeowners have pets and consider them a part of the family, including me. Now consider some people DON’T have pets and really don’t want one. Neither group is wrong or right. If you have pets, assume the buyer for your home is NOT a pet person or has pet allergies. Either take the pet with you when you leave the home for a showing or arrange to have your pet stay with a local sitter.
Do NOT Use Outlandish Paint Colors
You may like bright yellow paint in your home, but assume the buyer of your home has different decorating tastes. I am not saying you need repaint your entire home, but if painting is required to get market ready go neutral. It is much better to use light neutral tones that will blend with almost any furniture and accessories.
Do NOT Block Windows or Other Light Sources
Natural light has a way of making a home feel warm and inviting. Open those blinds and remove anything that may block your lake view. Check your yard and trim those low branches or cut down any trees blocking the Lake Martin view. Don’t let anything prevent the sunlight from getting in the home or reduce the lake view. Allowing as much natural light as possible will also make the entire home feel larger and more spacious. Just think OPEN, BRIGHT and AIRY.
Do NOT Waste Any Room
Some homes have a room or part of a room, that becomes a collection point for unused items. It is best to have an empty room and allow the buyer to visualize their items in the space. Don’t try to be creative and try to make a space work. Exercise equipment, outdoor items, clothes that should be sold or donated, toys that have been outgrown, and all kinds of items accumulate in these kind of areas. I differ from some agents in this area, but I do NOT think that every room needs to be staged and show a purpose.
These tips are designed help when selling your lake home or cabin. They should help your reduce market time and maximize value as a seller. Think like a buyer and follow these tips to get your home ready to list FOR SALE on Lake Martin. When you are ready contact me for an appointment and see what I do to help you when selling your Lake Martin home.
Lake Martin Real Estate Specialist
Miller Dark has been a top producing REALTOR® on Lake Martin for nearly 25 years. I work exclusively in listing and selling waterfront property on Lake Martin. RealtySouth is Alabama’s largest full-service real estate company serving Lake Martin. If you are researching for a Lake Martin listing agent to help you sell your home call me at 256-750-3030.
