One of the most difficult things to deal with in life is when a loved one passes away. Trying to figure out what to do with everything they left behind is another incredibly stressful burden. That is why most of the time when someone inherits items from loved ones there are a few things here and there that they will want to keep but most of it is being marked under items to sell.
This includes their properties. An estate property is not the easiest thing to try and sell however there are some tips and tricks that you can use to get it ready to sell so you can make a decent price.
Selling Household Treasures
The first thing you should do is host an estate sale. Really an estate sale is kind of like a garage sale but usually most everything can be left inside the home. During an estate sale, people will come inside the house and walk around looking for anything they would like to purchase just like at a garage sale.
The goal here is to get as many things out of the house that you can. It is important when staging the house to sell to remember that clutter is the enemy. Try to move as many of the items that you can. Always remember to haggle but understand that accepting low offers on some items is okay.
There are several things that you can do to help prepare for a successful estate sale.
First, you should always allow family members who were close with the deceased to walk through the home and take items of great sentimental value to them.
The next step is to inventory the items you want to sell and make sure that you know what items are not for sale. Either mark or label items clearly that are not for sale or make sure they are kept away from the other sale items.
Then you will need to make sure to price your items. Using sites like eBay or antique sites is always a good place to see what the going rate on used items are. Making sure that you understand that pricing items lower or possibly accepting lower offers on items will help the items move more quickly. Waiting around for the right buyer might not be an option, especially if you are in a hurry to get the home ready to put on the market.
Setting up the home to get items ready to sell is also very important. The best way to do this is to start setting up items at the front door and keep all of the items you want to sell price tagged and close to where the buyers will be. For example: set up a walking path with items for sale on either side of the path, or set up a room or 2 rooms with all of the items you want to sell.
Anything left after the sale should be donated. Most donation centers will even help you with information about tax write-offs for any donated items.
Getting the Property Ready to Sell
Getting your estate property ready to sell doesn’t have to be as difficult as it might seem. There are a few simple ways that you can help make the property ready to sell without needing to completely renovate and without losing money either.
- When getting an estate property ready to sell, cleaning is key! It might seem simple but cleaning, including pressure washing exterior areas including walls and driveway, is truly the easiest and quickest way to make a home appraisal ready. When you have an appraisal done making sure that you get the highest possible appraised value for the home is key.
- You can either clean yourself or have a cleaning service do it for you if you don’t have the ability or the time. Either way, the home will look much nicer with no cobwebs in the corners, without the grandkids’ crayon marks on the hardwood floors, and without mildew on the exterior roof, walls, walkways and driveway.
- Painting is one of the cheapest and most cost-effective ways to increase the home’s resale value quickly. You should paint both the outside and the inside of the home. New paint outside will help make the home look new and inviting.
- New paint inside the home will help get rid of any old stains, marks, or discoloration on the walls and can make a home shine. Using neutral colors is always the easiest way to go because they work well with almost every type and color furniture. This will make it easy for new buyers to picture their furniture in the home thus furthering the potential of a sale.
- Fixing broken things around the house is also important. Most buyers don’t want to go through the hassle of buying a home, packing up all of their stuff, moving everything they own to their new home and then worry about fixing a bunch of little things around the house.
- You can make a home worth more by simply fixing little things like the light fixture in the living room that is wobbly, the cabinet in the kitchen that is half falling off, and replacing that one or two missing tiles in the bathroom. You would not believe how much buyers will lower their offer because of little repairs like these. Same for appraisals. Appraisers take any repairs into account when valuing the home, no matter how big or small.
- Curb appeal is also key! Always remember that the outside of the property is the first impression, not just to the buyer but to the appraiser as well. Making sure that all of the shrubs are trimmed and the lawn is maintained regularly will add to the curb appeal of the property. If the lawn out front is looking a little bare then you can plant some seasonal flowers or add some potted plants to add a pop of color and life to the entranceway.
- The same goes for out back and on the lanai/patio. Making sure that it is properly staged with furniture, potted plants, a grill, or some other cute amenities will show potential buyers what the home could be for them. Sitting out back grilling and sharing a few beers or some wine with friends and family is what you want your buyers to see when they see the backyard.
Remember that the moment a potential buyer can see themselves not only living but enjoying their time at the property is when the sale is made. If you need help with appraising the property, finding an estate attorney, service providers for lawn care, pool maintenance, handyman services, or anything else just give us a call at 941-743-3700. R.E. Appraisal Associates is here to help you with whatever needs you might have while trying to sell your estate home. A helping hand is just one call away.
