For years I bought and sold houses as a real estate investor and eventually I got the domain name 18002SellHomes, so that’s what I call my company now. We buy and sell houses in Oklahoma City and also in Florida. Some of the things I’ve learned in the process of buying and selling a lot of houses over the years are applicable to anyone selling houses, whether it’s one or several houses. Here’s a summary of some of the ideas I use when I
sell a house in Oklahoma City:
1. See your house the way other people see your house. In a way, your own perspective is not important at all. You have to be able to see it with fresh eyes, like a person who is seeing it for the first time. This is how you find the enthusiasm to market your home, to talk about it in ads and in person in a way that gets buyers excited.
2. When people call you or email you for information about your
house for sale, ask them some questions first. Ask them what they are looking for in a house, and really listen to their reply. Here’s an example, “Will you need off-street parking for your teenagers or your guests, because this house has a three-car garage and a circle driveway where three extra cars can easily park.” Now, of course I couldn’t make a statement like that unless I had talked to the prospective homeowner a little bit and discovered that they have teenage children. I have found that asking questions and listening carefully to the answers is the best way to know if my house is a good fit for buyers or not. I have been known to say, “This house is not for you, but you may have some friends who would be interested.” People appreciate that I have listened to them enough to give them good advice.
3. Prepare your house for showing, which includes selecting the best time of day to show it, when the neighborhood is quiet and peaceful, if possible. Buyers appreciate the opportunity to look at a house without interruption, without barking dogs and traffic noises interfering with their experience. Make sure that the rooms are not only clean, but that there are no lingering odors from food or trash. If there are tenants living in the house this is especially important, since you are not completely in control of the situation as you are when your house is vacant.
Give these ideas a try and see if they work as well for you as they do for us at 18002SellHomes in Oklahoma City. Good luck!