By Jackie Beardsley

WHAT JACKIE DOES TO GET HOMES SOLD!

When Sellers had to move and the home was left vacant, this is how I helped them reach their goals in just a few days.  Above is my MLS photo of the kitchen which beautifully shows off their hard work.

When I was asked to help out of state Sellers get their home sold quickly, it was a challenge well worth the hard work ahead.  First, I did a CMA for selling the property AS IS (picture below).

With my assistance they decided to do the upgrades necessary to net the most which in the end was more than they had anticipated.  I recommended that they replace all of the carpet in the home as well as the extensive painting they were going to do.  Because they lived out of state, I was glad to go the same store here in Illinois where they bought their carpet and ask for the carpet sample.  From that I chose colors for their home.  One was used for cabinets, the other for walls.  When the Seller came back to town, we walked through the home together with the paint chips.  The color was perfect!

Once all of the hard work on their end was over, it was up to me to properly price this home.  It can be challenging when there aren't many comps to use but this is a crucial step.  After that, I did some final touches for cleaning focusing on the kitchen window above the sink and the appliances.  The reason this is so important is because Buyers eyes are drawn to things and a gleaming window and appliances is what they notice first. Hard to believe for some, yet true.  This kitchen was beautiful and I wanted them to see THAT not anything else.  It's a package, like going into a hotel room the first time.  Even though it's all made up, people notice if something isn't as clean as a whistle as it should be.  If you look out the big window at your great view but the window is all spotty, you will notice the spots.

The Sellers asked if staging was something they should consider.  That depends on the market and the home itself.  I've always helped Sellers do their own because as a Certified Staging Consultant, I can easily find ways to do that without unnecessary cost to the homeowner.  

Below you can see how I did light staging which is important in a vacant home.  You don't need much which the main photo above will show. Just enough to draw the eyes to something, to look lived in.

   

In the lower level bath, I used a shower curtain, plant and soap on counter, that’s it!

 I used a simple grate which made a big difference

Clean yard, flowers in basket and beautiful photo for the MLS

Pictures of the Sub-Division help Buyers get a feel for the area.

The home was put on the MLS but after the busy weekend with just, possibly interested, I reached out to hundreds of agents that had Buyers looking to buy in the area!  I didn't wait for weeks on end and then tell Sellers we should lower the price.  Networking is what brought in the Buyer and I'm not referring to Social Media which is fine but it doesn't sell homes, it's mostly for the Agent, not the client.  The most powerful networking tool that I have at my disposal as a member of my Association is what I relied on.  It worked, agents responded to my emails about this home.  However, the Sellers still had a vehicle in the garage so before the first showing from responsive agents,  I was able to remove the vehicle and put up a pretty fireplace grate so it would compliment the beautiful paint job better.  I also put new flower baskets in front of the house.  The first buyer in after that made an immediate offer and the home sold for full asking price quickly as the Sellers hoped for. Thinking outside the box is what I do to get homes sold.  Being the photographer allow me to have control over how this property will be showcased which is the most important part of listing outside of the price.  Writing great descriptive remarks is next.  You have to remember that potential Buyers can live anywhere.  They aren't always familiar with where the home is located.  I took the time to put that into the remarks, where is this location, next to dining, Interstate, schools, etc.  I took nice pictures of the area and put them into the MLS.  You don't need many, just a few to show what it's like to live in the area.  Then the networking which is so important as well.  

Lastly, I made up a packet for the Appraiser.  This greatly helps both the Appraiser as well as the Seller.  The home must appraise out.  In order to net the most in the least amount of time, it is so important to not skip over this step.  

Working hard for every client, regardless of the situation is a joy!

If you or someone you know need help selling, contact me here.

Jacqueline Beardsley
Charles Rutenberg Realty
Naperville IL