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Brian Milton, Harriet Libov and Jaimme Pudalov, agents with Houlihan Lawrence in Armonk, offered tips to help sellers prepare their homes.
The first step for any potential seller is to research for an experienced Realtor. They have the expertise, know the market inside and out and can help determine a marketing strategy that will create interest among potential buyers.
Realtors can also help determine the appropriate value of the property. Every seller wants to get top dollar, but homes that are priced right in the market move the fastest. An experienced agent can set the pricing to get the most out of the house and expedite the sale.
Milton, who ranked third in sales among 1,200 Houlihan Lawrence agents in 2014, said it’s important to portray a positive first impression. “Cleaning up the landscape, and making sure the exterior is nicely painted is a good start,’’ Milton said. “A lot of buyers think that’s indicative of the maintenance of the home.”
Milton also suggests staging the home. “It’s a good online tool for first impressions,’’ he said. “Even if people have to rearrange furniture or bring in more furniture to attract buyers online. It’s good to have the home show well online.”
Libov, who has been among the top 10 percent of Houlihan Lawrence agents since 2007, agrees with Milton to have sellers stage their homes. She also said homeowners should make sure the maintenance is up-to-date.
“Make sure the burner has been serviced,’’ she said. “Make sure evidence of past leaks have been repaired and repainted. You want to portray your home that it has been maintained well and there are not any existing problems. Homeowners should do the maintenance that is within their budget.”
Pudalov, an Armonk resident for 25 years, is another of the top tier of agents at Houlihan Lawrence. She believes home sellers should first de-clutter their home. When they are done de-cluttering, she tells them to de-clutter some more.
“I tell sellers that getting a Dumpster is the first thing they should do,’’ Pudalov said. “I ask them ‘What are you going to take with you to the next destination?’ The house looks a lot nicer and they’ll get a lot more money if the first impression is the right one. The worst thing is to come to the house and see a lot of accumulated stuff.”
Pudalov said de-cluttering does not mean stuffing closets with unneeded items. “When the closets are filled to the top, it shows that the home doesn’t have much closet space. I like them more empty than filled. You don’t want to give the perception that there’s not adequate space.”
Click here for Milton's website of current listings. Click here for Libov, and click here for Pudalov's website.
For more information about listing your home with Houlihan Lawrence’s Armonk brokerage, contact the office at 914-273-9505.
