Home Value

Selling a home can be a frustrating process. By first obtaining an appraisal that estimates your home value, then following a few simple steps to make your home look more appealing, the selling process will hopefully be easier and more enjoyable.

A home appraisal is an estimate of worth or an opinion of value. The home value depends on several different factors which usually include property features, the surrounding neighborhood and community, available amenities and many more.

Estimating Home Value

The features of a particular home can be easily evaluated by simply looking at the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, total square footage, kitchen size, number of garages, condition and age of the home, the landscape, etc. A home with more features is obviously more desirable to a wider range of potential buyers.

The neighborhood is an important aspect when calculating the home value because safety, proximity to shopping centers and business districts, and good neighbors all play a significant role in everyday life. A friendly, safe and attractive neighborhood is what most homebuyers are looking for. A typical homebuyer prefers to live near good schools, have easy access to major roadways and have reasonable property taxes. The quality of the community is also highly important. If the community offers a good economy, a stable government and a relatively low crime rate, the value of the home will increase. To some homebuyers, a sociable community that involves its residents is also a desirable quality.

The amenities of a home include things like proximity to shopping centers, parks, recreational activities, museums, and community activities like sporting or cultural events. Every homebuyer wants to live somewhere they can relax and enjoy themselves without having to go too far away.

Selling Your Home

Once you know your home value, you can prepare to sell it. The following are some good tips for making your home look more appealing to potential buyers and therefore speeding up the selling process.

• Get exposure by making your home available to as many buyers as possible. This can be done by hiring an experienced real estate agent who will advertise your home in magazines, brochures and the Internet.
• When your home is on the market, it is important to get your home in top condition-inside and out. Because first impressions are so strong, make sure your yard is clean and properly landscaped. Also pay special attention to the exterior condition of the home by keeping it clean.
• Keep it simple. This can be accomplished by getting rid of the clutter in your home. By getting rid of things you have collected over the years, your home will seem larger, cleaner and less crowded.
• Appeal to the buyer’s senses. You can do this by placing nice air fresheners around the house, baking cookies, or burning a sweet smelling candle. You could even buy a cookie scented candle. Another trick is to play soft, classical music in the background because it relaxes the buyer and makes them feel comfortable in the home. Because many people’s moods and impressions are affected by lighting, it is usually a good technique to replace old light bulbs and open the blinds so natural light can come in.

By knowing your home’s value and asking an appropriate price, these few tips will hopefully ease the stress of the selling process.

A REALTOR® is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®