Is there anything Suburban Realty might hesitate to tell me about the condition of my home?
When it comes to helping sellers present their homes for sale, we must sometimes deal with sensitive topics: from curb appeal to the "little things" that you've learned to live with. That's why we use the Home-Merchandising system to help you with guidelines and ideas for improving your home's curb appeal.

How honest are most buyers when it comes to telling why they didn't like a house?
Buyers say things like, "It just doesn't feel right." Many times when buyers say "no," they don't really know what is wrong. That is why it is important to show your house in it's best light.

How many buyers can look past a home's cosmetic problems to see themselves living there?
Very few. And that's why it is so important to merchandise your home to help all buyers see your home's best features. You don't want to limit your market to buyers with active imaginations or to those who are willing to "look past" cosmetics.

What percentage of sellers need to merchandise their homes?
Merchandising is something we would like to help all sellers with. Merchandising your home is what it is all about. Letting the buyer see your home in its best light.

What one or two things should a seller concentrate on to make the home more appealing to buyers?
There are several categories: cleanliness, neutral decor, necessary repairs and first impressions. It is important how "squeaky clean" the house is, and that displays of personal treasures can be distracting for some buyers.

What simple things do buyers react to favorably? And what small things create unfavorable impressions?
Deep cleaning or picking up the house is very important. Specifics run the entire gamut from fresh flowers on the plus side to the barking of mild-mannered dogs on the minus.

What do buyers look for to justify offering a lower price?
The fact is, many buyers will investigate every nook and cranny of your home and use "problem areas" as reasons to justify offering a lower price. (Buyers often overestimate the cost of even minor repairs) It is better to fix them right away than to have that come up in the buyers mind.

When should I start merchandising my home?
Right now, so when you're ready to sell you home, your home will be ready to sell. Linda can help you on your way with materials about how to best merchandise your home.