In a real estate market where the inventory is saturated and prices are low, competition is stiff. But that does not mean that homeowners who choose to sell will be forced “to give their property away.” Spending some time preparing for the sale of your home is key to success in a buyer’s market.

CURB APPEAL

No matter the value or expense paid, if a home sits in a neglected yard or in a state of visual disrepair, potential home buyers will not see the true value of a home, and the offers — should there be any — will reflect this. Therefore, landscaping is pertinent. Make sure the grass is cut, the trees are trimmed and the house has a fresh coat of paint.

INVITING INTERIOR

If the outside is inviting, buyers will be interested in touring the interior. Try to remove personal items and clutter from your home, and remove excess furniture from the rooms to give a sense of space. Potential home buyers want an example of what the house could look like — not what the home looks like that belongs to another family. Special attention should be paid to the kitchen and bathrooms. They should look as modern and functional as possible. A fresh coat of paint and good cleaning will do wonders.

MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS

Small nuisances such as a leaky faucet, a stuck window or hard to reach, burned out light bulbs should be addressed before putting a home on the market. Buyers expect everything in their “new” home to operate properly and safely. If left undone, this will cause buyers to question if there are bigger problems lurking in the home.

TRY TO BE OBJECTIVE

Buying or selling a home is emotional; after all, it really is the American Dream. But it is important to keep a level head when going into the selling process. Look at your home as if you have never seen it before. What would you be concerned about or change? What features are most appealing? Take your answers and use them to fix flaws and feature the best parts of your home.

PICK THE RIGHT REALTOR

Selling a home without a professional is time-consuming and frustrating — definitely true in the current market. A realtor is instrumental in pricing a home for the market conditions while considering the value and advertising the home. The right realtor has numerous connections that will aid in a smooth sale of your home.

Whalers Realty aims to provide all of the above and offers a presence that is unsurpassed on the West Side with three prime locations, including Whalers Village and the Fairway Shops. Whalers Realty has a proven track record of excellent service, honesty and integrity and is the best choice to represent you in the home selling process. Contact Whalers Realty at (808) 661-8777 or via e-mail at info@whalersrealty.com. For more in-depth information, visit our website at www.whalersrealty.com. (Sources used in this article:

www.realtown.com/articles/view/five-pointers-when-selling-your-home, and www.realtor.com/Basics/Sell/PrepHome/SetStage.asp.)