When Sales Are Slow, It's Time to Make Homes More Attractive

Although the Fountain Valley real estate market perked up a little over the past two weeks, sales are still slow and prices show no signs of a rebound.

In fact, the double dip that was warned about earlier in the year seems to have come to fruition. Also analysts warn that prices could fall further.

The negative market is especially hard on residents looking to sell their homes. Some have opted to hold out on putting their home on the market until conditions improve. Still, attractive, well-advertised and upgraded homes are finding buyers. They also have the potential to generate a better sales price.

The first steps are obvious: Find a good real estate agent, advertise the home in a well-read newspaper and hold an open house on Saturday or Sunday to get potential buyers out. But staging is another important step that is sometimes forgotten.

Staging is the act of making the home attractive and appealing to the buyer. The first thing is to make sure the home is clean and tidy. The home must also provide a warm feeling. That can come from a fresh paint job, creative interior design and comfortable-looking furniture.

An open floor plan is also popular these days. In some cases, removal of a wall can add to the look of the home. Roomy kitchens with modern appliances and plenty of counter space are also in vogue.

Experts say that a stronger perceived value can translate into a higher selling price. The home staging can be done by the owner, or businesses offer the service for a price. Furniture rental stores can also come in handy if the home to be sold is empty.

Staging is divided into homes that are vacant and empty and homes that still have the owner’s furniture in them. One of the biggest tasks in staging an occupied home is reducing clutter and depersonalizing the home. Walls should be painted in natural colors, and racy or personalized artwork should be removed.

A vacant home usually needs more work because buyers are looking more at potential problems rather than the nice furniture and home design.

If the budget warrants, new carpeting and upgraded countertops including a granite surface can make the vacant home more appealing. Also, a few pieces of rented furniture help keep the focus on the attractiveness of the home and not on flaws.

Staging a vacant home tends to be more expensive than staging an occupied home. But either way, the effort can keep potential buyers interested.

Another good tip is for the buyer to hire his or her own inspector. It is a way to provide proof that the home is in good order and reduce the laundry list of buyer-requested fixes.

An attractive yard is also an important in attracting potential buyers. Contacting a gardening company to mow the lawn, tidy up the garden and inspect the sprinkler system is important in attracting more home shoppers. After all, the front yard is the first thing a shopper sees when pulling up to the residence. Even the front door is considered critical because it makes an immediate impression. If the door is old-fashioned or beat up, it may be wise to replace it.