Information for Sellers

With our years of experience assisting both sellers and buyers throughout Maine, Team Harmon/Carroll has learned a few things about what is required to make a home sell quickly, and to maximize the profit for our sellers! Here are a few things you, the seller, should think about when preparing your home for listing, while your home is 'on the market' and at closing and beyond. Read through, and click here for more information about preparing your home to be photographed for your listing:

"All the world's a stage..."

William Shakespeare said that "All the world's a stage..." and the home or property that you are getting ready to sell is no exception! Consider potential buyers your audience, and remember that making a good first impression on your audience is going to make a big difference in whether or not your those buyers will ultimately take a second look (and hopefully make an offer!) on your home. Here are some tips to help you get 'top of the market' price for your home: 

• Curb Appeal- Take a walk outside, just as a buyer would when viewing the home. What do you notice? How does the property look from the street? Is the lawn mowed and the shrubs trimmed? Are there cars parked in the driveway? Fresh landscaping, parking cars in the garage or on the street, and painting trim will make a big difference in the first impression a prospect has about the house. 
• The Front Door – When a buyer walks up to the front door, what do they see? Does the doorbell work? Does the welcome mat need replacing? Does the front door need to be re-painted or stained? This is one area where spending a little bit of money can make a huge difference in how a buyer views your home
• Create Appeal – A new bedspread and pillows is an inexpensive way to update the look for a bedroom. Adding a new slipcover or throw to the sofa or chair will create a fresh look in the living room. Strategically place scented candles, such as cinnamon or pine, at different heights. Adding bath beads in a jar, guest soaps, and a pile of fluffy towels will spruce up a bathroom.
• Light & Bright – Most people prefer bright houses. If trees block light, trim a few branches. Open all drapes, turn on all lights, clean the windows (skylights) and dust the chandeliers and light bulbs to brighten up the home.
• Colors – Properties with odd colored rugs, carpet or paint often sit on the market longer than other properties that are a neutral color. If you can’t paint the entire home, maybe think about painting or re-carpeting one or two of the major rooms like the living/family room, master bedroom or kitchen.
• Showings - Please be absent during showings and make arrangements for your pets to be outside or with you. Buyers want to feel comfortable walking through your home, and as they speak with their agent. It will also reduce the risk of you being asked any questions that might be awkward or that may put you at a disadvantage while negotiating an offer.

Preparing for a Home Inspection

Time for the home inspection? Many of these items are regular maintenance items for a home and can be done at little or no cost.

1.Clean debris from the roof and clean out gutters

2. Trim trees, roots and bushes back from the foundation, roof, siding and chimney.

3. Paint all weathered exterior wood, and caulk around the trim, chimney, windows and doors.

4. Seal or point up masonry and chimney caps.

5. Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in safe working order.

6. Replace any burned out light bulbs.

7. Test all GFCI receptacles for proper operation.

8. Check that the bathroom fans are properly vented and in working condition.

9. Create clear access to the attic, crawl space, heating systems, garage, and other areas that will need to be inspected.

10. If the house is vacant, make sure that all utilities are turned on.

11. Remove rotting wood and/or firewood from contact with the house. 

Ready to list? Give us a call at 415-0957 and we will walk you through it, all the way to the sale.