So you decided to sell your home. Very often it's a tough decision, but once it's made, you must commit to it totally to have a successful outcome. After all, the objective is to sell as fast as possible for the highest price. So, where do you start?
You start with a paradigm shift. Mentally you have to shift from "I'm selling my home" to "I'm selling a home," probably the largest financial asset you own. Emotionally disconnect: It will ease the way to a better selling process for everyone involved.
Selling your house is work. There's no getting around it. The work is not limited to the actual physical move. From day one you've taken on a part-time job. So here's how the "work" works.
Paperwork: Review your property records from your original closing binder or go to the Town and pull a property search to verify that you have all the certificates of occupancy for the house and any improvements which require permits.(i.e. deck, pool, room addition). You will probably need all of this in order to transfer title to a new owner, especially if the buyer is getting a mortgage. Start the process early in order to avoid delays in closing down the line.
Housework: I'm a big proponent of every year making believe that you are going to sell your home and go through the process of de-cluttering, cleaning and reorganizing your home. We are all guilty, some more, some less, of having too much stuff. Somehow it seems to multiply over the years. Having said I'm a proponent doesn't preclude my own human tendencies of putting it off, but at least it's a noble goal.
Take off your seller hat and put your buyer hat on. Start outside your home, in the front, at the curb. Does your home have curb appeal? Could the garden need a little sprucing; some annual plants, some mulch? How about the front door? It sets the stage for what's to come. If it needs to be repainted, don't hesitate. It's an inexpensive fix that goes a long way.
Next, enter your front door. As a buyer, do you really want to see all of the homeowners' personal mementos: pictures, vacation magnets, sports trophies? As a buyer you want to imagine yourself in the space and not be distracted by the current owners' memories. So, as a seller depersonalize.
Look around and experience the space the house affords. Are you feeling open and airy or confined and overwhelmed? So, as a seller de-clutter. Box it up, donate it, give it away or throw it out. Kitchen and bathroom countertops should be cleared. Now, open up the closets as you enter each room. Do they bulge with contents or appear disheveled, giving the appearance that there is not enough storage in the house? So, as a seller rearrange closets and kitchen cabinets.
Noticing any leaky faucets, broken or missing light bulbs? How about peeling paint from a skylight or a loose or broken doorknob. As a seller make minor repairs.
As a homeowner, if your dream dining room reflects your love of the color purple, including dark purple walls, you may want to repaint it to a more neutral color. You can never go wrong with a fresh coat of linen white or a light taupe. And let's not forget the "Dumpster" in most people's homes: the garage and basement. Buyers will take away impressions of the house, and if the garage can't fit the car and the basement is a catchall, their impressions may not be favorable. Last but not least, as a seller clean, clean, clean. Either do it yourself or hire a professional service, but now is the time to spit shine your house.
Homes for Sale in Syosset
As of 9/8/10 according to Multiple Listing Services of Long Island.
Number of Available Homes on Market: 121
By Style:
Cape: 12
Colonial: 35
Contemporary: 3
Farm Ranch: 2
Hi Ranch: 3
Post Modern: 1
Ranch: 26
Splanch: 1
Split: 34
Other: 4
Featured Listing
240 Split Rock Rd., $949,000
4 BR 3.5 Baths
Move right in to this custom-built Colonial, where quality construction prevails. Old-world charm is made even more welcoming with updates and expansion for today's living with the finest details. Kids of all ages will love the in-ground pool, treehouse and basketball court.
