Diversified Works, Inc

Seller's Guide

If you are thinking of selling your home, chances are you're caught up in a mass of emotions. You may be looking forward to moving up to a new home or facing the uncertainty of a major move across country. You may be reluctant to leave your memories behind or eager to start new and exciting adventures. Remember, I am here to help you with any of your needs. Call or e-mail me today!

If You Are Thinking of Selling,

Getting Your House Ready to Sell

De-Personalizing your house allows buyers to feel at home.  By removing personal pictures trophies, and mementos, buyers can view it as their personal home.

Removing Clutter, though you may not think of it as clutter, makes your house look bigger and more functional.

Kitchen Clutter - The kitchen is the best place to start. Remove everything from the counters and leave only the essential items that you may need.  After you are done with the counter, clear your cabinet and drawers.  Most buyers will go through your cabinets and drawers without thinking.  Box up unnecessary items and store them out of view.

Closet Clutter - Box away any clothing items you hardly use. Also, remove any boxes of shoes. Having a clean closet makes it look bigger and more useful.

Furniture Clutter - Many people have too much furniture in certain rooms.  This can give the illusion of a small and cramped room.  Buyers are always looking for big rooms and having too much furniture can discourage them.

Storage Areas - Basements, garages, attics and sheds should also be kept orderly and clutter free. These areas should remain as clear as possible.

Fixing Up the House Interior / Exterior

Plumbing and Fixtures - All your sink fixtures should look shiny and new.  Make sure that all the knobs work and that there are no leaks. Make sure that the water pressure is up to standards.

Ceilings, Walls, and Painting - Check all your ceilings and walls for water stains.  If you have a leak, make sure you fix it.  Then paint over the stained walls or ceilings. Painting your home can be your best investment. Choose colors that are neutral and appeal to a large number of people.

Carpet and Flooring - Unless your carpet appears old, outdated, and worn you probably should do nothing more that hire a professional company to clean it. Repair or replace any broken or chipped tiles.

Windows and Doors - Check all of your windows and doors to make sure they open easily.  Spray WD40 on any creaky doors, hinges, or stiff doorknobs.  If any windowpanes are broken or cracked, replace them before showing your house.

Odor Control - Minimize any strong odors like smoke, filled trashcans, pets and strong cooking condiments.  Purchasing an ozone spray that helps remove odors without creating a masking odor can do this. For those with pets, make sure you clean the litter boxes as well as dog feces from the yard.

Landscaping - Your landscaping should be at least average in condition compared to your neighbor.  If not, then buy a few plants and brushes and spread them around.  Buy mature and colorful plants to give your yard a sense of vibrancy and color.  Your lawn should be evenly cut, freshly edged, well watered, and free of brown spots. If need be, re-sod the areas that look very unhealthy.

The Back Yard - Your backyard should be clean and free of any debris.  Your yard should be tidy and pools should be cleaned frequently.  All toys bulky toys should be put away.  This will make your yard look big.

Front Door - Your front door should be especially sharp, since it is the entryway to the house. Polish or replace ugly doorknobs, mailboxes, flowerpots and old doormats.  Good first impressions are crucial.

If You Are Thinking of Selling,

30 - Day Marketing Plan

1. Multiple Listing Services:   As members of the Montebello Board of Realtors and the Southern California Multiple Listing Service, all of our listings may be viewed throughout Southern California through MLS Alliance. This allows us to give all of our listings vast exposure to prospective buyers and investors. All of our listings are submitted with exterior and interior pictures as well as detailed descriptions of the property.

2. Internet:   Over 80% of buyers use the Internet to look for properties. All of our properties appear on our Diversified Works website dwirealestate.com, century21.com, century21.com/espanol/home, imrmls.com, tempo.socalmls.com, realtor.com, loopnet.com, foreclosure.com, reo.com, homeseekers.com, homes.com, themls.com as well as all other MLS related websites.

3. Flyers:   Quality color flyers are created for each property. Flyers are e-mailed to other brokers, placed at the property, and displayed on our website. They are also available via e-mail or fax upon request.

4. Local Marketing:   Statistics show that most of the homes on the market are bought by someone who lives within the area. Highly trained agents will aggressively market the properties, giving proper exposure within the community to ensure a high volume of traffic.