Selling in a Planned Community - Presentation

To compete successfully, sellers in a planned community must create a “wow” factor that sets their unit apart. How well the unit is presented has a major effect on how quickly and profitably it sells.

In addition to competing against properties in other communities, your unit could compete against properties in your own development. Some units may be new and some virtually identical. Some will have cosmetic improvements and some are fully or partially updated. To compete successfully, you must create a “wow” factor that sets your unit apart and helps justify a higher listing price. How well you present your property will determine how quickly and profitably you sell.

Change your unit from a personal space to an appealing product. Most sellers (and many REALTORS®) don’t have the special training and objectivity to do this effectively, so consider getting help from a professional stager. At around $150, a staging consultation is affordable for nearly everyone. Many staging recommendations, like packing and re-arranging furniture, are no cost or low cost. Others require spending some money, but are significantly less costly than a price reduction and may allow you to list at the top of your price range.

Here are some suggestions:

• Stage your entryway and keep it immaculate.
• Remove small accessories.
• Add a solid color door mat in natural material.
• Use medium scale or larger evergreens in simple containers. 
• Use seasonal flowers in a single color for impact. Keep plants groomed.
• Create the impression of spacious rooms with ample storage. Rent space and remove all but the essentials.
• Pack and store family photos, collections and small decorative items.
• Consider full or partial upgrading of the kitchen and bathrooms, if the unit is more than ten years old. This is an investment that pays.
• Replace tired flooring with materials in neutral colors, especially if more than ten years old.
• Repaint everything in a neutral color plan with coordinated colors. Use color creatively to define areas or create the illusion of space. Attractive colors impress buyers.
• Upgrade light fixtures, hardware and faucets. Standard builder items are usually basic quality and won’t support a higher listing price.
• Remove non-essential furniture and adjust the layout to create a dynamic, welcoming impression.
• Use medium to large accessories, including house plants in simple, neutral containers.
• Clean, clean, clean!
  

Smart Selling Tip:  Create a “wow” factor so your unit stands out from the competition. A professional stager can help, whether the unit is occupied or vacant. Staging helps justify a higher listing price and helps make the sale.