For Sale by Owner - Pittsburgh

There are typically four types of homebuyers who will look at your home.

1 - First Time Homebuyers - these folks have never bought a home before and need someone to guide them through the process.  We have experience with first time homebuyers and have access to first time homebuyer mortgage programs as well as all of the resources that a first time buyer needs.  First time homebuyers almost always use a real estate agent.

2 - Move Up Buyers - these folks already own a home and want to buy a more expensive home.  They typically have busy lives that include work and other activities and don’t always have time to do their own research on homes for sale by owners.  They typically want all of the research and details handed to them.  Move up buyers almost always use a real estate agent.

3 - Relocation Buyers - these folks are moving in from out of town so they are not familiar with neighborhoods, schools, property taxes, etc.  They need someone who knows the area.  We have lived in Upper St Clair for more than 20 years, sent our kids to school here and know this area very well.  Relocation buyers almost always use a real estate agent from the area.

4 - Investors and Bargain Hunters -  these folks are looking for a deal.  They want to buy below market price.  These buyers are attracted to “for sale by owner homes” since they often like to do their own negotiations.  Sometimes they use an agent and often they do not.

If you are successful in selling your home by owner there is quite a bit of work involved and congrats to you for taking that on yourself. 

In order to get the best return on your investment list with a local real estate agent.  Your local agents knows the market, has access to the premier sites that attract buyers that are looking to buy in your area and the expertise to bring you the best outcome for your home.

GETTING YOUR HOME READY TO SELL


Welcome Home
Picture in your mind your new dream home
Picture new buyers walking in to your current home for the first time, does it look warm and inviting?
Can potential buyers picture themselves living here?
Picture yourself handing over the keys to the new buyers
Say goodbye to this house and look forward to your new Home.

Pack Personal Items
Pack up your personal photos and family treasures.  You want buyers to imagine their own pictures and personal items in their new home.  Stage your home so that potential buyers can see themselves living here.

Remove the Clutter
This is a good time to clean out what you don’t need - give it away - sell it - donate it - your donations may be tax deductible
Pack up what you want to keep and may not need for a while and store it
Clean off kitchen counters - leave a toaster or coffee pot, a few items at most - remove the rest
Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored when not being used
Get a head start on packing what you can

Neatly Arrange your Closets and Cabinets 
Buyers will open closet and cabinet doors.  Neatly organized items leave a good impression

Rent a Storage Unit or Use an Area of Your Home for Packed Boxes
Almost every home shows better with less furniture and less stuff.  Remove or pack what you can and stage your home to appeal to buyers. If your bookcases are now empty, store them. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger.  Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around.

Remove/Replace Favorite Items
If you want to take window treatments, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now and replace them with something nice.  If your dining room chandelier has sentimental value remove it now and install a new one.  If buyers never see it, they won't want it.

Make Minor Repairs
Replace or repair cracked tile, flooring and countertops
Patch holes in walls, touch up paint where needed
Clean the baseboards
Fix leaks in sinks and toilets
Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam
Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have unusual colors on the walls.  Don’t give buyers negative things to remember about your house
Replace burned-out light bulbs, use bright white lighting
Put clean neutral bedspreads on the bed especially if yours are old and worn

Clean Sells!
Wash windows inside and out, clean window sills, remove cobwebs - Clean Sells
Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior - Clean Sells
Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks - Clean Sells
Polish chrome faucets and mirrors - Clean Sells
Clean out the refrigerator, microwave and stove - Clean Sells
Vacuum daily and dust furniture and light fixtures
Replace old rugs
Hang up fresh towels
Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Get rid of any odor

Imagine the Buyer’s First Impression - Welcome Home
Go outside and open your front door. Is the front door clean? Does it need painted? Does the house welcome you? Make a great first impression for the buyer
Walk in each room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer
Make sure there is room for buyers to walk around and imagine what they can do with each room
Make sure window coverings are neat and clean and dust is removed
Imagine you are a buyer - what do you like?  what would you do differently?
Does it look like this house is gently lived it and well taken care of? You're almost finished

 Curb Appeal
Paint your front door (red is a welcoming door color for buyers) or clean it up and decorate with a nice wreath
Keep the sidewalks clear, mow the lawn, and keep the landscaping updated
Clean and paint the window trim and the front porch area of needed
Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number and see a clean, fresh, nice looking home before they even get out of the car

Work with your local realtor to list and market your home

Life is Good - Live the Dream!

Welcome Home!