CHAPTER 4 Neutralizing Your Home
In looking to sell a home quickly and as painlessly as possible, the home seller must go through a process of removing the owner’s (or tenants’) presence from the house. This process is known in the real estate industry as “neutralization.” A more appropriate moniker for neutralization is “depersonalizing.” Essentially, your goal is to remove the identity of the home so that potential home buyers can picture their future in the home without the “thumbprints” from previous occupants. How does one go about neutralizing the home? Easier said than done. There are even limits to neutralizing a home. If you go too far, your home may appear cold and foreign to potential home buyers and they may have difficulty envisioning just what each room’s purpose is (or could be). Let’s look at the topics and nuances that can influence buyers to say “yes” to your house and close as soon as possible.
HOME RENOVATIONS
Having decided to sell your home and uncluttered, you may use your empty (emptier) house to make renovations to make it more attractive to buyers. This is a sound strategy; however, make sure to make reasonable limits to the time and money you invest on new flooring, new carpets, and updating old appliances. The best time to make home improvements is when you can enjoy them, and not just to sell a property.
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