Smart pointers on selling your house
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 02/24/2009 10:07 PM
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So you’ve finally decided to sell your house. After days and days of mulling over whether to pass it on to a new dweller or simply abandon the idea, you arrive at a strange epiphany: you’re letting it go.
ANC's Shop Talk episode “Selling Your House” gave a useful and easy guide on how to market your house and boost its value.
Marketing your house
Tina Legaspi, a real estate broker discussed meaningful guides in selling your house. She said that first of all, the homeowner should be prepared emotionally. The house should be treated like a product, something that you sell and not something that you own.
One thing that a homeowner should obviously consider is spending on the facade and the exteriors of the house. Because first impressions last and buyers would definitely make an initial judgment on the house’s outdoor features, Legaspi advised to take a picture of your house so you practically have an idea on the extent of repair or makeover.
Buyers could be very clever. They might make a research on your house so if you want to sell your house at a good price, it’s worthwhile to spend on making it look good. You need to stage the house as if it’s new. Consider current ambience, sets of furniture, light and ventilation.
Buyers appreciate a house with wide legroom. One way to create an illusion of space is to de-clutter. Holding a garage sale is a way to go. This way, buyers can envision what it looks like when they’re already staying in the house. Then, organize things that are left behind.
Legaspi shared that it’s wise to set aside personal pieces of furniture (like a bedside table gifted by your mother or a chandelier sent by a friend) and replace it with another that does not have a personal attachment to you since some buyers might misinterpret that it’s part of the package.
Do you really need an interior designer?
An interior designer provides an assessment on what you have and what you can dispose of. He or she has an eye on giving the house a remarkably good price tag.
Lizza Juares, an interior designer shared her views on making your dwelling spaces a must-buy:
Living room. It reflects so much of the homeowner’s personality. It’s where family members and guests spend most of their time lounging around. One should consider good and functional furniture pieces.
Bath room. Since it is a private haven for most people, homeowners should choose good, quality fixtures. A homeowner should be particular with proper arrangement of fixtures. You have to feel a good flow when moving around the bathroom. While shower curtains are still functional for the majority, Juarez said that glass and door slides are ideal for shower space to avoid water trickles.
Dining room. While a rectangular orientation is still being used by most families, which fits the tradition and symbol of hierarchy, Juarez suggested a square orientation to achieve balance and equality akin to Asian culture.
Bedroom. A good bed frame and a sleeping mattress mark the best value for a bedroom. Since it serves as a sanctuary for every homeowner, it’s reasonable to spend more for your area of leisure and retreat.
How much more will your house cost?
After taking into account the steps in selling the house and seeking aid from an interior design expert, you review the ballpark figure on how much the house would cost.
Engr. Raul Punzalan, assistant vice-president of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s (RCBC) Appraisal Department, recommended that the homeowner should add 30 percent of the cost of renovation to the intended price of the house.
Even if your house is not relatively new, you should be responsible and put yourself in the shoes of the next homeowner. Make them feel that they’d love to be in your home. - by MIKI ESPE, abs-cbnNEWS.com
