Selling problems

D- Traffic Noise: Are you sure you don't have a problem?

Traffic and traffic noise is probably worse since you first bought your home. As a matter of fact, you may have gotten so that you don’t even notice it. The first thing to do is to admit you have a noise problem. It can be one of the worst problems since it's impossible to fix.

You have learned to live with the distractions and so will the next owner, but let them discover the positives of your home before they become turned off by this growing problem.

Try these approaches:

• When you show your home, make sure that the buyers do not have to wait outside by the front door. Ten seconds there and the focus is on the traffic and outside noise. Real estate agents of listed homes, even those with a lockbox, have been known to arrange for the door to be unlocked for the buyer’s agent, allowing the buyers to quickly enter the premises.

• Sell in the winter. It’s the best time to show your home since the windows will be closed and the buyers will not be spending time outside in the cold weather.

• Make an excuse to avoid a showing appointment during rush hour traffic.

• Wet highways generate a real humming sound. Delay showings when traffic conditions are unfavorable.

• Use your traffic noise blockers. Windows and storms should be shut tight and the fan to the furnace should be set to ON, even in the summer. Having the stereo on low masks outside noise while setting a soothing tone.

• Many agents don’t even bother making appointments once they find out a property is vacant and on a lockbox. They could drop in anytime. If your home is listed and is vacant, keep a radio on a music station 24/7. A FSBO also benefits from this concept. It provides some security, gives a feeling of “life” during a showing and gets rid of that stilted silence from an empty house.

                                Houses with a serious and obvious flaw

Start with a price advantage over competitive homes on the market from day one. If you don’t, you’ll run into an extended selling time. Then you’ll be attempting to sell a home that’s stagnant on the market and also has a serious defect.