Seller Tips

The San Francisco real estate market is very competitive, and in spite of a downturn in the local economy, selling property in San Francisco can still be a hair-raising experience. Besides finding a real estate agent whom you like, there is the obvious matter of getting your property into tip-top shape. You will be competing with many other homes for sale. Don't allow their property values to nudge you below your desired sales price.

Make the real estate market work for you, not the other way around. Listen to your real estate agent. Let him or her advise you on how much to invest before putting your San Francisco home for sale on the market. Read through these tips. And then be in touch!

Moneysworth Magazine

You'll never recoup the value of a swimming pool, finished basement, or most other major improvements when you sell your house. In fact, such additions can decrease its value. Instead concentrate on two rooms that CAN help sell a house:

...The kitchen and bathroom.

Even cheaper:

1. Paint the front entrance and put a couple of pots of geraniums by the door.
2. If rooms are even the slightest bit cluttered, remove some of the furniture.
3. No matter what you have in your closets, take at least half of it out. Remove at least half of what you have on your kitchen counter.
4. Clean the house thoroughly and keep the windows clean. Hire a cleaning service if you must.
5. Tighten any loose knobs or faucets.
6. Make sure the porch light and bell are working.

And just before the agent shows the house:

1. Close the garage door.
2. Park the kids and the pets with a neighbor.
3. Put away the kids' toys.
4. Turn on all the lights, and open all the curtains. Exception: Leave the curtains drawn if the window looks out on a wall with graffiti or another eyesore.
5. If there's a smoker in the house, remove ashtrays and other evidence of tobacco.
6. Use an air freshner if the house doesn't already smell fresh. But don't bother if there's a nice cooking aroma from the kitchen.
7. Turn off appliances. It's good, however, to have very soft music playing in the background.

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