ELEVEN Essential Steps for Estate Property Sales
Appraise, Distribute, or Sell Valuables • Professionally appraise potentially valuable items before distributing them to heirs as part of the dissolution of an estate. Christie’s Auction House is a wonderful resource to appraise and sell items, and we can make recommendations for other companies to handle specialty items and items of lesser value. Assess Repairs & Maintenance Needs • Single-family homes: Consult your agent about a pre-listing home inspection to identify major repairs, but the decision about a formal inspection before listings and showings is a difficult one, given the requirements for disclosure to potential sellers. Consult with your expert agent before entering into the assessment and repair process. • Do, however, fix all visible issues: For example, a leaky faucet, cracks in walls, broken or dated appliances. People are put off by even small things during a visit, and it is always more cost efficient to make these repairs instead of discounting the sale price or giving a repair credit to the buyer. Enhance Curb Appeal • Single-family homes, multi-family homes, and commercial properties: Improve landscaping, exterior paint, driveway, and yard condition. Repair broken stairs and lighting. Remove old curtains and paint window frames. Remove any items visible from the windows. Consider adding decorative touches to the exterior, such as a statement color to the front door or nice planters, as an inexpensive way to enhance curb appeal.
Do a Final Deep Clean Using Professionals • We all know the value of first impressions. Failing to present an immaculate home to potential buyers is a fast track to an underwhelming offer. Don’t risk it. • Hire professional cleaners for a final, thorough cleaning before staging. Professional cleaners are worth the expense. A deep cleaning can help to remove musty odors and enhance the viewing experience of prospective buyers. Stage the Property for Showings • Staging matters, a lot. But don’t try it before all the previous steps are complete. • Use neutral colors and minimal furniture to create an open and airy space. • We know that professional stagers are worth the extra up-front expense , every time. If the estate has a limited budget, our team can work with the furniture that is already in the home. • It’s generally much easier to stage and show if the property is unoccupied. Prepare for Showings & Open Houses • Ensure the property is spotless before every showing. Make sure it smells fresh and is ready for flexible scheduling. • For apartments, your agent should coordinate with building management to ensure smooth access for potential buyers.
To learn more, visit us at ChristiesEstateProperties.com, call us at +1 212.956.4823, or email info@ChristiesEstateProperties.com
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ChristiesEstateProperties.com
Trusts & Estates Division | +1 212.956.4823
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