Helena Talbot's blog - How To Verbally Stage Your Home

Now that you are ready to sell your home, you will need to sit down with your realtor and prepare exactly what it is you want to say about your home.  This is called verbal staging and this step of the sales process is very important.  In fact, what you do or don't say about your home could make or break the deal.  So let's talk about verbal staging and what you should be saying about your home.

1.  What is new or almost new - when a buyer is considering a home they see new or newer items as saving money because this is money they will not have to spend in the near future.  Doing this will build value in your home and bring in higher offers.  However, be careful how you use the word "new" because unless something is actually new it is better to specify when it was installed to help avoid any legal problems.

2.  What are your homes best features - what things do you find most appealing  about your home.  Put all of these items into your marketing materials.  The more appealing things you list about your home, the more value you are building into your home's value in the buyers mind.

3.  What makes you different from your competition - it is very important to make your listing stand out above all the rest.  So look at all of your comps and work with your realtor to determine why someone should purchase your home versus someone else's.  The more things you can list the better.   You never know what is going to be important to a buyer.

4.  Brag about your location - is your home in a desirable school district, does your area have family friendly activities, do you have any desirable specialty stores, shops or restaurants nearby.  What about public transportation or the local community center.

5.  Tell your potential buyers how buying  your home will save them money - is your well kept neighborhood free of homeowners association fees or are the HOA fees voluntary.  Are you willing to pay some or all of the closing costs.  Will you be leaving something of value with the home as part of the sale.  Would you be willing to finance some or all of the sale price.  You can mention that your home is move in ready; unlike many of the foreclosures and short sales that litter the current market.

Talk to your realtor about which points about your home are the most important and exactly how to word them.  Your buyers will not always see the entire description online so it is vitally important that you get this part right.  Your agent has the experience to make sure that your listing stands out.  All you have to do is give them the information and let them take care of the rest.

Ispecialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.