07.21.08
Having a Yard Sale to Help Sell Your Colorado Springs Home
I’ve seen how clutter can kill a home sale. Too much “stuff” can distract visitors and detract from their experience in the home. So, prior to putting your piece of Colorado Springs real estate on the market, why not have a great yard sale? Clearing out the house will not only provide you with a little fun money but chances are you’ll net more in your home sale, as well. This is how preparing a yard sale coudl make you thousands.
Here are a few things to remember:
1. Check your neighborhood rules and regulations to make sure you can have the yard sale when you want to. See if they have any signage restrictions, etc. that may affect your marketing.
2. Prepare ample signage to advertise the yard sale and your location. If you are off the beaten path, you may consider putting an ad in your community paper. Always advertise the sale online (on sites like CraigsList.com that are free).
3. Pick up plenty of change (especially quarters, one’s and five’s) so you can make change for purchases.
4. Label all items with price tags. You will always make more at the sale by starting the bidding (other than having visitors suggest sale prices).
5. Keep things in the driveway instead of in the garage. More people are likely to stop if you have plenty of tables and racks in full view from the road. Not enough stuff? Combine your sale with a few neighbors. You will get fewer drive-by’s and more visitors if it looks like it’s worth their while to stop.
6. Organize clothes by size. If parents are looking through clothes for their kiddos, make it easy for them to find everything in one spot. Their browse faster and will purchase more.
7. Keep pets inside. I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve had a “friendly” dog run me off from a good yard sale before I was really done looking. If you can keep them in the house, you’ll have more comfortable visitors.
8. Set the atmosphere with music. Invite neighborhood children to sell snacks or coffee.
9. Finally, call a local thrift store and schedule a pick up after the sale is over. You do NOT want to be carting these items back in the house. Afterall, the purpose of the sale is to de-clutter the house. Resist the temptation to hold on to things that you will never use again.
A little planning goes a long way for yard sales. You can even spread the work out over time if you think in advance. It’s worth your time and effort to clear out the house and make your home more saleable. If you have questions about getting your home on the market for sale, complete our Seller Packet Request and we’ll get a free copy to you ASAP.
