The $1,000 Lightbulb

Would you ever spend $1,000 on a lightbulb? Sounds like a huge price tag, doesn’t it?

Before putting your home up for sale, there is an important psychological shift that increases your chances of selling your property for the highest price – and that’s changing your mindset from that of a home OWNER to a home SELLER.

A homeowner sees the COST of replacing a burned-out lightbulb at about $10.

A home seller recognizes that every burned-out lightbulb could COST YOU $1,000.

Discerning prospective buyers are looking for signs of neglect. We all know the larger red flags like cracks in the foundation and water stains on the ceiling. However, there are small warning signs, like clogged downspouts, weeds growing through driveway cracks, and burned-out lightbulbs. These all affect buyer confidence.

Back in my days as a yoga instructor, there was a common theme in class: “How you do anything is how you do everything”. If the downspouts are clogged, what else is in disrepair? If there are weeds in the driveway cracks, what other maintenance has been neglected? If the lightbulbs are out, how long has it been since someone lived there? Each one of these could lead to a lower offer on your home. Cumulatively, they could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

Especially in the current Buyer’s Market where sellers are competing for buyers, little signs of neglect may position your property as less turn-key than another home on the market.  Anticipate any doubts in the eyes of your potential buyer and address them before putting your place up for sale…right down to the lightbulbs.

If you’re thinking of listing your property this year, let’s do a complete walkthrough and make sure that you aren’t potentially leaving any money on the table.