Spring into Action: Getting Your Home Ready to Sell – “If I Can Smell It – I Can’t Sell It”

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As I sit down to write this article on Tuesday evening, I’m reminded of how unpredictable spring weather can be. It’s chilly outside, and I can’t help but wonder—what happened to the nice weather we had over the past few weeks that gave us a glimpse of hope? Many of you are either enjoying spring break, preparing for it, or just returning home. Spring break often signals two things in my world: first, that we’ll be mowing grass in just a few weeks, and second, that people are starting to think about buying and selling real estate or thinking about having an auction. With that comes a flurry of activity, and we’re already starting to see people reaching out about listing their properties and scheduling their spring and summer auctions.

I’m excited to share that we already have some great properties and auctions coming up in the next several months, but before we start the season, I wanted to talk about getting your home ready for the market.

When I first got into real estate, a seasoned pro gave me a piece of advice that stuck with me. She said, “Brandon, if I can smell it, I can’t sell it.” While it’s a humorous saying, there’s definitely a lot of truth behind it. Over the years, I’ve seen my fair share of homes—some pristine, others in need of a little TLC. As you prepare to sell, you might be wondering what exactly you should be doing to get your home ready to put it on the market. After nearly thirty years in the business, here is my advice……

There are generally two types of sellers:

  1. The Immaculate Seller – This seller’s home is spotless, and you could literally put a “For Sale” sign in their yard any time. They typically ask, “What can I do to improve my home?”
  2. The Tidy-Up Seller – This seller’s home might need a little more attention before it’s ready to hit the market. And that’s perfectly okay! Sometimes, a little guidance is all it takes to transform a home into a buyer’s dream.

So, to help guide you, here’s my list of Brandon’s Must-Dos to get your home ready for sale:

1. Give Your Home a Deep Clean
This one’s a no-brainer. If buyers see a clean home, they’ll be more likely to imagine themselves living there. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as these are places that buyers scrutinize the most.

2. Make Sure Everything’s Tidy for Showings
When showing your home or preparing for a photographer to take pictures, make sure beds are made, countertops are wiped down, and there are no dirty dishes in the sink. And here’s a tip that I see overlooked far too often—make sure the toilet seat is down. It’s a small detail, but trust me, it makes a big difference!

3. Organize Your Closets
Buyers will open every closet they can find. Make sure they don’t have to fight to shut the doors! Keep them neat, and make sure that they are not too full.

4. Consider Renting a Storage Unit
If your home is cluttered with too much furniture, toys, or other belongings, consider renting a storage unit. A clean, decluttered home will allow buyers to visualize their own things in the space.

5. Let the Light In
Before showings, open all your blinds and turn on all the lights. Natural light can make your home feel more inviting, and well-lit spaces will appear more spacious.

6. Take Care of Your Pets
If you have pets, try to ensure they’re not home during the showings. Tidy up pet toys, food bowls, and cages, and keep pet odors to a minimum. A clean, neutral space will make it easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves in your home.

7. Enhance Your Curb Appeal
Spring is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to spruce up your landscaping. Fresh mulch, mowed lawns, and a tidy yard can make a significant impact on the first impression your home makes.

I recently sold my own home, and I followed every step on the list I’ve shared with you. It can definitely be a lot of work, but trust me, it pays off. The more effort you put into preparing your home, the better the results you’ll get.

Here’s a final tip: If your home isn’t getting showings, when you leave for work, try leaving the bed unmade, leave dishes in the sink, and leave clothes on the floor. I guarantee you’ll have three showings that day! It’s a little tongue-in-cheek, but I’ve seen it happen more than once. 😊

Whether you’re planning to sell this spring or summer, or you’re just getting started, it’s never too early to begin preparing your property for the market. Remember, the more you do to make your home shine, the better your chances of selling for top dollar.

As always, keep dreaming big, investing wisely, and remember—whether it’s homes, businesses, treasures, or transitions, we’re here to help you move forward.

Cheers, Brandon Steffen

The Ever-Changing Auction Industry

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Remember the days when you would get up on a Saturday morning and drive to a live auction? It was a great place to grab a hotdog and coke and catch up with the neighbors under a tent while, at times, trying to outbid the same neighbors when the item you both wanted came across the block. The atmosphere was electric. The chant of a great Auctioneer is mesmerizing, exciting, and enticing. Any auction that could pull 100 bidders to attend was considered a huge success!

That all changed in 2020 when Covid hit. While the online auction platforms had been growing steadily since the mid-1990’s, they went into overdrive with the onslaught of Auctioneers needing to market their customer’s goods but not having the ability to have a crowd present. Honestly, everyone thought that this would be temporary and that most auctions would go back to the old way of business after things settled. However, there were unanticipated benefits to moving the bidding online; The reach of the auctions went global!

People ask us “Will you ever start doing live auctions again?” Aside from a unique circumstance that would be in the best interest of the seller, we do not see the live auction days returning.

As much as we miss the atmosphere and all that goes with the live auction, we believe that online auctions are the future of the industry. We have seen both growing and lasting benefits to online auctions. Among those is that auction registrations have risen from around 100 (at a good live auction) to a point that it is more common than not to have 500 plus bidders for an auction. The pool of bidders has also expanded to the entire world.

We have also observed that we are reaching a new market of younger bidders who will stay on their phone or computer all day long to watch items that they are interested in. In the latter years of live auctions, it was difficult to maintain a strong crowd presence after only a few hours. I am thankful that so many of our long-time bidders have easily made the transition to bidding on their phone or computer. I recently helped a 95-year-young woman set up her iPad to be able to bid at an auction. She showed up on pick-up day and, when I asked her how it went, she said “It was a blast!” with a huge smile. For my part, I have to say, it is pretty nice to sit in my easy chair and bid on something that I am interested in, especially when the weather is bad.

We will continue to have open house events for our auctions. We believe this is a true benefit to our local buyers who have the chance to walk through the auction and personally inspect the items that they are interested in.

Auction customers who sell with The Steffen Group receive the benefit of our in-house shipping service. This gives us an opportunity to ensure things are safely packed and affordably shipped which, in turn, helps create customer loyalty to our auctions. We have multiple out-of-state buyers who regularly buy from our auctions, and we have shipped items all over the world.

So, as we consider all that has changed in the auction industry in the past five years, we see that auction industry is healthy, strong, and continuing to grow. With eight Auctioneers and a complete support group to help with everything from setup and clean up to photography and marketing, we have the ability to help you market your merchandise to the world.

Rod Fetters

Inherited a Home with a Reverse Mortgage? Here’s What You Need to Know

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I hope everyone has had a great week! Our office has been incredibly busy with The Guinn Estate Auction and The Junk Ditch Liquidation Auction taking place this past weekend. Both auctions were very successful, and we’re happy to have wrapped them up for our clients.

Recently, I’ve worked with numerous clients who have encountered reverse mortgages after the passing of a parent or loved one. Often, these mortgages were not disclosed during the person’s lifetime, and family members only learn about them when settling the estate. This can lead to confusion and uncertainty about what happens next.

This week, I want to address some common questions about reverse mortgages and what you should know.

What is a Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a loan available to homeowners aged 62 and older that allows them to convert part of their home’s equity into cash. Unlike a traditional mortgage, where the borrower makes monthly payments, a reverse mortgage pays the homeowner, and the loan balance grows over time. The loan typically does not have to be repaid until the homeowner sells the property, moves out, or passes away.

How Do They Work?

Homeowners receive funds from the lender in the form of a lump sum, monthly payments, or a line of credit. Interest accrues over time, and the loan balance increases rather than decreases. The loan is secured by the home itself, meaning repayment is due when the homeowner no longer lives in the house.

Are Reverse Mortgages a Good Idea?

Reverse mortgages can be beneficial for retirees needing supplemental income, but they are not right for everyone. While they provide financial relief, they also reduce home equity, which can impact inheritance. Additionally, borrowers must keep up with property taxes, insurance, and home maintenance—failing to do so can lead to foreclosure.

Can I Still Sell a Home with a Reverse Mortgage?

Yes! If the homeowner passes away or decides to sell, the home can still be sold. However, the reverse mortgage must be paid off from the proceeds of the sale. If the loan balance exceeds the home’s value, the heirs are not personally responsible for the difference—federal insurance covers the shortfall.

Does It Matter Where I Get My Reverse Mortgage?

Absolutely. Not all lenders are the same, and terms can vary. It’s crucial to work with a reputable lender and fully understand the loan terms. Seeking guidance from a financial advisor or attorney before committing to a reverse mortgage can help avoid surprises down the road.

Final Thoughts

If you or a loved one is considering a reverse mortgage, communication is key. Families should openly discuss these decisions to avoid unexpected challenges later. While reverse mortgages can be a useful financial tool, they should be approached with a full understanding of their long-term impact.

If you have any questions about reverse mortgages or real estate in general, feel free to reach out to one of our team members.

As always, keep dreaming big, investing wisely, and remember—whether it’s homes, businesses, treasures, or transitions, we’re here to help you move forward.

Cheers,
Brandon Steffen