Selling a House on a Budget--Preparation is Essential!! Real Estate 2023

[@rareroots]

Hi, I had a window cleaning business in OC and did a lot of work for realtors, they would often pay me if the seller was cheap. Clean windows make a HUGE difference. And if you have torn ratty screens get new ones, or leave them off. ✌️

[@AudraLambert]

Thanks for sharing! Great point about the screens! Thanks for the comment...and yes, I have paid for window cleaning in the past too:).

[@johnd4348]

As far as paint, I never go cheap. Stay away from Walmart paint or Big Box discount paint. Shermin Williams is all I use. Yes its a little more expensive, but it goes on smooth, one coat and just looks better. Better to paint a wall once than 2 or three times. But thats just my experience of owning rental property for 20 years. My parents had rental property for 40 years. Guess who did all the painting.

[@AudraLambert]

Great tips...appreciate it!!

[@pamelayeager2083]

I agree. The one time I told a painter to supply the paint, it took three coats to cover my light beige walls. He bought a brand I’ve never heard of possibly to save money. Never again.

[@6j6666]

I use exterior on interior. Way better paint.

[@johnd4348]

@@6j6666 i 100 percent agree

[@PaintingandExercise]

Word of warning. I have seen professional painters reuse Sherwin Williams 5 gallon paint cans in order to make you think that SW paint is what you are getting. They buy cheap paint and put it into SW cans.

[@conservativemovement]

Here in Massachusetts a popular bumper sticker reads: "Yes, this is my truck. No, you cannot borrow it. "

[@P.Galore]

Save on Paint: Take ANY Sherwin Williams paint color name or code and Home Depot can duplicate it. You'll save $35+ a gallon.

[@johnd4348]

You have a great video presentation. Very informative and direct.

[@AudraLambert]

Thank you kindly!

[@elisabethlafontaine8979]

Oh Audra, how i love your helpful videos. You talk about paint costs but it’s the painter’s costs that i balk at. I’m a senior, have no garage for stuff and all i do is expensive! Trying to cut costs! Thanks for your helpful suggestions! I’m getting started for a fall sale!

[@i.am.navkaur]

You are so good. Been watching your videos for the last 3-4 hours and have learned a ton. Thank you so much, Audra.

[@florencehendrick4781]

God bless you Audra!!! All brilliant ideas...you are the best! thank you! We all need to help the budget....

[@AudraLambert]

Ahh...Hi Flo...thanks for your comment.

[@diegoaragon3343]

Your genuine honesty comes through in your videos. If you were here in Florida I'd contract with you immediately to sell my house!

[@AudraLambert]

Wow, thank you! Really appreciate your kind words...means the world to me.

[@Psalms121KJV]

Agree!

[@ladikmk]

Thanks Audra!!! Lots of great, helpful info here that's definitely going to help in the Spring.

[@AudraLambert]

So glad its helpful. Best of luck to you!

[@julianavillanueva7385]

Love all your advice from a girl that’s in the trenches. In the middle of listing my property.

[@AudraLambert]

You're going to do great!!

[@theanadevine]

I’d love to know if you have recommendations on exterior paint colors too. Thanks in advance, Audra and team ⭐️

[@krislindberg1220]

Wow! I wish you were in Tennessee, we are prepping our 2 year old home for sale and would hire you in a heartbeat. We do love our agent though. Thanks for the great tips!

[@AudraLambert]

Have referral agents all over the USA and we are happy to connect you with them, if you are still in need.

[@DriveForShow]

Great tips, Audra.

[@AudraLambert]

Thanks...glad you think so:)

[@florencehendrick4781]

Such valuable information...always so helpful, and transparent indeed....Sure wish there were more realtors like you!!

[@AudraLambert]

I appreciate that! Thanks for your kind comments.

[@georgialandau6870]

Very good info

[@AudraLambert]

Glad you think so! Happy to help!!

[@b00bala64]

Great Quality Paint and want to pay less…..look for neutral paints returned bec the color wasn’t correct. You’d be surprised how many neutrals are returned and are sold cheap.

[@AudraLambert]

Great point! Excellent idea!! Thanks for the tip!

[@kaystinebrink1220]

I have drapes in my bedroom. They are not custom. Are you saying I should take the drapes and rods down? Is this really a better look for photos? Walls and woodwork are White Dove BM and newly painted. I took drapes down from living room and one other bedroom already.

[@AudraLambert]

Great question! If your drapes are dark and dingy and/or damaged...and take away from the room, then I say yes...remove the. When I am viewing home seller's properties, the mistake they make is they hang the drapes too low, the drapes are either pooling on the ground or too small for the area. If your drapes and rods enhance the room, then leave it. You can be the judge. I usually have my homeowners take down heavy, dark draperies. With that said, I have black velvet drapes in my living room and love them. They fit the space well. Sounds like you are doing all the right stuff. Best of luck, by the way!!

[@lhbeese]

Call a paint store and ask for mistints

[@steve-o5600]

What about popcorn ceilings?

[@AudraLambert]

Popcorn ceilings are definitely something to remove.

[@huskersue5123]

My home is 12 years old. The paint inside is light..not white..and crown moulding, doors etc. are white. I have had the exterior professionally painted. Do you think not painting the inside will limit interest to those who might want to buy? I am a recent widow and on a very limited budget. Thanks.

[@AudraLambert]

Hello there! Your paint pallet sounds good. I would just make sure you touch up any blemishes if you can. The main thing is to ensure the house looks inviting. If the paint isn't too dark, you'll be fine. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Best of luck to you. Hope that helps!

[@johnd4348]

Any comment on virtual stagging. and selling a home that is empty. No furniture or anything.

[@AudraLambert]

I like virtual staging supplemented with traditional staging. I can always tell if a house is virtually staged. I will virtually stage a few bedrooms in the house...but not the whole house. A vacant house had "make me a offer/deal I can't refuse" written all over it. The seller of a vacant house has carrying costs. Buyers will sense the seller is motivated and potentially offer a lower price than market value knowing the seller may be bleeding money. If the property is staged and vacant, the buyers know the seller is investing into the property and probably not stretched for cash. Crazy, i know. The house never looks better than when its staged (properly)...just my opinion. However, if the house has a lot of less desirable furnishings then I would prefer a vacant house over a messy, cluttered house. Hope that helps.

[@johnd4348]

@@AudraLambert Yes . Helps a lot. My house will be vacant because I am moving into my second house. I just built. Thanks

[@AudraLambert]

@@johnd4348 Congrats on building a second home. Thats amazing!!!

[@samash1704]

Helpful video! Audra's videos are mostly from the seller's perspective. Would the opposite be true for a buyer? Do I want to buy a house that's a mess inside so that I'm not overpaying?

[@AudraLambert]

If the house is messy, it an indication that there may be a lot of deferred maintenance on the property. You may pay less for the home, but pay more for improving it or fixing some of the items on the home. However, if the house has been well maintained by the presentation isn't that great, you may be able to negotiate a better deal. Really depends on the situation.

[@johnd4348]

My house was bought several years ago. The pictures on the internet look terrible. I have done a lot of work on the house. It looks totally different then when I bought it. . Can I get those taken off, or have realtor take new pics.

[@AudraLambert]

The pictures that are on the internet do not come down unless you list your house with another agent and populate MLS with newer updated photos. Most of the time, the new photos override the older ones. If you are selling your house, make sure your agent hires the best photographer out there. Pictures say a thousand words.

[@CatsAreNiceMeow]

If a listing agent does not use a drone, stager or a professional photographer (they state their pictures are good quality) how much is fair to reduce on their commission without being unfair to them? My agent is seasoned and a great seller. In the case above (not offering those services) is paying 4.5 percent too high? Thank you!

[@AudraLambert]

Hello there!! I Usually charge 2.5% for my full listing service. (staging, high end photos, home inspection, appraisal, private showings, and all my marketing materials are top notch). I will discount my commission if staging is not required to 2-2.25% commission (depends on the price point). If a seller doesn't want all my services, I will still take high end photos no matter what, put a lock box on the property and charge 1.5-1.75% commission depending on the price (the higher the price, the lower commission rate). The buyer's agent commission is the second part of the commission that you would want to work with your agent on. The buyer's agent commission is not required as a seller to pay for...but most sellers in my area are still offering buyer agent commission to assist with a buyer's agent's commission. The buyer's agent commission is not fixed and can range from 0-3% or more in my area. I would discuss this with your agent. Is a very sensitive topic right now. Best of luck to you.

[@CatsAreNiceMeow]

@@AudraLambert Thank you so much for the detailed explanation. You’re amazing! Anyone who chooses you to represent them is extremely fortunate!

[@auntlizzy1308]

@@AudraLambertmy agent is charging 7%! Did I misunderstand what you wrote? Or is it because my home is less than $500,000?

[@AudraLambert]

@@auntlizzy1308 It sounds like there may be some confusion regarding commission rates, and I’d recommend getting clarification directly from your agent to ensure you’re on the same page. We’ve entered a new stage in real estate, where the listing agent’s compensation is typically focused on their portion at the time your home is listed for sale. Once an offer comes in from a buyer and their agent, there is usually room for negotiation regarding the buyer’s agent’s compensation as part of the overall deal. In my previous message, I mentioned that if a home is at a higher price point, I might consider reducing my compensation, as the compensation percentage may not be as significant on larger-priced homes. However, in cases where a home is under $500,000, it's not uncommon for compensation rates to stay closer to the standard, depending on the specifics of the market and your agent’s policies. Again, it would be helpful to clarify this directly with your agent to ensure everything is clear and to avoid any misunderstandings. I hope this helps.

[@nikkim9540]

Thanks Audra for very informative article. I have a question not related to staging though. I have a studio in a very good location downtown Toronto. The studio doesn’t have parking and locker. There’s a locker and parking for sale in that condo. Do you think it will add a good value at selling the studio someday or it’s not worth it for the studio to have parking and locker. Thanks 🙏

[@AudraLambert]

Hello there! I hear Toronto is a beautiful place to live. Its on my list to visit. However, I don't know the area that well. If I was buying a studio I would want a locker and parking. Just saying. I would check the resales in the area to see if they offer this additional parking/locker to see if the property fetched a higher value. I would also contact a local realtor who knows the area very well. Best of luck to you!! thanks for the question.

[@nikkim9540]

@@AudraLambert Thanks Audra so much for your feedback. You’re one of the best in the industry . Please let me know if you visit Toronto someday.

[@AudraLambert]

@@nikkim9540 Will do!! I am thinking next year:)

[@debbieversteeg2407]

Is there a paint colour for the outside of a house that really sells?

[@AudraLambert]

Hi Debbie, it really depends on your area. In my area, the white exterior house seems to be trending. Every neighborhood is different. I would do a little research in your area to see what's selling...you can even ask a trusted realtor. Best of luck.

[@laurieshaw1960]

Hi Audra, love your videos. Question - I keep getting 5x7 cards in my mailbox with 'I Wanna Buy Your Home". Is it ever a good idea to contact these people?? Am I on some kind of list, that let's them know I might be thinking of selling my house? Just wondering your point of view. Thanks.

[@AudraLambert]

Well, it can't hurt to respond...but be aware it may be a gimmick just to list your house for sale. However, a hand written personal note I would prefer to respond to. Postcard seems a bit gimmicky. I know I have written hand written notes for my buyers who are looking in an area. I would be open to it but cautious at the same time.

[@mikerudd4943]

I did not know you used to be a stager

[@denadeerdancer594]

Or, the people watching just need something NOT depressing, political, or upsetting from someone, who, like a welcoming house is light and bright and comfortable. 😊

[@Anne-uh4ii]

Hi Audra, what white paint color/code would you recommend please?

[@AudraLambert]

Hello Anne, I usually use a very basic white: Swiss Coffee, Simply White, and Whisper are usually my go to white paint colors. If the house is really bright, I would go with a more softer white live White Dove. Every paint color shows up differently in each house. Really depends on your lighting. I have found those 4 paint colors have worked the best for me. Best of luck to you. It will turn out great.

[@Anne-uh4ii]

@@AudraLambert Thank you so much :)♥

[@AudraLambert]

@@Anne-uh4iiYou're so very welcome. Best of luck!

[@AudraLambert]

@@Anne-uh4ii You are so very welcome

[@RABPWarrior]

THERE ARE A MILLION DIFFERENT SHADES OF WHITE HELP!!!! 😂

[@RABPWarrior]

No bed for 30 days 😂 poor kid 😅

[@annmarienoone9879]

Too much Botox in the upper lips?

[@AudraLambert]

Laughing..botox in the lips? Don't do that. How would you eat or speak.