Are you thinking about selling your home? It’s a big decision, and it’s natural to want all the help you can get. That’s why I’m sharing my best advice and I’ve compiled it into a few key tips. Whether your goal is to attract high offers, sell quickly, or just make the process go smoothly, these strategies will help you get the best possible results.
One of the most effective ways to sell your home fast and get the returns you want is to work with a professional real estate agent. Not only do they have the expertise to help you with tasks like pricing, marketing, and negotiations, but they also often have a network of connections to help you prepare your home for sale. It’s no surprise, then, that only 10% of homes are sold by owner (FSBO), according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). In fact, a NAR report found that the median FSBO home sells for $105,000 less than homes sold with the help of an agent.
As the housing market continues to adjust in 2023, it’s important to remember that buyers are no longer as eager to make offers above the listing price, waive contingencies, or get into bidding wars. Instead, top agents are advising motivated sellers to focus on tried-and-true strategies. Here are some tips to help you sell your home successfully:
Work With A High Quality Agent
Did you know that a top agent can help clients sell their homes for up to 10% more than the average real estate agent? When you work with me you’ll get the same hard work, attention to detail, and marketing that my team and I provide to everyone.
Enhance the interior of your home
If you want to show off your home’s value to potential buyers, start by making some improvements to the interior. These are some of the most impactful changes you can make:
Tackle repairs and upgrades: One of the quickest ways to set your home up for a fast sale is to tackle any deferred maintenance and necessary repairs. However, it’s important to do your research and focus on the upgrades that will give you the highest return on investment (ROI) and that are in high demand in your area. To get a sense of current preferences, you can visit open houses in the neighborhood, or you can hire a professional to conduct a pre-listing inspection. This will help you identify any essential repairs that could hold up the sale of your home later on. I also help my clients in their decision making by advising them about what people are looking for and touring their home before they start renovations or improvements.
Deep clean the interior: A thorough cleaning can help you sell your home in several ways. It prevents potential buyers from getting distracted by dirt or clutter, enhances the features of your home that might otherwise go unnoticed, and reassures buyers that there aren’t any other neglected amenities hiding in your home. For older homes in particular, it might be worth hiring a professional cleaning service to make sure every corner is sparkling.
Depersonalize and stage the space: It’s important to remove personal items and clutter from your home to make it easier for buyers to envision themselves living there. You should also consider staging the space to highlight the best features of your home and make it feel more inviting. This might involve rearranging furniture, adding some pops of color with decorative accessories, or bringing in some greenery to add life to the space.
Improve your home’s curb appeal
The first thing buyers see when they pull up to your home is the exterior, so it’s important to make a good impression. Here are some ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal:
Spruce up the landscaping: A well-manicured lawn and nicely trimmed bushes can go a long way in creating a positive first impression. If your landscaping is looking a bit overgrown, consider hiring a professional to tidy it up. You might also want to add some colorful flowers or potted plants to add a splash of color.
Touch up the paint: If your home’s exterior is looking a bit shabby, a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference. Choose a neutral color that will appeal to a wide range of buyers, and be sure to pay attention to details like trim and shutters.
Add some exterior lighting: Exterior lighting can create a warm and welcoming ambiance, and it’s also a practical feature that can help with safety and security. Consider adding some lanterns, sconces, or floodlights to highlight your home’s best features.
Be flexible and open to negotiation
While it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to get out of the sale of your home, it’s also crucial to be open to negotiation. Buyers may come to the table with requests or counteroffers, and it’s up to you to decide whether or not you’re willing to compromise. It can be helpful to have a real estate agent by your side to advise you on what’s reasonable and what’s not.
Price your home correctly
Pricing your home correctly is essential to attracting buyers and getting the best possible return on your investment. If you price your home too high, it may sit on the market for too long and turn off potential buyers. On the other hand, if you price it too low, you’ll leave money on the table. A real estate agent can help you determine the right price based on market conditions and local demand, as well as the features and condition of your home.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and profitable home sale. With the right strategy and a little bit of effort, you can achieve your home selling goals.
Contact me today to start a conversation about selling your home and how I can help you all throughout the process.