5 Tips to Sell a Home Fast

What are the 5 most important things to know when selling your house?  It’s basic!

TIP #1: CURB APPEAL AND THAT FIRST IMPRESSION

Stand across the street and honestly assess how your home presents itself – is it clean, painted, well landscaped and weeded with fresh mulch? Does the mailbox need replaced? Does trim need paint?  Now, stand at the front door – is the front porch free of cobwebs, is the door freshly painted?  Remember, the buyer is looking around while the Realtor unlocks the front door.

TIP #2: DECLUTTER AND DEPERSONALIZE

I know it sounds like an overused phrase, but the buyer wants to see your home as a blank slate where they can envision their things – not yours.  The fewer excess items in the home, the larger it will look and feel…so rent a storage unit and remove the extra furniture and knickknacks, and remove at least one third from your closets.  Simplify and neutralize as if it were a model home, because that’s exactly what it is while it is on the market.

TIP #3: PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE IT COUNTS WHEN UPDATING

Most buyers want a “move in ready” home, not a “fixer upper”.  The easiest ways to accomplish this is with fresh paint, new light fixtures, and new plumbing fixtures.  But the kitchen often sells your house – and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Put in new counters and backsplash, new hardware, and consider a stainless appliance package that is often on sale at a very reasonable price.  Unless your carpet is nearly new, consider replacing.  Your Realtor is often a great resource for vendors who can provide the perfect product at the best price.

TIP #4: PRICE IT RIGHT

Sellers often think they should price the home high to test the market – thinking they can lower the price later if it doesn’t sell.  The truth is, the most activity is in the first 30 days.  In fact, the National Association of Realtors says that if you have not received an offer after 12 showings, the price is too high.  Additionally, after a home sits on the market for an extended period of time, buyers and, many times Realtors, assume there is something wrong with the house – either in condition or floor plan.

TIP #5: ALWAYS BE READY FOR A SHOWING

Morning, evenings or weekends and often with little notice, you never know when “your buyer” will call to see your home. You don’t want to turn down a showing because you didn’t load the dishwasher or make the beds.  Also, leave when your house is shown so your potential buyer can discuss the pros and cons and feel free to look around without feeling like an intruder.