There is a need for more homes on the market in many cities across the U.S. It’s definitely a time to sell! So, here are 15 tips for selling your home.
1. Great photos mean EVERYTHING – People are extremely visual. They want to see the layout, colors, appointed features, yard… everything. If needed, hire a professional photographer to capture as much space and light as possible.
2. Signs drive traffic – No matter how much you market your home online or in newspapers, nothing drives traffic like an old fashioned sign. Check your local guidelines, but they may let it slide on the weekends.
3. Cheap laundry baskets are your new friend – Sometimes you will get those last minute calls asking if someone can show your house in 30 minutes. If you have a mess, it’s easier to throw everything in a cheap laundry basket and put it somewhere where a potential buyer doesn’t have to see it.
4. Use a real estate agent – It’s worth every penny to hire a professional. It’s a fact that people who use a good agent sell their homes faster and for more money. Listen to your agent and trust their opinion!
5. Declutter your home – A house should feel and look like a home. DECLUTTER. Think less is more, but be sure that you have it styled.
6. Brighten your space – Make a house seem more cheerful with additional lighting. Add some floor lamps or table lamps to dark corners. Turn on all of the lights in your home before a showing.
7. A coat of paint can change everything – A coat of paint can change the feel of your home and transfer any room into something new! Paint is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make. Embrace it!
8. Concentrate on the kitchen – A kitchen is often the most important room in the house. Work on making the kitchen a little more up to date with minor projects, such as painting the cabinets, getting new countertops, or upgrading an appliance or two.
9. Online marketing – This coincides with having a real estate agent. They are there to help get your home on listing websites, as well as social media. They have their contacts, so allow them to blast through social media.
10. Curb appeal – It’s the first thing buyers see when driving up to your home. Make sure that your place looks inviting because a first impression is everything!
11. Clean the carpets – Buyers want a nice fresh, clean look when walking through a home. Make sure that all flooring is cleaned and ready for showings!
12. Do pre-inspection repairs – If there are any major repairs you think may be needed fixed, go ahead and get them over with before a home inspection. It saves you a headache and any kind of stress from trying to work out the repairs after the inspection.
13. Organize key spaces – Keep in mind that people will be opening all of your doors and possibly even some drawers to check out space and storage. Keep them organized!
14. Store your off season clothes – Speaking of closets, store your off season clothes in the attic or basement so it looks like there is more room. Buyers will appreciate the fact that your belongings are organized!
15. Get a clue about your competition – Another benefit of having a real estate agent is letting them tell you about the competition in your area. Your agent can find out other prices, types of houses, conditions of other homes, and what your house is actually worth in comparison. It’s best to be prepared when potential buyers negotiate price with you and you can actually prove to them why your house is worth the price you are asking for.
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