If you are thinking about selling your home, you want to sell it quickly and for the highest price possible. This can be achieved with savvy marketing and smart home improvements. See what home warranty covers and see if it can be added to the sale of your home.
But the most important view the website of all is when to list your home for sale. That largely depends on the local real estate market, which is why you should work with a local professional.
- Price it Right
Often, the biggest mistake sellers make is overpricing their home. This can happen if you have an overly optimistic view of the value of your home, or if you get emotionally involved in the process.
To avoid overpricing your home, ask an experienced real estate agent for help and use a comparative market analysis to find out what comparable homes are selling for in your neighborhood. Then, think about the features and amenities in your house that you believe will appeal to buyers, such as a spacious yard or state-of-the art kitchen.
On the other hand, overpricing your home can also lead to a long wait time and leave money on the table. That may deter potential buyers and could even turn off those who are interested. And it can cost you in the form of interest payments, carrying costs and the added expense of moving. The good news is that, on average, a correctly priced property will sell within eight to ten weeks of going on the market.
- Make it Look Good
A unkept home, particularly the outside of your property, is a major turnoff for buyers. It may seem like a big job, but a little effort will make your home more appealing.
Before you list your house, clean everything from toilets to closets. Scrub and wax floors, get rid of foul odors and declutter until it sparkles. This will help viewers imagine living in the space rather than seeing your personal belongings everywhere.
Remove photos, treasured mementos and other personalized touches to give viewers a blank canvas to picture themselves in the space. This will also make your home less cluttered and easier to pack up when the time comes.
The exterior should be tidy and inviting too. Wash windows, trim bushes and plants and add fresh flowers to the entrance to welcome buyers. While this won’t have a huge impact on the sale price, it will boost your first impressions and increase your chance of selling quickly.
- Get it Ready
Whether it’s a job relocation, a better school district or a booming housing market, there are times when it is just right to sell your home and move on to the next chapter in life. However, there are many steps to take to prepare your house for the market before you start marketing it.
This process can be very stressful and time-consuming, but the rewards can be huge. Having a house that is ready for the market can speed up the closing process and help you get your money faster.
To make your home more appealing to buyers, you need to detach yourself emotionally and think of it as a commodity that you are selling. This means that you need to clean it, remove clutter and keep a neutral look. You can also do things like increase the wattage of light bulbs and trim the bushes to let in natural sunlight. This can really boost the curb appeal and make your house more appealing to potential buyers.
- Make it Move-In Ready
When a home listing describes itself as “move-in ready,” it generally means that the house is structurally sound and has working electricity, water, heating and plumbing. It may not be in perfect condition, however, and it could need some major upgrades.
When you decide to sell, it is important to detach your emotional attachments to the home and think of it as a business transaction. If you are able to do that, your home will likely sell for more money than it otherwise would have.
Begin packing an “open first” box that includes all of the essentials for moving in, including bedding, a sleeping bag, pillows and towels. Also, make sure to update your address in all of your files and subscriptions, as well as forward your mail, to avoid missing any letters or bills. Donate any items that you no longer need, like clothes, toys, furniture and tools, to charities that offer free donations.
