“What if we can’t sell this house?”. This is the question that gave Susan and her husband countless sleepless nights while undergoing the process of selling their home for the first time.
Selling your home can be very rewarding but it can also easily turn into a disaster if you fail to prepare for it.
How do you generate interest in your house? After all, the more potential buyers you can attract and show your home to, the better your chances of selling it at a good price.
Here are twelve practical tips to help you get on your way to selling your house quickly with less stress regardless of your experience level.
Tip #1: Don’t underestimate the costs of selling a home
Get ready for things such as closing costs, agent commissions, staging costs, home inspection repairs, seller concessions, and even moving expenses for your next home. These costs could simply add up and overwhelm you if you don’t prepare for them.
Tip # 2: Research whether an agent or alternative is right for you.
A good agent will help you set a fair and competitive price for your property, accompany you through the home inspection, guide prospective buyers during showings (especially during this pandemic where restrictions and protocols are in place), negotiate on your behalf, handle all the necessary paperwork, and more.
Tip # 3: Set the price right.
The best way to set the right price for your property is not through any home valuation tools on the internet, but by hiring a real estate agent.
Remember, An overpriced home is a huge turn-off to buyers.
Tip # 4: Declutter. Clear out before you head out.
As soon as you’ve decided to list your home for sale, start sorting out your things and get rid of the stuff you don’t need. Clear out your closets and drawers to help buyers appreciate your precious storage space.
Tip # 5: Tackle minor repairs early on.
While it can be costly to tackle minor repairs when you list your home, it will increase your chances of a quick sale. Simple repairs go a long way.
Tip # 6: Have an open mind and approach the whole selling process as a business deal.
You’ve spent valuable years living in it; you’ve celebrated countless milestones, accomplishments, and celebrations with your family and loved ones. So it’s only natural to have a deep emotional attachment to your house. Work closely with your realtor for the best way to handle and evaluate purchase offers.
Tip # 7: Research similar homes in your area
When preparing the sale of your home, here are some aspects you could look into for comparison:
Number of bedrooms
Number of bathrooms
Square Footage
Garage or covered parking spaces
Property type (single-family home, condo, etc.)
Tip # 8: Take your emotions out of the equation
For many people, the house they are selling is more than just a place to store their belongings. It’s a reflection of themselves, and hearing criticism can be challenging. A licensed real estate professional can soften the blow of negative feedback and make you see the buyer’s point of view.
Tip # 9: Quality photographs help to sell a home 32% faster.
If you have dark, blurry pictures or just an overall low quality, the chances that homebuyers will stop to take a look at your listing are slim to none.
Professional photographs + Staging = better deals.
Tip # 10: Make your home available for showings.
The more you show, the more you sell.
It’s definitely going to be a challenge keeping your house clean for anyone who wants to schedule a last-minute showing but doing this is the best way to make sure your home sells quickly and for the highest price possible.
Tip # 11: Interview a few agents before committing to one.
Not all real estate agents are the same. Make a list of your preferred agents and talk to them. Ask questions such as how many homes in the area they’ve recently sold and what their average price point and days on the market are.
Tip # 12: The highest offer is not always the best offer
Sometimes, accepting the highest offer could feel like a no-brainer decision. But it pays to carefully study the offer and all factors that come with it. Choose the “cleanest” offer, meaning it has the best chance of closing on time without hiccups. Because in the ever-changing industry that is the real estate industry, “cleanest” always beats highest.
Selling your home need not be a stressful event. It should be an enjoyable experience as you share the space that has taken care of you and your loved ones for so many years. Now is a great time to be a home seller. So grab the whole selling process by its horns and get the deal you and your home deserve.
