How To Sell Your Home Quickly
Interest rates are higher now and the market may be slowing down. However, that doesn’t mean nobody is buying houses. As a homeowner, it is important to be prepared for when you put your home on the market so you stand out from the crowd. Selling your home can be a daunting task, but with these 5 tips on how to get your house ready to sell, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and for the best price possible.
A home is probably the biggest single asset that people own. It is also one of the biggest investments they will ever make. Selling your home is a major decision that impacts the rest of your life going forward. There are many reasons why you might want to sell your home quickly. Here are a few ideas to help you to sell your home quickly and easily.
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1. Price Your Home Realistically and Be Willing to Negotiate
Many homeowners believe that their home is worth more than it actually is because of the emotional attachment that comes with it.
In order to sell quickly, one of the most important aspects of selling your home is pricing it correctly from the start. Overpricing your home will only discourage potential buyers and lengthen the time it takes to sell.
On the flipside, if you underprice your home, you may lose a lot of money. The best way to find a realistic price is to consult with a real estate agent who is familiar with your area. They will be able to give you a comparative market analysis (CMA) of similar homes that have recently sold in your neighborhood.
Once you have an idea of what your home is worth, you can then make a decision on how much you are willing to negotiate. It is important to keep in mind that the buyer will also be looking to negotiate, so don’t be afraid to start high and come down from there.
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Negotiation tips
- Don’t be emotional. Remember that this is a business transaction, so keep your emotions in check.
- Know your bottom line. Before entering into negotiations, know how low you are willing to go and be willing to walk away from the deal if you aren’t getting what you want.
- Be prepared to compromise. In any negotiation, both parties will have to give and take in order to come to an agreement.
- Seek the help of a real estate agent. They can help you negotiate on price, repairs, inspections, and closing costs.
2. Invest in Curb Appeal
Stage your home so that it looks its best for potential buyers. The first thing anyone will see when they pull up to your home is the outside. You want to make sure that your home looks welcoming and inviting, so they are already picturing themselves living there.
Start by giving your home a good power washing, both on the exterior fence and the deck or patio enclosure if you have one. Then, add some fresh mulch and flowers to your landscaping. If you have any old or broken furniture, get rid of it. You want the buyer to be able to see themselves using the space, and that can be difficult if the space is cluttered.
Once you’ve taken care of the outside, move on to the inside by decluttering each room. You want to make sure that each room looks spacious, so remove any unnecessary furniture.
In the living room, for example, you may only need a couch and a coffee table. In the bedroom, you may just need a bed and a dresser. The goal is to make each room look as open and inviting as possible.
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Rearranging tips
- Personal items: Remove any personal photos or mementos if possible so that the buyer can imagine themselves living in the home.
- Furniture: Rearrange furniture so that it is placed in a way that makes the most sense for the room. For example, in the living room you may want to create a conversation area by placing the couch and chairs around a coffee table.
- Storage: If you have any items that are taking up space, use storage baskets or consider storing them off-site until after the sale.
3. Get Your Home in Tip-Top Shape
First impressions are everything! Before potential buyers come to see your home, make sure that it is clean and in good repair. No one wants to buy a home that needs a lot of work. Before you put your home on the market, make sure you take care of any necessary repairs and upgrade any features that may be outdated.
Some repairs that you may need to take care of include:
- Fixing any cracks in the foundation or walls
- Repairing any leaks
- Replacing any old or broken appliances in the kitchen
- Updating the plumbing and electrical systems
Once you’ve made all of the necessary repairs, you can then start thinking about upgrades. These are not necessary, but they can help your home stand out from the competition. Some upgrades you may want to consider include:
- Installing new countertops or flooring
- Painting the walls
- Adding energy-efficient features
Making the necessary repairs and renovations before putting your home on the market will not only help your home sell faster, but it will also help you get a higher price.
4. Ensure Your Home Is Move-In Ready
Once you’ve taken care of all the repairs and upgrades, it’s time to start thinking about making your home move-in ready. This means that you need to deep clean your home from top to bottom.
Move from cleaning the floors to the walls and windows. In the kitchen, make sure that the stove and oven are spotless. In the bathroom, make sure that the toilet is sparkling and that there is no mildew in the shower or tub.
You also want to make sure that your home smells fresh and clean. This can be accomplished by opening up all the windows to air out the house and using scented candles or diffusers.
By making your home move-in ready, you will help potential buyers picture themselves living there and make the decision to buy much easier.
5. Don’t Forget the Fireplace
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If your home has a fireplace, now is the time to give it some TLC. This is one of the most important features in a home, especially during the winter. You want to make sure that the fireplace is clean and in working order.
- Start by giving it a good cleaning, removing any soot or debris that may have built up over the years.
- Have the chimney inspected to make sure that there are no cracks or blockages. This is especially important even for a fireplace without a chimney if you haven’t used it in a while.
- Once you’ve taken care of the fireplace, you can then start thinking about decorating it. Some things you may want to consider adding to the fireplace are:
- A mantel
- A clock
- A vase of fresh flowers
- A bowl of fruit
- Paint or wallpaper
- Decorative logs
- Candles
By taking the time to spruce up your fireplace, you will create a warmer and more inviting space that potential buyers will love.
6. Market Your Home Actively Through Online and Offline Channels
Once your home is in tip-top shape, it’s time to start putting the word out. In order to sell your home quickly, you need to make sure that it is being marketed properly. This can be done in online and offline avenues.
Some offline marketing techniques you can use include:
- A sign in your yard
- Passing out flyers in your neighborhood
- Listing your home in the newspaper
Some online marketing techniques you can use include:
- Listing your home on as many popular real estate websites/marketplaces as possible such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com
- Using platforms like Facebook to spread awareness
Working with a real estate agent will usually take care of most of the marketing, but it’s fine to suggest your own ideas. By using both offline and online marketing techniques, you will reach a wider range of potential buyers and increase your chances of selling your home fast.
7. Be Flexible to Home Viewing at Any Time
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One of the keys to selling your home quickly is being prepared to show it at any time. You never know when a potential buyer is going to want to see your home, so you need to be available for showings and keep your home clean and tidy at all times.
If you have young children or pets, you may want to consider hiring a babysitter or pet-sitter to help you out. This will allow you to be available for showings without having to worry about the kids or pets making a mess.
By being prepared to show your home at any time, you will make it easier for buyers to see your home and increase your chances of selling quickly. Focus on the prize and be patient. Soon enough, you’ll be moving into your new home!
Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these simple tips, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and for the best price possible. With a little bit of preparation, you can be one step closer to safely moving into your new dream home! Just make sure to start early, so you have plenty of time to get your home in tip-top shape and market it actively.
