Did you know that your chances of selling your property are highest within the first seven weeks? Studies show that the longer a property stays on the market, the lower the selling price is likely to be.
To achieve your goal of selling your property for top dollar, there are five key factors (Pricing, Cleaning, Access, Paint and Carpet, Curb Appeal) to consider:
Price your home competitively from the start to sell quickly and for top dollar. In today’s competitive market, even a slight overprice can deter buyers. The first offer is often the best offer.
Overpricing your home can have a negative impact on all aspects of the selling process: fewer offers, fewer showings, less interest from real estate agents, limited financing options for buyers, and fewer qualified buyers.
The majority of the marketing for your home is done when you decide on a listing price. If you’re not willing to price your home at current market value, I recommend holding off on putting it on the market for a while.
Home should be clean. Dirt and odors can turn off even the most interested home buyer. Sellers lose thousands of dollars every year by not cleaning their homes thoroughly enough. If your home is sparkling clean, you’ll sell it faster and for more money.
If you’re planning to move, start decluttering now. Get rid of old junk so your home feels more spacious and inviting.
Odors are a major concern, especially if you have pets, young children, or smoke. You may not notice the smells, but buyers will! Most real estate agents are hesitant to talk to their clients about odor problems, but if you’re serious about getting top dollar for your home, don’t take offense if they bring it up.
Access to your home – Agents will not show your home if they cannot easily access it. They don’t have time to run around town picking up and dropping off keys. They want to sell homes!
The best way to show your home is to have a key available. When your home is being shown, be sure to:
- Turn on all lights, including the exterior coach lights by your front door.
- Open all drapes and shutters.
- Unlock all doors.
- Play soft music.
- Take a short walk with your children and pets.
- Let the buyer feel at ease and let the agents do their job.
Paint & Carpet – Painting is one of the most cost-effective home improvement projects that can yield a high return on investment. A fresh coat of paint can make your entire home feel cleaner, neater, and more inviting. If your walls are chipped, peeling, or faded, painting is a must.
Carpeted floors can also be a major deterrent to potential buyers, especially if they are worn, dirty, outdated, or an unusual color. Many homes fail to sell simply because of this problem. Don’t assume that buyers have the money to replace your carpet. They don’t. They’ll simply move on to the next house.
Curb appeal is the first impression buyers have of your home, so make sure it’s a good one! A well-maintained yard and exterior show buyers that your home is cared for and in good condition. Trim trees and bushes so your house is visible from the street, mow and edge the lawn, and sweep walkways. A freshly painted or stained front door is also a nice touch.
Finally, remove debris and parked cars from the front yard. This will create a clean and inviting space that buyers will love.
Here are some additional tips for improving curb appeal:
-Add colorful flowers or plants to your front yard.
-Repair any cracks or damage to the driveway or walkways.
-Install new outdoor lighting, such as solar lights or post lanterns.
-Add a welcome mat or wreath to your front door.
-Place potted plants or hanging baskets on your porch or patio.
By following these tips, you can easily improve your home’s curb appeal and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
