Selling a house isn’t easy. In fact, it’s something that many families dread. Chances are that you’ve heard horror stories about houses that sat for years on the market without selling, gradually decreasing in price. If you’ve been thinking about selling your home and you want to sell your house as quickly as possible, there are a few ways that you can help the process. There are some factors you can’t control, like location or noisy neighbors, but fortunately, there are 8 important things you can do to give your house the best shot at selling.

1. Trust a professional

There is no doubt that hiring a licensed, experienced, full time Realtor is your best bet at selling your home quickly, for the highest the market will bear & with the least amount of stress. During the typical 30 day contract to close period, there are so many ways this complex transaction can veer off course and fall apart.  Why not hire a professional to manage & negotiate what is most likely your biggest financial investment?  It really matters who you trust - choose wisely.

2. Fix what’s broken & Paint

Buyers are always looking for the perfect move-in-ready home, so fixing your home is key. If your house needs a lot of help, focus on the major problems in your home. Need a new roof? Buy one. A new owner will not want to put a new roof on the house unless you’re offering the home at a serious discount. Remember that most families want something they can move into right away without spending months working on. If there are problems with the home that you can easily fix, whether it be chipping paint or a broken fence post, try to fix them before you list your house.  A new fresh coat of neutral paint on the walls and clean, crisp trim always pays off.  Most people want to avoid this cost & hassle, but it is one of the best returns I see. Homes that don't appear to be well maintained take longer to sell, and often must reduce to entice buyers.  As an Agent, I can be a good resource for where it's most important to spend your remodeling dollars!

3. Update your kitchen appliances

It’s important to remember that homebuyers have specific items they look for in a home. For many buyers great appliances are tops on their wish list for a home. That’s where you come in. While you probably can’t afford to update every one of your home’s appliances, take a hard look at what your current setup looks like. Is the stove outdated? Is the dishwasher tired looking? Dropping a few hundred dollars on a new cooktop, dishwasher or oven might not be the way you want to spend your money, but it could help you sell your house. If someone sees an old stove sitting in the middle of the kitchen that looks like it’s about to break, they may wonder what else is going to break if they buy the house. 

4. Professional pictures

Pictures are one of the most important ways that you can draw in potential buyers. If someone is looking for a new home, they’ll typically take a look at real estate websites before setting up showings or attending open houses. Because so many shoppers look online before they decide to explore a house in person, it’s important that your pictures look great. Hiring an Agent (like me) that hires a professional photographer is essential. This will ensure your home shows the best it possibly can.  Keep in mind, this is significant investment your Realtor commits to spending when taking the listing - so listen to his/her advice.  Do this - and your home will sell faster and for more money!

5. Ditch your clutter

Clearing out junk is easier said than done, but if you want to sell your house quickly, you need to ditch your clutter. Get rid of extra papers, magazines or memorabilia that is sitting around your house. Clean out beneath your beds. Get rid of that pile of clothes next to your dresser. When people walk through your house, they want to imagine what it will be like to live in the home. Even if you can’t get rid of all of your home’s clutter, try to at least minimize the amount of things you have on shelves and on counters to present a clean, neat appearance to buyers. I have a great checklist I provide to all my sellers, I'd love to share it with you.

6. get the word out

Remember that buyers probably won’t drive by your house and see the “For Sale” sign in your yard. Rather, they’ll find your house online or on social media sites. Use a Realtor that will engage in multiple sites for maximum exposure, and do your part to like, copy & share from his/her site to your own.  And, remember - direct any interest straight to your agent for follow up.  

7. Price it right!

You’ve spent years developing memories in your house, so it’s normal to want to attach a price tag to those. Unfortunately, the reality is that you can’t afford to ask too much for your house. Remember that buyers are looking for a good deal or strong value.  They want to know that they’re getting their money’s worth when they buy a house. A good agent will show you what other houses are selling for in your area and suggest a realistic range based on sold comparables.  There is no point in overpricing because #1 - agents know the market and #2 -most buyers have financing, and the home will need to appraise to satisfy the lender.  

8. Detach from your emotions

One mistake that many sellers make is thinking they will find the "right" buyer for their home, one that will love & care for the home the same way they have.  It's important to realize that you don’t have any control over what happens to your home once you sell it. If the buyer wants to tear down walls, paint everything green or add a bunch of garden gnomes to the yard, that’s their decision. For a quick sell, don’t be choosy about your offers. Sell your home to the first person who makes an offer that is reasonable and that you’re comfortable with.  You've decided to move, so make this a business decision, and not an emotional one. 

If you are ready to move, give me call - I'd love to help you reach your real estate goals!

Tracy B.

(936) 718-8766