Find out what your home is worth, then shave 10% off the price. In this current buyers market you are aiming to receive multiple offers, and buyers will bid up the price over what it’s worth. It takes courage, but it is the best strategy to sell a home in today’s market.
Selling Secret #9: Half-empty closets
Storage is something buyers are looking for and you can never have enough of. Take half the clothes out of your closet, and neatly organize it. Buyers will always open closets, so be sure to keep all your closets and cabinets clean and tidy.
Selling Secret #8: Light it up
Maximize the light in your home. After location, good light is the one thing that every buyer wants in a home. Take down the drapes, clean the windows, and change the lampshades. Do what you have to do make your house bright, it will make it more sellable.
Selling Secret #7: Play the agent field
A secret sale killer is hiring the wrong Real Estate broker. Make sure you have a broker who is totally informed. They must constantly monitor the comparable listing and know what properties are going on the market. Find a broker who embraces technology – a tech-savvy one has many tools to get your house sold.
Selling Secret #6: Conceal the critters
You might think a cute dog would warm the hearts of potential buyers, but you're wrong. Not everybody is a dog/ cat lover. Buyers don’t want to walk in a home and see a food bowl, smell the litter box or have tufts of pet hair stuck to their clothes. It will give buyers the impression that your house is not clean. If you’re planning to sell your house, keep it clean and odorless.
Selling Secret #5: Don’t over-upgrade
Quick fixes before selling always pay off. You probably won’t get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your house on the market. Instead, do updates that will pay off and get you top dollar. Get fresh paint on the walls. Clean the curtains, replace door handles/ cabinet hardware, fix leaking faucets and clean the grout.
Selling Secret #4: Take the home out of your house
One of the most important things to do when selling your house is to de-personalize it. The more personal stuff in your house, the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Get rid of family photos, kids toys and personal keepsakes. Arrange your furniture to best showcase the floor plan and maximize the use of space.
Selling Secret #3: The kitchen comes first
The benefits of remodeling your kitchen are endless, and the best part of it is that you’ll probably get 85% of your money back. It may be a few thousand dollars to replace countertops where a buyer may knock $10,000 off the asking price if your kitchen looks dated. The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware. Use a neutral-color paint so you can present buyers with a blank canvas where they can start envisioning their own style. If you have a little money to spend, buy stainless steel appliances.
Selling Secret #2: Always be ready to show
Your house needs to be "show-ready" at all times – you never know when your buyer is going to walk through the door. You have to be available whenever they want to come see the place and it has to be in tip-top shape. Don’t leave dishes in the sink, the bathrooms sparkling and make sure there are no dust bunnies in the corners. It’s a little inconvenient, but it will get your house sold.
Selling Secret #1: The first impression is the only impression
No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. It’s important to make people feel welcome and safe as they approach the house. Entryways are very important. You use it as a utility space for your coat and keys. But, when you’re selling, make it welcoming by putting in a small bench, a vase of fresh-cut flowers or even some cookies.
