Today’s buyers are demanding- there’s no question about it. They’re more knowledgeable about market dynamics and data, they want to see houses on their own schedule, and they know what they’re looking for. Buyers also know that rock-bottom mortgages won’t last forever, and that if interest rates go up, there will likely be a rush to buy. With this in mind, you’ll want to make sure that your own house is in order (pun not intended) before selling your home.
Don’t just sell- market!
Buyers want it all- gorgeous photographs, video walk-throughs, and perfect floor plans. Making sure you have an agent who can develop a full-blown marketing plan, including social media, is crucial to the home-selling process.
On a side note, it helps to think of an agent as an investment, not an expense- with the right professional, you can sell your home at a far higher price and in a far shorter period of time than you would otherwise be able to on your home.
Negotiate with your agent
This might seem strange coming from an agent, but if your agent isn’t able to negotiate with you, how are they going to be able to negotiate with a potential buyer? Be sure to evaluate your potential agent in a variety of ways, and you’ll reap the benefits in no time.
Don’t test the market
Pricing your home right is integral to your ability to sell it at the price and in the timeline that you want. Listing your home too high will lead to required price-cutting, which often leads to a price lower than the estimated value, as well as more time on the market. Underpricing your home, meanwhile, can lead to a low-priced sale, which is unnecessary if you have the right agent and put in the needed footwork.
Go green
While not every upgrade to your home will pay off, one worth keeping in mind is ensuring for the greenness of your lawn. Curb appeal increases sales by up to 17%, according to a 2012 Texas A&M survey, so be sure to upgrade your lawn, whether it’s by new sod or by fertilizer and lots of water.
Fix what’s broken
When it comes to selling your home, a good rule of thumb is to get a home inspection and fix any problems before listing the house. While this will increase your out-of-pocket costs, you’ll greatly increase the likelihood that buyers will make an offer on your property, as they’ll generally want to avoid having to do a ton of work upon moving.
Source: Time