Selling your home? Once your home is listed for sale, its first few days on the market are critical. A house rarely gets a second chance to make a first impression.
Here are our top 10 tips to make a great first impression:
1) Hire the Right Agent
Selling your home is often a roller coaster ride of dealing with showings, appraisals, termite inspections, home inspectors, closing attorneys, lenders, etc. A competent affiliate broker/agent experienced with problem solving in the real estate profession will prove invaluable in selling your home.
2) Price it Right
If a home is over-priced or listed above market value, its days on market will increase and your chances of selling will decrease. (Refer back to #1) The right agent will research comparable sales data, monitor the multiple listing service (MLS) and stay current on neighborhood trends. All three are essential in determining the best listing price for your home.
3) Curb Appeal
Most active buyers will drive by a home before calling an agent for a showing request. A manicured lawn, weeded flower beds, fresh mulch, and a few potted plants will go a long way toward welcoming buyers. If it helps sell your home, hiring a professional landscaping company is well worth the money.
4) Clean Up
Before creating marketing photos and videos, and definitely before the first showing, make sure your home looks and smells clean. Clean the house from top to bottom. If it helps to sell your home, hiring a reputable cleaning company is also money well spent.
5) Repairs
If something is broken, fix it! A buyer will notice, and even if they don’t, a home inspector will report the issue. Be proactive with needed repairs, and you’ll save time and money.
6) Declutter
Less is more! A nice, clean, organized home will show better than a cluttered, over-furnished home. A cluttered house is distracting to the space and gives the appearance of the interior of your home being smaller in size. Don’t forget the closets and cabinets and yes, buyers will look!
7) Depersonalize
Decorations should accent the home, not over-power or distract buyers. It’s important to remember buyers are looking for homes to fit their personal style and preference. Get a jump on the moving process and pack your personal items. Make it easy for the buyer to imagine themselves and their things in your home.
8) Pets
Everyone loves their pets, but buyers may not! It’s a huge turnoff to a potential buyer if they can see animal hair and/or smell the liter box. Plus, buyers may get distracted or feel threatened by barking dogs. Make arrangements for your animals outside the home during all showings and open houses.
9) Kitchen & Baths
There’s no denying the fact that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. The benefits of remodeling the kitchen and master bath will increase your list price.
10) Be Show Ready
You never know when a potential buyer will want to see your home. Always be “show ready” and keep it clean. Do not leave dirty dishes in the kitchen sink, keep the bathrooms clean, and as always, stay organized.
With the right agent and some preparation, selling your house will be a quick, easy, enjoyable experience. Come talk to us today to get started!
