10 Quick Tips to Sell Your Home Faster
Like most people interested in selling their home, you have likely read lots of advice. Do you know the biggest mistake many people make when selling a house? Not understanding real estate value or how it’s assessed.
The value of your home is determined by buyers and the market. What you enjoyed about your house may be irrelevant when it’s time to sell. Think in terms of what buyers want, and use this list sell your home faster!
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Know the Market
What have similar houses sold for? What was their condition? How long were they on the market for? Did they have upgrades you do not, are they smaller or larger homes?
There are so many factors that go into a home valuation; how does your home compare? Have those examples ready to show potential buyers. Not sure where to get that information, or what it means? Talk to an agent! As experts we can explain everything from Days on Market to the potential value of those gorgeous new granite counter tops.
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Set Your Minimum Price
Find the price below which you just won’t move. That way, you can make decisions based on fact, not emotion. If you are working with an agent, you are not REQUIRED to tell them this price, but helping them understand your motivation can only lead to an easier transaction!
Curious about what you will walk away with? Working towards your sales budget while factoring in potential costs is something, as agents, we are here to help you with. You don’t know what costs you can face until you face them, and an agent can help prepare you for most, if not all, those potential factors in estimating your final sale numbers.
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Fix Your Curb Appeal
Imagine that you are a buyer and are seeing your house for the first time. What is your impression? If something negative jumps out, fix it! It doesn’t have to cost a lot. Sometimes it can be as simple as trimming a hedge or repainting a door.
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Clean the Neighborhood
If a neighbor’s yard is a mess, give their kids $10 to pick up the yard. Spend $20 to put flowers in any common-areas, and buyers will have a better first impression of the neighborhood.
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Not Moving Fast Enough? Try a New Approach!
If you are not happy with the amount of time it’s taking to sell your home, talk to your agent about what can be done. Maybe it’s time to reposition your home in the market (lower the price). Perhaps feedback can help steer you. Whatever it is, rely on your agent, as the expert, to guide you in the right direction.
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Listen to Prospects
Ask your agent to share showing feedback with you. Buyers are far more objective than you. If you hear several times that the kitchen is dark, get out the white paint.
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Pay Attention to Marketing Time
If your house is taking longer than average to sell, there’s a problem, and usually it’s the price.
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Get a Plan of Action
Before you commit to the listing agent, ask for a marketing plan. Get it in writing and ENFORCE IT!
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Need Repairs? Get Estimates
Buyers are not usually realistic when negotiating repairs. If you know your roof is old, get an estimate. The buyers may ask for $8,000, but if you have a quote for $5,000, it’s hard for them to justify the additional money.
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Be Reasonable
Many deals fall apart because one of the parties makes irrational requests. When you sell your home. it should be a win-win for everyone. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes when responding to requests. You may be surprised at how smooth things can go! The end goal is that everyone walks away satisfied, and to get there, rely on your agent’s advice and expertise.
Are you looking to sell your house but don’t know where to start? If you are in my service markets of Northern Virginia, Frederick, Loudoun, Clarke, Warren and Shenandoah counties, I'm happy to help! Outside of this area? Contact me and I will connect you with a real estate professional in your area AT NO COST TO YOU!! We are here to help you get one step closer to your goal and set you up for success!Nicole Lewis, Realtor® - www.happyhomesva.com - 540-431-9239 - nicolelewis@premiermove.com
