What more could you want than to get your home sold for top dollar in short order without any hassles? If you take a moment to read through the following suggestions before you put your property on the market, you'll be on your way to a successful sale.
1. Pricing
It is very important to price your property at a competitive market value right when you list it. Ask your Realtor to show you what the average list price of homes SOLD are in the area (not the average listing price of homes on the market) and price your home within that range. In my experience, these are the homes that get the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time.
Here's what can happen if you overprice your home:
- Minimize offers
- Lower showings
- Lower agent response
- Limit financing
- Limit qualified buyers
- Net less for the seller
2. Cleanliness
Most people are turned off by even the smallest amount of uncleanness (is that even a word?) or odour when buying a home. If your home is squeaky clean, you will be able to sell it faster and often for more money.
Make more space by removing items that you no longer need (and don't plan to take with you). This will make your home appear larger.
Odours must be eliminated especially if you have pets, young children in diapers or if you are a smoker. You may not notice the smell, but the buyers do!
3. Easy Access
Top selling agents may not show your home if both the key and access are not readily available. They don't have time to run around to pick up keys and usually won't come back two hours later because you won't be home to let them in.
They want to sell homes! The greatest way to show a house is to have a lockbox accessible to real estate agents.
4. Showtime
When your home is being shown, do your best to get it ready so that it shows well.
- Keep all lights on
- Keep all drapes and shutters open
- Keep all interior doors unlocked
- Leave soft music playing
- Take a short excursion with your children and pets (if practical)
- Let the buyers be at ease and let the agents do their job
5. Paint and Carpet
Paint is your best improvement investment for getting a greater return on your money. Paint makes the whole house look clean and neat. If your house has chipped paint, exposed wood, or the paint looks faded, it is time to paint.
The same is true for your carpet. If it is worn, dirty, outdated, or an unusual colour, you may need to seriously consider replacing it. Sometimes just shampooing the carpet will help a lot.
Many homes do not sell because of this problem. It's a mistake to think that buyers have more money than you have to replace carpet. They don't. They simply buy elsewhere.
6. Curb Appeal
Your front yard immediately reflects the inside condition of your house to the buyer. Make certain that the trees are trimmed so the house can be seen from the street.
Have the grass mowed, trimmed and edged. Walkways should be swept, the snow shoveled and the ice salted. Remove parked cars. This all adds to curb appeal. If a buyer doesn't like the outside they may not stop to see the inside.
Taking these 6 steps will help you to get your home sold for top dollar in short order. For a more comprehensive list, read this detailed report "