By Kristin Skeweris, REALTOR®
Why do some homes attract buyers while others do not? Sometimes, it’s for things out of the seller’s control, but more often, it’s because the home is not shown in its best light before it goes on the market.
Below you’ll find several tips to make your home the best it can be right from the start.
Expand Your Online Presence
Did you know more than 90% of home searches begin online? Your home’s digital presentation is just as important as its in-person presentation and curb-appeal.
Listing with a REALTOR® means your home will also be listed on the Multiple List Service (MLS), which then triggers emails and notifications to hundreds of buyers and agents. Plus, your home can be listed on top brokerage websites and search sites.
Declutter
While this may seem obvious, decluttering your home prior to listing can make an enormous impact. Removing extra clutter prior to your photography appointment is critical – but it’s just as crucial to keep it that way for showings.
The best way to achieve this is to truly declutter your home; hiding items in closets will only lead to buyers thinking that the house has too little storage. But that doesn’t mean you need to throw everything away. Many of the items in your home still have life left in them. Consider donating old towels, linens, or blankets to local animal shelters. Household items, decorations, and clothing can be donated to local thrift stores.
Depersonalize
When buyers tour your home, both virtually and in person, they want to envision themselves living there. Consider taking down most (if not all) of your family photos or personalized items with your family name. This is also a good time to remove any excessive decorations from walls, mantles, desktops, and tabletops. Remember, your goal is to sell this home! You’ll be packing these up no matter what. If you’re offering your home furnished, but plan to take artwork or decorations with you, it’s best to remove those prior to photographs and buyer tours.
Give It a Refresh
It can be tempting to leave certain problems for the ‘next’ owner. Things like updating paint, flooring, or appliances can seem extraneous when your goal is to sell the home. However, it can be difficult for buyers to overlook certain things – even minimally cosmetic ones. This includes:
- Painting – Hyper-personalized rooms and loud paint colors can stick out as negatives and could be the difference between picking another home over yours. You may consider repainting in a more neutral color.
- Lighting – Make sure all lights are operational and that you’re using the right wattage and brightness for both your fixture and your space.
- Repairs/Updates – Your REALTOR® will be able to provide you with an action list of items that should be addressed prior to listing.
Price it Right
Buyers today are savvier than ever! They’re researching properties extensively online, including previous sales prices for homes in the neighborhood and even the price you paid when you purchased your home. If they feel your price is too high, they may move on to another property without touring or making an offer on yours. You will also want to discuss whether to offer concessions or buyer broker compensation as part of your overall selling strategy.
Your REALTOR® can advise you how to price your home competitively to garner showings and negotiate the best offer for your home.
Interested buyers will always be out there! Making sure your home appeals to the largest pool of buyers possible from the very beginning will not only allow for a smoother real estate process but should alleviate some of the stress when listing.
Learn more about working with a REALTOR® and the home selling process.
