Parting with a home is always hard. And finding a buyer willing to pay your home’s true worth isn’t always easy either. To help you out, here are some home selling pro tips from our team:
Up your curb appeal
First impressions matter – especially in real state. And what’s the first thing people see when they drive by your home? Your front lawn of course. A good tip is to stand on the other side of the street in order to see it the way prospective buyers would. From there, decide what needs to be done. Do you need to replant the turf? Do your exterior walls need to be repainted? Should you replace your doors and windows?
Choose your upgrades wisely
On paper, installing a pool sounds like a great idea. Practically speaking, however, maintaining a pool costs hundreds of dollars a month, which is why many buyers these days often see it as a liability more than an amenity. If you’re looking to renovate with the intention of selling later on, focus on practical home upgrades such as kitchen, bathroom, and living room remodels. And do upgrade with the rest of the neighborhood in mind – while you do want to stand out, you don’t want to stand out too much.
Depersonalize your space
Yes, family photos and mementos hold precious memories, but you’ll want to remove them for the time being. When showing off your home to would-be buyers, you want to depersonalize the space as much as possible so they can
better visualize themselves living there. What’s more, depersonalizing your home declutters it, further boosting its appeal.
It’s all about pricing
Needless to say, homebuyers are a price-conscious bunch. If you price your house too high, you’ll simply scare away prospects. Look at the going rate for properties similar to yours and, depending on current market conditions, shave off a few dollars. Buyers will clamor to make a bid and this could start a bidding war, which can lead to an offer higher than your target price. Even if it’s not a seller’s market, a home that’s priced right will always sell faster than one that isn’t.
Sweeten the deal
While it may seem counterintuitive, offering an incentive makes it easier to convince buyers to accept your asking price, especially if they’re already on the verge of saying yes and just need a little push. Common incentives worth offering include shouldering the closing costs, throwing in a few appliances or furniture, or footing the inspection costs.
Work with a local real estate agent
Selling a home is a round-the-clock job. You have to know where and how to market it and you need to be up-to-date on current market trends. A real estate agent will take care of all of this for you, from determining your home’s value to listing it on the right platforms, screening prospective buyers, and so on. Definitely work with one who has a deep knowledge of your neighborhood and the homes there.
At the end of the day, selling a home is more than just hanging up a “FOR SALE” sign – it involves a lot of marketing, business, and negotiation savvy, too. Get professional help. Get in touch with Cindy Pagnotta at 908.436.7947 or e-mail her at info(at)pagnottahomes(dotted)com.