Not all brokers are good brokers, but it’s going to be more profitable for you (not to mention less stressful) to take the time to find the right broker to work with. Find one you mesh well with, that has a similar communication style as you, and who is confident in their ability to sell your home at a price you’re happy with. Spending that time to research and speak to brokers before you put your home on the market may result in you making thousands more than you would have on your own.
Research the Competition in Your Neighbourhood
Find out what homes in your neighbourhood (and local area) have been selling for recently, i.e., within the last six months. Try to find homes that compare to yours in size and condition so you’ll have a realistic idea of what your home may sell for and what kind of properties it will be up against.
Your real estate broker will be able to present you with similar properties that they have had on their books to give you an idea of what a reasonable asking price will be for your home.
Listen to Your Realtor: Avoid an Asking Price that is Too High
If you are selling a home that you have lived in for a long time, you may find that your emotions get the better of you and cause you to push for an asking price that is higher than the market will bear.
It can be difficult, but you need to put aside your emotional attachment when choosing an asking price. An asking price above what your house is worth will simply lengthen the time that your house is on the market and lead to disappointment.
Your real estate broker will be able to advise you on the best price to list your home for a fast sale at a price you will be happy with.
Clean and Declutter Before Pictures are Taken
Putting your house on the market is the perfect excuse to go through all of your belongings and sell, donate, or throw out everything you no longer need or want.
It is also a good idea to invest in a self-storage space while you have your house on the market so that you can minimize the amount of furniture in your home. This will ensure that each room feels as open as possible, and so potential buyers can envision their own décor in your home. You should also put away personal items, such as family photos, as they make it more difficult for potential buyers to imagine their own things in the property.
Lastly, make sure that your house is sparkling clean for each and every viewing, not forgetting about mildew in bathrooms and cobwebs around the home.
Small Changes that Make a Big Impact
An easy way to make your home more desirable to potential buyers is to show that you have loved and cared for your home. Not only is it human instinct to want what others desire, but it will help potential buyers trust that they aren’t buying a problem. Fortunately, doing this is relatively easy.
Check around your home for evidence of previous problems, like water spots, and make repairs. This type of mark will make potential buyers or home inspectors think that there is a problem with the house, even if there no longer is.
While you want to fix any obvious issues, don’t dive into dramatic renovations just to sell your home. Simply adding a fresh coat of paint to any room is enough to make a big difference. Talk to your real estate broker to see if they think you should make any changes.
Dedicate some time to give the outside of your house some sparkle as well if weather permits. After all, it is the first thing that buyers will see when they come to view your home. Get your hands on a jet washer if you can to wash any cladding and sills to dislodge any stubborn debris and dirt. It is also a good idea to hire professionals to clean all of your windows, not forgetting skylights, as they will be able to do the job safely and to a high standard.
Make sure your front and back yards are tidy, including taming any shrubs, mowing lawns, and clearing up any dead leaves if selling your home in the autumn or winter. Take the time to plant flowers in pots or tubs to bring colour in if there isn’t already, clean decks or patios, clear pathways, and set out garden furniture if the weather’s good.
Make Sure Appliances are in Working Order
Ensure any appliances being sold with the house are in full working order, as many offers will be on the condition that all appliances will be fully functional when they move in.
This is also a good time to get heating and air conditioning units serviced and maintained as it shows buyers that you have looked after the house and everything in it.
Have Your Home Pre-Inspected
Paying for a home inspection before putting your house on the market will be a huge benefit. It will enable you to have any problems identified by a qualified individual so that you can fix them before anyone views your home, and it indicates to potential buyers that you have nothing to hide.
Depending on the size of your home, a pre-inspection will be relatively inexpensive, and you reduce the possibility of offers that are conditional on building inspections so that you don’t have to play the waiting game.
If you carefully consider all these points and put them into action, you’ll be well on your way to selling your home quickly and for a great price. If you’re getting ready to sell your home, [CTA to contact you].
