Ways to get your home sold quickly!

I am currently staging a home for resale, and it got me to thinking about ways to get a home sold quickly... and with little or no money!  For those who are already homeowners, the last thing you want is to miss out on a replacement property because you are unable to sell your existing home.



If your home is in a great location, you're already half way to getting it sold - assuming it is priced appropriately.  You can always make improvements to a home, but unfortunately, you can't do anything about its location.  However, whether your home is in a great location or "less than ideal" location, it is still important to get it "market ready"!

#1  Price it right from the start.  It doesn't matter to a prospective buyer what you paid for the house, or how much money you've put into it.  Your asking price should be supported by the area's sold comps.  The longer a home sits on the market, the greater the probability you'll get an offer that is less than your asking price (or not get an offer at all).  Time is money in real estate.  Price your home properly from the start (or maybe even strategically) and you should see results!

#2  Stay impartial.  The bottom line is that it doesn't matter if you believe your home is "better" or "worth more" than comparable properties.  You're entitled to your opinion, but so are buyers and their realtors.  The goal is to get your home sold.


#3  Enhance the curb appeal.  This is SO important.  Along with location and neighborhood, your home's first impression occurs before a potential buyer even steps foot inside the home.  Trim the shrubs, mow the lawn, get rid of weeds, sweep debris off walkways, and brush off any pesky spider webs!  A good power washing of the entire exterior also goes a long way.  If you want to spend a little money, you can also plant a colorful flower bed, add new mulch/bark, etc.

#4  Clean, clean, and clean some more.  Clean ALL surfaces - countertops, floors, light fixtures, baseboards, window sills, walls, sinks, tubs, cabinets, drawers, closets, etc.  If you see it, clean it!!!  A clean house translates as being well-maintained.


#5  Minimize, de-clutter, de-personalize.  Less is often more when selling your home.  It takes the emphasis away from the decor and showcases the home's "bones".  Allow some "breathing space" in your furniture placement, as well as on your walls.  Put away personal photo galleries and "chotchkies".  If something is breakable, it's best to put it away anyway.

#6  Show all the storage.  De-clutter and organize ALL the closets and cabinets!  Buyers will snoop.  Keep only what you use or need, and donate or toss everything else.  Try to keep a portion of each cabinet empty.  Buyers value storage space.



#7  Stage the rooms.  Give rooms a specific role.  Help them envision how each room can be used.  Show potential buyers what can be done with "unconventional" spaces.  Have an alcove in the master bedroom for instance?  Set up a little sitting area or small desk space.  

#8  Pet control.  Unfortunately, some people may have pre-conceived notions about homeowners who have pets - and subconsciously discount the condition of a home.  To appeal to a broader market, it's best to remove all signs of animals (and any pet odors too).



#1  Paint.  Got scruff marks on the walls?  Need to patch some holes from that gallery wall of personal photos?  Well then, spackle and paint before the open house!  A fresh coat of paint is one of the most inexpensive and impactful ways to refresh your home.

#2  Update, but don't remodel.  While updated kitchens and bathrooms are always a positive, I wouldn't recommend doing any full-blown remodeling projects before you sell.  You may not get the return on your investment that you expect.  Taste is discretionary, so don't bother designing for the next homeowner.  Instead, perhaps spruce up an outdated room with fresh neutral paint, new hardware, modern lighting, or new fixtures.

#3  Take care of deferred maintenance issues.  Have a pesky leak?  Gutters full of leaves?  Broken window screen?  You get the idea.  Go through every room in your home and "inspect" it.  It's a good idea to do a walk through of the exterior too.  You don't want to give any "red flags" to buyers.  Good home inspections will uncover the issues, but you don't want buyers to (mentally) discount the asking price due to apparent deferred maintenance issues.



#4  Create an inviting entry.  Spruce up the front door with paint or a new stain.  Update the exterior lighting, house number, door handle, knocker, etc. if your budget permits.  A potted plant/flowers and simple entry mat will also make an inviting entry.




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