12 Great Home Selling Tips You Should Know
Moving from home buying to home selling follows a relatively predictable path. When you initially got into the real estate market as a first-time home buyer, chances are you had a goal to find the best home for your needs at a reasonable price. However, now that you are at the point of selling your property, it is important to adopt a more practical approach and take all the necessary steps to attract potential buyers.
Understanding the local market and getting the highest exposure to real estate are vital elements to a successful home sale, but they are not the only factors. In addition to hiring a seasoned real estate agent, there are steps you should take in order to attract prospective buyers and get several offers.
In this read, we are going to take a comprehensive dive into the world of property selling by providing 12 tips that you can implement to help you sell not just in a reasonable time frame but at an ideal price.
Expert Real Estate Tips for Home Selling
Before we dive into the gist of things, it is crucial to bear in mind that real estate agents operate at their best when treated as partners. As a seller, you’ll likely have various goals that you wish to achieve throughout the process. By treating your agent as a valuable resource, you’ll be able to leverage their expertise to make informed decisions regarding your home or any offers you may receive.
That said, you will want to seek the best person for the job, so do not skimp on the hiring process. Do your research and narrow down to a reputable party who can seek the best price for your property. With that in mind, here are expert real estate tips for a successful home sale.
Get an Accurate Appraisal for Home Selling
As a first-time home seller, obtaining a precise appraisal for your home should be a top priority. To ascertain an accurate valuation, it is imperative to hire a trustworthy appraiser. If you hired a reputable and seasoned real estate agent, they can be a valuable resource in this regard as they will most likely have connections with local appraisers.
Also, it’s paramount to know how to use the information you garner. You may think that setting a high listing price and reducing it later is a good idea, but this will only make the potential buyers suspicious. Leverage the knowledge and expertise of a real estate agent to come up with a strategy that will lure serious buyers and help acquire the most amount of money.
Use the Power of Home Staging
The real estate market is almost always competitive and in order to stand out, you should not overlook staging. Home staging services are an excellent resource for taking listing photographs, arranging open houses, and showcasing the property to prospective buyers. By creating an inviting setting, home staging allows people to appreciate all the unique features of the house.
Showcasing an empty home makes it hard for potential buyers to envision themselves living there. The same applies when taking professional pictures or hosting open houses. Luckily, home staging services are readily available as a practical solution to ensure your property looks at its best without the need for your own furniture.
Similar to appraisal services, your real estate agent may come in handy when looking for a professional and affordable home staging company.
Learn About the Commissions
Bear in mind that you will need to pay the standard real estate commission in your region. As such, knowing the average commission rate beforehand and the advantages that each agent offers is imperative in making an informed decision.
Start by looking at the track record of every agent you’re considering doing business with. Then compare their commission rates and advantages in order to pick the one that matches your needs.
During your hunt, chances are you will come across 1% of agents who provide minimal services. However, working with a full-service agent is typically smarter from a value standpoint. Do not hesitate to reach out to growing agents like us who offer comprehensive services and expertise in navigating the housing market.
Organize House Showings that Add Value
Showings are a vital aspect of the home selling process as they provide prospective buyers the chance to explore the property and check that it is move-in ready. Interested buyers may want a few viewings, which provide the chance to showcase your property and add value.
It can be tempting to highlight the most valuable sections of your home, but this approach may end up overwhelming the interested parties. Adding value while making prospects comfortable calls for a delicate balance, which is why you should leave the showings process to the real estate agent. By entrusting them to showcase the best features of your property, you can maximize the chances of a successful sale.
Host Open Home Selling Events
If your property type allows for open houses, this can be a great way to attract potential buyers while still making minor repairs behind the scenes. Hosting an open house also presents an excellent chance to boost your property’s curb appeal and make a lasting impression on buyers.
Before you host one, however, ensure you organize and declutter any personal items in the house. Schedule the event during optimal lighting conditions and consider adding fresh flowers in the living spaces for an extra touch of elegance. Deep cleaning your house is also vital in leaving a good impression on potential buyers.
Hire a Professional Photographer
Professional photos will help highlight the best features of your house, such as how spacious it is or the amount of natural light it gets. Amateur photos, however, even when captured with the latest iPhone will leave a lot to be desired and even undermine the most appealing features.
Hiring a professional real estate photographer for your listing photos can be a world of difference. In addition to using top-of-the-line equipment, these professionals also know the various elements that most buyers will be looking at.
A seasoned real estate photographer can help boost the initial perception people have of your property, which can certainly streamline the selling process.
Research the Market and List it at the Right Time
As with most industries, the housing market also fluctuates. Factors like economic conditions, political situations, local traditions, and weather patterns affect the frequency at which people buy new homes. As a result, the real estate market experiences both high and low seasons.
If you are looking to sell your house, it is important to understand the local market and the best time to list the property. Analyzing local trends and seeking guidance from a real estate agent will help identify when your property has the best chance of selling.
Clean the Visible and Storage Areas
Prospective buyers will certainly judge the cleanliness and check the storage spaces. This may seem tedious, but taking the time to clean and de-clutter can make a substantial impact on the impression your house makes and get the interest of serious buyers.
You do not have to spend hours on a deep clean, but it’s imperative to make sure that your house is tidy and presentable. Get rid of any unnecessary items or clutter, and organize storage areas to showcase their size and potential. Doing this will help create a welcoming atmosphere that helps people envision themselves living there.
Make Sure There are No Pets During Showings
Most people love pets, but they are more likely to be a hindrance during the showings. As such, consider locking them in a different room or have the neighbor look after them.
Leverage the Lighting in the Home Your Selling
Lighting is a key factor when it comes to purchasing a house. As such, you will want to leverage the natural lighting available on your property. Make sure that windows and light fixtures are not only clean but also in good condition. Dirty windows will only block natural light and make the interior appear dingy. Outdated or broken light fixtures can also be a turn-off to most buyers.
Also, consider adding extra lighting to spaces that are naturally dark like basements or rooms without windows. This will help brighten up the space to create a more inviting ambiance.
Consider Smaller Repairs Instead of Complete Remodels Before Home Selling
Chances are a whole remodel won’t do much to add value as much as you would like. As such, it is better to focus on smaller repairs such as broken tiles rusty hinges, leaks, etc. A fresh coat of paint can also go a long way in not only adding value but making the home more attractive to prospective buyers.
Create a Clean Slate
Last but not least, it is paramount to create a clean slate in order to make a good impression. While this might seem trivial, it can be hard to achieve, especially for first-time home sellers. After all, removing everything can make the house feel empty and unwelcoming. Instead, keep a few natural furniture pieces that will not overwhelm the space, but give people an idea of how they could use the space. It is all about achieving a balance between a blank canvas and a cozy, lived-in feeling.
The Takeaway
Selling property is entirely different from buying one. However, they both call for intense preparation and dedication for the process to be successful. Do not forget that it’s best to work with a seasoned real estate agent if you want a smooth and less stressful experience, take the time reach out to our team today!
Interested in investing? Read our post on Real Estate investing.
