If selling your house is one of your plans for the immediate future, there are two things you want to happen: have a speedy sale and get a good price for your house. The real estate market looks optimistic, but even with existing demand, you shouldn’t be complacent. Remember that there are also many sellers out there and you have to make yours stand out from the rest. You’ve just hammered in the “for sale” sign in front of your Baltimore home — now, here’s what you can do to attract more buyers.
Tips for a speedy home sale
Making your home attractive to buyers doesn’t have to cost a lot. By paying attention to some presentation basics, you can ensure that your house will get good offers from eager buyers instead of languishing in the market.
Price it competitively
Most homeowners think that they should initially ask for a high price and go low if they can’t make a sale. This is not the best strategy. A price that is too high will discourage both agents and buyers, and will give an impression that you’re not willing to negotiate or not yet ready to sell.
Before putting a price tag on your property, one of the most practical real estate tips that you can apply is to know the current values of homes in your neighborhood. You can check out websites that are designed for this purpose, where you enter an address and a report is then generated showing the estimated worth of houses in an area.
Improve curb appeal
The entryway, lawn, sidewalk, and driveway provide the first view of your house. Remember that when it comes to selling a home, first impressions last. Besides, some buyers have the habit of driving by houses. If they don’t like what they see on the outside, they won’t bother checking the inside.
Here are simple ways to enhance curb appeal and invite more buyers in.
- Apply a fresh coat of paint on the exterior, as well as the front door and garage door.
- If you have a mailbox by the roadside, update it with a new one.
- Clean up. Get a pressure washer and get rid of all the dirt and grime from the walls, windows, sidewalk, and driveway.
- Upgrade hardware like doorknobs, door knockers, and street numbers.
- Showcase your house even at night by sufficiently illuminating the entryway, front lawn, and porch.
- For a touch of coziness, put outdoor furniture with soft cushions on the porch. If there’s still space left, install a swing.
- Trim the garden and add greenery like flowering plants, trees, and shrubs in varying heights.
Declutter and depersonalize
Make sure you’re welcoming potential buyers into a home that’s free from clutter. You’ll have to let go of some stuff to show off a better-looking home. Clutter can obstruct a visitor’s view of the real beauty of your home. Plus, a decluttered house will look larger.
Eliminate unused items in the house, including bric-a-brac and excess appliances and furniture. For instance, don’t leave makeup or grooming items scattered in the bathroom. A buyer walking through the house will think that there isn’t enough storage space if too much stuff is lying around.
Another trick is to depersonalize the space so that the buyer can better envision their family living in it. Remove items that make the rooms feel more personal like photos, artwork, and religious icons.
Make it sparkling clean
You’ll want to give the impression that the house is well taken care of and livable. Here’s a short list of basic steps that need to be done:
- Wash the windows and dust the blinds.
- Wipe dirt, grime, and fingerprints from all surfaces, including walls, floors, and countertops.
- Vacuum the carpet.
- Make sure the oven and microwave are grease-free.
- Eliminate pet odors. If possible, remove your pets from the house while it’s on the market.
Concentrate on areas of the house that visitors are likely to inspect more thoroughly, like the kitchen and bathroom. When tidying up these rooms, imagine yourself as the buyer. Pay attention to the details that catch your eye and proceed to clean systematically.
Go online
Many home buyers these days use the internet to find houses for sale. You can showcase your home by creating your own website or via social media. Make sure to upload lots of photos to encourage buyers to go for a visual inspection. When advertising, also describe what it’s like to live in your neighborhood. Talk about nearby schools and recreational centers. Part of making a good house sale is making the lifestyle attractive.
Selling your house is a big decision and requires major preparations. With the uncertainty of the housing market these days, there’s no telling when you’ll make a sale. Fortunately, there are simple ways to get a leg up on the other home sellers. By being ready for some elbow grease, a few repairs, and creative advertising, you might be signing on the dotted line of a sales contract sooner than you think.
