Selling your home can be a stressful time if you’re unsure of what steps to take to lead to success. Using these five secrets, you can alleviate some of that stress and give yourself the best chance of selling your home quickly and for great value.
Secret 1: The Price is Right
Don’t be afraid to come in just under market value. A house that is priced lower than your expectations believe it’s worth can result in multiple bids — even in the worst markets — and they’ll bid up the price over what it’s worth. It takes real courage and most sellers just don’t want to risk it, but it’s the single best strategy to sell a home in today’s market.
Secret 2: Focus on the Kitchen
You’re not actually selling your house, you’re selling your kitchen – that’s how important it is. The benefits of remodeling your kitchen are endless, and the best part of it is that you’ll probably get 85% of your money back. It may be a few thousand dollars to replace countertops where a buyer may knock $10,000 off the asking price if your kitchen looks dated. The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware. Use a neutral-color paint so you can present buyers with a blank canvas where they can start envisioning their own style. If you have a little money to spend, buy one fancy stainless steel appliance. Why one? Because when people see one high-end appliance they think all the rest are expensive too and it updates the kitchen.
Secret 3: How about that Closet Space?
Storage is something every buyer is looking for and can never have enough of. Take half the stuff out of your closets then neatly organize what’s left in there. Buyers will snoop, so be sure to keep all your closets and cabinets clean and tidy.
Secret 4: Now is not the Time for a Personal Touch
One of the most important things to do when selling your house is to de-personalize it. The person looking at the home needs to be able to imagine their family living there, not yours. Get rid of a third of your stuff – put it in storage. This includes family photos, memorabilia collections and personal keepsakes. Consider hiring a home stager to maximize the full potential of your home. Staging simply means arranging your furniture to best showcase the floor plan and maximize the use of space.
Secret 5: There’s Only One First Impression
No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. It’s important to make people feel warm, welcome and safe as they approach the house. You can typically get a 100-percent return on the money you put into your home’s curb appeal. Entryways are also important. You use it as a utility space for your coat and keys. But, when you’re selling, make it welcoming by putting in a small bench or a vase of fresh-cut flowers.
Do you know someone who’s trying to sell their place? Please do them (and me) a favour and share this blog. It may just help them out.