Selling a home is a monumental task, but the need for speed can further intensify the process. As we delve into the intricacies of expedient home-selling, it's crucial to focus on strategies that maximize visibility, appeal, and value. Let's jump right into the action plan.
1. Make Sure You Post Your Listing Well
The first thing is to consider hiring a photographer. Someone with an artistic eye can capture the beauty in your home from an outside perspective. A professional will also likely make it look larger and more impressive. You can even consider getting a real estate virtual tour done.
Your cell phone's camera is likely also a decent alternative if you really want to save cash. Just make sure to take thoughtful photos of important features and several different angles. Whatever you choose to do, make sure the quality of the photos is high. Prospective buyers won’t think twice before scrolling past a low-quality photo regardless of its contents.
You'll also want to write a thoughtful description. Think about all the details of your home that are selling points. How many bedrooms and bathrooms are there? What’s the square footage? Where is it located? How old is it? Take a moment to write all of the bonus features. Did you just get a new roof? Do you have a beautiful window seat? A well-thought-out description will not only include the specs of your house but also what makes it a home.
The structure of your description is also essential to make sure it stands out from the crowd. You don’t want the perfectly crafted description of your home to go to waste due to poor formatting.
2. Find a Reputable Real Estate Agent
Don't want to list the post yourself? Most sellers hire a seasoned real estate agent which is paramount. Such professionals understand the local market dynamics, leveraging their knowledge and networks to sell properties expeditiously.
They provide extensive services such as:
- Curating compelling property listings.
- Collaborating with professional photographers for superior property visuals.
- Orchestrating property viewings.
- Advocating for the most favorable deal on your behalf.
Typically, selling commissions range from 2% to 3% of the property's selling price. This investment can pay off, ensuring seamless transactions and potentially higher sale prices.
2. Establishing Competitive Pricing
The essence of quick property selling lies in competitive pricing. Overpricing can deter potential buyers and prolong negotiations. A diligent real estate agent will conduct a thorough market analysis, assessing comparable properties, and ensuring your home is priced just right.
Another strategy worth considering is “just-below pricing”, a psychological pricing tactic frequently used in retail. This involves setting a price slightly below a round number, which can make a property seem more affordable than it actually is.
3. Deep Clean and Organize
An immaculate, decluttered home paves the way for prospective buyers to visualize their life there. Undertake a rigorous cleaning regime, relegating personal items to storage, and streamlining the home's overall layout.
Should your budget permit, professional home staging can amplify your property's appeal. Staged homes have a reputation for faster sales and fetching higher prices.
You'll also want to de-clutter the interior. When it comes to the indoors, eliminate as many things as possible. I’m guessing you’re not a hoarder, but it’s still helpful to have less of your furniture out when showing a home. Pairing down helps with two things.
First, it makes your home look clean and spacious. Second, it allows buyers to reimagine their own furniture in the rooms. This elimination principle works in the kitchen as well. Clear off counter surfaces for a cleaner look. When staging, think less is more and clean is queen.
4. Amplify Curb Appeal
Don't forget to spruce up your curb appeal. A potential buyer will begin judging and reviewing your home before they even set foot on your welcome mat. (By the way, definitely have a welcome mat). Maximize curb appeal by prioritizing the basics like mowing your lawn and power washing sidewalks.
If time allows, plant some cheery bright flowers and switch out the house numbers for shiny new ones. Those are relatively inexpensive touches that make a home feel fresh and new.
Your property's external appearance is its first impression. Dedicate resources to rejuvenate its façade, focusing on minor repairs and cosmetic upgrades:
- Touch-up painting or simply revamping the front door.
- Replacing outdated address numerals or door fixtures.
- Landscaping enhancements like planting fresh flowers or laying bark mulch.
- Ensuring pathways are safe and welcoming.
A well-maintained exterior communicates to prospective buyers that the interior is equally pristine.
5. Promptly Address Minor Repairs
When preparing your home for sale, you might feel the pressure to undertake large-scale renovations. However, often, it's the smaller repairs that can substantially sway a buyer's perception.
Before you list, make a list of important repairs that need to be made in your home. Addressing some repairs may actually increase the profit you were hoping to make.
Prioritize small-scale repairs that can significantly impact a buyer's perception, such as:
- Securing loose tiles or hinges.
- Resolving plumbing issues.
- Revitalizing stained carpets or scuffed hardwood floors.
- If feasible, consider neutral-toned paint touch-ups.
Bonus hack: if you want to kick it up a notch, repainting some less inviting wall space can go a long way. Warm and neutral tones create an inviting environment.
6. Provide Enticing Incentives
Attract buyers with exclusive incentives that make your property an irresistible proposition. Possible incentives encompass:
- Absorbing all closing costs.
- Adapting to the buyer's moving timetable.
- Unconditional agreement to property inspections.
- Offering a transferable home warranty.
7. Consider Selling to a Home Investor
There is a last option to consider in various circumstances. Maybe you bought a fixer-upper and convinced yourself that you were Chip and Joanna Gaines. Turns out you weren’t and now you have a massive project home that you need to move on from. It’s possible you’re experiencing a divorce and just need to sell the thing.
Or maybe you just want to avoid all the fees associated with the listing. There are so many life scenarios that leave you wanting to sell fast and you don’t want to add the stress of staging, repairing or listing.
This is where home investors can be a possible option. They’ll buy quickly with no fees and don’t require that you make any repairs. Just make sure you go with a reputable buyer, you want to make sure you get the most from your property.
Concluding Thoughts
Speedy home selling, while demanding, is attainable. Prioritizing first impressions, availing professional help, and offering enticing buyer incentives can considerably expedite the process. A well-orchestrated strategy ensures your home doesn't just sell fast but also garners the best possible price.
FAQs About Quick Home Selling
Is it Worth Engaging a Real Estate Agent?
A real estate agent's commission, generally between 2.5% to 3% of the property's sale value, can be a considerable outlay. However, for many homeowners, agents are invaluable, providing expert guidance and peace of mind during a potentially tumultuous selling process.
How Prolonged is the Home Closing Process?
On average, home closing spans between 30 to 45 days. Although hitches can arise, swift closures are achievable with adequate preparation from all parties involved.
