What does it take to sell a home in a competitive market – a fresh coat of paint or a kitchen overhaul? Lowering the asking price or offering incentives? From cosmetic to strategic, smart sellers can take advantage of a few simple tips to get the most out of their properties. Here are five suggestions on how to help secure a “sold” sign:
Price Point is Paramount When getting ready to put a home on the market, determining the right listing price is the number one most important element in the home selling process. Too high and the home will sit on the market for a long time. Too low and potential buyers might be weary of why it is so low. After you have carefully chosen an agent, the trust you have established will come into play immediately. Have those tough discussions with your agent about where to price your home. Make certain you understand how the agent has arrived at the price, including how previous sales and current homes on the market make an impact. If necessary, jump in the car with your agent and see some of the homes on the market in the area. This will provide first hand knowledge on homes that are available in your neighborhood.
Appeal to Your Audience Work with your agent to determine how to get your home to stand out. Providing incentives is a great way to draw in potential home buyers, and monetary bonuses don’t just have to come from negotiation of the listing price. Sellers can also choose to contribute to closing costs, or conduct pre-home inspections, which can comfort potential home buyers in knowing that the property is in top shape. You can also ask your agent to market it on all sorts of websites so that it reaches out to a large audience.
Leave a Great First Impression Everyone talks about curb appeal, but a first impression is truly lasting. Remember, your agent is your trusted advisor. They will know the necessary updates and upkeep you should make to get the home ready for showings. Trust that they know what is important to get done for your home. But some of this is fairly easy and the front door is particularly important. This is the area where a buyer will first step up to a home – and likely wait for a moment providing time to look around. Do this ahead of time, stand directly in the front door and look up and around at the home from all angles – cobwebs that have not been noticed in years could be the first thing greeting a potential home buyer, so it’s important for this area to give a great first impression. Make sure that any extra dirt and debris is cleared away, the door looks fresh, and any decor in the area is appealing and not in disrepair.
Everything is in the Visual Don’t underestimate the power of visuals in marketing your home. The National Association of Realtors found that, more than 90 percent of home buyers begin their search online. Your agent may push hard for you to have the home prepared for vivid pictures and video of the property that can be posted on websites. Make sure that all of the rooms are viewing ready when the pictures are taken. Nothing is less appealing to a potential buyer than seeing overflowing trash and unmade beds in professional pictures. Make sure home is staged at all times because you never know when a tour could be requested.
Hit the Right Note with all Five Senses When a buyer comes to look at a home they want the full experience. To help a home stand out, your agent may ask you to focus on appealing to all five senses. Small and inexpensive upgrades to the home such as getting the walls painted, de-cluttering and making minor improvements to the outdoor landscape. In terms of “touch,” remember that buyers aren’t just going to look – they’ll be turning on your faucets and opening closets, so make sure closets are clean and organized. They want to see how everything works before they put an offer in. When it comes to making a home smell good, many agents prefer the smell of baked goods rather than fresh flowers or air fresheners which can be overwhelming. Air fresheners can also trigger some people’s allergies, which is a great way to deter people from your home. All of this is being done to allow the buyer to properly visualize living in the home.
Now that you are all ready to sell your home, contact a Coldwell Banker agent today! With four office locations in Nevada County, we are ready to help you sell or buy a home.
Looking to buy or sell in the Nevada County area? Give a Coldwell Banker agent a call today!
