- Improve your home’s curb appeal to make a good first impression on potential buyers.
- Remove clutter and personal items to help buyers envision living in the property.
- Price the home competitively to attract buyers and avoid stigma.
- Make necessary repairs, big or small, to make the property move-in ready.
- Invest in professional marketing, staging, and timing to maximize the sale price.
You’re not alone if you’ve been itching to move on to your next home but can’t seem to sell your current one. Many homeowners are in a similar position, wondering why their property is not luring buyers. Fortunately, there are ways to turn your for sale into sold. Here’s what you need to know about selling a home this year.
Average Amount of Time to Sell a Home
According to reports, it takes about 54 days to sell a home. This was a decrease from over 70 days a year before. That number can seem daunting if you’re eager to move on with your life, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Many homeowners can sell their homes in much less time. Here are why your home isn’t selling and, more importantly, how to fix them.
Poor Curb Appeal
You might have heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” and that is especially true for your home’s curb appeal. The first thing a potential buyer sees when they arrive is your home’s exterior; if it’s uninviting, they may not even get out of their car. Take a critical eye at the outside of your home. Does it need fresh paint? Does the yard need maintenance? Is the hardware on your front door outdated? A small investment in sprucing up your curb appeal can have a big payoff.
Cluttered and Personalized Space
The next most significant turn-off for potential buyers is too much clutter. Too many of your items can make it difficult for a person to envision living there themselves. Also, personal things distract visitors from home, preventing them from focusing on the architectural details or feature the house offers. Put private photos, awards, and trophies away. Rent a storage unit and declutter so only a few basics remain.
Overpriced Home
Pricing your home for what you believe it is worth rather than its value can hurt your chances of a sale. Do your research on homes in your area and price your home accordingly. Overpricing can send the wrong message to potential buyers, and if the house sits on the market too long, it can create a stigma around why nobody wants it. It’s estimated that the average price of homes is around $436,000 this year, so make sure not to go above that price.
The Home Needs Repairs
Buyers want a move-in ready property, and a home that needs significant repairs can turn them off. Even minor undone repairs, like a cracked window, a loose door handle, or a broken fence, can create a negative impression. Do what needs to be done, big or small, and if you cannot afford the repair, consider adjusting your listing price accordingly.
Poor Marketing
Your real estate agent’s marketing plan should encompass more than just placing your home on the MLS listing. Your real estate agent should cast a wide net from professional photography to social media advertising. In today’s digital age, buyers start their search online, so it’s essential to have a strong online presence. Be willing to invest in these perks that can help your home stand out from the crowd.
Advanced Tips for Selling a Home Today
If you want to sell your home fast, consider following these advanced tips for selling a home:
Hire a Professional
Sometimes you’ll need extra help in selling a home. Hiring an experienced real estate agent can give you many benefits. First, it’ll give you someone who can provide pricing, marketing, and negotiation insights. Not only that, but they’ll also take care of the paperwork and legal requirements for you.
Stage Your Home
Staging a home involves arranging furniture and decorating it to show off its features in the best way possible. Professional stagers can help you create an inviting atmosphere for potential buyers, but you can also do it yourself if you don’t have the budget.
Focus on Timing
Timing your sale may help you get more money for your home. Research when the market is hot in your area and time your sale accordingly to get top dollar.
Selling a home doesn’t have to be an impossible task. With the right strategies and techniques, you can ensure that yours sells faster than expected. And with these tips, you’ll be ready to tackle any obstacle that comes up along the way.
