Selling a house is definitely a process with many different steps, from the initial home preparation and through to closing day.  If you’ve been thinking about selling your home and you want to increase your odds of it happening quickly, here are a few suggestions that can be instrumental in accomplishing the process! 

1. Fix what’s broken

Buyers are always looking for the perfect move-in ready home, so paying attention to details is key. If your house needs a lot of work, focus on the major problems in your home. Need a new roof? This is a big ticket item that should be replaced.  Remember that most families want something they can move into right away without spending months making repairs. If there are problems with the home that you can easily fix, whether it be chipping paint or a broken fence post, its best to make the repairs before you list your house. 

2. Update your appliances

It’s important to remember that homebuyers have specific items they look for in a home. For many buyers great appliances can be number one on their wish list.  While you might not be in a position to update every one of your home’s appliances, take a hard look at what your current setup looks like. If they are older or mismatched, etc.. spending money to upgrade one or all of them could make all the difference. 

3. photographs

Your Realtor should hire a professional photographer to take photos/virtual tours of your home. They have the expertise to really showcase your home.  

Photos are one of the most important ways to draw in potential buyers. If someone is looking for a new home, they  typically take a look at real estate websites before setting up showings or attending open houses. Because so many shoppers look online before they decide to explore a house in person, it’s important that your photos look great. 

4. remove the clutter

Clearing out clutter is easier said than done, but if you want to sell your house quickly, you need to remove the clutter. Get rid of extra papers, magazines or memorabilia sitting around your house. Get rid of that pile of clothes next to your dresser. When people walk through your house, they want to imagine what it will be like to live in the home. Even if you can’t get rid of all of your home’s clutter, try to at least minimize the amount of things you have on shelves and on counters to present a clean, neat appearance to buyers. 

5. Advertise, advertise, advertise

Your Realtor has many different avenues to advertise your home. Signage, a large selection of  real estate websites, social media, etc.  Promoting your home as much as possible will yield the best results.

  6. PRICE FAIRLY

Your Realtor will prepare a Market Analysis for your home based on recent sales in your neighborhood/area. This will allow you to price it fairly and in accordance with the comparables.  Over pricing will delay your sale and also prompt buyers to offer you less if they see your home has been on the market for awhile.  An appraiser will also review those same comparables and ultimately has the last say so on the value of your home.

 7. ENTERTAIN ALL OFFERS

Attempt to sell your home to the first person who makes a reasonable offer and one that you’re comfortable with.  It's better to try and negotiate with the first offer you receive.  Typically Buyers and Sellers are able to come to terms and make it to the closing table.  If you do turn down an offer, you never know how long it will be until you receive another one.