With the recession and its negative effects on many industries, the real estate market has also been affected and has registered a massive decline for the past four years. According to a new research from Prudential, a high number of older people choose to sell their homes and rent during their retirement years, while the number of first-time buyers have seen the highest level since 2007. The housing market remains a delicate subject these days, as more and more people are determined to sell their homes and try the rental alternative, to help pay off their debt.
If you are in the real estate market this time of the year, it might be good to have a look at the list below, which includes the ten best tips to keep in mind before selling your home. As a vendor, you might be aware that the asking price is probably the most important factor in this process, so you may want to consider lower it to attract buyers. But read on for the rest of the useful tips to help you generate more interest from people.
1. Consult a real estate agent
If you have decided to sell your house, the best thing to do is to ask three different real estate agents from your area about the strategy they employ in the selling process. They can offer great insights and news about the market, which is the best method to take, as well as a suggested price tag. Consulting someone who’s informed about the housing market is one of the best tips to keep in mind before selling your home.
2. Maximize the light in your home
Except location, which seems to be the most important criteria for any buyer, good lighting is another thing every buyer keeps in mind when looking for a house to buy. Therefore, it is essential to maximize the light in your home by removing the drapes, cleaning the windows, changing the light bulbs and doing everything in your power to allow the sun to enter your house – it will make it so much easier to sell.
3. Take great pictures
When you decide to sell your home, it is important to take clear pictures of your entire house, as an essential part of the marketing strategy. Remember that every buyer will make a first impression within five or ten seconds, based on the photos seen in the selling ad. If your photos aren’t exciting and attractive, they won’t read any of the other details and move on to the next house. Thus, you should try to take representative photos of all your rooms and all of garden, if you have one, and avoid shots of toilets or cleaning products.
4. Price it correctly
Although the real estate market isn’t undergoing such a favorable period, you should do your research or consult your agent to find out the right price tag for your home. Moreover, after you find out how much it is actually worth, it’s a great idea to shave off 15 or 20 percent of the initial price before putting it on the market. Choosing this strategy in today’s real estate market is an act of courage, but it may be the best solution to sell your home quickly.
5. Remove all clutter
Image credit: Realtor.com
You don’t want the buyer to make a bad first impression while visiting your home, right? Then, you should remove all clutter from the home before selling your home – actually, even before showing it to potential buyers. The cleaning part may also include removing some old furniture to make the rooms look bigger. Also, remove all the personal items, as well as other unnecessary objects that don’t belong inside the house.
6. Relocate your pets during the selling process
Whether you have a dog or a cat, try to relocate them during the sale process, because their smell can influence a buyer’s opinion. It may even determine them to consider checking out another house. During the sale process, any home owner should keep their pets away from home by asking their family or friends to host them for a couple of days/weeks. Plus, don’t forget to freshen up all the rooms where your pet usually liked to hang out.
7. Stand apart from your neighbors
A house sale is similar to a job search process, in which candidates need to stand apart from the others. Likewise, a vendor needs to attract attention and make his house memorable in the eyes of any buyer interested to purchase it. Therefore, you may consider a few redecorations, such as custom designs or a new roof, plus other useful improvements that could make your home more appealing. According to a report called Cost vs Value, a house’s exterior (curb appeal) can make or break the first impression in the eyes of the buyers, so any investment into exterior improvements can differentiate a vendor’s house from those of his neighbors.
8. Remodel your kitchen
Probably one of the best tips to keep in mind before selling your home is to focus on the kitchen and remodel it, because it’s the first room buyers are really interested in. If your kitchen looks outdated, the buyer may change his mind and ask for a lower price, or consider the investment he would be required to make in order to make it look fresh and modern.
9. Always have the house ready for visitors
As long as your house is on the market for being sold, you can be sure you’ll be seeing lots of people interested in seeing all your rooms. Otherwise, how could they decide whether or not it is worth buying your home? That’s the main reason why it has to be ready for viewing at all times, because you never know when you receive a phone call from a potential buyer. Make sure to keep it clean and fresh and don’t forget to be available at just about any time of the day.
10. First impressions always matter
More than a useful tip before selling your home, this one is actually a golden rule for any vendor out there. No matter how great your house may look on the inside, buyers will instantly form an opinion right before they walk through the door, so pay attention to its exterior, the garden, and all its surroundings. Moreover, the way you make the buyers feel will also count, so treat them respectfully and make them feel warm and safe, as soon as they arrive.
Do you have any future plans to sell your house? What do you think of these tips before selling your home? Are they useful or not? Let us know in a comment below and feel free to express your thoughts.