Have you decided to sell your home? It seems like an overwhelming task, but it’s done everyday! Not sure what to do? Here are tips to get your home ready to increase your chances of getting top dollar!

Selling Tip #1: Put yourself in the shoes of a prospective buyer (or maybe you already are). What are the things that warm your heart when looking at homes? And what are the things that make you say “ewww”? Those are the things that need to be updated. Keep in mind that when you get an offer, there will be an inspection. If there are major items in the home that need to be repaired, then let’s take care of them now. Focus on the condition of the roof and major electrical items, air conditioning, and plumbing. Consider having the AC and major appliances serviced to ensure they are in good, working order. Save your receipts! That shows pride in ownership to the new owners.

Selling Tip #2: Take a look at the items inside the home that may be in need of updating or repair. Ask yourself questions, such as: Do the walls need painting? Are the fixtures in disrepair? Are there any holes in the walls? Is there major repair work needed? If your home is market-ready, it will sell for top dollar. Make sure the home feels light and airy and that it is clean and free of debris to create a warm feeling for potential buyers. If your home is dark and looks like it’s just been in a war zone, you may have some serious work in front of you. Consider getting estimates of the work to be completed and discuss with your Realtor. Sometimes it may just be easier to sell the home in the condition it is to an investor or someone who is looking for a lower-cost home and is willing to put in some ‘sweat equity’.

Selling Tip #3: It’s decluttering time. Keep family photos to a minimum and please, if there are family heirlooms or items of value in the home, consider putting those items in secure storage. Your home will be getting traffic during showings and you want to make sure those items are safe. Make sure each room has minimal items on the walls and on the furniture. Make sure the room has furniture that flows and looks nice and not over cluttered. Consider putting extra furniture in storage.

Selling Tip #4: Improve your home’s curb appeal. When prospective buyers come to see the home, the front of the home is the first thing they see. Make it inviting. Call the landscaper and have the lawn mowed, as well as the trees and bushes trimmed. Sweep the front walk to keep it free from debris. How’s the exterior of the home? Are there broken windows? Make sure that windows are free from cracks and that they are fully functioning and clean.

Selling Tip #5: Price it right! You are getting ready to put your house on the market but find yourself asking a lot questions about pricing. What should my home be listed at? What will my home sell for? What is a fair price? How should it be priced to sell quickly? Here are some pricing tips:

• Get a CMA: It stands for Comparative Market Analysis. It is a compilation of recent sales in your area and takes into consideration the details of your home, the market health, and what homes are selling for.
• Think Like a Buyer: Take the emotional aspect of your home out of the equation. Think like a buyer; what do they love about the home and what they would be willing to pay.
• Enlist Your Realtor: Call your Realtor and ask them how to price your home. Determine what your real estate goals are. Do you want to move fast or do you have some time? Does your home need updating and will those updates give you a good return on investment?
• Always Be Prepared for a Price Drop: The real estate market is determined by 1-what a seller is willing to sell for and 2-what a buyer is willing to pay. Those two factors always have to be in line for a successful sale. This may mean that after 2 weeks of being on the market with no activity that it could be time to drop that price to generate new interest.

If you are looking for a Realtor, please give us a call and we can discuss key pricing strategies to get your home sold. We would love to work with you and realize your real estate goals.