It goes without saying that selling your home is not a walk in the park.
There’s pricing, home preparations, marketing, viewings, and lots and lots of mind-melting paperwork. On top of that, you’ve got other homeowners and home investors in the market vying for buyer attention.
Selling your home will also cost quite a bit of money—something that can catch many home sellers off guard. There are, however, a number of things you can do to help buyers find your home or make a purchase decision quickly, all without costing you a single cent.
Get a Real Estate Market Reality Check
First off, do some research. Most people hire a real estate agent to help them out, but you still have a part to play as homeowner. You call the shots so it’s important that you know the basics of selling homes and the background of this market. This will help you set reasonable prices, make informed decisions, and create a fruitful partnership with your agent.
You don’t have to do any complicated research, though. Rather, contextualize and know your edge and competition at a local scale. Look at the homes in your neighborhood and see which ones have sold recently and look at what sets them apart. Does the front yard look good? Is it a large house with a front porch? If you can talk to the homeowner, ask how many rooms and baths the house has.
Asking these questions allows you to determine what buyers tend to look for in your neighborhood. You can use this information to play to your strengths or work on your weaknesses. For example, if most buyers want a renovated kitchen, you can focus your funds on new appliances.
Cleanliness Is Next to Purchasability
Photos will be taken of your house for marketing purposes, so it’s important that your home is in great condition before this happens.
Arrange for necessary repairs or learn how to do so yourself. Next, tidy up the clutter; pay close attention to common ‘junk hubs’ like:
- Magazine racks
- Fireplace mantels
- Kitchen counters
- Bathroom counters and sinks
- Laundry area
- Tabletops
- Magazine racks
It’s also important to remove any personal items that mean something to you but not to a potential buyer. Keep things like the kids’ finger paintings on the fridge or your favorite piece of kooky art.
Bring in the Light
Literally. Pull the shades back or switch to lighter curtains to let more natural light in. This creates the illusion of space and makes your home appear larger than it really is. Position reflective surfaces like mirrors, jars, and vases near areas with natural light so that it bounces around the room.
Another tactic that creates an illusion of lightness is using plants and flowers to your advantage. Fresh flowers can really spruce up a room and send the message that your home is a great place to live in. If you have a flower bed, pluck some of your best-looking flowers. If this isn’t an option, start by your local supermarket or flower store to pick out a fresh bouquet.
You can also place a bowl of colorful fruit on your dining table or kitchen counter to add a pop of color and life to the room. If you don’t have the time for these tips, however, you can always sell your home to a property investor like Blue Hen Homebuyers. We buy all kinds of homes, regardless of their age or condition. Call our offices today at 910-802-2222 to learn more about how we can help you.
Photo by Michal Bierzgalski from FreeImages