When the market is down, homes for sale can sometimes sit longer than homeowner’s would like. Generally, lowering the price moves it quicker because buyers want to feel like they got a good deal. However, lowering the price isn’t the only option, and it is helpful for homeowners to learn tips to help them sell their home fast.
1. Create Curb Appeal
When you sell a house, it’s important to remember that appearance is everything, and so are first impressions. The first thing a potential buyer sees is the outside of your house. Make sure your yard is well-kept, clean, and uncluttered. Replace any old or faded shudders, give the house a fresh coat of paint if needed, and replace outdated or worn gutters. In short, make it look as nice as possible on the outside so potential buyers want to see the inside.
2. Differentiate From Your Neighbors
There may be several homes for sale in your neighborhood or on your block, and you need to set yourself apart from them. Start by making your home memorable, which should also increase its value. You can get custom landscape designs, high-grade windows, or a new roof. Just make sure that you don’t go overboard with pricey renovations that may not pay off.
3. Update Your House
In a down market, buyers have a lot of options, and they don’t want a house that they need to fix up after buying it. Your job is to make them feel like they can move in and hit the ground running with their new life. Ensure that the doors, appliances, electrical, and plumbing fixtures are in compliance and good working order. Change the batteries in the fire alarms, make sure the molding and baseboards look nice, and update anything that is outdated or unattractive.
4. Clear the Clutter
Potential buyers need to see themselves living in your home, and it’s difficult to do when it is cluttered. Go through everything and either get rid of stuff or take it to storage. You want your home to look simple and clean so buyers can easily picture themselves there. Consider hiring a stager to help you make the most of your space, and create the right image for potential buyers.
5. Sweeten the deal
You may not need to lower the price of your home to sell it, but buyers still want to feel like they got a good deal. In that case, consider some perks. Offer a credit to go toward closing costs or offer to pay closing costs outright. Check with your realtor to see if there are specific deals buyers want that you can consider in your offer, as well.
Selling a house in a down market doesn’t have to be difficult, and homeowners don’t have to immediately lower their price. Start with one of these tips to help you with your homes for sale, and increase your chances of selling it quickly.