10 Best Kept Secrets for Selling Your Home
BY KAPINA LANSDALE
So your ready for the next chapter in your life– selling your home. I often get asked what are my tips for selling a house quickly, and today I wanted to share those tips with you. Follow these 10 best kept secrets to selling your home quickly and for top dollar.
Selling Secret #10: Pricing it right
Find out what your home is worth, then reduce 5 – 10% off the price. You’ll be flooded by buyers with multiple bids — even in the worst of markets — not to mention they’ll bid up the price over what it’s worth. This takes real courage and most sellers just don’t want to risk it, but it’s the single best strategy to sell a home in today’s market. An overpriced home will end up costing you more in the low run due to the days on the market.
“Tricks of the trade to help you get top dollar when selling your home.“
Selling Secret #9: Half-empty closets
You can never have too much storage and it is something every buyer is looking for. Go ahead and take half the stuff out of your closets then neatly organize what’s left. Buyers will snoop, so be sure to keep all your closets and cabinets clean and tidy. This also goes for your kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanity.
Selling Secret #8: Light it up
Nothing says welcome more than a bright + cherry home. Don’t forget to maximize the light in your home. After a great location, good light is the one thing that every buyer cites that they want in a home. Be sure to take down those dark old drapes, clean the windows, change the lampshades, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let in natural light. Do what you have to do to bring some light into your house – it will make it more sell-able.
Selling Secret #7: Play the agent field
A secret sale killer is hiring the wrong agent. Make sure you hire a agent who is well informed and knowledgeable. They should be constantly monitoring the multiple listing service (MLS), know what properties are going on the market and know the comps in your neighborhood. Find a agent who embraces technology – a tech-savvy one has many tools to get your house sold. In today’s market 50% of home buyers find their perfect home online.
Selling Secret #6: Conceal the critters
I myself, is an animal lover and you might think a cuddly dog would warm the hearts of potential buyers, but you’d be wrong. Not everybody is a dog- or cat-lover. Buyers don’t want to walk in your home and see a bowl full of dog food, smell the kitty litter box or have tufts of pet hair stuck to their clothes, yuk! It will give buyers the impression that your house is not clean. If you’re planning an open house, be sure to have a plan for them. Ask a neighbor to watch them, take them out for a walk, or drop them off at your local pet sitter.
Selling Secret #5: Don’t over-upgrade
Quick fixes before selling always pay off. Don’t over do it with mammoth makeover. You probably won’t get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your house on the market. Instead, do updates that will pay off and get you top dollar. Get a new fresh coat of paint on the walls. Clean the curtains or go buy some inexpensive new ones. Replace door handles, cabinet hardware, make sure closet doors are on track, fix leaky faucets and clean the grout.
Selling Secret #4: Take the home out of your house
One of the most important things to do when selling your house is to de-personalize it. The more personal stuff in your house, the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Get rid of a third of your stuff – put it in storage. This includes family photos, memorabilia collections and personal keepsakes. Consider hiring a home stager to maximize the full potential of your home. Staging simply means arranging your furniture to best showcase the floor plan and maximize the use of space.
Selling Secret #3: The kitchen comes first
You’re not actually selling your house, you’re selling your kitchen – that’s how important it is. The benefits of remodeling your kitchen are endless, and the best part of it is that you’ll probably get 85% of your money back. The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware. Be sure to use a neutral-color paint so you can present buyers with a blank canvas where they can start envisioning their own style. If you have a little money to spend, buy one fancy stainless steel appliance. Why one? Because when people see one high-end appliance they think all the rest are expensive too and it updates the kitchen.
Selling Secret #2: Always be ready to show
Your house needs to be “show-ready” at all times – you never know when your buyer is going to walk through the door. You have to be available whenever they want to come see the place and it has to be in tip-top shape. Don’t leave dishes in the sink, keep the dishwasher cleaned out, the bathrooms sparkling and make sure there are no dust bunnies in the corners. It’s a little inconvenient, but it will get your house sold.
Selling Secret #1: The first impression is the only impression
Saved the best for last, my number one tip! No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. It’s important to make people feel warm, welcome and safe as they approach the house. Spruce up your home’s exterior with inexpensive shrubs, new mail box, and even some brightly colored flowers. You can typically get a 100-percent return on the money you put into your home’s curb appeal. Entryways are also important. You use it as a utility space for your purse and keys. But, when you’re selling, make it welcoming by putting in a small bench, a vase of fresh-cut flowers or even some baked goods. Make this space feel inviting so they will want to see more.
Ready to Sell Your Home?
Let’s work together using these 10 steps to get your home sold. Contact me today!I would be honored to help make home ownership a reality. For more helpful tips and island information Join my Newsletter and be the first to get notified on new updates.