Selling your home quickly can help you move forward with your plans and reduce the time spent keeping your home in perfect condition for showings. While spring and early summer are often viewed as optimal times for selling a home, the speed and success of your sale depend on various factors beyond just the season.
Here are 15 practical tips to help you sell your home faster, no matter when you list it:
1. Choose a selling strategy.
2. Hire an experienced real estate agent.
3. Thoroughly clean your home.
4. Depersonalize your space.
5. Maximize natural light.
6. Remove excess furniture and clutter.
7. Consider professional staging.
8. Invest in high-quality photography.
9. Create a 3D tour of your home.
10. Enhance the exterior appearance.
11. Perfect the entryway.
12. Repaint with neutral colors.
13. Make necessary updates.
14. Be flexible with showing times.
15. Set a competitive price.
Choose a Selling Strategy
Before listing your home, decide on the best selling strategy for you. If you’re confident in marketing and negotiating, selling the home yourself (FSBO) might be a viable option, though it may not always lead to the quickest or highest sale. Hiring a real estate agent can be beneficial if you prefer to focus on other aspects of the sale. For a faster sale, consider working with an iBuyer, which can expedite the process. Stick with your chosen strategy to avoid confusing potential buyers with changing circumstances.
Hire an Experienced Real Estate Agent
If you choose to sell through the traditional market, finding a knowledgeable real estate agent is crucial. Look for an agent with a strong track record and familiarity with your local market. Experience can significantly impact how effectively your home is marketed and sold.
“A lot of what may seem like minor details in preparing a house for the market comes from experience,” says Alec Cantley, a real estate agent with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.
Clean Your Home Thoroughly
A clean home is essential for making a good impression on buyers. If you can’t clean it yourself, consider hiring professionals. Key areas to focus on include:
– Kitchen countertops
– Inside cabinets and appliances
– Floors and corners
– Bathroom surfaces
– Inside closets
– Windows
– Walls, baseboards, and doors
– Basement and garage
Depersonalize Your Space
Remove personal items such as family photos and memorabilia to help buyers envision themselves in the home. This includes removing political, religious items, and any personal collections. Replace personal photos with neutral art or simply remove them and patch any nail holes.
Maximize Natural Light
Bright, well-lit spaces are more appealing. Open curtains and blinds, turn on lights, and place additional lamps in darker areas. Clean windows to let in as much natural light as possible.
“Wash the windows—it seems simple, but sparkling windows really enhance the light in your home,” says Benjamin Dixon, a real estate broker with Douglas Elliman Real Estate.
Remove Excess Furniture and Clutter
Too much furniture can make your home feel smaller. Rent a storage unit to keep excess furniture and clutter out of sight. Declutter surfaces, pack away knickknacks, and keep countertops clear to make the space feel more open.
Consider Professional Staging
Staging your home with neutral furniture can help buyers see its potential. If your current furnishings are too personalized, hiring a staging service can make a significant difference.
Invest in High-Quality Photography
Since most buyers start their search online, high-quality photos are essential. Professional photography can highlight your home’s best features and attract more interest.
Create a 3D Tour
3D tours have become a standard feature in real estate listings, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. They allow potential buyers to explore your home virtually, which can be especially useful for out-of-town buyers.
Enhance the Exterior
Curb appeal is crucial as it creates the first impression. Update the front door, add fresh landscaping, and clean walkways to make your home inviting from the outside.
Perfect the Entryway
Make sure the entryway is clean, welcoming, and uncluttered. This area sets the tone for the rest of the house, so ensure it’s appealing and inviting.
Repaint with Neutral Colors
Neutral paint colors can make your home more appealing to a wider range of buyers. Cover any bold colors or busy patterns to create a blank canvas that buyers can envision personalizing.
Make Necessary Updates
Address any outdated features or minor repairs before listing your home. Small updates, like new hardware or fresh paint, can significantly impact your home’s appeal and value.
Be Flexible with Showings
The more flexible you are with showing times, the more potential buyers will see your home. Try to accommodate requests for viewings, even on short notice, and be prepared to leave quickly during showings.
Set a Competitive Price
Pricing your home realistically is crucial. Overpricing can lead to prolonged market time and may deter buyers. Research comparable home prices in your area to set a competitive and realistic price from the start.
“No amount of presentation will fix a price that is too high,” says Dixon.
