We Asked Pros Their Best Kept Secrets to Sell Your House Faster
When you've finally decided to sell your home, the process of doing so can be challenging and confusing. Whether it's going through numerous open houses or waiting around for the right offer (or any offer) to come in, speed up the process by following some of these real estate expert tips to sell your home faster.
Read the Market
Sellers want to set the price as high as possible. However, pricing it too high can exclude many buyers and leave your home sitting on the market for a long time. A good strategy is to ask your real estate agent for the average market price for your area and then set your home’s asking price about 10 percent lower. This can pique buyer interest, and you might end up with a bidding war that nets you more than you are asking.
Offer Incentives
A potential buyer who makes an offer on your home will have it inspected for any damage or issues that might need to be addressed before the sale can be finalized. That has the potential to throw a wrench in closing, and the idea of possible hidden problems can make first-time buyers nervous.
Putting potential buyers at ease is essential. One way to do that is by giving them protection against future surprises.
Ron Wysocarski, a broker and CEO with Wyse Home Realty, suggests sellers to consider adding a year’s sponsorship against damage and repairs.
“You can add some conditions or specifications to reduce the risk, but it’s enough to intrigue the customers who want to save some money on maintenance or have trust issues even after inspection,” he says. This will help people choose your house over another one at the same price since they have extra assurance, Wysocarski explains.
Even something like leaving some of your home items behind can turn a “maybe” into a “yes.” Jim Olenbush, founder of AustinRealEstate.com, had a beautiful home that wasn’t pulling in offers, so he came up with an alternate plan.
He recommended his clients to include their brand-new kitchen appliances as part of the deal, which spiked instant interest.
"The property was off the market in a flash," Olenbrush states.
Sell the Neighborhood
Where your home is located is often just as important, if not more so, than the home itself. Some areas are so popular that buyers will jump at anything that comes on the market. If you live in a great neighborhood that isn’t necessarily trending, highlight its perks along with your great home.
Instead of a standard open house, make it a party. Invite the neighbors and showcase your vibrant neighborhood with a cook-off or potluck. If your area has any annual events that make it special, re-create them to give potential buyers an idea of how living in that community feels emotionally.
Ryan Fitzgerald, realtor and owner of Raleigh Realty, says buyers might consider partnering with local businesses for the open house to give a sense of the area’s flavor.
Go for the Green
With all the focus on making eco-friendly choices in our lifestyles, showcasing your home’s green features can pay off with more green in your bank account.
“Consider not just the standard solar panels or energy-efficient appliances, but things like gardens that support local flora or rainwater harvesting," Fitzgerald says. "These features may appeal to some buyers, but they can make all the difference for the right one.”
Take It Online
People are very accustomed to jumping on the internet for just about everything now, so why not open your home to a huge audience of potential buyers all at the same time? Optimizing your online listing with a wide variety of photos gives people an idea of what your space offers, but you can do even more to connect with buyers.
Make it easy for the largest number of interested people to see your home. Talk with your real estate agent and get a taste of your neighborhood by engaging with local service providers or retailers.
“This adds an engaging layer to the home viewing experience, making it memorable and forging a connection between the buyer and the property,” Josh Steppling, a Florida real estate agent, says. “You can also hold them whenever you want and blast them on social media as evergreen marketing content for the home.”
A little creativity and consideration for your target market can make all the difference between a listing that lingers and a popular property that sells quickly. Talk with your real estate professional about what techniques would work best to move you out and onto your new home.
Read Next: 10 Mistakes Realtors Always Notice at Open Houses
