The perfect scenario for every seller is to sell a house fast at the perfect price during the perfect time of year, leaving a happy seller and buyer in the wake. Yet, life happens and there are times when the decision to sell a home is practically made for you. A new job, relocating for a parent you need to care for, financial reasons. The perfect time might not be possible, but the perfect price and selling fast can still be within reach.
If the housing market happens to be slow at the time you need to sell a house, you’ll need some practical tips for getting a house ready to sell. And, as well, you’ll want tips on how to sell your house during a slow market. Here is some creative advice you can take to the bank right along with the coveted SOLD sign.
#1 Sell Your House at The Right Price
One of the most important factors for getting a house ready to sell is pricing your house right.
Price it too high and you could short yourself; too low and a house sitting on the market too long is damaging for salability. This step is even more critical when the real estate market is slow. Anytime you sell a home, you must:
- Be realistic
- Be competitive
- Know the price range surrounding the property’s area
- Be willing to negotiate fairly for the buyer, but be firm for yourself
If you truly want to sell fast in a slow market, be sure the price you set for your home is set at best value within the standard price range of the area. Having a trusted real estate agent is key in being able to gather comparable sales (comps) in the same area of your home. The main purpose of comps is to help determine the best price along with other factors such as the current market, interest rates, and location demand. A good real estate agent will always steer you right.
#2 Make Home Improvements Before Selling Your Home
If you want to go above and beyond on how to sell your house quickly in a slow market, start with making home improvements. You’ll increase buyer’s interest in your home, making it a more competitive sell. Having a higher number of interested buyers will give more negotiating power. The best home improvements increase property value, but there are several low-cost improvements that will help sell your home quicker too.
Major home improvements that have the greatest appeal include:
- Updated HVAC system.
- New roof.
- Adding a deck or a newly remodeled room.
- Finished basement.
- Updated siding.
- Adding additional living space such as converting a basement to a bedroom or adding a bathroom.
Minor, cost-friendly home improvements:
- Repaint walls with neutral colors. You may love that accent color, but buyers that don’t, won’t take the time to envision what the space *could* be for them.
- Touch up scuff marks throughout the house.
- Tighten up loose handles, door knobs, and joints.
- Add curb appeal with simple landscaping by planting attractive bushes or flowers and cleaning up outdoor spaces.
While you’re working with your agent on the sale price, be actively preparing your home to increase salability.
#3 Stage Your Home When You're Trying to Sell a House
There’s actually a bit of theatrical staging you
need to do when you’re getting a house ready to sell. Theses are non-negotiables.
- Declutter. If your closets are overflowing, cut them back to the basics. Remove stacks of papers, schoolwork, bills, etc. Leave countertops, desks, and tables cleared off and undecorated. Add a table cloth if the tops happen to be scuffed too much.
- Depersonalize the space. Taking down family photos and cutesy refrigerator magnets allows buyers to envision their own belongings within each room.
- Just enough neutral décor, but not too much. Keep it simple is the jeweled rule. You’re going for a pleasant look to leave viewers feeling good about the space they’re in.
- Add plants around the house. Plants give any space a homey feel.
- Add neutral, pleasant scents. Bad odors will deter a buyer quicker than you can blink. When you live in the space, it can be hard to know if your home is scented just right. This is particularly important if you have pets. A good agent is very helpful in this realm to give objective feedback.
- Clean, clean, and clean again! Deep cleaning is a must before showing your home to prospective buyers. This is a step you cannot skip.
#4 Have Professional Pictures Taken of Your Home
Some realty companies offer this with their services, but either way, professional pics are a MUST! In today's digital world, photos are everything. One internal study done through IMOTO had show that listings using professional photos sold 50% faster than similar homes in the same area that used amateur photos. To boot, the listings sold 39% closer to the original listing price.* Professional photos are more appealing because they’re focused, taken with the best lighting, and are framed then edited to highlight the best angles of each room and exterior.
#5 Work with the Top Real Estate Agents in Your Area
Working with an experienced real estate agent from your area will give you the best shot to sell a home fast at the perfect price. They have better reach into the market, access to more buyers which leads to more viewings, and are able to guide you personally through the process of getting your house ready and how to sell your house fast. Do your research to find the right agent in your area. Learn about their selling history and ask around about their reputation. Find one that fits the bill – experienced, knowledgeable, active, friendly.
Contact Landmark Realty if You're Looking to Sell a Home in Paris, TN or Camden, TN!
If you’re looking to buy or sell in the Paris, TN or Camden, TN, and the surrounding areas, then look no further than Landmark Realty! As the leading real estate agency in the area, we are committed to delivering an outstanding home buying and selling experience with the intent of building lasting relationships. Contact us today to talk with one of our friendly agents at Landmark Realty. Call our Paris location at 731-642-0515 or Camden at 731-584-7777.
