This is a quick rundown of the most common questions about home selling. Below you will find the answers to these questions to help you get a better understanding of what to expect.
How Do I Set My Asking Price?
First things first, you want to price your home as accurately as possible. That can be contrary to some advisors who suggest pricing high in a sellers’ market. Others suggest pricing low to spark more interest. It is a game to get into these types of price manipulations and someone inevitably loses. Avoid the risk altogether and set the price competitively for your particular area.
How Do I Attract House Hunters?
You will need to promote your home online in order to attract more house hunters. More than 90% of homebuyers begin their search online. They look at homes listed on national MLS portals or on local realtor sites. Some other things that you can do are:
- Spread the word via neighbors, co-workers, and friends
- Make furniture or quality appliances part of the deal
- Share your listing on social media
- Use a professional real estate photographer for listing photos
- Hire an agent with an excellent track record
Should I Renovate First?
To renovate or not to renovate is a question all sellers have. The answer is that it’s really subjective, but a few tips will help you decide.
· If you live in a part of the country that sees a lot of weather events like thunderstorms or snowstorms, storm windows and doors, roofs, and basements are good renovations if yours are lacking.
· For the most part, minor improvements like paint or a new front door can do more to improve the value of your home than a complete renovation.
· Fix the HVAC, repair floors, and clean out the basement or garage if you want to make a big improvement.
Should I Use a Stager?
Do you design home interiors for a living? If not, you should definitely use a stager. Buyers form a snap judgment about your home if things are untidy and out of order, so you should definitely make sure it’s spotless. However, to truly stand out, you want better than just a clean home. You could have a perfectly tidy house but it’s the overall aesthetics that will make or break a sale.
Here’s how you can get started with sprucing things up if you don’t want to call a stager yet:
- Clear out the clutter
- Cut the hedges
- Hose the driveway
- Plant fresh bulbs
- Wash ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Put away clothes and shoes
- Add lighting and accents
How Do I Negotiate the Best Price?
If you want to negotiate the best price for your home, use a professional agent. Studies show that sellers who use an agent to negotiate the deal get a much better price than those who sell on their own. A seasoned agent knows the process best and knows exactly what your home is worth.
Using an agent will also ensure that you get the most out of online advertising. Shop around for agents whose listings are the kind that get attention. That is the agent that you want to list with. Make sure to ask about all of the services that your agent will provide throughout the home selling process.