Tips For Selling Your Home Quickly

Generally speaking, in a declining real estate market where supply outweighs demand, a seller can usually lower the price of a home to sell it faster.  However, there are other ways to expedite the sale of your home.  We have put together some tips for selling your home quickly while generating interest and still getting the best price possible.Differentiate From the NeighborsConsider custom designs or additions that will help you stand out from your neighbors and make your home more memorable to buyers.  New landscaping, roofing or windows are a great way to do attract positive attention and improve the aesthetics of the home while also adding value.  Improvements made should be practice and designed with colors that will appeal to a broad audience of buyers.  Additionally, it is important any improvements, upgrades or additions complement the home instead of detract from the overall flow and design already established.In considering additions or upgrades, be sure not to over do it.  Some renovations, like new roofing, may not always pay off.  Make sure to do your research and be sure the money you're putting into your improvements are going to give you the best return in your home sale.  Also be sure to highlight any custom features the home has that buyers may find interest in.  These features should be listed in the home's listing information.Clean the ClutterIt is absolutely imperative to remove all clutter from the home before any showings to potential buyers take place.  Buyers need to be able to picture themselves in the space, and it is difficult for them to do so if the space is cluttered and dotted with personal belongings such as family photos.  You may want to consider hiring a staging company to help make better use of your space.  Staging can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, but many people feel that staging a home make it much more presentable, interesting and salable to potential buyers. You can read our article here for more information about home staging.Sweeten the DealAnother tip to make the home more attractive to buyers is to offer things or terms that might help entice the buyer.  Sellers that offer a buyer a few thousand dollars credit towards closing costs, or even offer to pay entirely for the closing costs, will often receive more attention from buyers looking at comps in the area.  In a down market, buyers are looking for deals and it is important to make them feel as though they are getting one.Additionally, sellers can offer a transferable home warranty, which can cost up to $400 for a year-long policy and covers appliances, like refrigerators, that can fail. A potential buyer may feel more at easy knowing these items are covered in the event of breakdown or failure, making the home even more enticing than other comparable homes.It is also important to be aware that some buyers are simply motivated by the option to close in a short amount of time.  If it is possible for you to close within 30 to 60 days, this may be enough to set your home sale apart and get you that contract.

Improve Curb AppealSellers get comfortable and often overlook the importance of the home's curb appeal.  But this is the first thing a buyer sees when visiting a home.  The external appearance and surrounding neighborhood can weigh heavily into first impressions and overall decisions to visit a property.  Try to make certain the exterior of the home has a fresh coat of paint and that the landscaping is well maintained.Get Your Home in "Move In" ConditionAesthetics are certainly important, but functionality is as well.  Take the time to ensure that doors, windows, appliances, electrical and plumbing fixtures are in good working order and up to do with current compliance and building codes.  The idea is to have the home move-in ready, and give potential buyers the picture in their minds that they will be able to move right in and enjoy their homes right away, instead of spending time fixing it up.Pricing It RightEven in making improvements and aesthetically pleasing design decisions, it is still crucial to price the home appropriately.  Consult your local real estate agent or visit real estate websites to see what comparable homes are going for in the area.When improvements have been made to the home, it is not always imperative to be the lowest priced home in the neighborhood.  It is important, however, that your listing price is in line with other comparable homes in the area.  Put yourself in the buyer's shoes and determine what a fair price would be.  Consult friends, real estate professionals, allowing them to tour the home and offer their opinion as well.The Bottom Line

Selling a home in a down market will require a little more work.  Doing your part to get your home into great selling shape, and following these tips can help increase the odds of having your home sold quickly.