Home selling: it’s not the easiest process, and a home that sits on the market or never hits your goal offer makes it even more tedious. When selling homes, homeowners aim to achieve more than one offer at a great price. Not only does it increase the confidence that your home will sell, but it allows you to counter-offer with other bids on the table, pushing buyers towards higher prices. However, it can be hard to negotiate with potential buyers if they haven’t seen your property, or worse, have seen it but lacked powerful interest. Here are ways to increase enthusiasm, encourage competition, and make your home stand out from the rest of the block — ultimately getting you a better price for your property.
Creating competition begins well before your house even hits the market. Buying competition is influenced by a lot of factors, though price and marketing can be seen as the most important. You'll want to pick a sale price that accurately represents market conditions. If the market is in a downward spell, price right below the curve to encourage interest in your home as opposed to those priced higher. In popular areas with high-competition markets, you'll also want to hold open houses to demonstrate buyer interest and encourage those touring to place an alluring offer quickly.
If you want competition, you need to attract the right buyers by marketing to the right people. When writing your listing, set positive, practical expectations for those coming to view it. Garner enthusiasm by posting about your home everywhere, both physically and digitally. An attractive price marketed to the largest audience possible is guaranteed to bring in additional offers.
No matter where you’re selling, there are likely comparable homes in the area. This means there’s a level of competition between yourself and other homeowners, and to beat that, you have to make your home a little more eye-catching. Market your home like there's active competition, and don't assume that a populated area means a fast sale. Competition is always steep when it comes to real estate!
While getting the best price for your home is the goal, it's wise to price it well and remain pragmatic. Homeowners are often tempted to list a property at their dream price, but an overpriced home on the market can reduce the chances of it being sold. Homes that sit on the market for too long may come across poorly to potential buyers ("Why has this not been sold yet? Is there something wrong with it?"), and ultimately lower the final sale price.
Understanding your buyers is the first step in selling, and it can help guide your staging. What a family looks for in a home is very different from what a young professional couple seeks, and who your house is suited for should be reflected in any furniture presented during open houses and pictures. Remember that it's not about your personal style. The ideal interior design aesthetic is one that represents someone likely to buy, not those already occupying it.
In order to properly stage your home, you must first declutter. Channel your inner Marie Kondo, put away anything personal, and keep horizontal surfaces clear. Focus this energy specifically on the kitchen, master bedroom, master bathroom, and powder room.
No two people or families will use a home the same way, and it's important to showcase the versatility of your space for whoever comes through. Have an extra bedroom? It makes sense to showcase a spare as something other than a place to sleep at night. Turn it into a studio, art space, home office, playroom, or workout room! This gives homeowners with a different lifestyle than you the ability to better envision the functionality of the space, and the chance to see themselves in it.
The easiest way to make sure your own perspective doesn’t get in the way of selling your home is by hiring professional stagers. By removing personal pieces and changing the overall visual flair, buyers are free to use their imagination to their liking while touring. Professionals are great at setting bias aside and decorating with only your buyer in mind.
Little things make a big difference, and not touching up minor aspects of your home can cause people to feel like a home needs a lot of work. Worse still, it may even convince them that bigger issues exist, fearful that the property is not being well-loved. Here are some details to keep in mind when aiming for a higher listing price.
First impressions are everything, which for home selling, refers to the garden and landscaping! De-weed your garden, and plant new shrubbery if needed. Clean your front fence, offering it a new coat of paint if needed. You'll want to sweep the driveway, walkways, and porch, and put away any children's toys or outdoor equipment.
Continuing the theme of first impressions, take a look at the exterior of your home, namely front-facing windows and doors. Ensure all doors open smoothly and have functioning locks. Repair and repaint door frames, dust and clean any windows, and get the walls power-washed if they no longer have their original color. If you have the space, adding decor, furniture, and potted plants to a porch will elevate your property through a homey effect. A new doormat is also a nice touch!
Small details are sprinkled throughout the home, and paying attention to them can subtly influence buyers to choose your home — and for a greater price. Update kitchen and bathroom cabinet hardware, replace old light fixtures, and add a fresh coat of paint in rooms that require it. Additionally, you'll want to repair any minor flooring scratches, and get wall-to-wall carpet professionally cleaned.
Selling your home is a big process, and when a higher price is on the line, it's vital to put your home only into the hands of people you trust. Choose the right providers and professionals, and make sure they understand your needs and timeline.
The pre-selling prep may require upgrades or repairs to your home. In these instances, you'll want to choose a reputable company that prioritizes speed and quality. Attention to detail is a must. If redesigning anything, consider what home features are popular right now and most likely to attract buyers. Good tradespeople will have recommendations on where to take the design and function of your home for maximum profit.
Valuers
Valuers, also known as appraisers, are professionals who perform detailed walk-throughs of your home to determine its worth and market value. They take into account the location, market conditions, and any special features of your home. If the highest price possible is your goal, an experienced appraiser cannot be overlooked!
Broker is another word for agent or realtor. Agents can facilitate real estate transactions, get paid commissions, and work for a brokerage, while brokers do the same but can work independently or have agents work under them. Both are capable of helping you to sell your home. Picking the right agent or brokerage can make or break a home — or more accurately, sell or not sell one!
taelah is the newest human-assisted artificial intelligence platform for selling homes. taelah offers an AI personal concierge to your property sales, walking you through the process of selling. With the help of the best in technology and reputable professionals on your side, selling your house — and getting the highest price for it — has never been easier. Sign up today and look forward to property selling made simpler.
Selling your home is difficult enough; don’t struggle with getting the right price. It’s fully possible to get a higher price tag for your property, and it can be done by creating buying competition, staging with your buyers in mind, improving the subtle features of your home, and choosing the right professionals to be by your side. Through thorough understanding of your potential buying audience and attention to detail, you’ll find that more people will show interest, ultimately driving up the price. taelah can help you through the home selling process, helping you sell your home at your goal price.