Real Estate News And Views

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8 Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

In some real estate markets, the number of active listings dramatically increases every week. As a seller, how do you plan on making your home stand out among the thousands of available properties? Don't fall into the category of stumped sellers whose properties linger on the market for months to come. Check out these 8 helpful tips and maybe even get the fair selling price you desire!

1) Complete that nagging "to do" list - Most sellers have a list of items that could use a little polishing, or perhaps, an entire overhaul. Take the time to replace a ripped window screen, add a fresh coat of paint or replant colorful flowers. Simple touches like these can add thousands of dollars to your bottom line.

2) Get inspected - Pre-sale inspections aren't extremely common, but what a way to show hesitate buyers that your home is in top form, especially if the report is made available during open houses. On the other hand, discovering potential problems ahead of time will allow you to handle them without scaring off your potential buyer.

3) Get rid of clutter - Does your front lawn come complete with ceramic garden gnomes or does your kitchen table look like scrap booking central? If so, this suggestion is for you! Potential buyers want to imagine themselves in your home, but if it's cluttered with too much stuff, it's an instant turn-off. Pack it away!

4) Create a neutral palette - After getting rid of clutter, a seller must depersonalize their home. Items like family photos or personal collections should also be packed away. A seller can benefit by replacing strong wall colors, wallpapers and other decorative preferences with a neutral shade. For example, maybe that pink carpet called out to you at the time, but it could repel potential buyers not interested in making the extra investment to change it. Your agent can provide the best advice and suggest a staging expert if necessary.

5) Clean like never before - Remember, you want potential buyers to walk in and instantly imagine their new lives unfolding. However, if the baseboards are filthy, the stove reveals residue from last night's dinner or the smell of fluffy the cat lingers in the air, your home may drive buyers away. Create a thorough cleaning checklist and perform each duty no less than once a week. If it's within your budget, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.

6) First impressions - Are you losing potential buyers before they even get to your front door? These days, most buyers are beginning their home search on the web. Make sure your home stands out by posting quality photos. Those important photos will capture your hard work at removing clutter, depersonalizing and creating an inviting neutral space that will surely intrigue a buyer to inquire further information.

7) Pick the right licensed agent - Working with an agent? Choose wisely! Ask friends, family and coworkers if they have any references for top agents. Do your homework, visit websites and find out which agents know your community best. The agent you choose should not only present extensive market knowledge, but must also be honest and personable towards all parties involved.

8) Set a fair price - Do you know what the comparable home sales in your area are for the last six months? What about the average days-on-the-market? This kind of data is essential to pricing your home fairly and competitively. Check out sites like www.trulia.com for estimates or consult a licensed agent who has access to market software.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools,www.realestatelicense.com