If you’re ready to sell your home, you may have reason to want to sell it fast. Whether you’re relocating for a new job that starts soon or has a pending offer on a new place, it’s important to drum up interest in your house especially if you’re looking to close quickly. The more potential buyers you can attract, the better your chances of selling fast – and at a good price.
Whatever your reasons for selling, here are six ways to sell a house quickly even in a slow market.
1. Find the Right Real Estate Agent
If you want to sell your home fast, the first step is to hire a real estate agent. The ideal person will know the local market and have a sales record that proves they know how to sell. Keep in mind the seller is often responsible for paying the commission for both the buyer and seller agent. In exchange for the convenience of an agent, you’re likely on the hook for a selling commission between 2%-4% of your selling price.
Keep in mind that a real estate agent will help with the entire process. They’ll oversee the professional photographer who will take top-notch photos of your home as well as negotiate the best price. They also will write up a real estate listing that sells, schedule and host showings, and market your property to get it seen.
2. Price It to Sell
One of the most effective ways to sell your home fast is to price it competitively. If you price it too high, you detract prospective buyers out price out potential bidders. In addition, it make take longer to settle the negotiation process if prospective buyers want your price to come down.
REP Calgary Homes will research comparable homes in your area to set a realistic price. If you really need to sell fast, then consider pricing your home a little lower to attract interest (and maybe even spark a bidding war). If you haven’t received any offers by a certain date, your agent can further reduce your selling price.It’s also helpful to think about the price points that buyers search for in your area.
Just-below pricing is a popular pricing strategy as $299,000 has a different psychological effect on consumers than $300,000. This pricing strategy is employed throughout supermarkets and online retail.
3. Clean, Declutter, and Depersonalize
Buyers need to be able to picture themselves in the space, but they won’t be able to if your house is a mess. Give your home a thorough cleaning from top to bottom, get rid of clutter, and hide the family photos and other personal items. It’s fairly standard industry practice to hire external cleaners especially prior to a major showing.
Rearrange the furniture so your home looks inviting and so buyers can move through your home without bumping into anything. If necessary, put bulky items in storage. A crowded room looks like a small room.
Consider hiring a stager to help you showcase your home’s best assets, impress potential buyers, and sell it quickly for the best possible price. Staging isn’t cheap, but the National Association of Realtors (NAR) estimates that, on average, staged homes sell 88% faster and for 20% more than non-staged homes.
4. Boost Your Curb Appeal
If you want to sell quickly, it’s essential to make a good first impression. The first thing a buyer sees is a home’s exterior and how it fits into the surrounding neighborhood. To boost your home’s curb appeal, give attention to both the house and its surroundings.
It may be too late to do major renovations. If a sale is urgent, consider minor repairs and maintenance to the outside of your house such as touch-up painting, window washing, and fixing anything broken. If repainting your entire house doesn’t fit in your timeline, slap a coat of paint on just your door. You can also swap out your address numbers or door handles for newer, more attractive replacements.
If applicable, make sure the pathway from the curb to your porch is clean and safe to walk on. This includes straightening any uneven paths and pruning overgrown bushes. In addition to being a safety hazard, you want to make sure prospective buyers can see and focus on the appearance of the house as they approach.
