When you’re selling a home, it can seem a daunting task to ensure that the deal goes smoothly and according to plan. It can be especially challenging if it’s your first sale. There are many things you can do to make the sale go smoothly. If you’re selling a home, here are just a few of the things you should do before you begin:
1.) Home renovations don’t always mean extra cash. If you sank tons of money into renovating your home for the sale, you may be disappointed. Buyers aren’t looking for a home with your personality, they want to inject it with their own style. The gorgeous purple carpeting you put in may appeal to your home decorating sense, but a potential buyer might see it as a horrific purple shag nightmare. Likewise, kitchen and bathroom renovations, while money-makers, should remain fairly neutral.
2.) Get your photos together. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling a home is to neglect your pictures. People browsing for homes online will want to see clear photos free of clutter and distraction. They don’t want to see your dog running around the house, or your piles of dirty laundry. Don’t go in the other direction and overly “fix” your photos with excessive retouching. This sticks out like a sore thumb.
3.) Throw a great open house. An open house can be the key to selling a home, if done properly. An open house allows potential buyers to take a look around without the pressure of a real estate agent hovering over their shoulder. When throwing an open house, make sure you can answer basic questions about the home, such as its age and when certain renovations or changes were made.
4.) Keep your expectations in check. Many sellers anticipate huge profits when selling their home. After all, real estate is supposed to be an investment, right? If you know the market is down in your area, or your neighborhood isn’t as nice as it once was, keep that in mind.
5.) Don’t trick your buyers. Potential buyers can see right through “creative” language – and if they can’t, they’ll learn the truth once they see the home and perform their due diligence. Be upfront and truthful with your buyers from the start.
Selling a home can be stressful, but you can minimize your stress and maximize your potential to sell by following just a few of these tips.
