Selling Your Home in 2024? | Get the Expert Advice
In the fast-paced world of 2024, selling your home quickly and efficiently can feel like an overwhelming task. But with some smart tactics and a bit of patience, you can make the process much easier. Here are a few tips to help you get top dollar for your home and get your home sold as quickly as possible.
Work with a Top Rated Real Estate Agent
A top real estate agent should be able to access whether we are in a seller's market or a buyer's market. Explain what to expect within each of those unique markets and strategize a plan for getting your home sold.
The real estate agent should have access to all the latest data driving the local market and trends that can help you narrow down an effective listing price range for your property, as well as keen insight into what buyers are looking for in a home.
We suggest you interview a few real estate agents to find the best fit for you. Not all agents are the same and taking the time to select the best fit for your needs is imperative. Here are some tips for interviewing a real estate agent.
Interview a Real Estate Agent Before Selling your Home
To find the right real estate agent start by looking for reviews and referrals, if possible. Reviews for top agents can be found on websites like Google, Redfin, Zillow, and much more. This will give you an honest opinion of each agent’s abilities and track record.
Some key questions to ask when interviewing a real estate agent are:
How many homes have you sold throughout your career?
What strategies do you use for pricing a home?
How will you market my home?
How do you plan to communicate with me throughout the process?
Once you have selected the agent who best meets your needs, work closely with them during every step of the selling process. Your real estate agent should communicate with you on a weekly basis about any updates or changes.
Clean, Repair and Upgrade before Selling your Home
Now that you’ve chosen a real estate agent it is time to get your home ready for sale. Inspecting the property, and making any necessary repairs and upgrades (e.g., replacing a broken window or painting chipped paint) are all important in getting your home ready to sell.
These items can boost the value of your home, and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Clean Inside and Out
Cleaning the home inside and out will help potential buyers envision themselves living in the home, something that can be hard to do if the house is in disarray.
Make sure to clean any carpets or rugs, dust shelves and counters, mop floors, vacuum upholstery, wipe down surfaces, etc. Declutter all countertops leaving surfaces open and free of unnecessary items.
Repair or Upgrade the Home Inside and Out
If there are any existing problems with the home such as a leaking roof, broken window, or outdated appliances, make sure to address these issues before putting your house on the market. Buyers are more likely to purchase a home that does not require immediate repairs and upgrades.
Expert tip: Pre-inspect
While it is not necessary to have your home inspected prior to listing it, it can help sell your home faster. Having a pre-inspection will give you information about the current condition of your home that will help you decide what to address prior to going on the market.
Prospective buyers can also use this information to decide whether they want to perform their own inspection or purchase the home without having one should the seller choose to share their inspection findings. This can make the process quicker and have fewer contingencies with their offer.
Stage your home
Staging your home is an important part of selling it quickly. Hiring a professional to stage your home is highly recommended. Your real estate agent should provide you with several recommendations.
Staging can involve rearranging furniture to highlight the best features of each room, adding a few decorative pieces such as artwork or plants, and removing any personal items like family photos that may distract potential buyers from picturing themselves in the home.
When a home is vacant staging should include filling the main spaces of the home, i.e. the living with furniture, décor, and pictures. This gives buyers an idea of what the space can look like should they choose to purchase the home.
Create Curb Appeal
Creating a welcoming environment i.e. curb appeal for buyers is essential for selling a home quickly. The first impression the buyer gets is often the most lasting.
Make sure the front of your house looks well-maintained and inviting. Sometimes even a pop of color on your front door can make all the difference.
Plant flowers or shrubs around the entrance of the home. Ensure the lawn is freshly mowed and all weeds are pulled. Add a bench or swing for buyers to sit and relax while viewing the home.
All these small touches can make a lasting impression that helps your home get sold more quickly.
Price the Home to Sell
Pricing your home correctly from the start should be one of your top priorities when selling. Your real estate agent should provide you with market data on what similar homes in your area are selling for. So what happens when a home gets priced too high?
You won't get offers
When your home is not priced correctly buyers do not make an offer. They will often find a similar home in your neighborhood that is priced more appropriately. This greatly increases your days on the market. The longer your days on the market the higher risk you have of getting less for your home.
You Run the Risk of Going Stale
Most buyer activity happens within the first 14 days of being on the market. This is the ideal window to find a buyer. If you have not secured a buyer by day 30 your home runs the risk of going stale. Homes that sit longer get fewer showings over time and it can severely impact the home sale.
You Lose Creditability
Buyers are savvy. They’ve usually done the research and have a ballpark idea of what homes in your neighborhood are worth. They also have a real estate working with them closely and providing them with information on the value of your home.
When you overprice your home, the buyer knows it. It is best to price appropriately and let the buyer know that you understand the current market as they do.
What about underpricing a home?
According to Zillow, "Sellers are often worried about underpricing, but overpricing is a bigger concern.
Underpricing is actually a strategy agents use in hot markets since a lower asking price can attract multiple buyers and cause a bidding war. You could end up selling for more than the market value, just because of the demand."
Each situation and market are unique. Your agent will be able to provide you with the input on pricing that will make a huge difference in getting your home sold quickly.
Therefore, it is important to discuss pricing options with your real estate agent and weigh out all the risks before deciding on a sale price.
Be Flexible with Buyer Showings
Finally, when selling a home quickly, being flexible with buyer showings is essential. Try to be as accommodating as possible when setting up showing times for potential buyers. The more buyers that can view your property the better.
Expert Tip: Turn on all Lights when Leaving your House prior to a Showing
It may sound silly but turning on lights can make a difference in showing your house. A dark home often makes buyers feel uneasy, not being able to get a full view of the space. Showing with the lights on allows buyers to truly appreciate each room and its features.
In conclusion, Sellers should focus on making repairs, staging the home to be welcoming and inviting, sprucing up curb appeal, pricing the home correctly, and being flexible with showings when trying to sell their home quickly in 2023. An experienced real estate agent can provide guidance on how to maximize your return on investment and sell your home fast.
