7 tips to help your house sell quickly

1. Use competitive pricing

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is trying to squeeze out every penny they possibly can when pricing their home. Many sellers have a specific price in mind and their inflexibility can have their home on the market for months. What follows is the “it’s a buyer’s market” conversation that leaves everyone unhappy.

Instead, be proactive with your price. Encourage competition within the market. Buyers can become emotionally attached with a home based on that initial price, even to the point of paying more for it in a competitive bid.

Look at other houses on the market with similar size, features and surroundings to find out what price range fits well and set your price accordingly.

2. Declutter and frame the rooms

All rooms should be presented in a way that’s visually appealing and provides a clear example of how the room can be used. To do that, you need to declutter and frame them.

The objective is to have each area feel open and airy while keeping a focus on its purpose. It provides buyers a much easier time of imagining how they would use the spaces – and once they’re thinking along those lines, they’re already considering buying your home.

3. Planning showings

Showing your house is an important part of the selling process, but it is also one of the most frustrating aspects. It’s important to remember that planned showings are necessary; some home owners will turn down showings if it’s not the best time for them personally.

Instead, be as flexible as you possibly can. Try to cater to your visitors’ schedules to make it easy for them to come see the property. Being told no initially can hinder a buyer’s ability to see themselves in your home.

4. Know your market

When you’re trying to make your house appealing to buyers, it’s important to know what they’re looking to get for the price you’ve listed. The more you know your market, the better the chances that you’ll connect with buyers.

For example, would they expect a bathroom and bedroom on the first floor, or would they like to have a kitchen island? Do a little research to see what other homes in your price range have to offer.

5. Make the outside nice

The visual appeal of your home’s exterior is at least as important as the interior and possibly more so given that it’s the first thing house hunters will see. Some buyers love the idea of changing things up inside a home, but no one wants to overhaul a shoddy lawn or repaint the exterior.

If your house needs a paint job, if your landscaping is worn and patchy or if overall things look shabby, potential buyers may decide to leave before they even see the inside.

6. Keep up with upgrades

Fixtures and finishes in a house become outdated in a hurry. That’s because most home owners aren’t constantly trying to stay on top of trends; they’re focused on things that are functional and convenient.

However, selling your home requires thinking from a buyer’s perspective. What’s comfortable to you might be old to a prospective buyer. Luckily, fixture upgrades are relatively inexpensive and can go a long way in making your home feel fresh and lively.

7. Make buyers feel welcome

There are plenty of stories of home buyers leaving a note to sellers in their mailbox, explaining their family situation and creating an emotional connection when they make an offer. As the seller, however, you can do the exact same thing.

Having window blinds opened, soft music playing, or a complimentary confection of some sort available to prospective buyers can go a long way to creating that emotional connection. Writing a note welcoming them to your home and wishing them a lovely day can be a thoughtful touch as well.